The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Ariel on Broadway Hotel reopens
Ariel on Broadway will open for business starting May 29.
The Ariel Broadway Hotel by Cobblestone will accept overnight guests in anticipation of businesses generally reopening and social gatherings resuming with precautions to avoid spreading the novel coronavirus.
“We plan to keep it open so hopefully more people come,” Ariel on Broadway developer Radhika Reddy said. “Lorain people just want to just come and stay the weekend.”
With Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine allowing public events to resume June 1, Reddy said the group is prepared to show the facilities to brides and potential guests to rent space for parties.
On May 28, Reddy met with department leaders including manager Laurie Cadwallader, housekeeping chief Erika Caraballo, su
pervisor Sheilla Riggs and front desk manager Sabrina Gonzalez.
All have cross-trained by Cobblestone Hotels to assist each other and guests.
“Everyone we have here is a super-positive attitude, can-do attitude, people who are very positive, upbeat about Lorain, willing to do whatever it takes to make the hotel a success,” Reddy said.
She added Cadwallader serves as her right hand and Riggs stepped up quickly to help.
“She said, don’t worry, I’ll be there, I’ll help you out, we’ll make you happen,” Reddy said.
Starting in mid-March, Ohio’s business shutdown and stayat-home orders affected Reddy’s
other Ariel event centers in Cleveland. They and the Lorain hotel had to cancel events that were planned sometimes months in advance.
“A lot of upset brides, heartbroken brides,” Cadwallader said.
In Lorain, the hotel, 301 Broadway, generally was complete earlier this year and the business closure did not affect its physical structure.
The rooftop deck is finished and offers stunning views of Lorain’s waterfront. The crew plan rooftop happy hour events, with the hotel supplying alcoholic beverages and soft drinks with food supplied by Game On Lorain and Dodie’s Dockside restaurant, which is getting ready to open.
Game On and tenants Lolipop’s and Cakes by the Lake all are open, with Faroh’s Candies also preparing for an opening.
The hotel’s pool has been refurbished, but will remain closed for now due to the COVID-19 health precautions, Reddy said.
The hotel likely will have a minimal crew until people resume more general travel later this year. The workers said they expect the number of guests will be relatively small until the Rockin’ on the River summer concert series resumes in July.
The Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit fishing tournament will take place in Lorain next week, so Reddy said she wanted to be open for anglers to stay in Lorain.
Guests can expect regular cleanings of the common spaces and high-touch surfaces.
“We have lots of disinfectant,” Gonzalez said. There will be hand sanitizer available.
The main entrance has sliding doors so it is possible to enter and get to a room touching only the elevator button and door knob.
Inside the building, guests will be asked to maintain an appropriate distance of six feet or more between people.
Guests are encouraged to wear face coverings, but masks are not required.
If anyone is feeling ill or showing symptoms of sickness, they should stay home or seek appropriate medical care.
Although the grand opening was earlier this year, Reddy said many Lorain residents still are curious about the renovation of the building.
They are welcome to stay a night, a weekend or longer in a room that has been cleaned thoroughly, she said.
“So walk-ins are welcome,” Riggs said.