Best Cincinnati Hotels

This Cincinnatian is a French Second Empire-style classic. Opened in 1882, it’s still Cincinnati’s grandest hotel. The original sweeping walnut staircase and marble details of the lobby say 19th-century elegance. But the expanded-size guest rooms are 21st-century luxury comfort. The details and high-end service have earned The Cincinnatian a Mobil Guide Four-Star-rating for the past 20 years. The hotel’s Palace Restaurant has an excellent reputation for an eclectic menu of fine dining. Don’t assume this place is out of reach. The package deals are awesome. 

The Mariemont Inn, 10 miles away from downtown Cincinnati, is an option that combines Ohio’s small village life with Cincinnati’s action. The inn, opened in 1926, was originally a private guesthouse of Mary Emery, one of Cincinnati’s prominent philanthropists. Designed to look like an English Tudor house, the building is also affiliated with Historic Hotels of America. A massive renovation project turned 60 guest rooms into 44 and updated furnishings to contemporary elegance. Pair your Cincinnati outings with walks on this lovely property and surrounding village.

Built in 1900 as a Classical Revival manor home for Henry Morgenthaler, one of Cincinnati’s prominent businessmen, Clifton House is an elegant bed and breakfast that has retained the home’s original beauty. Each of the four bedrooms has uniquely themed décor and a private bathroom. The Garden Room, for example, has a private rooftop garden. For those wishing extra privacy, the Clifton House has a separate two-floor cottage that includes a fireplace and a Jacuzzi. The gourmet breakfast is prepared by a chef who uses the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets and Findlay Market. While you’re here, take time to browse the books in the library for Cincinnati history, and hang out on the expansive wrap-around porch sipping wine. Innkeeper Nancy Niehaus, who turned the house into a B&B 10 years ago, offers up travel tips, wine and brownies as part of Clifton House’s hospitality.

For the least-expensive option close to downtown Cincinnati, the Travelodge is the one. It’s nothing fancy, but has what a budget traveler needs: a decent bed, a breakfast that will hold you until lunchtime and easy access to the things you came to see. Parking is free for guests, which means you can walk across the bridge to Cincinnati (or take the bus) or stay on the Kentucky side. The Newport Levee is within a quick walk. For several eating options, head around the corner to Momouth Street. And, with White Castle only a block away, you can cap off sightseeing with a sack of sliders, for an authentic Cincinnati/northern Kentucky experience that dates back to the 1930s.

On the west of the Interstate 71/Interstate 75 interchange, the Quality Inn gets you close to Cincinnati’s downtown action at a wallet-friendly price. Keep in mind that you’re getting what you pay for. The rooms here are the basic, nothing-fancy variety. Consider the three big frees: Wi-Fi, breakfast (in this case, continental) and parking. For a downtown Cincinnati hotel, free parking is a bonus. If going to a Reds or Bengals game is your reason for a Cincinnati hotel stay, the Quality Inn is worth considering. It’s also close to Union Terminal.

There’s nothing more and nothing less than what’s expected at this suburban chain right off Interstate 71/Interstate 75. The Comfort Inn offers a comfortable bed, large windows, a decent continental breakfast and convenience to both downtown Cincinnati and the airport. Plus, it’s people and pet friendly. With the free airport shuttle, getting here is easy without a car, but the TANK bus into Cincinnati from the stop across the street is mostly a morning and evening occurrence. Another option is to take the shuttle to the airport, then a TANK bus from there. Plenty of eats are within walking distance, although you’d better like the Waffle House and Golden Corral. The location also works for exploring more of northern Kentucky and shopping in Florence, a big-box-store heaven.