WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI 2025?

As owner of Riverside Food Tours, I’m often 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 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 Hotel

Kinley Cincinnati, 636 Race St Cincinnati OH 45202

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 Peloton bike,  Unexpected Burgers and Bourbon Restaurant, The Exchange; a coffee to-cocktail bar,  Valet parking, ADA accessibility and pet-friendly accommodations.

a tall building in a city

TownePlace Suites by Marriott  106 West 7th Street Cincinnati OH 45202

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).  Suppose you are looking for a family-friendly space with a little more room. In that case, they offer a free complimentary breakfast buffet, coin-operated laundry, cribs, play yards, roll-away beds, and is handicapped accessible.

a dining room table in front of a building

The Lytle Park Hotel Autograph Collection 311 Pike Street Cincinnati OH 45202

The Lytle Park Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and honors its refined roots within the refurbished 1909 historic building on the city’s east side.  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, a Concierge desk, a 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.

a statue in front of a brick building

Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps 506 East 4th Street Cincinnati OH 45202

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.

a person sitting at a table in front of a building

21c Museum Hotel    609 Walnut Street Cincinnati OH 

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.

a room filled with furniture and vase on a table

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza  35 W 5th Street Cincinnati OH 45202

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 1931 Restaurant or splurge on a dinner for two.  Located in the heart of the city, this hotel will leave a lasting impression.

a large building with a clock on the side of a road

Marriott Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel    36 East 4th Street Cincinnati OH 45202

The Marriott Renaissance Hotel was constructed in 1901 by renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, and 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 ParkPaul Brown Stadium and Smale Riverfront Park on the Ohio River.

 

a large building

AC Hotel Cincinnati at the Banks   135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The AC is one of 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!

a tall building in a city

The Westin     21 E 5th Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

The Westin is an older hotel, built in the late 70’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.

a large building

Homewood Suites & Hampton Inn   617 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

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

 

Hyatt Regency  151 West Fifth Street Cincinnati OH 45202

The Hyatt Regency is directly across from Cincinnati’s downtown Convention Center.  The hotel is ideally situated to restaurants and Fountain Square. It is close to Paycor stadium, home of the Bengals football team. The Red Roost Tavern and Bar are above average for a hotel dining experience. 

Quality Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown 800 West 8th Street, Cincinnati OH 45203

The Quality Inn & Suites is a 2-star hotel and is not within walking distance of downtown Cincinnati. The name is misleading!

Cincinnati has garnered recognition in various rankings, highlighting its appeal as a destination: Most Fun Cities in America in 2023, Wallet Hub ranked Cincinnati as the 11th most fun in the U.S.

A Riverside Food Tour is the best way to see the history, learn the history and enjoy wonderful local dishes along the way. Tours are offered 7 days a week! 

Riverside Food Tours is the highest-rated Food and Culture Tour in the city on Trip Advisor.  We recommend booking a 3-hour food and culture tour at the start of your visit.  We love showing off our beautiful city! 

For more information: call Laura 513-289-0035.

Duration
Group Size
no limit

Gift Cards

A Riverside Food Tour Gift Card can be purchased in any amount.
The recipient chooses the date and tour.
Gift Cards never expire.
Tours are offered 7 days a week year-round.
Gift certificates are easy to redeem.

Bachelorette Parties Cincinnati OH
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Group Size
5 to 50

Private Tours

Private tours are perfect for bachelorette and bachelor parties, showers, anniversaries, family reunions, and more!
Get ready to celebrate Cincinnati-style with a private food tour through downtown or Over-the-Rhine. Our Private Tours provide the flexibility to design your ideal outing—share your vision, and we’ll bring it to life.

Whether your group has 5 or 50 guests, we specialize in crafting unique experiences tailored to your needs.

Elevate your private tour by adding an Experience, such as candle-making, wine and cheese tasting, or a brewery tour. These added Experiences can be the centerpiece of your event or a delightful addition to an existing tour.

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$89
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Group Size
10 to 100

Corporate and Team Outings

Treat your team to a culinary adventure enjoying a shared meal in Cincinnati’s top restaurants.
From 10 people to 100 we love shaping unique group experiences.
A Riverside Corporate Tour is the perfect solution.
*Connects employees and builds relationships
*Introduces remote workers to Cincinnati
*Strengthens teams through shared activities
*Helps build hybrid teams

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Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 8

Mainstrasse Village Food Tour Covington, KY

Enjoy 5 dishes at sit-down restaurants
Enjoy 1 craft beer of your choice
Stroll through a charming German Village
Be entertained and informed by a friendly local guide.

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$69
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
2 to 8

Over The Rhine Cocktail Tour

Enjoy 4 expertly hand-crafted cocktails
Enjoy 3 snacks paired with the cocktails
Enjoy VIP access. Discover obscure bars, that are local favorites.
Be entertained and informed by a friendly local guide

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$79