COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hotel LeVeque, which opened its doors March 24 in downtown Columbus, commemorated the completion of its lush hospitality offerings with a grand gala on Thursday, Oct. 12. With glittering décor, live entertainment, well-crafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the hotel welcomed some 400 guests, including dignitaries, meeting planners, the building historian and VIPS to tour the property and join in the celebration of the rebirth of an icon. Details and reservations are available at HotelLeVequeColumbus.com.
The recent addition to the property of The Keep Liquor Bar and restaurant, a 108-seat modern French brasserie offering fresh and current fare and led by Executive Chef Jonathan Olson, has rapidly made it one of the hottest drinks and dining spots in Ohio’s capital city. Part of Autograph Collection Hotels, Hotel LeVeque joined the distinguished portfolio of more than 100 independent hotels around the world that are Exactly Like Nothing Else. With sweeping views of the Columbus skyline and the its Scioto Mile riverbank, the 149-room boutique hotel occupies floors five through 10 of the striking LeVeque Tower.
“It gives me such great pleasure to celebrate the rebirth of this incredible architectural treasure, which truly serves as a beacon of hospitality in the heart of an exciting city that’s on the cutting edge,” said CEO Bob Habeeb of Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, Inc., which owns and operates Hotel LeVeque. “Developing Hotel LeVeque was a natural fit for our ongoing commitment to and expertise in adaptive reuse.”
Hotel LeVeque offers beautifully designed meeting space, including the Sapphire Room, which holds up to 65 guests; the Deshler Room, with a 50-person capacity; or the Ionian Room, which holds up to 40. In addition to space in The Keep, the hotel offers a large pre-function area for breaks or overflow gatherings. The most iconic star on the Columbus skyline, the historic tower opened in 1927 as the nation’s fifth largest building.
“Beyond the hotel’s stunning design, we’ve carefully curated an experience that’s reflective of both this gorgeous, historic building and the fresh, creative energy of the city,” said Hotel LeVeque General Manager Geri Lombard. “From a gracious welcome and excellent service and amenities, to a starry goodnight at the end of their day, we ensure that our guests relax and unwind as they escape the frenetic pace of daily living.”
DESIGNER FASHION UNIFORMS, AMENITIES IMMERSE TRAVELERS IN LOCAL CULTURE
As an homage to Columbus’ standing as the No. 3 fashion capital in the U.S, Hotel LeVeque called on local fashion designer Liz Bourgeois to create bespoke uniforms for Hotel LeVeque staff. Inspired by the hotel’s celestial theme, Bourgeois’ designs reflect its sophistication and high style in the hotel’s signature midnight blue and subtle, starry accents. And, in keeping with a commitment to immerse guests in an experience that’s uniquely Columbus, Hotel LeVeque offers locally made amenities in each guest room. Columbus-based personal care products brand Cliff Original created a line of all-natural soaps, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and lip balm just for Hotel LeVeque guests using a custom blend of bergamot and lavender essential oils. Local favorite The Candle Lab then hand poured companion scented candles, which burn throughout the hotel.
Originally built in 1927 as the American Insurance Union Citadel, the LeVeque Tower was architect Charles Howard Crane’s masterpiece. At the time, the LeVeque Tower was the tallest skyscraper between New York City and Chicago. It was home to the graceful Deshler Wallick Hotel and later became known as the Lincoln LeVeque Tower, then simply the LeVeque Tower after its purchase in 1945. Clad in unusual terra cotta relief tiles, the LeVeque Tower’s spectacular art deco architecture remains the city’s most recognizable feature and is among Columbus’ most photographed and revered architectural treasures. Illuminating the night skyline as a soaring tower bathed in light, its architectural beauty is carefully preserved and highlighted in elegant design by Columbus-based Schooley Caldwell architects.
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About First Hospitality Group
First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG) is a leading hotel management, acquisition and development company with more than 30 years of award-winning experience. FHG’s unique people-driven professional culture fosters a team of highly skilled and motivated hospitality experts who consistently deliver outstanding property level performance, as well as memorable and engaging guest experiences. Headquartered in Chicago, FHG’s portfolio features 19 brands and 42 properties throughout the Midwest. Recognized in Forbes America’s Best Midsize Employers 2016, FHG received a #28 ranking out of the 250 best midsize employers in the country, #1 in the travel category, and #3 amongst all of America’s best travel companies. For more information, visit, www.fhginc.com. Follow FHG on Facebook at @FHGinc and Twitter at @FHGroup_Inc.
About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 100 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world’s most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, Autograph Collection properties are hand selected for their rich character and uncommon details. A personal realization of an individual founder’s vision, these hotels are defined by unique design, differentiated guest experiences and their meaningful role in locality. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels on Instagram Twitter and Facebook to learn more about championing the independent spirit that is #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection Hotels is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards®, in which members can link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world’s largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company’s 30 leading brands include: Bulgari®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Design Hotels™, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy® Hotels, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com and @MarriottIntl.