Hilton Debuts $140M Downtown Hotel, Touted as Convention Magnet

By Adrian Maties, Associate Editor

The $140 million Hilton Columbus Downtown opened its doors to the public on Oct. 19. Local businesses and city officials are counting on the new property to help the capital city get more competitive in attracting conventions and other events.

Located at 401 North High Street, the 532-key property is connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center by means of an elevated crosswalk spanning the street. The hotel is also near the North Arts District and the Arena District.

Hilton Columbus Downtown offers 48 guest suites, 31,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, a French bistro-style restaurant called the Gallerie Bar & Bistro and a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Its lobby opens into a large atrium with skylights that create an atmosphere combining the indoors and outdoors. An art collection showcases some 225 original works by 100-plus artists representing central Ohio. The property is a candidate for LEED and Green Seal Certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events,” predicted Mayor Michael  Coleman. Franklin County Commissioner President Paula Brooks commented that “having this hotel in our community’s portfolio adds to our vital tourism industry, which already brings in more than $7.2 billion annually to our county and reduces the tax burden of every Franklin County family by an average of $1,900.” According to a Marcus & Millichap report, Ohio’s hotel occupancy is recovering and has risen to 56.5 percent.

“Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events,” predicted Mayor Michael Coleman. Franklin County Commission president Paula Brooks commented that “having this hotel in our community’s portfolio adds to our vital tourism industry, which already brings in more than $7.2 billion annually to our county and reduces the tax burden of every Franklin County family by an average of $1,900.”

According to a Marcus & Millichap report, Ohio’s hotel occupancy is recovering and has risen to 56.5 percent.”

Charts courtesy of Marcus&Millichap Real Estate Investment Services Inc.

Photo Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts