The Best Hotels in Cincinnati, Ohio

The impressive Kinley Cincinnati Downtown was built in 1910 and retained its historical credentials and many of its original features when it was renovated into an impressive 94-room hotel with a focus on contemporary art. The name is derived from the word “kinship,” and this unpretentious hotel in downtown Cincinnati embodies small-city values with futuristic technology and a friendly vibe.

As to be expected, the Graduate Hotel has student connotations and is within the University of Cincinnati campus. So, if you loved your time at university, you might well relive the best days of your life here. The communal decor is a mashup of colors and neighborhood references, such as the oversized reproduction of iconic toys, produced by local company Kenner, down at the reception. Each bedroom is named after hometown heroes such as Johnny Bench and Joseph Strauss, with kitsch accessories to complement the theme. Don’t forget your shades.

Boasting a contemporary art gallery, well-equipped spa, and a rooftop bar, the 21c Museum Hotel City is in the dynamic heart of Downtown Cincinnati. The stunning renovated building has had new life breathed into it, and the hotel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the 156 rooms is filled with personal touches to make you feel at home, while the bright, airy rooms offer a welcome respite from the thought-provoking art present throughout the rest of the hotel.

If you’re the type of traveler who laps up luxury, the Hotel Covington has got you covered. Meticulously designed, the building, which once housed the Coppin’s Department Store, has been transformed into a boutique residence with 114 guest rooms, an outdoor courtyard, several restaurants, and a romantic lounge. This hotel in Cincinnati exudes character and style, with the high ceilings tinted with rich jewel tones and the huge beds featuring glamorous velvet headboards. If the weather is in your favor, the Patio at Coppin’s offers lawn games, evening movie screenings, and an open-air fire pit.

Once an enclave for the elite, the historic Lytle Park Hotel has been reborn as a luxury offering. In a historic 1909 building connected to the park in the neighborhood, the rooms exude sophistication, and whichever side of the property you are on, a great view is guaranteed. With a restaurant and lively cocktail bar under the rafters of a glass roof, it’s no wonder the hotel is a destination in itself.

A landmark in its own right, the impressive glass atrium lobby of the Hyatt Regency stands proudly on the Cincinnati skyline, which also houses a heated pool and sundeck on the fifth floor. If you are in town for some shopping, you can nip into Saks Fifth Avenue. You don’t have to leave for dining though, as the Red Roost Tavern serves up hearty grub. Elsewhere, salads and paninis are available from the Market.

Converted from an old doorbell factory, the Summit is a quirky addition to the Cincinnati hotel scene. In a business park, guests have plenty of space in the warehouse-style dwelling, while free parking and transport are nearby to make the city your oyster. Rooms have all the mod cons, including lots of contemporary artwork, and there’s a modern restaurant with an open kitchen and terrace on the fourth floor. Other amenities include a rooftop garden, a gym, and a yoga studio.

Formerly a charming townhouse, the Symphony Hotel is now an eclectic boutique offering and restaurant with nine unique bedrooms named after famous classical composers. As a period property, there are narrow staircases throughout this building and no lifts, yet the overall impression is that of a classy European bolthole with elegant furnishings. Don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail at the lounge bar, where there’s live jazz music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.