On behalf of the Columbus Zoo located in Powell, Ohio (Delaware County), Hotel & Leisure Advisors invites qualified developers to submit initial interest and qualifications for the development of a signature, minimum 130-room, upper-upscale hotel as part of the Zoo’s long-term growth initiative.
The proposed hotel (the “Project”) will be located adjacent to the entrances of the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, with a future aquarium planned. The Project is a key component of the Zoo’s broader 2040 Framework, which seeks to enhance the overall visitor experience, extend length of stay, and further position the Zoo as a premier destination for conservation, education, and recreation.
Located in Powell, just northwest of Columbus, the Zoo serves as the anchor of a multi-attraction campus that includes Zoombezi Bay waterpark and Safari Golf Club. In 2025, the three properties welcomed over 2.1 million visitors.
The selected developer will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel project, including planning, financing, design, and construction. The Zoo is open to a range of deal structures, including ground lease or partnership arrangements, and seeks a development team capable of delivering a high-quality, experience-driven product aligned with its mission and brand.
A feasibility study for the project has been completed and will be made available to qualified and interested parties as part of the submission process.
The goal of the development is to create a unique, immersive lodging experience that complements the Zoo’s offerings, captures unmet overnight demand in the Columbus, Dublin, and Powell markets, and supports increased visitation, extended stays, and year-round engagement across the campus.
Access the RFQ:
The RFQ can be accessed here.
Columbus Zoo Request for Developer Qualifications
Any questions can be directed to:
Heidi Banak
Hotel & Leisure Advisors
hbanak@hladvisors.com
216-403-6653
About H&LA:
Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA) is a leading consulting firm in appraisals, feasibility studies, impact analyses, economic impact studies, and litigation support for hotels, resorts, waterparks, casinos, conference and convention centers, golf courses, ski resorts, and other leisure real estate. Our experienced consultants travel nationwide, analyzing hospitality trends, studying leisure industries, and understanding local communities. We focus on our clients’ competitive markets and provide thorough and thoughtful analysis of hospitality properties. Our consultants have analyzed and prepared studies on more than 4,000 properties in all 50 states, Canada, and the Caribbean.
About Columbus Zoo and Aquarium:
The Columbus Zoo is a non-profit zoo located near Powell in Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio, United States, northwest of the city of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road. It has a worldwide reputation and is continually ranked as one of the top zoos in the United States. The Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals representing over 600 species and sees nearly 2 million visitors annually. In addition, the Zoo owns the Safari Golf Club and Zoombezi Bay outdoor waterpark.