The Granville Inn: Historic Charm Meets Modern Day Luxury

Nestled at the end of Granville Ohio’s quaint shopping district on East Broadway street is the historic Granville Inn.

Granville is located in Licking County Ohio, just 30 minutes east of Columbus, in the central part of the state.

The Granville Inn was the perfect setting for our romantic weekend getaway.

History Lesson

Opened since 1924, the Granville Inn has a long history of hospitality.

We were fortunate not only to spend a romantic weekend at the Granville Inn but to also get a personal history lesson and guided tour from the Inn’s Executive Chef, Chad Lavely.

Walking through the halls of the Inn, the dining areas, meeting rooms, guest rooms, and even the behind-the-scenes storage and maintenance rooms, we learned of the long-standing history of the Inn.

Chef Chad pointed out the elements of the Inn that were original, such as the chandeliers hanging in the bar. The chandeliers had actually been rescued (or possibly stolen?) after the Inn’s former owner went through tough times, and all the Inn’s belonging were sold at auction.

Chef Chad showed us a piece of the Inn’s original china, along with other artifacts, which had been reacquired via ebay and other means over the years.

Stories passed down from Granville residents and former staff paint a picture of the memories made at the Inn over the course of a century. I found the story of a waiter spilling a drink on Elizabeth Taylor several decades ago when she was a guest at the Granville Inn to be particularly noteworthy!

One of the large meeting rooms in the basement was also at one time used as a Gentleman’s Parlor…where Rock Hudson was known to have entertained young gentlemen. There was even a secret stairwell to the basement, which has since been closed off. And there was a time when the county and the Inn were “Dry”, and the private rooms in the basement likely took on a more lively tone than the dining areas on the main level.

If those walls could talk!

The Granville Inn has been remodeled and updated numerous times over the years. Sometimes expanding on the Inn’s size and at times allowing for modernization of the building’s infrastructure and systems. But modifications were always carefully considered, ensuring the Inn’s historic charm and appeal were maintained.

Not everyone gets the fabulous guided tour we received during our stay. But if you get the chance to talk to Chef Chad, he will most likely be delighted to tell you not only about the latest additions to the menu, but also his vast knowledge of the Inn’s fascinating history.

Dining Options

Locals and guests of the Inn alike can regularly be found enjoying the culinary delights of Chef Chad and his talented staff.

The Oak Room is the formal dining space open daily for dinner. When the weather is nice, dining and drinking on the spacious patio (the largest in Granville) is another appealing option. In the summer months patrons can also take in some live music.

Given that our trip to Granville took place in February, we will have to return later in the year to enjoy patio season.

The Tavern at the Inn offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in a slightly more casual atmosphere than The Oak Room.

 

The Tavern’s sophisticated bar was the perfect place for my husband and I to celebrate happy hour. Brent ordered the Volkstead Tribute Martini and I sipped on a bubbly Champagne Cocktail.

From 4-6pm Monday through Friday signature libations, along with domestic beer and house wines, are just half price, so why not?!

We also ordered the cheese plate, thoroughly enjoying the assortment of 4 Ohio cheeses.

The highlight of happy hour was the sushi!

The sushi menu was extensive, and I found it hard to make a decision. We ended up selecting the Naruto Cucumber Roll, with spicy crab. Brent must have said at least five times, “This is the best sushi I have ever had!”

We returned to the Tavern the next morning for a fabulous brunch, only served on the weekends. Chef Chad prepares several of the usual brunch favorites, but all with a unique flair. And you will find several unexpected items on the menu as well.

We opted for the more lunch-type fare, splitting a bowl of French onion soup, the Fedora Chopped salad, and a half order of the Mediterranean Nachos. Delish!!

When pressed to share what his best dishes are, Chef Chad eventually offered up a few suggestions, with the Mediterranean Nachos making the cut. So we had to try these non-traditional nachos topped with lamb, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce and other goodies piled atop homemade crispy pita chips. I absolutely loved them! And the salad was top-notch as well.

Needless to say, Brent and I cleaned our plates.

Event Spaces

The Granville Inn also provides the perfect setting to gather with friends and family for special occasions or business meetings.

 

Private dining rooms can be reserved for intimate parties, and the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 130 people.

There is also a lovely outdoor patio just for private events. Many nuptials have been celebrated at the Granville Inn. And the ornate window along the stairwell leading up to the second floor has served as the backdrop for countless bridal photos.

Chef Chad and his culinary staff provide food for all the Inn’s events, so you can expect the same level of tasty dishes at a private party as you will get in the Inn’s restaurants.

Guest Rooms

The Granville Inn boasts 39 elegant and spacious rooms, including 3 suites. Each room features luxurious bedding and high-end décor.

9 rooms were added to the third story just a few years ago and provide full ADA accessibility. Given the historic nature of the building, a creative remodel was required, and the result is spectacular.

We had the pleasure of staying in a suite on the 3rd floor, which is often used as the bridal suite. The room was spacious and cozy at the same time.

I loved the charm of the exposed stone wall in the bedroom and living room and the convenience of the wet bar.

But I could have spent the whole night in the luxurious bathroom! The huge bathtub, spacious state of the art shower, dual sinks, and his and her white robes are exactly what all romantic weekends should consist of!

Top it off with a bottle of Granville Inn’s signature wine, and any couple would feel like they were on their honeymoon.

Watch this video and step inside our luxurious room at the Granville Inn!

Along with out of town guests seeking rest and relaxation, the Granville Inn also attracts visitors to the local University.  The Granville Inn was actually purchased by Denison University in 2013.

Denison University is the small but prestigious liberal arts college situated atop the hill in Granville. Some of Denison’s well-known alums include Jennifer Garner (’94), Steve Carell (‘84), Michael Eisner (’64), and Richard Lugar (’54).

While I can’t say if any of these famous alums have stayed at the Granville Inn, it is a popular spot during major university events such as graduation and Big Red Weekend. With a limited number of rooms at the Inn, during those key event weekends a lottery system is used to determine who will get a room at the Inn.

Denison University also owns the nearby Denison Golf Club. Guests of the Inn can purchase a package that includes an overnight stay along with a round of golf or choose from romance or spa-themed packages to create the perfect getaway.

Sadly our time at the Granville Inn had to end…although I would absolutely consider moving into that bathroom if the offer ever presented itself!

We had a fabulous time exploring the town of Granville, and our accommodations at the Granville Inn were truly top-notch. We look forward to returning to this charming town in warmer weather and again enjoying the Midwest hospitality of the Granville Inn.

Enjoy this tour of the Granville Inn and then book your stay in Granville, Ohio!

Have you ever visited Granville, Ohio? If so, comment below to share your experience!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Granville Inn for hosting our stay and to Chef Chad for the amazing tour and history lesson!
As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

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