Last week I had the opportunity to check out the newly remodeled Sonesta Columbus Downtown in well ... downtown Columbus, Ohio and I came away pretty impressed. Fundamentally, this property fills the role of a convention hotel typical of Hyatt, but they have done a fantastic job of reimagining what a hotel property like this could be ... and now I can't wait to check out other properties in the Sonesta portfolio!
While I was familiar with "Royal Sonesta" and their recent acquisition of The James brand as well as their Nile River Cruises brand I didn't realize how big the network had become. Following their rapid expansion since 2020, the company has grown to become America's eighth-largest hotel company through acquiring Red Lion Hotels and converting numerous Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham properties to Sonesta brands. They now manage 200 hotels and franchise 900 other properties. Their portfolio currently includes brands like Red Lion, Americas Best Value Inn, and the new Sonesta Essential.
With a portfolio of 13 brands and a unified loyalty program of over 6 million members, Sonesta offers travelers a fresh alternative to traditional hotel chains. It's exciting to see a group growing like this and I hope they can continue disrupting the hotel space that has begun to feel stale as Marriot and Hilton struggle to figure out their identity.
On the other hand, Sonesta is presenting a future look (as a test property) that, if others think the way I do ... will catapult the brand from a commodity stay into one where I will specifically look for their properties to book my personal travel.
Ultimately though, for a guys trip, you gotta pick a hotel that is affordable, has a great location, and has a variety of suites and hotel rooms that match whatever your plans are. In this case, if you are looking to do an event at the convention center - such as Arnold Sports Fest, Galaxy Con, or Columbus Oddities & Curiosities Expo, a hockey game or concert at the Nationwide Center, or a baseball game at Huntington Field ... it's all here in walking distance.
For guys that love to eat - Warrio's is a block away, and nearly everything from North Market to the Short North strip to German Village is less than a 10-minute Uber ride. Plus, when you get back to the hotel, their restaurant is open till 1 am most nights (awesome fried chicken sandwich and brussles sprouts!). They have cans of local craft beer alongside freshly bottled cocktails-to-go, a collaboration between High Bank Distillery and the hotel's bar Vine + Forge.
Things like this make Sonesta Columbus Downtown such an intriguing option for a guys getaway.
When it comes to their new rebrand, it also introduces some additional features that make this hotel something special, even if you aren't traveling with a group of guys.
This includes elements such as the coloring pages in the lobby, relaxation areas in otherwise "empty" spots around the hotel where you can get a moment of privacy to read a book or meditate for a moment, art that both works great for taking selfies as well as invoking themes of local Columbus history and culture, to the moment you arrive at your bed. For example, there's a card there talking about the importance of journaling as a way of relaxing and self-discovery that helps clarify your thoughts.
The folks at Sonesta tell me that this new rebrand is inspired by "astrology and wellness". This comes through strong in terms of the relaxation and mental health elements throughout the property.
Sonesta isn't the only hotel brand that is leaning into self-care, but they are doing it really, really well here because it doesn't come across in a way that is oppressive or overly obnoxious, as I've seen from some boutique hotels. I get it. Self-care is something that is more of a buzzword for attracting female guests - but men enjoy taking care of themselves and focusing on self-discovery, relaxation, and preparing the mind for a good night's sleep, too!
I've left the room, bed, and staff to the end ... these elements were all great as well. However, I do think it is important to reiterate that NONE of the stuff I discussed above makes any difference if the core product isn't worth booking. Thankfully it was!
Our stay here at the Sonesta Columbus Downtown was a great experience, and I can't wait to return again and explore other new properties in their portfolio.
