The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Marriott, through local construction company Testa will be building a new hotel in Downtown Akron. It’s not replacing anything right in the heart of the city, but just north of state route 18 in the Northside area.
Currently, Northside has a loft/condo complex that is very pretty (See picture below). Adding a hotel is sure to add more to this part of the neighborhood, and may be another attraction or restaurant, or two. Honestly, I’ve never even been past Northside before, because it always just looks like its down town, but, well, not really, and off by itself. Maybe this will bring more people to this area, who knows.
Hotels in Akron
The ABJ article lists how recently the last hotel showed up in Akron…. Let’s just say it was when I was 5, in 1980. Quaker Square is hardly a hotel anymore, since the University took most of it over as Student Housing.
Thankfully, the hotel is connected to one of the major hotel brands. If I had to choose, I would certainly stay in a hotel named Marriott over one called “Akron City Centre Hotel”. LIke it or not, brands rule- especially if you are traveling from out of state.
I am sure they will do very well, and likely pull in hotel traffic that usually ends up in Green, Fairlawn, and Cuyahoga Falls. The new hotel will open in late 2011.
Mom’s Point of View
As a mom, I am simply pleased to see new construction in our hometown, making a newer, more vibrant cultural hub. Newer buildings, more visitors, more money being spent brings up everything with it. Akron’ s just the right size and a good place, and this will make it better.
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
We frequent North side restaurants, I love the area,shops, galleries etc. I think the addition of a major hotel will be wonderful. My only question is; when this is built what will happen to the strip of stores that is currently located in that section? There is a florist, a potter maker, a gallery and something else I can not remember off the top of my head. I hope they are able to somehow keep that area the same. I love the “artsie” feel of it:)
Northside is growing up. We like the Chrissie Hynde’s vegetarian restaurant too.