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HOTEL VERSAILLES REDESIGNS FUTURE WITH NOD TO ITS PAST
Sometimes , even the most noble Old World ambiance can benefit from a dose of modern style and sensibility
by CAROL KIM , VAASK
Hotel Versailles in Versailles , Ohio , about an hour ’ s drive from Dayton , boasts a long and distinguished history . Located on property that has been the site of a hotel for more than 150 years , each iteration has made an effort to acknowledge the town ’ s past and ties to its namesake in France .
When a major fire in 2019 forced the hotel — then known as the Inn at Versailles — to shut down , hotel owner Midmark quickly decided to rebuild . The project took more than two years , with Ohio firms Kimberly O Design and DK Architects taking on the challenge . The revamped Hotel Versailles welcomed its first guests in spring 2022 .
A FUSION OF OLD AND NEW DESIGN
Jack Olshan , managing director of Hotel Versailles , wanted the history of the area to be kept top of mind throughout the rebuilding process .
The result is a 30-room hotel featuring French influences interwoven with industrial accents and nods to the village ’ s past , all with a more modern flair . Details such as the high , arched , metal-framed windows adorning the hotel mimic the architecture of the Palace of Versailles with a contemporary twist . Furniture designed with simple , clean lines is combined with rich , plush upholstery that hints at historical European accents .
“ The design incorporates the grandeur and artistry of the past , while also connecting each guest with an authentic experience rooted in small-town , Midwestern values ,” lead designer Kimberly Orr said .
LOCALLY SOURCED
Olshan noted how they made a special effort to incorporate local companies , vendors and artisans throughout the hotel .
Examples include the custom doors and metal bar shelves , private dining room table and centerpiece window banquet chandelier . Local artists created the artwork displayed throughout the hotel . Even the snack and beverage bar found in every room is stocked with locally sourced products .
NAMES FROM THE PAST
One major addition to the hotel is the 1819 Room , an event space designed to hold up to 200 guests . The name was chosen to spotlight the local history — 1819 is the year the town of Versailles
Photos by Catie Viox ; courtesy of Hotel Versailles
was founded . The name might harken back to centuries ago , but the new hotel features a modern room with a built-in bar , infant care room and state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities .
A restaurant has accompanied the hotel since 1993 , and it was also revamped . Silas Creative Kitchen + Cocktails takes its name from Silas Atchison , who founded the town of Versailles . Atchison was among the first innkeepers in the area , so his name is a natural fit for the elegant yet down-to-earth restaurant .
The food is built on what is seasonally available from the property ’ s 85-acre Sycamore Bridge Farm that is minutes away . Signature entrées include pan-roasted walleye , fire-roasted chicken paillard and short ribs with curried pea butter .
PERFECT FOR THE SPACE
Along with the updated décor elements , the hotel features modern technology to provide guests with comfort and convenience . Each room has an iPad compendium with fitness classes and access to more than 100 news publications .
The hotel also installed permanent hand sanitizing dispensers that combine stylish design and exceptional functionality . When Olshan saw Vaask ’ s hand sanitizing fixtures at the 2021 HD Expo hospitality trade show , he knew it was exactly what the hotel needed : sophisticated and low-maintenance .
“ Sustainability was important , and so were upkeep and aesthetics ,” Olshan said . “ Vaask is the only hand sanitizer company that ’ s done something this beautiful . It looks like we designed around them .”
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