COLUMBUS, OHIO — The newly opened 532-room Hilton Columbus Downtown seeks to capitalize on the growing convention business. The $140 million hotel is located at 401 N. High St. between the city’s Short North Arts District and the Arena District.
“This area is a growing center of tourism and events in central Ohio,” says Dave Horton, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “The opening of Hilton Columbus Downtown is an important and exciting addition to the Hilton family of properties.”
Hilton Downtown Columbus includes 48 suites and The Gallerie Bar & Bistro, a French bistro-inspired restaurant. The hotel also boasts 31,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, which connects by a pedestrian sky bridge to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The sky bridge features a glass-walking surface that stretches across North High Street.
A rendering of the new Hilton Columbus Downtown, which officially opened Friday, Oct. 19.
The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority owns and developed the hotel. Hilton Worldwide operates the property. The Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 550 hotels in 80 countries.
“The new, full-service convention hotel significantly enhances our convention package and allows Columbus to compete for a larger share of the state, regional and national convention, meeting and trade show market and sporting events,” says Brian Ross, vice president of sales for Experience Columbus, which promotes the city to visitors.
The convention center hotel also features a large atrium in the lobby with skylights to create an indoor/outdoor feel. The property is designed to achieve both LEED and Green Seal certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council as part of the Hilton brand’s commitment to sustainability.
“Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events,” says Mayor Michael Coleman.
Hotel demand in downtown Columbus, as measured in room nights sold, has increased 1.8 percent year-to-date through September, while supply has remained the same, according to Smith Travel Research. This uptick in demand caused average daily rates to increase 4.9 percent year-to-date to $115.74.
— Brittany Biddy