DEBBIE NORRELL
For many years I have been watching the spot at the corner on Highland Avenue across from the News Stand. The sign read, “Hotel Indigo coming soon.” Finally, the ground was broken and the building started to take shape. I had not driven by the area for a few months and then I received a press release that the hotel was open.
So now I’m curious; I must see the inside of the new crown jewel of East Liberty or what I knew as S’Liberty back in the day.
My visit to the hotel was on a Tuesday evening; I did not realize valet parking was available so I parked on the street, which actually was a good idea. By doing that I was able to walk and see the hotel appear in front of me. For anyone who knows this area you will be impressed and surprised to the new addition on the corner that is across from the old Pyramid and across from the former Noir Lifestyles. Remember those businesses?
I walked into the lobby and my eyes were immediately drawn to a very welcoming fireplace, such a nice touch. I went up two steps to the mirrored registration desks, dramatic and beautiful. S
o far I like what I’m seeing. My host was there to greet me and we entered the elevator to view the rooms. Most elevators are rather bland, but these have film, yes a picture of film etched in the wall. I was impressed.
When we arrived to our floor the elevator’s doors opened to reveal a mural that was actually like an old roll of camera film. Can you feel that I was picking up what they were putting down? It was so unexpected. The hotel house phones were actually replicas of old black telephones with a handset.
We checked out three rooms. They were sleek and inviting. The artwork on the walls caught my attention. There was a large framed “E” and a wall wallpapered with film reels. I asked what is that about and I was told it represents East Liberty and the movie theatres that used to be there. On another floor there was a huge mural with old-fashioned pay phones. I had to check out the ladies room again another well-done space. Kudos to the decorator.
There are some great, yet unexpected, touches on the walls and on the ceilings. We ended our tour in the CW Wallace Tap Room.
So who is CW Wallace? He was the architect that designed the Governors Hotel and the Highland Building. The old Governors Hotel is actually one of the buildings that was used to create Hotel Indigo and you will see the Governors Hotel sign leading to the conference rooms and a photo display of former governors.
On the night that I was there I tried the meatball sliders, loaded french fries, spinach salad and deviled eggs. Everything was good but the fries and the pickled deviled eggs stood out. The rooms start at about $171 a night, I give it 4 stars.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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