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Hotel Covington grand opening; boutique hotel is restoration of iconic Coppins Department Store


Aparium Hotel Group and The Salyers Group Tuesday announced the opening of the luxury boutique property Hotel Covington, following the restoration of the iconic 1910 Coppin’s Department Store building.

Photo of the Hotel Covington from today's grand opening (by Mark Hansel) alongside an historic photo of Coppins Department Store from the early 20th century (provided)

Photo of the Hotel Covington from today’s grand opening (by Mark Hansel) alongside an historic photo of Coppins Department Store from the early 20th century (provided). Click to enlarge.

Following a $22 million restoration of the building, Aparium Hotel Group has transformed Northern Kentucky’s original shopping destination into an upscale hotel and local gathering place to serve as a central social anchor for the community.

Situated just south of Cincinnati, this pivotal development for the City of Covington represents Aparium Hotel Group’s commitment to embracing the Covington culture rooted in a nostalgic reinvention, newfound destination dining, and adaptive design elements derived from this landmark.

“In bringing Hotel Covington to life, we drew inspiration from the outpouring of civic pride in local institutions and landmark history to curate a destination for those new to Covington, as well as those deeply familiar with the fabric of the city,” said Kevin Robinson, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of Aparium Hotel Group, which is responsible for the positioning, management and operation of the hotel.

Designing Hotel Covington: Cut From the Covington Cloth

hotel-covington-guest-roomThe century-old building is reenergized by Covington, KY-based Hub + Weber Architects and Plume Interiors + Light. Hotel Covington’s transformation seamlessly blends the modern comforts of a world-class hotel with historic nods and period details fitting for such a unique setting. Utilizing original department store blueprints, the interior of the lobby offers a peek into the past with towering ceilings and concrete columns. The large, oversized windows lining the lobby harken back to the building’s origins as a department store.

Designed both to welcome travelers and encourage locals to linger for another drink, The Lobby is divided into multiple seating areas, serving as a communal space for the growing creative class in Covington.

With The Coffee Bar serving locally roasted Carabello Coffee during the morning and early afternoon hours, the space transforms into a hyperlocal evening haunt stationed just outside the hotel’s own Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar.

The Lobby is anchored to the east by an impressive display of 22 vintage oak barrels to draw the eye – and the visitor – deeper into the space, a tribute to one of Kentucky’s greatest exports: bourbon.

Just outside the first-floor common area, Hotel Covington’s 6,000-square-foot enclosed area called The Courtyard will play host to a rotating program of visiting musicians and bands.

A venue suitable for private gatherings and receptions, the space is an urban oasis with splashes of greenery and natural light. The Courtyard guests will be invited to enjoy signature craft cocktails during the warmer months, and cozy up to the outdoor fire during Covington’s chillier seasons.

Hotel Covington’s 114 sophisticatedly-designed guest rooms balance the feminine edge of the interiors with the masculine architecture of the building itself.

Rich in playful character, the guest rooms receive distinctive, local treatment through a color palette reflective of traditional Covington homes: aubergine, navy, black, and grey.

Spirited touches reinforce the history’s fashionable past, such as the open clothing-storage system reminiscent of retail clothing racks and the trash bin molded and shaped like a department store shopping bag.

The Salyers Group’s own Fabulous Fur pillows and bed scarves, combined with luxurious fabrics covering the large historic windows, echo the building’s chic origins. Finishes of black and brass throughout juxtapose the vibrant, artwork by local artist Dave Buetsche that dresses the walls.

A Culinary Crossroads: North-Meets-South at Coppin’s

Guests enjoy the lobby of the Hotel Covington at today's grand opening event (photo by Mark Hansel).

Guests enjoy the lobby of the Hotel Covington at today’s grand opening event (photo by Mark Hansel).

Hotel Covington’s own Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar plays upon the duality of the unique geographic location, infusing authentic ingredients and elements of its Northern neighbors – such as using whole fish, game, and refined technique – with the time-honored hallmark traditions of the South.

Executive Chef Brendan Haren crafts a hyper-local menu reliant on nearby growers and producers, highlighting meat, greens, cheese and artisan products.

The 4,000-square-foot restaurant also contains a 17-seat bar offering craft beer, cider, and wine, complemented by an in-house and locally-curated craft cocktail program. The in-room private bars include large format cocktail mixers from Gents Original out of Lexington, KY, and New Riff Distilling’s 10 Year Old Bourbon “OKI” specially sized, bottled and labeled for Hotel Covington.

A spectacular setting showcases Chef Haren’s refined technique in an approachable, accessible style, in addition to light bites and snacks at the bar and private dinners in the event space,The Library, an intimate dining room that is also poised to host Sunday Suppers weekly.

Rooted in a tradition of street food and inspired by the mystique of speakeasies and some of the best-kept order secrets, The Walk Up at Hotel Covington will offer guests and passersby delights street side at (nearly) all hours.

By keeping up with Hotel Covington’s social media pages, guests will discover daily offerings down the alley leading to Chef Haren’s versions of grab-and-go that marry his fine dining background and training with the approachability and ease of food-truck-style window service.

Whether on the way to work on a weekday morning, or after a late-night weekend show at the Madison Theater, guests of The Walk Up will expect a daily taste of Kentucky’s local flavors.

Uniquely Covington Events Adorned For the Ages       

Upon descending the hotel’s Grand Staircase, Hotel Covington’s Eva G. Farris Ballroom will offer a classic venue with elements that resonate with today’s modern bride.

Presenting the visually stimulating juxtaposition between the room’s exposed concrete and antique-inspired chandeliers, the room captures the essence of urban flair and graceful refinement; a glass wall mimics department store display windows and serves as a grand entrance walkway for entrants to pass by en route to the heart of the ballroom.

This clean, minimalist design is carried on into The Boardroom and private breakout areas, comprising 4,700 square feet of designated meeting space. The Library, serving as Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar’s private-event dining room, is a book-lined alcove just off the lobby.

To learn more about Hotel Covington, click here.

Aparium Hotel Group


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