We were heading home after dropping off our daughter at college (yes, I’m still recovering from that emotional rollercoaster), and we thought, why not make a stop to unwind before getting back to everyday life? After all, if people can take a babymoon before having a baby, why can’t parents take a recovery trip after college drop-off? If you’re with me on this, I’ve got some advice: hotels and resorts, please offer packages for families during these times. You can thank me later for the free marketing advice.
And just to clarify—this isn’t a sponsored episode. We paid for our stay at DogHouse Columbus.
So, where is DogHouse Columbus? It’s located at 96 Gender Road in Canal Winchester, just about 20 miles outside of Columbus. When we first arrived in the area, we thought about exploring downtown Columbus, but honestly, we were tired and ready to relax. I used Google Maps to find some local spots near the hotel, and we ended up at Homestead Taproom and Kitchen—a great lunch stop with craft beer and delicious food. Afterward, we found another local brewery called Loose Rail that we couldn’t visit since they opened later, so we headed straight to BrewDog.
There are a few other breweries nearby, but if you’re staying at DogHouse, you’ll have plenty to do on-site, especially if you’re just there for one night.
Walking into BrewDog’s DogHouse Hotel felt like stepping into an industrial wonderland. The design is a mix of industrial architecture, colorful murals, neon signs, and a bit of mid-century modern flair. It wasn’t a spa-like atmosphere, but it was comfortable, welcoming, and the kind of place where you’d want to hang out for hours with friends and family.
The whole facility sits on 42 acres of land, and it has:
- 32 beer-themed rooms (each named after one of their beers)
- The world’s first hotel inside a craft brewery
- Taproom for non-guests who just want to drink, eat, and hang out
- A dog park (yes, they allow pets in some rooms!)
- Outdoor seating with games like Jenga and cornhole
- Mobile axe-throwing (seriously, it’s fun)
- A pinball and shuffleboard arcade
- A museum telling the story of craft beer
- A brewing facility that produces BrewDog’s beers
- A store with BrewDog merch and, of course, beer to take home
And they regularly host events like drag bingo and movies on the lawn—talk about a fun vibe!
Room Options: What We Stayed In
Here’s the breakdown of the room types you can book at DogHouse (Fall 2023):
- King Room: OverWorks views, starting at $190
- Patio Standard King: Ground-floor room with a semi-private patio, starting at $210
- Double Queen Room: Two Queen beds with OverWorks views, starting at $200
- Punk Suite: King bed, separate living area, in-room wet bar, no pets allowed, starting at $270
- BrewMaster Suite: OverWorks view, separate living space, in-room wet bar, no pets allowed, starting at $345
Checking In and Amenities
We arrived a little before check-in at 4:00 p.m. and had a short wait. But when you check in, you get a complimentary beer from the hotel’s bar. I went with the Hazy Jane Peach, which was smooth and perfectly refreshing with a 5% ABV—just right if you’re looking to enjoy a few. John tried the Mango version, which had a slightly higher ABV but was just as good.
We stayed in a Punk Suite, which was spacious and full of fun amenities:
- Mini bar stocked with beer, soda, and cider (you can even pre-order a mini keg!)
- Coffee maker
- Two televisions (perfect for a little downtime)
- A guitar (yes, really!)
- Board games and a puzzle
- A record collection with a turntable
- Wi-Fi, king-sized bed, and robes you can purchase
- A waterfall shower and awesome toiletries made with their beer
- A shower fridge with a can holder for your shower beer (which we didn’t use, but it’s cool!)
The room was great, but the most fun part was the BrewDog artwork—screen-printed concert posters made the walls pop. Just be sure to know where the light switch for the neon over the bed is—it’s tucked along the side of the headboard!
Dining and Drinks: BrewDog’s Taproom Experience
After settling in, we checked out the BrewDog Museum to learn about the history of craft beer, home brewing, and BrewDog itself. Then it was time for food and more beer! The menu had all the brewery staples—burgers, wings, pizza, and appetizers. We went with a Giant Beer Pretzel and added cured meats and cheese, and I’ve got to say, it was the best brewery pretzel I’ve had. Not too dense, just perfectly light and salty.
For dessert, we tried an Oreo and Cookie Ice Cream Cake that was as indulgent as it sounds. And I kept it chill with a Light Speed Session IPA—low ABV, but packed with flavor.
A special treat was the Stout and Cookie event from 7 to 9—their Jet Black Heart Oatmeal Stout was smooth and perfect with a chocolate chip cookie. It was the perfect way to end the night.
If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the taproom, the hotel lobby is much quieter and laid back. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a game of ping pong or check out the board games. Honestly, BrewDog really does offer something for everyone.
BrewDog’s Commitment to Sustainability
I was also impressed by BrewDog’s commitment to the planet. They’re a Positive Planet Certified Carbon Negative company, and they’ve got cool initiatives like rewarding you with a free beer if you reuse your towels. They’re doing more than just talking about sustainability—they’re walking the walk.
Breakfast and Check-Out
The next morning, we enjoyed a free breakfast in the lobby. They had a spread of pastries, yogurt, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, and—get this—free beermosas (which we didn’t try because we had a long drive ahead).
Check-out was simple, and you’re charged for any extra drinks or merch you grab during your stay. I paid for a couple of beers and a BrewDog patch, but that was it.
Overall, our visit to BrewDog’s DogHouse Columbus was a fantastic stop. One night was perfect for us, and if you’re into craft beer, I definitely recommend it. If you’re passing through Ohio, this place is an awesome pitstop to relax, have fun, and enjoy some great brews.
So if you’re planning a road trip through the Columbus area, consider staying here to unwind and recharge—just don’t overdo it on the beers if you’ve got a long drive ahead!
