The Columbus Hilliard Hotel

The Bistro was closed when I checked in. When I asked when it might open, the answer was, "If it opens, I don't know." It eventually did, but I waited at the bar for 3-5 minutes without seeing anyone, then went to Waffle House next door and never returned. Service at the desk has been mixed. One associate told me they couldn't extend my stay and I'd have to check out and check in again, but the next morning another staff member extended it in two minutes, explained the new rate, made key cards and comped breakfast. The property itself needs serious work. Visible water damage to the interior roof and walls has been unrepaired through my visits over the last 2 and one half years. The third-floor ice machine STILL doesn't work, and ice from the second-floor machine had black stuff in it. I'd only use that for a cooler. WiFi is weak, parking lot pavement is broken, and animal poop on the sidewalks only gets washed away by rain. There's no on-site security that I've seen, not even a police car passing through. The budget property next door also looks neglected. I've never seen this hotel very busy, and it's a letdown for a Marriott-branded property. It needs a full renovation from top to bottom.

The pool area roof leaked while it was raining, and there’s water damage across the ceilings on every floor. Guests who were drunk or high on the first floor near the pool made it feel unsafe for children to be in the water. Over 30 cars were broken into at this hotel and the one next door. The front desk said this happens all the time, but that nothing is done about it. They let it keep happening. Do not stay here. If I could give it negative stars, I would.

The cafe was closed the whole time, and there were leaks and water damage around the hotel, plus cigarette smells on some floors. The bigger problem was the cars: ours and several others were broken into while parked at the front, along the main road and under security cameras. Nobody from the hotel or police contacted us. We only learned what had happened the next morning, when we saw the shattered windows and a police report number on the vehicle. A staff member had described the cameras as “very clear,” so it’s hard to understand how nearly every car out front could be broken into and the people responsible could leave. The hotel showed no concern, which makes me wonder if this happens often. Stay somewhere else.

I was there for a weekend conference in the hotel’s meeting rooms, and the staff made me feel very welcome. They were especially thoughtful with my service dog, bringing him pup cups and peanut butter and taking good care of him. The place was clean, and I really enjoyed the food and coffee. I had a wonderful stay.