Setting the Stage
Historic Old West End, Toledo
Nestled in the heart of the Old West End, The King’s Throne Inn and Guest House provides the perfect home away from home, in a beautiful historic setting. The Old West End in Toledo, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally developed as a prestigious residential area, it became home to prominent industrialists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The neighborhood experienced rapid growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the construction of grand Victorian and Edwardian homes, showcasing various architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and Tudor Revival. During its heyday, the Old West End was one of Toledo’s most fashionable neighborhoods, characterized by tree-lined streets, ornate mansions, and a vibrant social scene. However, like many historic districts, it faced challenges in the mid-20th century, including economic changes and suburbanization, which led to some decline. In the 1970s, efforts began to preserve and revitalize the neighborhood, leading to the designation of the Old West End as a historic district. Today, it is celebrated for its architectural heritage and diverse community. The Old West End Festival, held annually, attracts visitors from across the region, showcasing the neighborhood’s charm and cultural vitality.
The King’s Throne Inn
The King’s Throne Inn nestled in the heart of Historic West End Toledo is renowned for its historical charm and luxurious accommodations. Located in the heart of Toledo, it offers a regal experience fit for royalty, with opulent decor, impeccable service, and a rich history dating back centuries. Guests can expect to be treated like kings and queens during their stay at this prestigious establishment.
History of 2040 Collingwood Blvd and The King’s Throne Inn
2040 Collingwood Blvd, along with the townhome adjacent to it (2038 Collingwood), were actually built as the ‘in-laws suites’ to the Reynolds-Secor House, the mansion directly across the street. The townhouse that now serves as the King’s Throne Inn (2040 Collingwood) was owned and occupied by the Reynolds side of the in-laws while 2038 Collingwood was occupied by the Secor side of the in-laws. Fun fact: 2038-2040 Collingwood Blvd were the first townhomes of that time.
The Reynolds-Secor House is one of many mansions on Toledo, Ohio’s, Old West End neighborhood of fine Victorian and Edwardian homes from the early 1900s, when Toledo was thriving as a manufacturing city and earning its nickname as America’s “Glass City” for its array of fine-glass factories. This mansion was actually a wedding gift to the newlyweds.
Getting to Know Landon King: The King’s Throne Inn Founder
- When was The King’s Throne Inn founded?
I founded the Kings Throne in July of 2021.
- Where did you get the idea for The King’s Throne Inn?
I got the idea from a few summers I spent overseas in Bulgaria and Greece. I stayed in so many Inns, BnBs, and Guest Houses. I fell in love with Houses and the way the hosts made me feel welcome and shared parts of their lives with me, and thought, hmm I could do that!
- What led you to, or inspired the name?
Well my last name is King, and ever since I had a personal email address, it was always “kingsthrone”. If I remember right, one of my sisters actually came up with the name.
- What is your background, professionally or personally, that led you to creating the inn?
I grew up in the country on my families 60 acre farm. Farming runs in my blood. The first business I had was selling free range eggs. At that time I had a flock of about 600 laying hens, on top of milking cows and working as a production supervisor at the candy factory in our town. You could say that I have had an entrepreneurial spirit from when I very young. I hold bachelors degree in Operations and Production management from Southern New Hampsire University, and have my Lean Manufacturing and Green Belt certifications from Villanova University. I am also a Supplier Qualtiy Engineer for the automotive industry. I love to learn, and build and create things. I have always wanted to buy and old historic building a bring it back to life and share it with people. I was finally in a position that I could make that happen, and here we are, at The Kings Throne Inn.
- What sets you apart from other local guest houses as well as guest houses in general?
There are several in the area, and what I feel set me apart is for one, the house is beautiful and has such an amazing Toledo history that its hard not to fall in love. I also notice many guests love the artwork that I have in the house. Most of the paintings are my family heirlooms that my Grandmother and my Great Aunt had painted, and are my most prized possessions. The house is also super easy to get to and I feel that booking and staying here is really easy. I try to make it as easy and stress free as possible. No fuss, come and go as you please, Im available if guests want to chat and hang out, sometimes guests will only see me at check-in. Everyones different and are into different experiences. I am also a diversity and inclusion ambassador for my day job, and I bring those principles to how the Inn is ran. Some guests stay at the Inn specifically because I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe place to stay.
6. What has been your key driving source?
I love what I do, and great guests keep me looking for ways to improve. Most guests book directly through my website, which is great. In the next few months we will be doing some major revamps to the website and will be integrating to be on more platforms so guests can find us even easier
- How do you generate new ideas?
I’m part of a hosting group called Hosting Business Mastery and listen to pod casts like “Thanks for Visiting” that share ideas about how-tos and things not to do and learn what other hosts are doing. I am also part of “Destination Toledo”. This is a great networking group and I have gotten alot of great ideas from them.
- How do you define success?
Success is getting that 5-Star google review! But on a serious note, success to me is being excellent in everything I do. A person of excellence will always go above and beyond what is expected.
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Consistency is key. Running a sucessfull business of any kind doesnt happen over night and you should be able to learn from your mistakes. Put yourself out there and go for it! Sucess is up for grabs, and its all yours!
- What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favorite is putting my ideas to work, toying with designs, being involved in local events and being a positive influence to the community.
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Establishing a meaningful connections like partnering with destination toledo, having long term guests, repeat guest and being apart of the Old West End Festival Home tours. Also I love when people ask about the Inn, in general 🙂
The King’s Throne Inn: Shared Spaces
The Kitchen
Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen which is conveniently stocked with complimentary breakfast items. Think of it as a continental breakfast.. but more! Items included were orange juice, milk, eggs, different kinds of cereal, toast, jam, butter, peanut butter.
The Kitchen offers convenient seating and had a delightful amount of natural sunlight shining through, making it such a bright and cheery way to kick off our mornings at The King’s Throne Inn.
The kitchen at The King’s Throne Inn is beautifully designed, featuring sleek stainless steel appliances and complete with everything one would need to cook a meal. The first night of our visit Lily and I actually decided to stay in and cook dinner there. It was extremely nice and convenient to have that option available.
Coffee and Tea Bar
Just adjacent to the kitchen, leading to the dining room, is a hallway with a beautifully built-in alcove turned into a coffee and tea bar. Guests have access to this area 24/7 complete with a variety of coffee and tea options, both caffeinated and de-caffeinated.
The Dining Room
In addition to the dining area in the kitchen, more seating is available in the home’s formal dining room. Guests have the option to utilize all shared areas of the home to their liking; adding to the feeling of a ‘home away from home’.
The Living Room, The Parlor, and More
In addition to the kitchen and eating areas, guests also have shared access to the home’s parlor, living room/tv room, laundry room (washer is conveniently hooked up to automatically put in the amount of detergent you need), and backyard/patio.
Although each room is supplied with towels prior to guest arrival, guests are able to get more towels at their own convenience from a cabinet on the second floor landing. Additionally, guests are provided with a variety of board games as seen on the shelf above, as well as throughout the home.
The King Suite
The King room is located on the second floor of the house just to the left at the top of the main staircase. When walking into the room, there is a large walk-in closet immediately to the left as you enter the suite. Large west-facing windows provide bright sunshine all day long even into the evening. On the dresser we found our room key, along with a welcome book and a Destination Toledo Magazine.
The King Suite: Private Bath
The private bath comes with towels for two along with wash-clothes and a dark make-up towel is also provide. House Body wash, Shampoo and Conditioner are in the shower. Additionally guests are provided with anything they could possibly need including:
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- mouth wash
- makeup remover wipes
- cotton swabs
- cotton facial pads
- razor
- shaving cream
- lotion
- hand sanitizer
Getting Ready For Your Visit
Landon King, founder and owner of The King’s Throne Inn goes above and beyond for his guests even before they arrive. 24 hours prior to guest arrival, guests receive an electronic guide book via email pertaining to their stay. In this guide, Landon provides his guests with all the information they might need or want (although he is more than happy to answer any questions as they may come). Guests are given detailed instructions on how to find the inn as well as parking, gaining access with a provided code. Guests are also informed on standard check-in/check-out times along with with what options are available for early or late check-in as well as late check-out. Landon also provides guest with some history of the guest house, and where guests can find certain things they may need or wish to access (like laundry for example). Included in this ‘e-book guide’ is information on popular local attractions, restaurants, grocery stores, and more! Landon makes it a point to ascertain a guest’s needs before they themselves might think of it. This ‘host’ mentality is evident in every little detail of your stay. From the guidebook, to all the bath amenities and more provided, to his welcoming disposition, Landon strives (successfully) to create a unique, relaxing, luxurious home away from home.
Booking Your Stay: Key Information
