The Suite Life

The Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel offers amenities, top-tier dining alongside relaxed lakefront vibes

At a glance, the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel might look like so many other chic, recently-opened hotels of its kind. But it doesn't take long to see what sets it apart once you step inside.

From turtle shell lights, to decorative boat buoys and even a pool with specially-painted walls meant to mimic the color lake water, the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris feels as much like a modern family cabin as it does a five year-old hotel.

“People are often surprised by this, but almost all Renaissance hotels have have a theme, and they’re usually indigenous to the local area,” general manager Ralph Mordocco said. “This hotel has a modern lake house or nautical theme to it.”

The hotel’s proximity to Alum Creek and the Hoover Reservoir inspired its designers to embrace the modern lake house theme throughout the building. This means all of the hotel’s 222 rooms, its amenities, and even its high-end event space that can accommodate everything from weddings to corporate events.

The Two-One, the signature restaurant of the Renaissance Westerville-Polaris, features a full outdoor space with laid back patio games, fire pits and even a small body of water, all contributing to its bonafide “day at the lake” vibes, according to Mordocco.

The eatery, which features a full slate of comfort food classics done with a culinary flare, takes its name after a piece of Westerville history as well. The Two-One is named after the 21st amendment, which criminalized alcohol and launched Prohibition.

“Working through menu and beverage ideas, we always want to find a way to tie things back to Westerville and its history,” Mordocco said.

And even though the restaurant was inspired by the law that forbade alcoholic drinks, the Two-One is a fantastic spot to grab a cocktail or two, anchored by its creative cocktail program, which features its own 2022 private barrel selection from whiskey-maker Russel’s Reserve. The Two-One was one of only six Ohio establishments to receive this prestigious private barrel opportunity, which was personally created by and even branded with the eatery’s name.

In fact, the first thing you’re likely to notice when you walk into the lobby of this Westerville hotel is its lively and engaging bar. And according to Mordocco, this is intentional.

“The center point of the lobby is the main bar of the Two-One, and that’s kind of the Renaissance’s theme, we focus hotels on beverage and food, versus food and beverage, which is what you normally see,” he said. “Having our bar in such a central location creates an environment where people can come down, work in the lobby, eat, drink and socialize if you want to. It’s all available.”