This stay was invited by Le Meridien Hotels, The Joseph. Photos and opinions are my own.
When we first moved to Columbus, we made Short North our home. We spent two years in an apartment there, experiencing Gallery Hops and new restaurants and coffee shops and everything in-between. The district has certainly grown and changed, and it’s been exciting to see what’s been coming. One of the new developments is the addition of the neighborhood’s first boutique hotel, The Joseph.
The Joseph is part of the international collection of Le Meridien Hotels; they were kind enough to invite us for a night’s stay!
The Joseph is located a block away from the Pizzuti Collection, an art museum that features visiting exhibitions and work curated from the collection of the Pizzuti family. The Pizzuti has lent some of its collections to The Joseph, so throughout the lobby, in the hallways, and in almost every nook and cranny you’ll find artwork to enjoy.
There’s a variety of work as well, from these soccer balls turned inside out above the fireplace to the eye-catching pieces hung over the welcome desk. On the stairs to the second floor, there’s a rotating installation with shifting lights that illuminates the stairwell.
Our room was on the tenth floor, with a view looking south over downtown and west over the neighborhood, Goodale Park, Grandview, and beyond.
Having lived in Columbus for more than 15 years, we always welcome the opportunity to see the city from a new angle.
It was a special treat to be there that weekend for many reasons, not the least of which was Mrs. Breakfast With Nick’s birthday!
The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of the busy Short North neighborhood below. We spent some time after we first arrived reminiscing about our time in the neighborhood and the changes we’ve witnessed over the years.
The rooms are nicely appointed, as you’d expect. Modern while still feeling cozy.
The Joseph sits at the southern end of the Short North, with easy access to the neighborhood, Goodale Park, the Arena District, Convention Center, and downtown. We took a walk around the park, then for an early dinner, we snuck across the street for appetizers and cocktails at The Pearl. The place was hopping, but we luckily found a pair of seats at the bar facing the oyster station. There was no question we’d be ordering oysters, but watching the experts shuck them with lightning speed certainly would have convinced us anyway.
We also tasted a delightfully rich clam chowder, dusted with chorizo.
And then it was back to the hotel to enjoy the changing view as night fell.
The Joseph features its own in-house cocktail bar, Soul at The Joseph. The bar is open to the public, and is situated on the left of the main lobby. There’s seating at the bar, at small tables surrounding it, and throughout the lobby.
We snagged two seats at the bar and ordered cocktails.
The bar features espresso and a light breakfast in the mornings, then a fuller menu of shareable apps, salads, sandwiches, and even some bigger entrees throughout the rest of the day.
While we sipped our cocktails, we enjoyed a charcuterie board.
Plus a bowl of their truffle fries.
Soul also features a solid happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
As the evening wound down, we ordered the poutine from Soul and had it delivered up to our room. They use fresh cheese curds from Black Radish Creamery, located at North Market nearby.
The next morning, the rising sun afforded us another new look at the city.
In comparison to the busy crowds last night, High Street was quiet in the morning.
We spent a little more time exploring the hotel, taking further note the artwork throughout, and then slipped next door for brunch at The Guild House.
The entire stay at The Joseph was a lovely way to re-connect with the neighborhood where we started our Columbus journey. We’re looking forward to a return visit for another overnight stay or even just cocktails at the bar.
