As owner of Riverside Food Tours, I get asked “Where is the best place to stay in downtown Cincinnati?” I can answer that question.
Since I host food and culture sightseeing tours downtown several days a week and I happen to live downtown, I’m very familiar with the newest hotels and the old favorites. By the way, Cincinnati is a very walkable and safe city. From the Banks of the Ohio River to historic Over the Rhine, you’ll find parks, restaurants, museums and a handy free streetcar to ride throughout the city. Here are my favorites. Let’s start with newest!
Kinley Cincinnati, 636 Race St
The Kinley is a modern high rise hotel with 9 floors featuring 94 rooms. Race Street is located within the central business district and just a couple blocks from the free Streetcar. The Kinley Hotel is a lifestyle hotel designed for you to feel connected and at home. The space offers the latest amenities such as a fitness center with Peleton bike, Khora Restaurant, The Exchange; a coffee to co*cktail bar, Valet parking, ADA accessibility and pet-friendly accommodations.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott 106 West 7th Street
TownePlace Suites is an extended-stay hotel where you can relax and feel at home with a fully equipped kitchen and high-speed Internet access. Located in the heart of the city, it is the perfect home base for exploring downtown Cincinnati. It is 8 floors with 110 suites (no pets allowed). If you are looking for a family-friendly space with a little more room, they offer a free complimentary breakfast buffet, coin-operated laundry, cribs, play yards, roll away beds and is handicapped accessible.
The Lytle Park Hotel311 Pike Street
The Lytle Park Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and honors its refined roots within the refurbished 1909 historic building on the east side of the city. Surrounded by Lytle Park and a view of the Ohio River, the hotel is across the street from the Taft Museum and within walking distance of downtown Cincinnati. The rooms boast spacious bathrooms with spa-like amenities and luxurious Italian linens, Concierge desk, fitness center, Starbucks and Valet service. The beautiful Subito restaurant offers Northern Italian cuisine with a modern flair. The Vista at Lytle Park offers stunning views from their rooftop terrace along with drinks and a small plates menu.
Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps506 East 4th Street
The Residence Inn/The Phelps is a sister hotel right across the park from The Lytle Park Hotel. This extended stay boutique hotel is housed in the historic Phelps Building, a few blocks east of downtown, but easily within walking distance. It features a rooftop upscale restaurant, The Top of the Park featuring gorgeous views overlooking Cincinnati. After a delicious meal, relax in one of their spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and free grocery shopping service for your convenience. After a night of relaxation on their plush bedding, wake up to a free breakfast buffet and then burn some calories at the fitness center.
21c Museum Hotel 609 Walnut Street
21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum, an award-winning 156-room boutique hotel and home of Metropole restaurant. It is situated across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts and is right on the streetcar route, which makes navigating downtown Cincinnati quick and easy. Plus it was named one of the Top Hotels in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler.
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 35 W 5thStreet
Open since 1931, the Netherland Plaza is one of the world’s finest examples of French Art Deco design. Designed by theater designer George Unger, the ambiance is like stepping back in time! Situated in the heart of the city, this National Historic Landmark hotel offers 40,000 sq. ft. of unique event space. Enjoy Happy Hour at the opulent Orchids at Palm Court or splurge on a dinner for two. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel will leave a lasting impression.
Built in 1901 by renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, this landmark construction, was known as the Union Trust Building. This hotel is within three blocks of more than 65 restaurants and entertainment venues, and two blocks north of the Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium and Smale Riverfront Park on the Ohio River.
The AC is one the newer Marriott Hotels in downtown Cincinnati. This stylish modern hotel boasts the best views in the city of Smale Riverfront Park, the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River from their Upper Deck – the largest hotel rooftop bar in downtown! Step out the door to the Great American Ball Park and dozens of restaurants located on Freedom Way, which is “party central” after a Red’s home game!
The Westin is an older hotel, built in the 80’s, and is located directly across the street from Fountain Square in the center of the city. It features 465 rooms. Each room offers striking views of the city skyline or historic Fountain Square.
Both Hilton brand hotels share space in the former Cincinnati Enquirer Building built in 1926. Converted to hotel space in 2015 at a cost of 30 million dollars, the hotels are located in the heart of the city. Both hotels offer a budget friendly option, complimentary breakfast and an indoor workout facility. The two hotels share the first three floors. The fourth through eighth floors are designated as Homewood Suites, while rooms for the Hampton Inn are found on the upper floors.
