Columbus has a surprisingly great hotel scene β from trendy boutique stays in the Short North to classic luxury downtown, plus a few resort-style escapes just outside the city. If youβre trying to figure out where to stay in Columbus Ohio, this guide breaks everything down into easy categories so you can find the perfect fit for your style and budget.
Getting There: Located downtown, Hotel LeVeque is easy to reach whether youβre driving or flying into CMH. Itβs right in the heart of the business district, so parking is straightforward (valet available).
Arriving: The lobby makes a dramatic first impression β soaring ceilings, Art Deco details, and a celestial theme that runs throughout the property.
Rooms: Plush beds, marble bathrooms, and views of downtown Columbus or the Scioto River. The decor feels glamorous but not stuffy β perfect for a romantic weekend or special occasion.
Resort Info: Thereβs a full-service fitness center, spa treatments can be arranged, and the staff are genuinely helpful with local recommendations.
Food: The on-site restaurant, The Keep, is one of the cityβs best spots for cocktails and elevated dining β a must even if youβre not staying here.
How Long to Stay: One to two nights is ideal if youβre using this as a downtown base.
Final Thoughts: If you want a boutique luxury experience with old-school elegance, this is my top pick in Columbus.
If you want to explore the city while youβre here, check out my Top 5 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio for the most fun and easy activities nearby.
Getting There: In the Short North Arts District, so youβll be within walking distance of murals, shops, and restaurants.
Arriving: Modern lobby with rotating art installations sets a creative tone.
Rooms: Sleek and minimal with floor-to-ceiling windows. Some rooms include access to a curated art collection you can borrow during your stay (yes, really).
Resort Info: Fitness center, spa services, and complimentary bikes available.
Food: The Guild House is connected to the hotel and is a fantastic choice for brunch or dinner β make reservations.
How Long to Stay: Two to three nights to really enjoy the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts: Best choice if you want to be immersed in the Short North and walk everywhere.
Getting There: Right by the Convention Center and Arena District, with easy access to major highways.
Arriving: Spacious lobby with a mix of business and leisure travelers β feels lively without being chaotic.
Rooms: Comfortable and contemporary, many with city views.
Resort Info: Large indoor pool, fitness center, and skywalk access to the convention center.
Food: On-site dining is solid, but youβre steps away from Arena District restaurants and bars.
How Long to Stay: Two nights if youβre attending an event or concert.
Final Thoughts: Great for sports fans, concert-goers, or anyone wanting a central location near Nationwide Arena.
Getting There: In the Short North, so youβre right in the middle of the action. Parking is available but limited β use rideshares if you plan on going out at night.
Arriving: The lobby is eclectic and colorful, full of nods to Ohio State culture.
Rooms: Quirky decor, plaid accents, and super comfortable beds.
Resort Info: Small fitness center, free bike rentals, and a cozy lobby perfect for working or lounging.
Food: The Trophy Room, the hotelβs restaurant and bar, serves elevated pub fare and craft cocktails.
How Long to Stay: Two to three nights β perfect for a friendsβ trip or game weekend.
Final Thoughts: Ideal for anyone wanting a playful, Instagram-worthy stay in the Short North.
Getting There: Slightly north of downtown, near Ohio State University. Easy to drive to and usually plenty of parking.
Arriving: The vibe is modern and minimal β check-in is quick and tech-friendly.
Rooms: Clean and simple with just the essentials β great value for the price.
Resort Info: Small pool, gym, and lobby lounge area.
Food: Thereβs a snack bar in the lobby, but youβll want to eat out β itβs close to plenty of casual spots and a quick drive to Short North.
How Long to Stay: Two nights if you just need a clean, affordable base.
Final Thoughts: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want something a step up from a roadside hotel. You can book it here.
If youβre staying in the Short North, donβt miss my Ultimate Columbus Foodie Guide β itβs packed with all the best restaurants you can walk to from this area.
Getting There: Located in the buzzing Short North area.
Arriving: Stylish lobby with a sleek, European vibe.
Rooms: Modern and streamlined with good workspace if you need to get things done.
Resort Info: Fitness center, rooftop bar with city views (one of the best parts of the property).
Food: The rooftop restaurant is a great spot for drinks at sunset.
How Long to Stay: One to two nights is ideal.
Final Thoughts: A great mid-priced choice if you want a polished but not overly fancy stay.
Getting There: About an hour southeast of Columbus β perfect for a nature retreat.
Arriving: Most lodges are tucked away in the woods, giving you a true βescapeβ feeling as soon as you pull up.
Rooms: Spacious homes or cabins with full kitchens, big living spaces, and hot tubs β ideal for groups.
Resort Info: Fire pits, game rooms, and hiking trails nearby.
Food: Youβll need to bring groceries or plan to dine in nearby Logan.
How Long to Stay: Two to three nights minimum to make the drive worthwhile.
Final Thoughts: Best for groups, retreats, or anyone wanting to combine Columbus with time in nature.
Getting There: About two hours from Columbus, located near Canton.
Arriving: Driving through the vineyard feels like arriving in Tuscany.
Rooms: Italian-inspired villas with fireplaces, luxury linens, and vineyard views.
Resort Info: On-site winery, multiple restaurants, walking trails, and live music events.
Food: Try The Bistro for fine dining and The Crush House for casual eats and wine flights.
How Long to Stay: Two nights is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Final Thoughts: If you want a wine-country feel without leaving Ohio, this is your spot.
Getting There: Located in Canton, about two hours from Columbus.
Arriving: Set on a former monastery estate with beautiful, castle-like architecture.
Rooms: Traditional but elegant rooms, some with golf course views.
Resort Info: Spa, golf course, and pool on-site.
Food: Fine dining available at the resort β no need to leave property.
How Long to Stay: Two to three nights if youβre including golf or spa days.
Final Thoughts: A great option for couples or small groups wanting a more classic resort stay.
Columbus offers everything from luxe boutique hotels to fun, affordable stays and even full-on resort experiences if you want to combine your city trip with a little countryside escape. Whether youβre here for a concert, a foodie weekend, or a romantic getaway, thereβs a perfect home base waiting for you.
The tulip fields in the Netherlands look exactly like the photos, except the photos donβt capture how massive the color blocks actually are stretching across the countryside. Or the windmills. Or the sheep randomly standing in the middle of everything like they donβt know theyβre in the most photogenic country on earth.
The honest caveat: tulip season moves fast, the fields rotate every year, and peak bloom is not a guarantee, it depends on the weather, the harvest schedule, and a little bit of luck. But thatβs also part of what makes it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like something you actually found.
Full driving route with towns, parking tips, and what to expect | linked in bio. π·
#netherlands #travelling #tulipfields #exploreeurope
Amsterdam has a way of making you feel like you need to see everything, and then rewarding you most when you slow down anyway. The museums and canal cruises are worth it, but so is just wandering neighborhoods, eating whatever looks good, and sitting along the canals with a grilled cheese and nowhere to be.
First-time visitor guide is on the blog. Link in bio. π·
#travelling #travel #amsterdam #visitamsterdam #traveleurope
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes Iβve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Hereβs what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
CafΓ© Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davieβs Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (itβs not ketchup, and itβs better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what Iβd skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
Thereβs a version of Gatlinburg thatβs all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then thereβs the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Hereβs everything worth doing downtown, in the order Iβd do it: ποΈ
β¨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
β¨ Walk the strip mid-morning when itβs still manageable
β¨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: donβt skip it)
β¨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
β¨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isnβt your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. Itβs more of a βhereβs what Iβd actually do if I had one solid dayβ kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. π
If someone told me Iβd spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. π
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and itβs one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it β longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
β¨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
β¨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
β¨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
β¨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. π
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