Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is an up-and-coming city brimming with exciting things to eat, see, and do. The town is famous for its artsy residents, professional sports teams, and, of course, its chili and barbeque. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a vibrant street art scene, world-class museums, and all sorts of historical gems scattered around the city!

Sports fans flock to Cincinnati to catch Reds games at Great American Ball Park and see the Bengals play at Paul Brown Stadium. If sports aren’t your thing, you can spend the day exploring the famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. 

For a taste of the city’s storied history, pay a visit to the hip Over-the-Rhine district, which is known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture and boutique shops. Be sure to spend some time exploring Findlay Market, which is home to a diverse selection of food and craft vendors.

Of course, no visit to the Queen City is complete without sampling the excellent food and drink scene. You can get your fill of barbeque at Eli’s, sip local craft brews at Rhinegeist, and indulge in the city’s most famous dish at Camp Washington Chili.

When it comes to hotels, it’s no surprise that Cincinnati is chock full of historic B&Bs, art-filled boutique hotels, and luxurious riverfront hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Cincinnati to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Cincinnati, Ohio

Where to Stay in Cincinnati 

Some of the best hotels in Cincinnati are located in the downtown area. This is hands down the best place to base yourself if this is your first visit to the city. You’ll be within walking distance of sports venues, museums, and the picturesque riverfront. 

If you want to stay in the coolest part of town, you should definitely book a stay at one of the hip hotels in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Not only is this area home to the famous shops and eateries of Findlay Market but you’ll love the bustling art galleries, trendy microbreweries, and colorful street murals. 

Families who want to be a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown should consider a stay in the Eden Park area. There’s plenty of space to play and picnic in the park. Plus, downtown is just a few minutes away. 

If you’re planning on visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Avondale is the best place to stay. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in the neighborhood. Finally, history buffs will love staying in one of the stunning historic mansions in the West End.

But no matter which part of town you decide to stay in, you’re bound to find an amazing Cincinnati hotel!

12 Best Boutique Hotels in Cincinnati 

1. 21c Museum Hotel

With its art-filled interiors and incredible customer service, there’s a reason 21c Museum Hotel is known as the best boutique hotel in Cincinnati. Visitors flock here year after year to peruse the hotel’s contemporary art, sip cocktails at the popular rooftop bar, and relax in the chic rooms. Plus, this 100-year-old building is on the National Register of Historic Places, so you know it’s something special!

The meticulously designed rooms boast custom-made furniture, funky mid-century modern decor, and spacious workstations. You’ll love the stylish white-washed bathrooms, which are outfitted with marble vanities and Malin+Goetz bath products. Look closely at the subway tiles, and you’ll find hidden protruding sculptures of faces, noses, and lips!

You can spend hours marveling at the impressive two-story art gallery, get a Himalayan salt stone massage at the spa, or walk to downtown’s shops and museums. Be sure to dine at the hotel’s restaurant Metropole, which serves up seasonal and locally sourced French-Italian fare. Think strawberry and snap pea salad with goat cheese, tagliatelle carbonara with king crab, and bourbon barrel soy-brined chicken.

2. Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront

Technically located in northern Kentucky, Hotel Covington is set just across the Ohio River, just two miles from the heart of town. If you want to stay in the coolest boutique hotel in Cincinnati, this is the place! This gem of a hotel was even included in TripAdvisor’s roundup of the Top 25 Hotels in the United States.

The hotel is housed in the former Coppin’s Department Store, which opened its doors in 1910. Now a luxurious hotel, expect to find the perfect blend of original architecture, vintage decor, and modern amenities throughout the building. 

In the mornings, you can get your caffeine fix at the hotel’s artisan coffee bar. While the industrial-chic Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar is the place to be for a boozy brunch. In the evenings, head out to the restaurant’s patio and have an alfresco movie night with the giant screen, cozy fireplaces, throw blankets, and pillows.

The rooms and suites look like they were ripped straight from a magazine. You’ll love the velvet drapes, oversized tufted headboards, and funky artwork hanging above the beds. In the evenings, you can wrap yourself in the plush robe, order room service using the in-room tablet, and raid the carefully curated local snacks and drinks in the minibar.

3. The Lytle Park Hotel

The Lytle Park Hotel is the perfect pick if you want to live in the lap of luxury during your visit to the Queen City. The hotel is set in a beautiful 1909 building right in the heart of the Lytle Park Historic District. The Smale Riverfront Park, Taft Museum of Art, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden are all just a stone’s throw away. 

The friendly staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best stay possible. You’ll love luxuriating in the contemporary rooms, which boast soothing blue and white color palates, comfy beds with Frette Italian linens, and marble ensuites. The Diptyque luxury bath amenities, Nespresso coffee makers, and spa robes and slippers are posh added touches. 

You’ll love sipping sunset cocktails and snacking on light bites at the romantic rooftop bar. For dinner, Subito specializes in handmade pasta, fresh seafood, fine seared steaks, and other Northern Italian dishes. The sophisticated lobby bar features a long list of handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers, and fine wines if you want to socialize over a nightcap after dinner.

4. The Guild

If you’re looking for a home away from home during your trip to Cincinnati, The Guild might just be the perfect pick. The apartment-style units provide all the creature comforts of home, making them ideal for families or anyone planning on an extended stay. Plus, Great American Ball Park is five blocks away if you want to catch a baseball game. 

You can whip up meals in the gourmet kitchen, which boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and everything you need to prepare feasts at home. You can either walk to the nearby Kroger grocery store to pick up supplies or arrange to have the hotel staff stock your fridge ahead of your arrival!

With a large flat-screen TV and plush couches or chairs, the living room is the perfect place for movie and game nights. Large windows let in plenty of light, and the cute potted plants will make you feel right at home. 

After a long day on the town, you’ll love crashing out in the stylish bedroom. Depending on which apartment you choose, bedrooms boast velvet tufted headboards, colorful accents walls, and mid-century modern decor. The sparkling white bathrooms are equally as luxurious, with beautifully tiled walk-in showers and everything you need to freshen up.

5. Kinley Cincinnati Downtown

Located right downtown, Kinley opened in October 2020 as the most highly anticipated hotel in Cincinnati. Every aspect of this forward-thinking lifestyle hotel has been meticulously thought out – from design to aesthetics to amenities. There’s a reason why Kinley is regarded as one of the coolest boutique hotels in Cincinnati! 

The hotel partnered with Cincinnati Art Underground, so you’ll find carefully curated local art throughout the building. With funky art, black-and-white wallpaper, and adorable blue cabinets, the rooms are some of the most stylish in Cincinnati. In terms of amenities, all rooms are outfitted with a custom-designed mattress from Tennessee-based MurMaid, a luxe Kohler rainfall showerhead, and a top-of-the-line mini-fridge.

You can keep up with your workout routine in the fully outfitted gym with Peloton bikes, grab snacks and coffee at the on-site convenience store, or sip pre-dinner cocktails in the ultra-stylish lobby bar. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel for dinner, you can dine on locally sourced Midwestern-style fare at Khora. 

Kinley is conveniently located between downtown and the trendy Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Paul Brown Stadium, Great American Ball Park, and the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center are all within easy reach.

6. Symphony Hotel & Restaurant

Music lovers will definitely want to book a stay at the Symphony Hotel. The restored 1871 mansion was once a popular spot for music lessons and was also used as a boarding house for musicians. 

You can choose from nine ornate rooms, all themed after famous composers like Bach and Schubert! All rooms are adorned with appropriate period pieces, musical decor, and original works of art based on the composer. You’ll love putting on the plush bathrobe, keeping up with your Hulu and Netflix shows with the smart TV, and getting a good night’s sleep on the ultra-comfy bed. 

The hotel is also home to the Symphony Restaurant, which is known for its 5-course pre-concert dinners. The chef serves contemporary and seasonal New-American cuisine in the elegant and historic dining room. On the weekends, you can also head over to the hotel’s The Jazz Lounge & Bar for after-dinner cocktails and live jazz music. 

Located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the Cincinnati Music Hall is just steps away if you want to catch a classical music performance!

7. Graduate Cincinnati

If you plan on visiting the University of Cincinnati during your visit, Graduate is set right on campus. So the location can’t be beat! 

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an easy 10-minute walk away, making this a popular pick for families with young children. Plus, Great American Ball Park is less than three miles away if you want to cheer on the Reds. 

This place is all about Queen City pride, so expect to find funky and colorful Cincinnati-themed decor throughout this whimsical hotel – including a life-size sculpture of the Cincinnati Zoo’s famous hippopotamus, Fiona!

The eclectic rooms all boast Ohio themes and are outfitted with furniture that pays homage to the city’s most famous buildings and custom pop art that celebrates local legends. The designer bedding and Malin+Goetz bath amenities are luxurious extra touches. 

In the mornings, you can grab your favorite coffee drinks at the lobby’s Poindexter Coffee. And in the evenings, you can socialize over handcrafted cocktails and local brews at the buzzing hotel bar. For a truly unique dining experience, Fiona’s serves up diner-style dishes and pizzas inspired by the city’s most famous foods – think Cincinnati chili pizza!

8. Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is the perfect pick if you want a luxurious stay right in the heart of the action. Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, and the Cincinnati Zoo are all just a stone’s throw away. Plus, you can walk to the scenic waterfront. 

You’ll love relaxing in the newly renovated rooms after a long day exploring Cincinnati. The contemporary rooms all feature plush beds with luxury linens, ergonomic workstations, and modern ensuites with Aveda toiletries. It’s well worth booking one of the upgraded rooms for its separate living area and exclusive access to a private cocktail lounge!

If you want to keep up with your exercise routine, the hotel boasts a state-of-the-art gym. Or you can always go jogging on one of the many trails along the Ohio River, which is just a couple of blocks away. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can dine on contemporary Midwestern dishes at D. Burnham’s. Or, if you just want to pick up some snacks or drinks, there’s a handy on-site convenience store. 

9. Weller Haus Bed, Breakfast

If big hotel chains aren’t your thing, The Weller Haus is an excellent alternative. This luxurious bed and breakfast is set in two 1885 historic homes in the charming Bellevue neighborhood. Not only are you away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but all of the city’s main attractions can be reached in roughly 10 minutes. 

You can choose from five luxury suites. Each suite is completely unique and outfitted with all sorts of thoughtful extras – from Turkish waffle weave robes to a carefully curated amenity tray brimming with local products. If you’re in town on a romantic getaway, the two-room Dream Suite boasts a two-person whirlpool spa tub, a cozy fireplace, and plenty of candles. 

In the morning, you can enjoy the cooked-to-order breakfast either in your room or in the beautiful dining room. You can choose from nine items, including banana pecan French toast, eggs benedict, and blueberry pancakes. You can also feel free to grab complimentary drinks, bottled water, and snacks in the communal kitchen. 

When you’re not out on the town, you can easily while away the hours relaxing in the B&B’s flower-filled gardens or sipping wine and making s’mores around the outdoor fire table.

10. Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency is connected to the Duke Energy Convention Center, so it’s super convenient if you’re headed to town on business. Because Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ball Park are both just steps away, this place is popular among sports fans. Plus, you can walk to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and attractions. 

When you’re not out exploring, you can swim laps in the indoor pool, work up a sweat in the fully outfitted fitness center, or play a game of pool at the billiards table. 

If you’re in a rush in the morning, pick up Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go meals at The Market. The hotel also happens to be home to one of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants in Cincinnati, Red Roost Tavern. The restaurant’s bar is the perfect place to meet up with friends over a cocktail or two at night. 

After an action-packed day, you’ll love crashing out in the contemporary hotel rooms, which boast plush beds, 42-inch flat-screens, and spa-like ensuites. If you want to go big, the spacious suites feature panoramic city views, wet bars, and sleek living rooms. The suites are the perfect pick if you’re in town for a bachelor or bachelorette party! 

11. Mariemont Inn

Mariemont Inn is housed in a picture-perfect Tudor-style building in the quaint village of Mariemont. Downtown Cincinnati is 10 miles away but with so many unique amenities, you might never want to leave this luxurious hotel! There’s a reason this place is considered to be the best boutique hotel in Cincinnati.

This historical timber-and-brick hotel recently received an extensive renovation, so expect the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Step inside and you’ll be wowed by the artwork from the original owners, the original 1920s fireplaces, and the antiques and collector’s items.

Each of the 45 rooms is equally as impressive and boasts traditional custom-designed furniture, original artwork, and luxurious ensuites with Gilchrist & Soames luxury bath amenities. You’ll love resting on the Tempur-Pedic bed, warming up by the fireplace, and keeping up with your favorite shows with the “hidden” HDTV. 

The hotel is also home to The National Exemplar Restaurant as well as the cozy Southerby’s Bar. Or if you feel like dining out on the town, you’ll find all sorts of excellent restaurants just outside your door in the Village of Mariemont. 

12. The Summit Hotel

Located 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, The Summit is the epitome of modern. From the beautifully designed rooms to the art-filled common areas, this gem of a hotel stands out as one of the most unique hotels in Cincinnati. 

The sleek rooms boast commissioned artwork, plush beds with luxury linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views. Plus, you’ll get all sorts of extra amenities, including Keurig coffee makers, microfiber bathrobes, and deluxe Zero% bath products. 

You can peruse works of art in the 5,800-square-foot art gallery, sit back and relax in the rooftop garden, and keep up with your routine at the gym and yoga studio. If you need a morning pick me up, there’s an on-site coffee shop, and the cocktail bar is the perfect place to meet up with friends at night. 

If you’re feeling lazy, you can get fresh and delicious meals delivered right to your room. Or, if you want to dine out, the hotel’s restaurant serves up innovative dishes made from local, seasonal produce and artisanal meats. Head out to the large outdoor patio for dinner with a view!

That completes our list of the 12 best Cincinnati hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Cincinnati? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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