Excitement is building as construction kicks off for a 200-room hotel next to Hollywood Casino Columbus.
The plans for a hotel on the West Side came as a welcome surprise for many, fulfilling long-time expectations to have an integrated resort with the casino. This new development, a partnership between the casino and Penn Entertainment, is poised to take Ohio’s gambling experience to new heights.
Penn Entertainment, the operator and developer of Hollywood Casino, first proposed the idea of an integrated resort back in 2012, right around the time when the casino itself was launched. Now, with the construction set to begin in the fall of 2023, the developer’s commitment to meeting the expectations of Ohio’s gambling enthusiasts is evident.
This project is the result of years of planning and anticipation, and it’s sure to be a game-changer for the state’s entertainment landscape.
While the concept of hotels integrated with casinos has been widely embraced across the gambling industry, it’s been noticeably absent in Ohio. Casinos in other parts of the state, such as Jack Casino in Cleveland and the Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, have partnered with downtown hotels for accommodations.
The seven-story hotel, operated by Penn, will boast a sprawling 150,000 square feet right next to the existing casino facility. Its impressive features will include 200 rooms and suites, a restaurant, conference space, a fitness center, and an outdoor terrace. Moreover, a convenient walkway will connect the hotel directly to the casino, offering seamless access to all the amenities.
While the hotel is a total win from a tourism and entertainment perspective, it’s also expected to bring about 100 new jobs to the area.
“We are thrilled to introduce new amenities and a fabulous place for our players to stay. This will enable us to offer a full conference and banquet package, attracting both existing clients and new businesses to central Ohio and the West Side with our conference and meeting space abilities,” said Rick Skinner, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino.
