Established by Absalom Martin in 1785, Martins Ferry is not only the oldest organized settlement in Ohio, but it is also the largest city in Belmont County. Its location on the Ohio River and its proximity to Wheeling, West Virginia, prompted the city's early growth, which peaked during the coal mining days of the late 1800s and early 1900s. While Martins Ferry in't home to any hotels, its nearest neighbor, Wheeling, offers a number of lodging options, most under 10 miles away.
Touted as one of Wheeling's prominent landmarks, the historic McLure House Hotel is situated 3.4 miles southwest of Martins Ferry. Since 1852, this hotel has lodged U.S. presidents, Civil War generals, and a host of dignitaries and celebrities. The 170-room hotel features an exercise room as well as meeting and conference facilities and a ball room. The on-site New Office Grill House restaurant's menu consists of salads, sandwiches and entrees, including grilled meat, seafood and pizza. McLure House Hotel is about four miles from the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum. Located in a restored Victorian-era schoolhouse, the museum houses a collection of antique and restored toys, dolls, dollhouses and trains.
Nestled just east of downtown Wheeling, the Hampton Inn is under 4 1/2 miles southwest of Martins Ferry. This 102-room hotel features a 350-gallon saltwater aquarium in its lobby as well as complementary high-speed Internet access and a buffet breakfast daily. Both the Wheeling Symphony Society, home of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, and the Victoria Vaudeville Theater are within two miles of the Hampton Inn. Established in 1904, Victoria Theater is the state's oldest theater and hosts a variety of musical and comedy performances throughout the year.
Wheeling's SpringHill Suites Hotel is located five miles from Martins Ferry. The accommodation offers simply furnished guest rooms, a fitness center and an indoor pool and whirlpool. SpringHill's signature "Grab-n-Go" continental breakfast is provided daily, while a handful of additional dining options are located within minutes of the hotel, including Ye Olde Alpha and the Salsa Cafe, which serves a selection of Mexican-inspired items. Horseback riding facilities, a jogging trail, golf course and a ski resort are all less than four miles from this hotel.
Eight miles west of Martins Ferry sits Oglebay Resort. This sprawling estate covers more than 1,700 acres and boasts hotel-style accommodations, a ski area, golf course, tennis courts, horse stables, full-service spa and the state’s only accredited zoo -- the Good Zoo and Planetarium. Each of the 271 guest rooms in the recently renovated Wilson Lodge include LCD televisions, granite countertops and wireless Internet access. Wood-burning fireplaces and private seating areas are available in the newly added lodge suites. The resort also rents out a number of cottages and estate houses for larger parties. Additionally, three separate dining facilities are available on the estate grounds.
