You’ve probably seen the glossy marketing shots. The ones where the LeVeque Tower looms over the Scioto River like a Gotham City fever dream, all glowing terra cotta and sharp Art Deco edges. They’re stunning. But honestly, if you're just looking at the standard Hotel LeVeque Autograph Collection photos on a booking site, you’re missing the actual soul of the place.
Most people think this is just another high-end Marriott property tucked into an old building. It isn't.
When you walk into the lobby, the air smells like bergamot and lavender. It’s a signature scent from Cliff Original, a local Columbus brand. That’s the first thing the photos can’t tell you. The second thing? The light. Because the building is clad in "oak bark" terra cotta, the way the sun hits the facade at 4:00 PM creates a golden glow that looks less like a hotel and more like a lighthouse.
Which, fun fact, it actually was. Pilots in the 1920s used the tower as an aerial beacon.
The Reality of Those "Starry" Guest Rooms
If you've scrolled through Instagram, you’ve seen the pictures of the stars on the ceiling. Every single guest room at Hotel LeVeque comes with a specialized laser projector. It’s not a gimmick; it’s basically the centerpiece of their "celestial" theme.
People always ask: "Does it actually look like the photos?"
Kinda. In the professional shots, the stars look like a crisp, HD planetarium show. In reality, they're a bit softer, a rhythmic, pulsing green light that fills the room. It’s incredibly relaxing, especially if you’ve spent the day navigating the madness of the Short North or catching a show at the Palace Theatre next door.
What to look for in the room photos:
- The Telescopes: Many of the river-view suites have working telescopes. If you see a photo with a brass telescope, that’s a King Suite or a Large Queen Suite.
- The Bathrooms: Look for the white marble. The walk-in showers are huge, and the fixtures are from the Kohler Purist collection in brushed bronze. It feels very "Great Gatsby" meets 2026.
- The Art: Look closely at the walls. The artwork isn't generic hotel prints; it’s all astronomically themed, often highlighting the horoscope of the building’s cornerstone (February 12, 1925).
Getting the Best Hotel LeVeque Autograph Collection Photos
If you’re a photographer or just someone who wants a killer shot for the 'gram, the lobby is your best friend. But don't just stand in the middle and snap a pic of the front desk. The desk itself is navy and gold, meant to represent the night sky, but the real magic is the mezzanine.
Go up to the second level. Look down.
The pattern of the floor, the curvature of the gold-accented furniture, and the way the light spills from the "The Keep" restaurant creates a composition that’s way more interesting than a standard wide shot.
Speaking of The Keep, the bar there is a mood. It’s a French Brasserie style with a speakeasy vibe. The lighting is notoriously moody—low, warm, and heavy on the shadows. If you’re trying to photograph your cocktail, you’ll need a steady hand or a lot of post-processing. But the brass rails and dark wood make for some of the most authentic-feeling Hotel LeVeque Autograph Collection photos you can take.
The Exterior Shots: Don't Forget the Garage
This sounds weird. Why would you go to a parking garage for a luxury hotel photo?
The LeVeque Tower Garage is legendary among Columbus photographers. If you go to the top floor at sunset, you get a clear, unobstructed view of the tower's upper floors. You’re close enough to see the intricate carvings in the terra cotta—the eagles and the decorative motifs that are invisible from the street.
From the ground, the best angle is actually from the Broad Street Bridge. Walk halfway across the bridge toward COSI. Turn back. The way the hotel reflects in the Scioto River is the "money shot."
Common Misconceptions About the Property
A lot of people see the photos of the towering 47-story skyscraper and assume the hotel occupies the whole thing. It doesn't.
The Hotel LeVeque actually only takes up floors 5 through 10. The rest of the tower is a mix of luxury apartments, condos, and office spaces. This is why you’ll sometimes see photos of a swimming pool or a rooftop terrace that look like they belong to the hotel—they don't. Those are private residential amenities.
Don't get it twisted, though. The hotel’s 149 rooms are some of the most spacious in downtown Columbus.
Real Talk on the Suites
The King Suites are 800 square feet. That’s bigger than most New York apartments. When you’re looking at photos of the suites, notice the separate living areas and the 1.5 bathrooms. It’s a lot of space. If you book a standard King Room, it’s still nice (about 300-400 square feet), but you won't have that sprawling, multi-room layout you see in the "featured" gallery images.
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Practical Tips for Your Stay (and Your Camera)
If you’re planning to visit, keep these things in mind to make the most of the aesthetic:
- Request a High Floor: Even though the hotel only goes to floor 10, the 10th floor offers significantly better views of the Statehouse or the river than the 5th.
- Golden Hour is King: The white terra cotta is highly reflective. It changes color from white to gold to a soft pink depending on the sun.
- Use the Skywalk: There’s a skywalk connecting the garage to the hotel. It’s a great spot for "industrial-chic" photos with the city streets blurred in the background.
- Check the Theatre Schedule: The Palace Theatre is literally attached. If there’s a big show, the sidewalk will be packed. If you want a clean exterior shot, aim for a weekday morning.
Honestly, the Hotel LeVeque is one of those rare places where the vibe is actually better than the pictures. There’s a quietness to it. Even though you’re in the middle of a busy capital city, the thick walls of the 1927 tower block out almost all the noise.
You feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to capture your own Hotel LeVeque Autograph Collection photos, start by booking a room on the river side of the building. This guarantees you the best natural light and the highest chance of having a telescope in your room.
Before you arrive, check the local sunset times for Columbus. You'll want to be on the top floor of the parking garage or the Broad Street Bridge exactly 20 minutes before the sun goes down to get that iconic "beacon" glow.
Finally, don't just rely on your phone's auto-mode for the star projector shots. Use a "night mode" or a long exposure (2-3 seconds) to really capture the way the green light fills the room. It’s the one photo everyone wants, and it’s the hardest one to get right without a little bit of patience.