A legacy of Grandeur
The Blennerhassett Hotel holds a prominent place in Parkersburg’s history, reflecting the wealth of the oil and gas boom era of the 1880s. Built by Colonel William Nelson Chancellor, it was designed to be an
unparalleled construction in West Virginia and catered to the millionaires of its time. The hotel boasted both gas and electric power when it opened in 1889, a sign of the city’s modernity, as Parkersburg had only received electric street lighting the previous year.
Hotel History
Constructed over a period that spanned six years, the Blennerhassett Hotel stands as a monument to the vision of Colonel William Nelson Chancellor. Ground broke in 1883, and it wasn’t until May 6, 1889, that the hotel greeted its first guests. Envisioned to surpass any other establishment in West Virginia during its era, the hotel was a sanctuary designed for the affluent — the millionaires captivated by the oil and gas boom of the 1880s in Parkersburg.
Architectural Highlights
From its inception, the Blennerhassett Hotel embraced innovation and luxury. It boasted a sophisticated blend of gas and electrical systems, a forward-thinking design choice that aligned with Parkersburg’s adoption of electricity in 1888. Companies from the local area diligently wired the building and installed gas lighting and steam heating, ensuring a modern and comfortable environment for its patrons.
The hotel’s interiors were adorned with elaborate window treatments and frescoes executed by artisans from Cincinnati, Ohio. Notably, it featured an electric passenger elevator—a novelty at the time—as well as a service elevator, both contributing to the hotel’s grand allure.
Distinctive to its design, the hotel housed its restaurant on the second floor capable of seating up to 80 diners, while the kitchen was strategically placed on the fifth floor as a fire safety measure. Furnished by the Bentley and Gerwig furniture company, the common areas displayed opulence with double parlors and an upright piano, and a protected grand mirror in the lobby to safeguard against potential disruptions.
The Working Library
Step into the splendid realm of The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa, where the charm of our grand lobby extends to a remarkable working library. Boasting over a thousand volumes in an array of genres, our collection has steadily grown since 1985—thanks to the cherished contributions from our community.
Imagine unwinding to the tales of intrigue and mystery within our thriller novels, or broadening your knowledge with our non-fiction literature. Discover worlds within worlds as you peruse books on history, geography, and the many places you can travel. Young readers will delight in their dedicated section, full of stories that inspire and educate, while local literature penned by regional authors invites you to explore the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
Our animal and nature sections are a tribute to the wilderness that surrounds us, inspiring a profound connection with the natural world. Guests are encouraged to select a book to enjoy during their stay, creating a personal retreat within their rooms—a sanctuary of literature.
The Blennerhassett’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading is evident through our Book Drives, which replenish our shelves and extend the joy of reading to nursing and personal care homes. Through this ongoing cycle of renewal, our collection remains as dynamic as the guests who grace our halls.
Amidst the quiet rustle of turning pages, challenge a companion to a timeless game of checkers or chess at one of our game tables. Or simply bask in the warmth of our working gas log fireplace, adorned with bespoke brass fittings and delicate ornaments, offering a cozy backdrop for your literary adventure.
At The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa, our library is an invitation—an enchanting space designed for guests to engage, reflect, and escape into the pleasures of a good book. Come, immerse yourself, and add a new chapter to your travel experience.
Chancellor’s Legacy
Chancellor was not only the visionary behind the hotel; he twice served as the mayor of Parkersburg and presided over its First National Bank, initially working his way from teller to president. His banking enterprise was integrated into the hotel’s operations and remained a feature well into the 1910s. A testament to the hotel’s pioneering spirit, it is reputed to be one of the first—if not the very first—buildings in Parkersburg with functional modern-day electricity.
The Blennerhassett Hotel, rich in history and beaming with architectural marvels, continues to echo Chancellor’s ambition. It retains its place as an emblem of luxury and a relic of Parkersburg’s storied past.
Uncover the Past! Tap on any of the links below to uncover the rich heritage of The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa!
1960 Presidential Race: Visits by John F. Kennedy
Former President John F. Kennedy - In 1960, Mr. Robert Huck managed the Blennerhassett Hotel, which had the honor of hosting one notable guest — a young senator from Massachusetts named John F. Kennedy. At a time when securing West Virginia’s electoral vote was pivotal for presidential hopefuls, Kennedy embarked on a tour of the state. His campaign trail led him through Parkersburg, where he graced the Blennerhassett Hotel with his presence on two occasions in May of 1960.During his visits to Parkersburg, Kennedy chose the Blennerhassett Hotel for his accommodations. His stays at the hotel included occasions when his brothers, Ted and Bobby, accompanied him. The Blennerhassett was also the venue for a celebratory banquet luncheon in Kennedy's honor. On these occasions, Senator Kennedy resided in suite 216. In the year 1960, this suite was renowned for being the largest available guest suite at the hotel, conveniently situated on the building's second floor, facing Fourth Street.
Most Recent Renovation 2002~2006
In November 2002, the hotel embarked on its third major renovation, a meticulous process that continued until the spring of 2006. The Ross Family, having acquired the property in 2000, spearheaded this ambitious project which exceeded a budget of ten million dollars. Work commenced on the fifth level and progressed methodically to each subsequent floor until the renovation seamlessly encompassed the entire building. This extensive overhaul resulted in a reduction from approximately 104 guest rooms to 89, ensuring a more spacious and luxurious guest experience.Recently, the space adjacent to the Hotel on Market Street underwent significant renovations. Buildings previously occupying the right side were removed, and a portion of this land was subsequently acquired to establish a new garden patio. Concurrently, we created an opening in the main dining room wall to accommodate the installation of doors that provide access to the fresh outdoor space. An adaptable stage was constructed within the patio to facilitate live entertainment throughout the summer season. In addition, a climate-controlled patio tent was erected to host various Hotel events, regardless of the weather.
Return to Glory 1985 ~ 2002
In 1985, the hotel embarked on a significant overhaul that concluded in early 1986, amounting to over seven million dollars in upgrades. This period witnessed the construction of a new addition to the hotel, featuring a stately ballroom and promenade on the ground level, with additional guest rooms spanning from the second to the fifth floors, totaling approximately 104 rooms. A fascinating atrium with rooftop skylights was introduced on the third floor, alongside the installation of modern guest elevators and the establishment of the Library.Furthermore, the adjacent Kaltenecker building on Market Street was seamlessly integrated into the hotel's structure during this renovation. A collection of antiques from across the nation was curated to infuse a sense of history into the hotel's ambience. The inclusion of dark-stained wainscoting throughout the building contributed to an ambiance reminiscent of a Mississippi Riverboat. Constructed concurrently with the Blennerhassett Hotel by John Kaltenecker, the Kaltenecker Building shares its distinctive architectural style due to employing the same architect tasked with the hotel's design. The namesake 'Kaltenecker' is prominently etched into the building's third-floor sandstone, a feature that was restored during the hotel's third major renovation after weathering had rendered it nearly illegible, thereby preserving its historical significance.
First Renovation & Fire 1944~1979
Since its inception in 1889, the Blennerhassett Hotel has undergone three significant renovations. The initial revamp took place in 1944-45 under Nelson C. Burwell's direction—grandson of William Chancellor. This refurbishment introduced a terrazzo floor in the lobby and a marble facade on the building's front. Today, a section of the original terrazzo floor is preserved in the current library, restored for public viewing in March 2020.By the late 1970s, the hotel had deteriorated and ceased regular operations. In 1979, thirty elderly tenants occupied rooms as makeshift apartments, while parts of the lobby served as the "Brass Works." On May 9, 1979, a fire ignited in a linen closet on the second floor. However, the Parkersburg Fire Department swiftly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading beyond the fourth floor. After the fire and a period of vacancy, local Parkersburg citizens, alongside Pennsylvania investors, rallied in 1980 to revitalize the landmark hotel.
Things to do near by
Discover Parkersburg, WV: The Gem at the Confluence of Rivers Parkersburg, the county seat of Wood County, West Virginia and the state’s fourth largest city, sits at the junction of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers and anchors the Parkersburg–Vienna metro area."Love the Library!"
The library is my favorite part for my love of books and the history they hold. The rooms are plush, private, and the service is always immaculate. The restaurant and bar area are top notch, I’d recommend this hotel 10/10 every time! Location, location, location as well!
"A Great Find"
We had a lovely stay. The hotel staff are so friendly and helpful. The tour of the hotel is a must—fun and informative. We booked a massage for my mother at the hotel spa and she loved it. We also went to the piano brunch which was nice— good food with piano music in the background.
"Super Clean!"
Super Clean rooms! ...The lounge and bar area was so amazing that we never made it to the main dinning room for our dinner reservation! The staff was very helpful and polite. The Bartender was excellent and so was the food! We WILL revisit for a longer stay next time. Thanks STAFF!
