An oasis of old-world elegance, The Cincinnatian has offered the classiest lodgings in town since it opened as the Palace Hotel in 1882. Over a century on, the grandeur still overwhelms from the moment you step into the towering eight-story atrium lobby, dominated by an imposing marble and walnut grand staircase. The refinement continues in recently renovated rooms boasting ornate furniture, luxurious linens and cosy fireplaces. But it’s the hotel’s gracious service and unique touches that continue to make it so special – from fresh baked cookies to complimentary travel across the city for guests in a London cab.
The history-steeped city of Cincinnati is beloved for its good manners, European-style neighborhoods and rich architecture, with buildings from the likes of Frank Gehry and Cesar Pelli. Artsy and prosperous, Cinci (as locals call it) has a wealth of theaters, art museums and music halls, and a booming culinary scene. A recent renaissance outside downtown has seen bars, coffee shops and boutique hotels pop up in formerly downtrodden areas such as Over-the-Rhine and Northside. While anonymous conference hotels still tend to dominate (albeit often in beautiful Art Deco buildings), a cluster of alternatives takes in a hip hotel in a former department store, a boutique spot that doubles as an art gallery, and a music-themed mansion. Be warned though – accommodation doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the city’s hotels have been ranked the most expensive in the Midwest.
