Downtown has several distinctive choices for travelers to lay down their weary heads. The Westin Great Southern, 310 S. High St. (tel. 800/WESTIN-1 or 614/228-3800; www.crowneplaza.com), has all the supreme luxury of a Westin without the feel of a chain, probably because the building is historic, has a spectacular ballroom, and is connected to the Opera House. Theater Cafe, the hotel restaurant, is very good. There is 24-hour room service, a fitness center, onsite spa and, of course, the chain's signature "heavenly beds and baths." Each of the four diamond-rated hotel's 186 rooms is beautifully appointed with Queen Anne-era furnishings. Doubles run $125-$200. Elsewhere downtown, the high-rise, Marriot-owned The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel, 50 N. Third St. (tel. 614/228-5050; www.marriot.com), offers rooms with contemporary decor, workstations, high-speed Internet access, attentive service, and a heated rooftop pool with a view of the Columbus skyline. In 2004, the Renaissance was converted from an Adams Mark. Their restaurant, Capitol Grille, serves American fare with a strong emphasis placed on local ingredients. Doubles run $109 to $189.
The Blackwell Hotel and Conference Center, 2110 Tuttle Park Pl. (tel. 866/247-4003 or 614/247-4000; www.theblackwell.com) a new, beautifully appointed accommodations located on the Ohio State University campus, features a friendly staff, making for a warm introduction to the campus and the city. What sets them apart is their attention to the details that make for a perfect night's stay: pillow-top mattresses and your choice of pillows. The rooms feature leather chairs and high-speed Ethernet lines; many of the 151 rooms also have combination fax/copier/printers. There are sixteen suites, many of which have two bathrooms, one with a Jacuzzi. The presidential suite is indulgent and spacious, with an all-marble bathroom, Jacuzzi tub, stall shower and a separate kitchen area. Doubles run $129 to $219; $169 to $499 for suites.
If you love to shop and don't want to stray far from the source, there's no better place to stay than Colonial Revival-styled Hilton Columbus, 3900 Chagrin Dr. (tel. 800/HILTONS or 614/414-5000; www.hiltoncolumbus.com). Located onsite at the sprawling paradise Easton Town Center and just ten minutes from downtown, it is the full-service hotel of choice for serious shoppers. Packages such as their "Weekend in Easton" make a getaway an enticing possibility. At 400 square feet, the standard room is spacious, includes a workdesk and Italian marble bathroom. The gleaming Italian-marble lobby is accented with fresh floral arrangements and French chandeliers. Doubles run $165 to $259.
For a truly unique experience, try The Lofts Hotel, 555 E. Nationwide Blvd. (tel.800/73-LOFTS; 614-461-2663; www.55lofts.com). Built in the former Carr building, which dates back to 1882, the exposed brick, wood beams, modern stylings and floor-to-ceiling windows signify the expansiveness of loft-styled living. Details such as the New York City subway tiles in the bathroom, Aveda shampoos, and fine Italian linens have helped this relative newcomer gain a growing reputation as the chic place to stay. Rooms are also outfitted with high-speed Internet, Touhy executive desk chairs, and gourmet coffee; the hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and restaurant and is located in the Arena District. Doubles run $149 to $219.
