After reading some reviews prior to staying here and combined with the low rates, I was a little afraid of what to expect. I have seen the property prior as I generally stay at 1 of 2 places while in Columbus for work. One of those places is two hotels "down" the street. The rate here for a fireplace suite was much lower than the others.
I was happy to have the fireplace as it snowed while I was there. I did not use the fire log they provide the first few nights and noticed it never got real "warm" in the room. Then I figured out the flu was open, creating a bit of a draft. After I closed it, it did keep the heat inside.
The staff at the front desk was very friendly. I am not a Gold or Diamond (just a lowly Silver) with HH, but they still treated me friendly. I was able to choose my room online prior to arriving which is a nice feature. I was also happy they still have smoking rooms--many hotels do not have that any longer.
The rooms are the older style for Homewood suites, and actually my preferred layout. It had a small efficiency kitchen (full size refrigerator (with ice), cabinets, microwave, dishwasher, coffee pot, stovetop burners, toaster). The "parlor" room had a TV, couch, table/chairs, and nice sitting chair with ottomon, and fireplace. The bedroom is separate from both the parlor and bathroom with a TV and king bed. The King Bed is the standard comfort of most Hilton branded hotels. I love their beds and the bedding. I did check out the duvet cover based on reviews here. It is the standard duvet cover and is not unique to Homewood. I have no problem with the way it feels. The bathroom is also separated with shower/toilet/vanity from another vanity and closet area which would be nice for more than 1 person. I found the room very spacious and an enjoyable respite while travelling on work.
The lodge area is separate but is not far, even when it's cold. You just have to figure out what doors to use and since the hotel kind of winds around, I was having to level set where I was to determine the best place to park or to leave to get to the lodge/check in area.
They did serve hot breakfast each morning which had a decent selection. The lady that hosts it was very friendly and checking often to clean up and replenish supplies. I did miss that there was not a waffle station that I am used to seeing in Homewood Suites. I didn't ask so maybe I missed it?
The complimentary dinner is also decent. It's not like eating at a great restaurant, but hey...it's free. I had teryiaki chicken the night I decided to take advantage of this great amenity. The wine/beer is 1.00 each as per Ohio law. I was VERY surprised to learn the beer is only 2.00 the rest of the time from the little pantry thing next to the check in desk. I bought a beer one night and had billed to my room. Two nights later I returned to buy another beer and she remembered my #, that's was pretty amazing to me!
If it is cold and you want to run your fireplace more than 1 night (1 log is free, the rest are 1.50 each), then you want to go early in the day for replacement logs. The last night I was there it was freezing and I waited until after I returned from dinner to go to the check in to buy a replacement log. It was probably around 9:00pm. The front desk lady said she had just delivered their last log about 10 minutes prior. I think everyone staying was burning them, so not her fault...
Overall, I was very pleased with the hotel and its amenities. I was staying for work. I did like I could walk across the street to Winking Lizard (sports bar and grill) or next door to Hyde Park Steak house (HIGHLY recommended)--they even have a cheaper Happy Hour menu with 4.00 martinis and cheap food. Their french onion soup is the best I have ever had! This location is very close to many restaurants and easy to get on the highway to get to Easton or other areas in Columbus quickly. This may be my new place to stay while in town!
Room Tip: Get the fireplace suite.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC