The Quarter Horse Congress is the world’s biggest single-breed horse show, featuring more than 28,000 entries and attracting over 650,000 people in 2022. In 2023, the event will run from September 26 to October 22 at the Ohio Expo Center, potentially generating over $400 million in revenue for the state.
The question for equestrian fans is where to stay. Fortunately, this post is here to help. We run through the top venues in the area, designed to provide you with the best experience possible outside of the show.
1. Hotel LeVeque
Hotel LeVeque is part of the Marriott group’s Autograph collection, offering a boutique experience in the heart of downtown Columbus. The stunning interiors adorned with marble and gold leaf blend history with contemporary design to help guests feel at home. Popular amenities include bespoke meeting spaces, a dry-cleaning service, a fitness center, and room service.
However, Hotel LeVeque’s standout feature is its restaurants and bars. The Keep Liquor bar is the perfect opportunity for sampling wines and spirits, while the French brasserie offers delicious continental food in an enchanting atmosphere.
As for accommodation, guests have a choice of rooms and suites. Both king and queen-sized rooms offer river views, while suites provide spectacular panoramas over the city. Marble features in most of the hotel’s bathrooms, and guests can enjoy living, sitting, and dining areas, as well as telescopes, in-room safes, and writing desks with ergonomic chairs.
2. Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph is another exceptionally high-rated hotel in Columbus. Part of the Shore North Arts District, it provides quick access to critically acclaimed restaurants, shops, and galleries and is only a six-minute drive to the Ohio Expo Center.
Le Meridien Columbus displays Marriott’s hotel experience at its best. Guests enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients, innovative cocktails (with Soul at the Joseph), and customized pampering at the destination’s in-house spa. There’s also a 24-hour gym, hand-crafted furnishings, LCD TVs in every room, and high-speed Wi-Fi for working on the go.
The accommodation is a mixture of high-tech hotel rooms and executive suites. The presidential suite offers more than a thousand square feet of living space, air conditioning, living and dining rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cribs for children. There’s also a lighted makeup mirror, double vanity, and fabulous views over the surrounding buildings.
3. Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown
Located just a few blocks to the south, close to the river, is the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown. This fabulous establishment reveals why Marriott remains among the top hoteliers globally. It’s the perfect location for an extended stay.
The Residence Inn began life as the historic Buckeye Bank building built in 1927. Marriott later converted it into a hotel, paying homage to its architectural features and design flourishes. The lobby area features a Cathedral-like interior with soaring ceilings, rosettes, and dentils while bars and outdoor spaces offer a relaxed, urban feel.
Free tea and coffee are available to all guests upon request. A free hot breakfast is included in the price, and all suites have access to free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome and there is an electric charging station for Tesla and other EVs.
Accommodation comprises one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as studios. Many bedrooms feature fitted kitchens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and fully furnished bathrooms.
4. Hilton Columbus Downtown
Just 7 minutes from the Ohio Expo Center, the Hilton Columbus Downtown is another popular hotel for guests attending the Quarter Horse Congress. The Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, and North Market are all within walking distance.
The hotel’s stand-out feature is its suites. These provide more than 580 square feet of living space, two HD TVs, blackout curtains, luxury mattresses, and impeccable views over the city. You also get seating areas for up to four people, chaise lounges, an adjustable thermostat, an automatic door closer, electronic locks, and a work desk with a side lamp. Pets are allowed in the accommodation, and you can find free Wi-Fi in rooms and the lobby.
The Hilton Columbus Downtown offers three restaurants: FYR Short North, Provisions on High, and Spark.
The first is a live-fire restaurant operated by executive chef Sebastian La Rocca. Dishes include smoke, fire, or a little bit of both, adding to the theater of the experience. By contrast, Provisions on High is a grab-and-go restaurant, while Spark is an all-day cocktail bar with a Midwest-driven menu.
5. The Blackwell
Lastly, we have the Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center in the University District, about 10 minutes from the Ohio Expo Center. The hotel opened in 2002 with some of the finest accommodations and hotelier services state-wide. Popular amenities include free Wi-Fi, a fireside lobby and lounge, a full-service bistro, concierge services, twice-daily housekeeping, a 24-hour business center, on-site laundry, and dry cleaning. All rooms come with pillowtop mattresses, fine linen pillows, large work desks, full-length mirrors, spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and complimentary USA Today newspapers.
Close by, guests can access Ohio State University’s expansive recreational facilities, local trails, and the North Market, a 145-year-old institution selling fresh produce and artisanal crafts. It’s also close to the Hollywood Casino, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Stay In a Luxury Motorcoach for The Quarter Horse Congress
Of course, you don’t have to stay in a hotel to enjoy The Quarter Horse Congress. A motorcoach rental is most likely a better option for you. That’s because you can arrange your accommodation around your needs. You don’t have to follow hotel requirements.
Our motorcoach drivers can pick you up and drop you off at the convention center according to your schedule. We can also prepare your motorcoach for you in advance so it’s ready to go when you arrive. You can stay at any of the motorcoach resorts nearby. It couldn’t be easier.
Get in touch with us today to book your luxury coach today!
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