Burrowed in the historic downtown district of Columbus, Ohio stands The Junto, a boutique hotel on Franklinton’s Belle Street that thrives at the axis of hospitality, history, and community. Open since June of 2023, The Junto is cool and effortless, boasting a welcoming experience and environment for guests in the heart of the Midwest. 

The independent lifestyle hotel is complete with 198 rooms, commendable culinary experiences, and relaxing spaces intended for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy one another. With convenient access to local attractions, arts, restaurants, and shops, The Junto hosts amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, or the outdoor equipment garage dubbed the “Gear Garage”, where patrons can use bikes, skateboards, kayaks, kites, and more to explore the ever-evolving city of Columbus.

The Junto finds its inspiration from Benjamin Franklin’s “Junto Club,” which he founded in 1727 as a designated space that brought people together to discuss modern-day ideas. Columbus’s contemporary manifestation of this notion lies within the walls of this hotel. Dynamic spaces include the Little West Tavern, an indoor-outdoor restaurant filled with wood-fired meals and classic cocktails. Upstairs is Brass Eye, another indoor-outdoor space, this time a rooftop bar that serves scaping views of downtown Columbus along with steak & frites, deviled eggs, and experimental aperitifs. Then there’s breakfast spot, coffee shop, and bakery, Maudine’s (named after Maudine the cow, who won Ohio State’s homecoming queen in 1926), or the Trade Room, filled with comfortable seating arrangements and intricate design to hold conversation and cocktails. 

In addition to its food and beverage offerings, The Junto ministers programs and experiences for guests to explore. Led by lifestyle curator Ariana Lindenfelser, itineraries range from brunch at Brass Eye, visits to the Center of Science and Industry (in which two complimentary tickets are available to guests upon request), and Trade Room Talks that encourage residents and visitors alike to engage in captivating conversations.  

The Junto has built up its own Utopia in Columbus, and with good measure holds the title of USA Today’s 2024  Best New Independent Lifestyle Hotel while simultaneously being voted the number one hotel in Columbus on TripAdvisor. On top of supplemental amenities and happenings, The Junto still holds its own in the most basic aspect of any away stay: the room! In variations of standard king beds to homey lofts and apartments with terrace balconies, each room is spacious and pristine with some variation of a city view. With built-in window seats that overlook the Scioto River, rooms are decorated with local and art and include a copy of No Idea is Final: Quotes from the Creative Voices of Our Time. In addition to the atmosphere, lodging helps guests to sleep with blackout curtains and helps them wake up with in-room drip coffee, tea, and snacks. 

The Junto reserves its spot as a memorable stay not only because it possesses a sense of familiar warmth, but also because it awakens the spirit of Columbus, reminding travelers and locals alike of the enthralling west downtown neighborhood they find themselves in.