To our valued guests,

Providing safe and clean environments for our guests and associates is always our top priority, even more so today.  With the latest news on Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, The Blackwell Inn is doing its part to help keep our community healthy and we ask our guests to do the same. 

Our Associates

Our associates adhere to and enforce health and safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health, The Ohio State University’s Safe and Healthy Campus and American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Safe Stay program.  

Our associates are committed to ensuring our hotel, conference center, restaurant and lobby lounge remain a safe and healthy place for you and your guests to enjoy.  They are equipped with protective gear, including face masks and gloves, and the following measures are enforced:

  • Daily health check prior to their shift
  • Mandating those who have any signs of illness to stay home
  • Use of face coverings is required in all public spaces
  • Practice physical distancing in all common areas
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Additional measures put into place for our guests and associates includes:

  • Signage encouraging physical distancing
  • 24-hour room recovery plan
  • Implementation of hand sanitizer stations
  • Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces throughout the day

Our Guests

Our guests are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines as part of the Safe and Healthy Campus:

  • Face masks must be worn in indoor settings and in outdoor spaces where individuals gather and cannot maintain physical distancing of at least six feet between each person. 
  • Practice physical distancing – indoor or outdoor – by standing at least six feet away from other groups of people not traveling with them, including any area where guests congregate. 
  • Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching common surfaces.  If soap and water are not available, 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used. Hand sanitizer stations are widely available throughout the hotel and conference center in all public spaces. 
  • Refrain from traveling if you are ill. This includes if you have, or recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 30 days.

What Hotel Guests Should Expect During Their Stay

  • Self-parking option available for all guests in Lane Avenue Parking Garage
  • One-way guest flow and entrances and exits are marked, where applicable
  • Lobby furniture and other public seating areas reconfigured to promote physical distancing
  • Minimized traffic in enclosed spaces, such as elevators and stairwells
  • Where physical distancing may not be possible, ‘sneeze guards,’ mask requirements, or usage limits and layout adjustments are in place
  • Multi-use and unnecessary items and amenities may be removed from guest rooms
  • Housekeeping does not enter guest rooms during a stay, unless by special request or circumstances
  • In-Room Dining adjusted for proper pickup/delivery protocols, sanitation of cutlery and single use condiments
  • Dining services are limited, check with the hotel 24 hours prior to your stay for the most up-to-date offerings and hours

The Blackwell Meeting and Event Experience

All meetings and events at The Blackwell Inn must follow state, local and university protocols to protect all involved.  These protocols include wearing masks, managing physical distancing and tracking attendance to support contact tracing if needed.  Note that all guidance is subject to change based on health guidance.  

Group sizes will be limited based on the capacity of the location, requirements to maintain physical distancing and operational requirements.  Your catering manager will work with you to secure the right room based on your number of attendees while keeping physical distancing in mind. 

All meetings and events must be approved in advance by the university’s Events Review Committee.  Your Blackwell catering manager will work in conjunction with you to complete the process and obtain approval.  Academic units planning to hold meetings and events should contact Vice Provost Randy Smith for information about the approval process.

All programs must maintain accurate participation and attendance logs for use with potential contact training.  Program leaders must have a plan in place to ensure appropriate distancing for participant registration, drop-off, pick-up and other aspects of the program.

Attendees should wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching common surfaces. If soap and water are not available, 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used.  Program leaders should allow for regular hand washing.

Equipment and other high-touch spaces cleaned regularly throughout the day.  All spaces are cleaned and disinfected nightly.  Programs should appoint one staff member who is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of safety protocols.

Our Commitment

Our commitment to planning for the future in the areas of cleanliness, hygiene and physical distancing is our priority.  We will continue monitoring the COVID-19 updates and will respond based on the advice of The Ohio State University, government partners, public health authorities, and medical professionals.   Your continued flexibility, cooperation and commitment are vital to remain Together As Buckeyes in keeping the community safe.