Hotel at a Glance: The Cincinnatian Hotel

“It’s not the largest hotel in Cincinnati, but it is the best,” says Fodor’s. Back when it was built in 1882, though, the Cincinnatian Hotel—then known as the Palace Hotel—was the tallest building in the city. It’s since been dwarfed in size by nearby skyscrapers. But its appeal lies in its history. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the quietly luxurious old hotel retains some of its original features, including the marble-and-walnut grand staircase that swoops over the lobby.

• Spacious guest rooms featuring separate sitting areas, oversized Roman tubs, and luxuriously soft beds.
• Grab a bite of dinner in the Palace Restaurant, the onsite contemporary American eatery, or enjoy lighter fare at the onsite Cricket Lounge, where you can hear weekend jazz-trio performances.
• Free London cab service is available compliments of the hotel, taking you from the property to attractions, shopping, and restaurants in the immediate downtown area.
• Walk to downtown attractions such as the Contemporary Arts Center, the Cincinnati Bengals’ stadium, and the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

Cincinnati, Ohio: World-Class Museums Along the Ohio River

From the hotel, it’s just a short drive to one of Cincinnati’s top attractions: the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, an impressive collection of flora and fauna that’s been delighting visitors since 1875 (making it the country’s second-oldest zoo). The stars of the show are the big cats, which include beautiful white tigers and snow leopards. In the multisensory Night Hunters exhibit, you’ll encounter nocturnal predators such as vampire bats, burmese pythons, and caffeinated teenagers.

An art-deco railroad terminal built in 1933 now houses the Cincinnati Museum Center , home to an Omnimax theater and a variety of museums. The interactive exhibits at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum include a simulated farm and a woodland adventure. Other attractions include the Museum of Natural History & Science, which looks back 19,000 years to the Ice Age, and the Cincinnati History Museum, featuring a replica of a 94-foot side-wheel steamboat.

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