Columbus’ first art hotel opens in the thriving short North Arts District, featuring exclusive works from the world renowned Pizzuti Collection and a specially commissioned portfolio of Ohio art.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph. The highly anticipated new hotel opens in Downtown Columbus at 620 North High Street, in the vibrant Short North Arts District. Owned and developed by The Pizzuti Companies and managed by Wischermann Partners, the new 10 story hotel has been designed by renowned Miami-based firm Arquitectonica to complement the unique historical aesthetic of Columbus’ Short North neighborhood.
“Le Meridien is off to another great year of accelerated growth, set to open more than 10 hotels around the world in 2015,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien and Westin. “With a burgeoning arts and culinary scene, Columbus is a perfect match for Le Meridien brand’s Ohio debut as we help curious and creative-minded travelers unlock the destination through the hotel’s design, cuisine and access to local culture.”
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph features 135 modern guestrooms – including 10 Executive Suites, two contemporary Spa Suites, and a modern Presidential Suite. The hotel also offers nearly 7,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space (including the Michael B. Coleman Grand Ballroom, hosting up to 250 guests), Columbus’ chic new lounge, Soul and a 24-hour fully equipped fitness center with floor to ceiling windows and stunning views of the Short North and Downtown Columbus. Guests will be provided with all of the signature amenities, well known to the Paris-born Le Meridien brand, including a 24-hour curated soundtrack by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, exclusive illy coffee prepared by master baristas, and Sparkling cocktails, inspired by Europe’s aperitif hour.
The hotel’s dramatic two-story lobby follows the design principles of the brand’s signature Le Meridien Hub, a place to socialise, share ideas and be inspired – harmoniously blending art, design and architecture while featuring dramatic pieces by international artists KAWS, Rob Wynne, Nari Ward and Fred Wilson throughout the bar and reception areas. Towering columns reach from the ground floor lobby to the second floor gallery and event reception space, offering a revolving selection of artwork curated especially for the hotel and on loan from the private art collection of Ron and Ann Pizzuti. Hallways come alive with vibrant wallpaper designed exclusively by Brooklyn artist Almond Zigmund, while the three event spaces feature the art of their namesakes, internationally recognized Ohio artists – Aminah Robinson, Denny Griffith and Ann Hamilton.
As part of an ongoing commitment to the Ohio artistic community, the Pizzuti family has commissioned more than 31 new pieces of art from 15 Ohio artists for use in the hotel’s guest rooms, hallways and lounges. As part of Le Meridien brand’s mission to provide guests with access to contemporary cultural centers around the world through the UNLOCK Art Programme, Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph has collaborated exclusively with the globally recognized Pizzuti Collection to offer guests – through the use of their room keycard – access to the Pizzuti Collection’s exhibitions and events just steps away from the hotel.
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph is also home to restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s The Guild House, allowing guests the opportunity to discover the sustainable flavors of the Midwest during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features locally-sourced, artisan cuisine combined with wines from around the world. The restaurant seats more than 140 guests, including unique dining spaces, a full-service bar and private dining room. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has also developed a signature catering menu for Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph’s catering events and in-room dining.
“We will focus on bringing a new authentic lifestyle experience to Columbus, offering personalized service excellence within the backdrop of this beautiful, luxury-boutique hotel,” said Paul Wischermann, President and CEO of Wischermann Partners, Inc.
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph offers Starwood’s loyal SPG travelers a new, contemporary destination when visiting the Columbus area. The hotel anchors a highly anticipated mixed-use development complex that includes The Offices at The Joseph, a six-story cubist-inspired building with 60,000 square feet of premium office and retail space, a 318-space parking garage adjacent to the office building and the Pizzuti Collection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit exhibition space dedicated to the public presentation of contemporary art from the world-recognized collection of Ron and Ann Pizzuti.
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