The 532-room Hilton Columbus Downtown opened in October at 401 North High Street, in the center of the city’s Short North Arts District and the Arena District. At the opening, Mayor Michael B. Coleman commented,  “Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events.”

The $140 million convention center hotel features a large atrium with skylights in the lobby. The property is designed to attain both LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Seal Certification.

The hotel has 48 suites and 31,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and—a real plus for meeting and convention attendees—it is connected by a pedestrian skybridge to the 1.7 million square feet of meeting space in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The skybridge crosses North High Street and features a glass floor.

“The new, full-service convention hotel significantly enhances our convention package and allows Columbus to compete for a larger share of the state, regional, and national convention, meeting and trade show market, and sporting events,” said Brian Ross, vice president of sales, Experience Columbus, the city’s convention and visitors bureau.

Hilton Columbus Downtown features a collection of more than 225 original art pieces, including paintings, sculpture, and photographs from more than 128 local artists. The art is displayed throughout the property and on the ceilings in each guest room.

Bill Glover, executive chef, heads up a full-service dining. The Gallerie Bar & Bistro, a French bistro-inspired restaurant, uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients and products in its offerings.