Many things set The Junto apart, and the lobby of this Columbus, Ohio, hotel is where it begins. Stepping inside on a cold Sunday in December, the fireplace instantly brought warmth back to my fingers and toes—and with it, a sense of arrival. The space feels like a modern study: intimate, thoughtful, and alive with conversation. Named after Benjamin Franklin’s Junto Club, a gathering devoted to ideas and community, the hotel — much like the adventurous city that hosts it — carries that same spirit, with rooms from about $220 per night. During the holidays, the energy is amplified by a towering tree, garland, soft light, and a large fireplace wrapping the space in character. But the true warmth came from the friendliness of the staff. We were checked in by Charlie, who greeted our trip that included myself, my partner, and our dog Potato like long-lost friends returning home, ensuring Potato was just as happy with treats and belly rubs.
This Cozy Columbus Hotel Excels With Winter Charm
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Our room at The Junto
Photo: The Junto
Our room featured two queen beds in a spacious layout flooded with natural light from two huge windows. The view of the Columbus skyline provided the perfect backdrop, and a cushioned window seat piled with pillows became my favorite spot. I settled in with my laptop, getting work done while gazing out at the city, then switched to a book for some downtime. The modern blue-toned room felt both stylish and comfortable, with thoughtful touches that elevated the experience beyond a typical hotel stay.
I particularly appreciated the option to pre-order breakfast from Maudine’s, the coffee shop downstairs. The night before, you simply fill out a paper menu, hang it on your door handle with your desired delivery time, and wake up to breakfast waiting outside your room in the morning. Or skip the full breakfast and stick with the in-room drip coffee and tea setup—complimentary and convenient for those mornings when you’d rather ease into the day from bed. The bathroom impressed me with its generous size and a shower big enough to actually move around in—a luxury that’s rarer than it should be.
Experiencing Winter Haus at Brass Eye
Photo: The Junto
The real highlight of my stay came from my reservation at Winter Haus, the seasonal pop-up at Brass Eye rooftop bar. Running from November 14, 2025, through February 23, 2026, this cozy winter retreat sits atop The Junto inside a private greenhouse that seats six to eight comfortably. Despite the cold night air outside, the heated space stayed warm and inviting, complete with fur seating, Christmas trees, and twinkling decorations.
For appetizers, we ordered the Shrimp Crostini and the Fried Cheese with Fig Jam, both served alongside sourdough and both delivering on creativity and flavor. But the real showstoppers were the holiday cocktails. The Santa Sour combined gin, egg whites, and cranberry into a festive sipper, while the Clarified Grasshopper completely threw me. Made with crème de cacao, cream, crème de menthe, Maker’s Mark, and sherry, it arrived crystal clear with a marshmallow on top—trippy and delicious in equal measure. The wood fireplace crackled nearby as the bar bustled with friendly service and great energy. It’s the kind of spot that makes a cold winter night feel like an experience worth seeking out.
The Little West Tavern and other onsite dining and drinking at The Junto
THe Trade Room in the hotel’s lobby. Photo: The Junto
For dinner, we headed to the Little West Tavern, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, and immediately snagged a seat right in front of the open kitchen where chefs prepared dishes over a wood fire. The Buffalo wings became my unexpected favorite—elevated with a spicy cilantro sauce and a mild blue cheese that actually converted me. I’ve never been a blue cheese fan because it tends to overpower everything, but this version was so balanced I wanted to bottle it up and take it home.
The drinks matched the food’s creativity. I sipped on a mezcal paloma and an olive margarita, both unique spins on classics that delivered on flavor. For my main course, I went with a burger and fries that hit all the right notes, while my dining companion ordered chicken with chimichurri and potatoes. We shared a side of mac and cheese that came out super cheesy—exactly how mac and cheese should be. Dessert arrived as a warm chocolate chip cookie baked in a skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream, the perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal. The service throughout the evening was attentive and friendly, making the whole experience feel effortless. Also onsite is The Trade Room bar in the lobby
Onsite amenities at The Junto
The Library at The Junto. Photo: The Junto
The Junto offers something I haven’t seen at many hotels: free access to bikes, scooters, record players, and board games through its Gear Garage. I loved the idea of hopping on a bike to explore the neighborhood or cruise to nearby breweries in Franklinton. Even if you’re not the cycling type, borrowing a record player for your room or grabbing board games for a cozy night in adds a personal touch that makes the hotel feel less corporate and more like a curated experience.
The Junto’s location puts you within easy reach of Columbus’s best attractions. If you’re visiting during football season, catching an Ohio State Buckeyes game is a must—the energy on game day is electric. Hockey fans should make their way a few blocks over to catch the Blue Jackets in action at Nationwide Arena.
The Little Grand Market is a culinary destination housing every ethnic cuisine you can imagine under one roof, perfect for exploring flavors from around the world. And if you’re traveling with kids or simply love interactive museums, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) sits right across the street from the hotel, offering hands-on exhibits and learning experiences for all ages.
How to get to The Junto
@matadornetwork Columbus’ holiday pop-up worth saving WinterHaus at Brass Eye brings cozy rooftop lounges, seasonal cocktails, and shareable bites to the top of The Junto Hotel — and it’s only around for a limited time. Gather your crew and make a night of it. Brass Eye at The Junto Hotel @Joanna | Travel Creator #christmaspopup #holidaypopup #thingstodoincolumbus #ohio #columbus ♬ original sound – Matador | Travel + Adventure
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the closest airport, located approximately 15 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. The short rideshare costs $25 to $30. Alternatively, the number 7 bus departs from just outside baggage claim every 15 to 30 minutes and drops off at S Front St & w Broad St about 45 minutes later. You’ll have to hoof it a few blocks to the hotel, but the ride is just $2.
This was my first time in Columbus, and the city completely blew me away. It holds its own against other major U.S. cities with a downtown that feels both safe and clean, paired with a vibrant energy that kept me wanting to explore more. The Junto Hotel proved to be the perfect home base for discovering everything Columbus has to offer. 