The DoubleTree Suites in downtown Columbus is a very nice hotel in the heart of the city, and at least one or two steps above most DoubleTree Hotels at which I've stayed.
One of the best things about the DoubleTree Suites in Columbus, Ohio is the spacious accommodations. Even their standard suites are huge, well-appointed havens from the craziness of the rest of the world.
In the city for business, I was delighted when I walked in to find a living room that was 24-1/2 feet by 11-1/2 feet (nearly 300 square feet!), equipped with a sofa, easy chair and ottoman, a table and two chairs, flat-screen TV, a wet bar with mini-fridge and microwave, and a work station with a proper task chair. In addition, the complimentary Wi-Fi was pretty decent, at 5 Mbps, as measured by Speakeasy.net/SpeedTest. Guests could also purchase upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity at an additional charge.
Separated from the main living area by folding doors, the bedroom was a bit smaller but still spacious. It was 16-1/2 feet by 12 feet (nearly 200 square feet) and was adjacent to a closet with a huge safe, iron and ironing board. The bathroom contained a combination tub and shower, hair dryer, and high-end bath amenities and soaps from Crabtree & Evelyn.
Elsewhere, the property offers a very well-equipped fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, shared computers with a printer and scanner (though not exactly a business center), 24-hour pantry, and paid parking in the adjacent garage.
Staff was excellent, with almost everyone greeting guests as they passed in the hall or lobby. Requests were fulfilled quickly and with a smile, even when they were among the more difficult to handle, such as a guest (me) who needed to switch rooms because of a defective air conditioner. Front desk personnel were most helpful in making the change.
The property is only about two blocks from the State House and very convenient to a number of bars and restaurants, though many are closed on the weekend due to the commercial nature of downtown. Still, it's right on a main street, making it easy to get in or out of the area swiftly, either in your own car or the free CBUS circulator that plies much of the downtown area.
There are two minor drawbacks worth noting.
First, one of the two elevators is being completely rebuilt, a process that leaves one working elevator and long waits at times, especially at check-out in the morning.
Second, food and beverage prices are typical of higher-end hotels that cater to business travelers on expense accounts. In my estimation, prices exceeded what I consider a reasonable "convenience premium." For example, I ordered a double Johnny Walker Black scotch my first night. "That'll be $22.50," the bartender said. The menu also offered several varieties of hamburgers ... at about $15 per. From then on, I took advantage of the numerous options that are readily available just steps from the hotel's front door.
All that said, I'd recommend the DoubleTree Suites for excellent service, surroundings and location. Just look at food prices first unless you're on an expense account and your company is buying.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
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Photos by Carl Dombek
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One of the best things about the DoubleTree Suites in Columbus, Ohio is the spacious accommodations. Even their standard suites are huge, well-appointed havens from the craziness of the rest of the world.
 |
| Hotel exterior |
In the city for business, I was delighted when I walked in to find a living room that was 24-1/2 feet by 11-1/2 feet (nearly 300 square feet!), equipped with a sofa, easy chair and ottoman, a table and two chairs, flat-screen TV, a wet bar with mini-fridge and microwave, and a work station with a proper task chair. In addition, the complimentary Wi-Fi was pretty decent, at 5 Mbps, as measured by Speakeasy.net/SpeedTest. Guests could also purchase upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity at an additional charge.
 |
| The suite's living area |
Separated from the main living area by folding doors, the bedroom was a bit smaller but still spacious. It was 16-1/2 feet by 12 feet (nearly 200 square feet) and was adjacent to a closet with a huge safe, iron and ironing board. The bathroom contained a combination tub and shower, hair dryer, and high-end bath amenities and soaps from Crabtree & Evelyn.
 |
| High-end bath amenities |
Elsewhere, the property offers a very well-equipped fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, shared computers with a printer and scanner (though not exactly a business center), 24-hour pantry, and paid parking in the adjacent garage.
Staff was excellent, with almost everyone greeting guests as they passed in the hall or lobby. Requests were fulfilled quickly and with a smile, even when they were among the more difficult to handle, such as a guest (me) who needed to switch rooms because of a defective air conditioner. Front desk personnel were most helpful in making the change.
 |
| Through the doors to the bedroom |
The property is only about two blocks from the State House and very convenient to a number of bars and restaurants, though many are closed on the weekend due to the commercial nature of downtown. Still, it's right on a main street, making it easy to get in or out of the area swiftly, either in your own car or the free CBUS circulator that plies much of the downtown area.
There are two minor drawbacks worth noting.
First, one of the two elevators is being completely rebuilt, a process that leaves one working elevator and long waits at times, especially at check-out in the morning.
Second, food and beverage prices are typical of higher-end hotels that cater to business travelers on expense accounts. In my estimation, prices exceeded what I consider a reasonable "convenience premium." For example, I ordered a double Johnny Walker Black scotch my first night. "That'll be $22.50," the bartender said. The menu also offered several varieties of hamburgers ... at about $15 per. From then on, I took advantage of the numerous options that are readily available just steps from the hotel's front door.
All that said, I'd recommend the DoubleTree Suites for excellent service, surroundings and location. Just look at food prices first unless you're on an expense account and your company is buying.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Follow @TheTravelProUS
Photos by Carl Dombek
Click on photo to view larger image
If you found this article helpful, informative and/or entertaining, please consider making a donation via PayPal to help support this private project.
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