# Sonesta Columbus Downtown Is A Great Hotel For A Guys Getaway *By James Hills — Updated February 2025* Last week I had the opportunity to check out the newly remodeled Sonesta Columbus Downtown in well ... downtown Columbus, Ohio and I came away pretty impressed. Fundamentally, this property fills the role of a convention hotel typical of Hyatt, but they have done a fantastic job of reimagining what a hotel property like this could be ... and now I can't wait to check out other properties in the Sonesta portfolio!   While I was familiar with "Royal Sonesta" and their recent acquisition of The James brand as well as their Nile River Cruises brand I didn't realize how big the network had become. Following their rapid expansion since 2020, the company has grown to become America's eighth-largest hotel company through acquiring Red Lion Hotels and converting numerous Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham properties to Sonesta brands. They now manage 200 hotels and franchise 900 other properties. Their portfolio currently includes brands like Red Lion, Americas Best Value Inn, and the new Sonesta Essential. ### What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv First-timer guide to booking a boutique hotel in Tel Aviv for a guys trip - how to spot real boutique properties, pick the right neighborhood, and avoid the beachfront premium trap. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Zwby21w1vMq8i_1OgM2X-Q.2154) ### Why Men Should Pick A Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Resort For A Caribbean Guys Trip Reasons men should consider an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic for their next guys trip. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Zwby21w1vMq8i_1OgM2X-Q.2157) ### Beaches Turks & Caicos Beaches Turks and Caicos is an all-inclusive family friendly resort in the Caribbean, with unlimited food and drinks, a water park, and a location on Grace Bay Beach. ResortsBeaches Resorts [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Zwby21w1vMq8i_1OgM2X-Q.2150) ### Las Verandas Hotel and Villas Come stay at the unique Las Verandas Hotel and Villas! Experience the beautiful beaches of Roatan, Honduras, along with exceptional amenities, including an 18-hole golf course. ResortsLas Verandas [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Zwby21w1vMq8i_1OgM2X-Q.2149) Promoted by FlowAds With a portfolio of 13 brands and a unified loyalty program of over 6 million members, Sonesta offers travelers a fresh alternative to traditional hotel chains. It's exciting to see a group growing like this and I hope they can continue disrupting the hotel space that has begun to feel stale as Marriot and Hilton struggle to figure out their identity. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/E2-oYMXJpXJxSaYES5PnMA.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/E2-oYMXJpXJxSaYES5PnMA.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/E2-oYMXJpXJxSaYES5PnMA.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/E2-oYMXJpXJxSaYES5PnMA.2396) Promoted by FlowAds On the other hand, Sonesta is presenting a future look (as a test property) that, if others think the way I do ... will catapult the brand from a commodity stay into one where I will specifically look for their properties to book my personal travel. Ultimately though, for a [guys trip](https://www.mantripping.com/guys-trip.html), you gotta pick a hotel that is affordable, has a great location, and has a variety of suites and hotel rooms that match whatever your plans are. In this case, if you are looking to do an event at the convention center - such as Arnold Sports Fest, Galaxy Con, or Columbus Oddities & Curiosities Expo, a hockey game or concert at the Nationwide Center, or a baseball game at Huntington Field ... it's all here in walking distance.  For guys that love to eat - Warrio's is a block away, and nearly everything from North Market to the Short North strip to German Village is less than a 10-minute Uber ride. Plus, when you get back to the hotel, their restaurant is open till 1 am most nights (awesome fried chicken sandwich and brussles sprouts!). They have cans of local craft beer alongside freshly bottled cocktails-to-go, a collaboration between High Bank Distillery and the hotel's bar Vine + Forge. Things like this make Sonesta Columbus Downtown such an intriguing option for a guys getaway. When it comes to their new rebrand, it also introduces some additional features that make this hotel something special, even if you aren't traveling with a group of guys. This includes elements such as the coloring pages in the lobby, relaxation areas in otherwise "empty" spots around the hotel where you can get a moment of privacy to read a book or meditate for a moment, art that both works great for taking selfies as well as invoking themes of local Columbus history and culture, to the moment you arrive at your bed. For example, there's a card there talking about the importance of journaling as a way of relaxing and self-discovery that helps clarify your thoughts. The folks at Sonesta tell me that this new rebrand is inspired by "astrology and wellness". This comes through strong in terms of the relaxation and mental health elements throughout the property. Sonesta isn't the only hotel brand that is leaning into self-care, but they are doing it really, really well here because it doesn't come across in a way that is oppressive or overly obnoxious, as I've seen from some boutique hotels. I get it. Self-care is something that is more of a buzzword for attracting female guests - but men enjoy taking care of themselves and focusing on self-discovery, relaxation, and preparing the mind for a good night's sleep, too! I've left the room, bed, and staff to the end ... these elements were all great as well. However, I do think it is important to reiterate that NONE of the stuff I discussed above makes any difference if the core product isn't worth booking. Thankfully it was! Our stay here at the [Sonesta Columbus Downtown](https://www.sonesta.com/sonesta-hotels-resorts/oh/columbus/sonesta-columbus-downtown) was a great experience, and I can't wait to return again and explore other new properties in their portfolio.  September's Pick Kadún Hotel Boutique ### Kadún Hotel Boutique Why we picked it: a boutique hotel in the middle of Cabo San Lucas rather than a compound outside it - you walk to Medano Beach and the marina instead of waiting on a shuttle, which is the whole difference on a long weekend. [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/BgNWNk8LEQMyMARfM9QnSA.2145) [Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/BgNWNk8LEQMyMARfM9QnSA.2146) [Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/BgNWNk8LEQMyMARfM9QnSA.2147) [Casa Velas](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/BgNWNk8LEQMyMARfM9QnSA.2148) Promoted by FlowAds Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/350UvdoM6S9RfwM7ggoY5A.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 24 February 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Amazing Mancation Ideas Dec 09, 2018 [Amazing Mancation Ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazing-mancation-ideas.html) #### Things Your Need to Know to Make Cactus League Spring Training Awesome Mar 16, 2017 [Things Your Need to Know to Make Cactus League Spring Training Awesome](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/planning-tips-to-make-cactus-league-spring-training-awesome.html) #### How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure May 10, 2022 [How To Have a Perfect Colorado Summer Guys Weekend Adventure](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-have-a-perfect-colorado-summer-guys-weekend-adventure.html) ### Related Articles #### Tel Aviv Is a Serious Guys Trip - Choose Your Hotel Like One [Tel Aviv Is a Serious Guys Trip - Choose Your Hotel Like One](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tel-aviv-boutique-hotel.html) #### How To Plan A Spicy Romantic Getaway That Will Leave You Both With A Smile On Your Face [How To Plan A Spicy Romantic Getaway That Will Leave You Both With A Smile On Your Face](https://www.mantripping.com/romantic-getaways/planning-a-spicy-romantic-getaway.html) #### What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv [What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tel-aviv-first-time-booking-boutique-hotel.html) #### Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky [Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kalahari-sandusky-food-and-wine-festival-preview.html) #### Kadún Boutique Hotel Puts You in the Middle of the Cabo San Lucas You've Been Missing [Kadún Boutique Hotel Puts You in the Middle of the Cabo San Lucas You've Been Missing](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kadun-boutique-hotel-cabo-san-lucas.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Sonesta Columbus Downtown Is A Great Hotel For A Guys Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/sonesta-columbus-downtown-is-a-great-hotel-for-a-guys-getaway.html)* **Tags:** Hotel, Ohio Guys Trip Ideas, Travel Ideas, Columbus Guys Trip Ideas