04/28/2025

Where Travel Meets Local

"Our life experiences shape who we are and how we think." - Tom Golway.

For many, the weeks are filled with routine tasks and responsibilities that place life on autopilot, leaving little room for surprise. Yet, to truly experience life, we must embrace the unknown. Travel allows us to break from routine and recognize our shared humanity by encountering raw, authentic moments that connect us to people and places.

From social distancing to social media, society has weathered shifts that encourage digital connections over personal ones. As a result, many now crave meaningful, in-person experiences when they travel, seeking more than a place to sleep. Hotels across Ohio are answering that call by offering more than accommodations—they’re offering a true sense of place.

 

Local Touches That Tell a Story 

21c Museum Hotel – Cincinnati

Nestled among museums and dining destinations, Cincinnati’s 21c Museum Hotel is a modern concept rooted in local heritage. Though innovative in design, the hotel resides in a historic building that preserves the city’s charm. Inside, guests encounter a true taste of the Queen City—Rookwood Pottery Company tiles are featured throughout the space, crafted by the local manufacturer known for its distinctive, in-house creations. The hotel’s restaurant, Metropole, adds to the authenticity with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.

 

Dutch Host Inn – Sugarcreek

In the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, the Dutch Host Inn is owned and operated by a Mennonite family and incorporates subtle yet meaningful local details. Guest rooms are furnished with handcrafted furniture made by local Amish artisans. Just steps away, visitors can enjoy performances at the Ohio Star Theater, which features musicals, concerts, and comedy acts—further immersing guests in the culture of the surrounding community.

 

Sauder Heritage Inn

Sauder Village is more than a place to stay—it’s a fully immersive destination that brings Ohio’s heritage and family traditions to life. Guests can enjoy a wide range of hands-on events and activities that make every stay memorable. One example is the annual Youth Fishing Derby at Little Lake Erie, where kids and families can cast a line, compete for prizes, and enjoy nature-based programming like wildlife presentations and archery. It’s just one of many experiences that make Sauder Village a place where history, community, and recreation come together.

 

Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

Perfect for the culturally curious traveler, Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph seamlessly blends art and hospitality. Situated in the heart of the Short North Arts District, the hotel is part of the Unlock Art™ program, which gives guests complimentary access to local cultural institutions. Through its partnership with the Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art, visitors can explore one of the city’s most respected contemporary art collections—simply by showing their artist-designed room key. The hotel’s own interiors also showcase curated works, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that reflects Columbus’s thriving creative community. Every detail, from the key card to the artwork, encourages guests to connect more deeply with the city’s cultural heartbeat.

 

BLU-Tique Hotel – Akron

 

BLU-Tique Hotel in downtown Akron offers guests a boutique stay with a creative, community-centered spirit. While the hotel itself is a separate entity, it’s connected to the vibrant BLU Jazz+ music venue as part of the larger “BLU Zone.” BLU Jazz+ is a renowned live music venue and photography gallery, known for spotlighting local talent and international acts alike. One example of this cultural connection is the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s 40th anniversary event on May 10th, which will highlight the organization’s deep impact on Northeast Ohio’s music scene through performances and educational outreach. Together, the hotel and jazz club offer guests a seamless blend of rest, rhythm, and regional pride.

 

Ohio hotels are doing more than providing lodging—they’re creating moments that reflect the spirit of the communities they serve.

As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, let these Ohio hotels serve as a reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how deeply you connect once you’re there.
  
 

https://chicago.gopride.com/entertainment/column/index.cfm/col/3434

https://medium.com/%40claireeverett_40427/exploring-ohios-best-boutique-hotels-a-review-3ffa4d4fd423