Penn Entertainment sets June opening for Hollywood Casino Columbus hotel debut

Penn Entertainment Set to Launch Hollywood Casino Columbus Hotel This June

In a major move that signals a new era for gaming and hospitality in central Ohio, Penn Entertainment has officially announced that its long-anticipated hotel expansion at Hollywood Casino Columbus will open its doors on June 12, 2026. The development marks the culmination of years of planning and represents a bold step toward transforming the Columbus casino into a full-fledged entertainment resort.

The 203-room tower, rising beside the existing casino complex on the city’s west side, is more than just a place for visitors to rest their heads. It’s a strategic play to extend guest stays, increase on-site spending, and position Hollywood Casino Columbus as a premier regional destination for both gaming enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

A New Era for Casino Hospitality

This is not just another hotel opening—it’s a carefully orchestrated expansion that integrates luxury, leisure, and entertainment into a seamless guest experience. The new structure spans approximately 150,000 square feet and features 183 standard rooms and 20 luxury suites, each designed with modern aesthetics and comfort in mind.

The property will also house The Hill Eatery & Lounge, a full-service restaurant and bar that promises to serve as both a dining destination for hotel guests and a vibrant gathering spot for casino visitors. With conference and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor terrace with scenic views, the hotel is designed to cater to business travelers, tourists, and locals seeking upscale amenities.

Grand Opening Celebration Planned

To mark the occasion, Penn Entertainment is planning a high-energy launch event featuring a festival and live concert on opening day. The festivities are expected to draw crowds from across the region, offering a taste of the hotel’s offerings while spotlighting the broader entertainment potential of the property.

CEO Jay Snowden Hails Milestone

Penn Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden framed the Columbus hotel as a critical milestone in the company’s aggressive growth strategy. “We’re thrilled to officially announce the opening date for our new hotel at Columbus, which positions us to be the top entertainment destination in the region,” Snowden said. “This opening will mark our third retail development project to be completed in under a year, building on the momentum from our new casino in Joliet and second hotel tower at the M Resort.”

Indeed, the Columbus launch is part of a whirlwind development cycle for Penn. The company recently opened a $185 million Hollywood Casino in Joliet, Illinois, replacing a decades-old riverboat operation with a state-of-the-art land-based venue. In Las Vegas, a second tower at the M Resort Spa Casino has also recently debuted, expanding capacity and elevating the property’s profile on the city’s bustling hospitality scene.

Local Impact and Employment Opportunities

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the project carries significant economic implications for the Columbus area. Penn Entertainment expects the hotel to generate approximately 100 new jobs, ranging from hospitality and food service roles to management and maintenance positions. To staff the new facility, the company has scheduled job fairs on March 27 and April 10, inviting local applicants to join the team ahead of the June opening.

Room reservations will open to the public on April 15, 2026, via the Hollywood Casino Columbus website, allowing eager travelers to secure their stays well in advance of the grand debut.

Columbus as a Regional Entertainment Hub

The hotel’s arrival is part of a broader vision to make Hollywood Casino Columbus a year-round entertainment hub. In addition to the new accommodations, the property is preparing to unveil an expanded high-limit table games room in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval. This move is aimed at attracting high rollers and elevating the casino’s gaming profile.

Looking ahead, Penn Entertainment’s development pipeline remains robust. The company is preparing to open another Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois, later in 2026, while a major land-based casino project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is slated for completion in late 2027 or early 2028.

A Transformative Investment

For Columbus, the hotel represents more than just an expansion—it’s a transformative investment in the city’s entertainment infrastructure. By integrating upscale lodging with dining, meeting spaces, and premium gaming, Penn Entertainment is betting big on the city’s potential to draw visitors from across the Midwest.

Whether you’re a seasoned casino-goer, a business traveler, or a tourist exploring Ohio’s capital, the new Hollywood Casino Columbus hotel promises to deliver a fresh, dynamic experience that blends the excitement of gaming with the comfort and sophistication of a modern resort.

Featured image: Penn Entertainment

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