Cincinnati is brimming with rich history, modern museums, and eclectic food joints. Every type of traveler will find something to love about this Midwest city. But narrowing down where to stay in Cincinnati, Ohio, can be quite the undertaking.
Galavant through Cincinnati’s diverse districts, getting swept up in the area’s Midwestern charm with a Southern flair. Enjoy peak convenience staying in Downtown Cincinnati, quaint neighborhoods with character in Mount Adams, and an unbeatable bar scene in Over-the-Rhine. Whatever your getaway goals, staying at the best hotels in Cincinnati will add another level to your already fabulous holiday!
Still up in the air about where to lay down your head? Set your Queen City base with this detailed guide to the best places to stay in Cincinnati, OH.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Ohio Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in Cincinnati, OH
So many neighborhoods, so little time! Planning which area of Cincinnati is most well-suited for you is as important as nailing down your sightseeing itinerary. With so many unique areas & neighborhoods to choose from, you’re bound to find a perfect match.
Cincinnati is nestled along the northern banks of the Ohio River, with much of the city’s action emanating from downtown. Whether you’re in the area for a sporting event, a concert, or acclaimed restaurants, the city center is where you’ll find them. Just north is Over-the-Rhine, a hub of trendy eateries, breweries, and nightlife.
Corryville, further uptown, is ideal for those looking to be near the University of Cincinnati. Head west to Mount Adams for a serene and history-laden setting, near the spectacular Eden Park and many popular museums. If you plan to explore both sides of the Ohio River but crave the bustle of downtown, claim a room in Covington.
The best areas to stay in Cincinnati, OH, are:
Downtown Cincinnati
✓ The ultimate area to stay in Cincinnati to stay for first-time visitors
First time to Cincinnati? Spend time Downtown to discover true Cincinnati culture. From sports arenas to historical sites and quintessential Cincy sightseeing, downtown teems with the Queen City’s most famous attractions and the top things to do in Cincinnati.
Cheer for the street performers at the iconic Fountain Square. Explore the area’s shops and eateries, then lace up your skates and hit the ice rink. Cross the street to the Carew Tower Observation Deck, admiring the art deco architecture. On the 49th floor, bask in the panoramic views of Cincinnati’s skyline.
Sports fans can catch a Bengals football game at the Paul Brown Stadium or experience Major League Baseball at the Great American Ball Park. Mosey down to Smale Riverfront Park, where little ones can frolic on the splash pad or return in the evening for live music.
A top district among travelers, Downtown Cincinnati buzzes with big city life. The thoughtfully designed and often boutique-styled hotels veer from mid-range to luxury.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown
Looking for a modern yet affordable spot in the center of the city? TownePlace Suites offers comfort and convenience adjacent to Cincinnati’s top attractions. Spread out in the spacious rooms, with most suites even including kitchenettes to make your stay even homier. Cool blue murals and crisp white bedclothes make for a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day downtown.
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Immerse yourself in Cincinnati’s art scene at the 21c Museum Hotel. Admire contemporary art galleries and exhibits on your way to check-in. The theme flows into the rooms with art history books and elegant decor with pops of color. Dine on French cuisine with a modern twist at Metropole, or sip cocktails on the rooftop terrace overlooking downtown’s twinkling lights.
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
The AC Hotel by Marriott boasts stunning river views and unbeatable proximity to the sporting arenas and top entertainment venues. Get cozy in one of the igloo-style seats on the Upper Deck, or enjoy tapas in the AC Lounge. Snag a room with a balcony to watch the boats cruising along the Ohio River in privacy.
Kinley Cincinnati Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The pulse of the city follows you inside the Kinley boutique hotel. The lobby decor features modern twists on art deco design, and a cafe transforms into a chic lounge in the evening. Upgrade to an Executive Suite for tall windows that wrap around the corner, giving you a 180-degree view of the Cincinnati skyline.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps
Families staying at the Residence Inn will appreciate the airy rooms with full kitchens and complimentary grocery shopping service. Business travelers can count on large workspaces in each room and five meeting rooms to use. After exploring this historic area, starting with the Phelps Building that houses the hotel, grab a nightcap at Top of the Park bar.
Over-the-Rhine
✓ Top-rated district to stay in Cincinnati for foodies and a lively bar scene
Are you a foodie on a mission to discover Cincinnati’s top treats? Over-The-Rhine, affectionately known as OTR, sets the bar high for trendy restaurants, unique bars, and craft breweries.
Taste Cincinnati’s local goodies and fresh produce at the Findlay Market, and sip the city’s finest craft brews at Rhinegiest. Enjoy the sprawling grassy lawn at Washington Park, OTR’s premier event space. Sway to live music, or visit the neighboring Cincinnati Music Hall for something more classical.
Grab some classic American fare at Kreuger’s on the rooftop. Or, experience local Midwest-style barbecue at Pontiac. Check out the area’s diverse bars starting with Mecca, an industrial-chic setting with expertly-made cocktails and local brews. Get cozy with a drink in hand at the old apothecary turned speakeasy, Sundry and Vice.
The lodgings in Over-the-Rhine are ideal for those who prefer homestays at mid-range prices. Families will love amenities like full kitchens, washing machines, and added privacy.
ModernLUX OTR Condo
A new addition to Over-the-Rhine, ModernLux can be your sanctuary amidst this buzzing neighborhood. This condo-hotel is a jaunt away from city attractions like the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Music Hall. Unwind in the high-ceilinged apartments, equipped with everything you need, from washing machines to a full oven, a dishwasher, and a patio.
Urban Paradise in OTR
Soak in all that Over-the-Rhine has to offer at Urban Paradise. Find upscale restaurants and hip bars to the right and a hub of entertainment venues a block to the left. The fully furnished apartments are stylish yet practical. They come stocked with pots and pans to use and lawn chairs to borrow for outings.
Radiant Stay in OTR
If you prefer lodgings with extra space and homey features, Radiant Stay should be your pick. The one-bedroom apartment is complete with a Keurig and coffee pods in the kitchen, modern furniture, and Cincinnati-themed artwork on the walls. Bring your own drinks and mixers and enjoy the outdoor bar space and patio, a world away from the hubbub of the city.
Mount Adams
✓ Top neighborhood to stay in Cincinnati for architecture-peeping and culture connoisseurs
What happens when you mix a funky atmosphere with a historical neighborhood? You get Mount Adams! With deep-rooted Cincinnati history and plenty of modern touches, Mount Adams is a relaxed and local-feeling area.
Wander the hilly streets, stopping by cozy cafes and boutique shops, taking in the beautiful views from the highest peaks. History buffs and architecture aficionados will have a field day in Mount Adams, looking around the Federal and Greek Revival-style houses.
Meander the sprawling 186 acres of Eden Park, hiking along the Hinkle Floral Trail and circling Mirror Lake. Nature enthusiasts can find butterfly gardens and thousands of plant species at the Krohn Conservatory. Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum, then stop by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for an evening of contemporary or classic theater.
Mount Adams lodgings are great for nature lovers or anyone looking for a laid-back, quaint neighborhood. Hotels here range from homestays to luxury boutique hotels.
Monastery Guest House
Traveling with family or a big group? The Monastery Guest House welcomes you to stretch out in the roomy “holiday home.” The accommodating space is the perfect escape from hectic city life. Enjoy a family-cooked meal around the large dinner table, then soak the day away in the claw foot bathtub.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
SpringHill Suites balances urban and natural environments, situated next to Eden Park’s greenery and museums while still being close to popular attractions downtown. On a working holiday? Each room is designed to separate work from leisure activities. Between the indoor pool and extensive fitness facilities, don’t worry about missing your workout regimen while in town.
The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
Nestled in tranquil Lytle Park, The Lytle Park Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience. This luxury hotel prioritizes hospitality and elegance. Snuggle up by the rooftop fireplace to watch the sunset over Cincinnati, or reserve a table for an intimate dinner at Subito. Choose the Ohio River view rooms to wake up to the iconic glistening waters.
Covington
✓ Best neighborhood to stay in Cincinnati for day trippers and history buffs
Covington is five minutes south of downtown Cincy across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Technically across the border in Kentucky, it’s perfect for experiencing the best of both sides of the Ohio River.
Explore MainStrasse Village for a traditional German neighborhood with the addition of unique local shops and cafes. Then, veer east to the Licking-Riverside Historic District to witness the grandeur of 18th and 19th-century Italianate and Second Empire-style mansions along the waterfront.
Enjoy farm-to-table delicacies at the Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar, or peek into Roebling Point Books and Coffee for locally sourced and roasted beans. Depending on which time of year you’re visiting, you may find an event that piques your interest as well.
Get your beads out for Mardi Gras, fill your stein during the Oktoberfest, and break out your dancing shoes for the Northern Kentucky Music Festival.
Covington’s accommodations are sleek and modern. They provide budget-friendly options for travelers to stay close to downtown without breaking the bank.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
Simple and convenient, the Holiday Inn Express is a great bargain hotel to choose from without sacrificing quality. If you’ll be out and about often during your Queen City travels, you’ll love the proximity to Interstates 71 and 75. Return to your clean, capacious room to decompress, or hit the gym and pool for a workout.
Courtyard Cincinnati Covington
A fabulous mid-range option, the Courtyard offers well-appointed rooms with character. After a trip into the city, sprawl out on the couch and unwind with a movie on the flat-screen TV, or doze off on the plush bedding. At The Bistro, wake up to a delicious American breakfast and Starbucks coffee.
Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter
The Marriott is ideal for day-tripping across the bridge to Cincinnati. The hotel’s minimalistic decor provides a calm atmosphere after a day of exploring. Indulge in a midwestern-inspired meal paired with Kentucky Bourbon at Mash & Oak, then retire to your King Room. On the balcony, take in the stunning scenery of Cincinnati across the waterway.
Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront
With a central location right on bustling Madison Ave, Hotel Covington is a charming respite from the city. The exposed bricks add an industrial, rustic charm to the hotel, and the deep blue color scheme of the rooms encourages relaxation. Visit the patio to listen to live music or catch a movie event.
Corryville
✓ Recommended area in Cincinnati for college-town charm
In the area to tour the home of the UC Bearcats? Corryville hosts an academic and lively atmosphere uptown. Discover a treasure trove of local businesses, romantic gardens, and energetic student life.
Corryville is the best place in the city to stay if you plan on spending time at the University of Cincinnati or its medical campuses. Walk around the 1819 campus and take in the scenes of college students going to and from classes. Later, wander the flourishing Hauk Botanical Gardens, then frolic through the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, two of the best day trips from Cincinnati.
Over the past few years, the Short Vine district has found its second wind. New, locally owned businesses have blossomed along the six blocks of Vine Street, bringing additions like clothing shops, cafes, and nightlife. Bogart’s Music Venue is a must-see while in the area for live beats that’ll keep you grooving all night long.
Corryville hotels are typically no-frills, practical, and comfortable, while others feature a bit more character.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Uptown/University Area
An affordable option central to uptown’s best sightseeing, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot won’t disappoint. Hop across the street to the University of Cincinnati’s sprawling campus, and take a five-minute drive to the Cincinnati Zoo. Get some work done at the ergonomic desks, or take a dip in the indoor pool.
Graduate Cincinnati
A stay at the Graduate Cincinnati is like jumping into a quirky Queen City fairytale. The lobby and bar area walls are covered in Cincy-inspired murals, and the decor of each room is bursting with personality. Think astronaut bedside lamps and balloon animal statues. The Graduate is a great base for visiting the University of Cincinnati campus and the UC Medical Center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati / Uptown – University Area
Staying uptown for a night or two? The Hampton Inn & Suites offers reliable Hilton quality at wallet-friendly prices, within walking distance from Vine Street and University campus. Focus on projects in one of the many meeting rooms, stop by the Suite Shop for a snack, then get some steps in at the round-the-clock gym.
