Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

The bar staff were welcoming, professional, and attentive, and they helped improve the stay. I’ve enjoyed Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph on other visits, which is why this check-in stood out. I’ve stayed here several times when my friend visits so we can enjoy downtown. This time, the front desk associate, Rhyan, gave us almost no information about the hotel or its amenities. There was no mention of breakfast, the bar, or anything else. When handing over the keys, the only thing he said was that smoking and vaping weren’t allowed in the room. Neither of us smokes or vapes, so it felt unnecessary and confusing. I then heard the guest beside us get a full hotel overview without any smoking reminder. As a Marriott associate and repeat guest, I found the interaction uncomfortable and inconsistent. I can’t say whether the associate discount had anything to do with it, and I hope it didn’t, but we felt singled out. I hope management can make front desk service and arrival information more consistent for all guests.

The staff were kind, helpful, and welcoming, and the location is great, with top-notch restaurants nearby. The Soul’s coffee was excellent, and the second-floor art gallery is a nice touch worth a visit. Still, the room itself and the comfort fell short of what the hotel advertises. We booked four days for our fifth-anniversary getaway because the property was marketed as luxurious. We asked for a high floor and a city view, and got Room 1007. There was loud noise overhead day and night, like being right under a pool. Maybe it was old pipes or something else, but it made the room uncomfortable and disruptive. The bedding was so firm that I woke up unable to turn my head either way, and we left early. Other details were disappointing for an upscale hotel. The bathroom had very thin, off-brand toilet paper, and no conditioner in the shower at first. The front desk promptly brought a bottle, which we appreciated. It snowed on two nights, and many sidewalks, including the hotel’s, stayed slippery because they hadn’t been salted. If you’re after a truly luxurious stay, this wasn’t it.

We’ve stayed at lots of Marriott hotels, including many in Columbus, and this one is now our choice whenever we visit. It was clean and comfortable, with amenities you don’t often find in rooms anymore. We already know where we’ll stay next time.

We were given a weekend at this hotel, December 5-7, and I picked it for the big soaking tub. At first the room seemed perfect, with lovely decor, a Nespresso machine, a huge king bed, and even a Christmas tree. Then I went to use the tub and found mold on the ceiling and floor, plus rusty fixtures. The sliding door shed metal shavings across the floor, so I was glad I had slippers and didn’t get metal in my feet. The next morning, there was a hair in the napkin and silverware roll when we ordered room service breakfast. I expected better than mold, rust, and hair. If you stay here, lower your expectations.