Highlights: Cincinnatian Hotel

•Grand old hotel dates back to 1882

•Historic charm remains, but with modern luxuries

•Guest rooms and suites reflect the hotel’s pride in its heritage

•Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition

•Gourmet and casual dining offered at two distinct restaurants

Amenities: Cincinnatian Hotel

• 146 rooms, 8 story. Pets accepted. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Cincinnatian Hotel

Old-world luxuries meet modern conveniences at The Cincinnatian Hotel. This grand, historic hotel, originally built in 1882 as The Palace, has long stood guard over the city. It was designed by the same architects who completed City Hall and the Music Hall, and the building’s French Second Empire architecture remains impressive to this day.

Though the original hotel had 300 rooms, in later years that number was reduced to 146 rooms and seven suites, allowing for more comfort and space to meet the demands of modern travelers. The interiors are classically elegant, and the guest rooms and suites reflect the hotel’s pride in its heritage. Sophisticated travelers have made The Cincinnatian their home-away-from-home for decades, and many of the city’s residents and businesspeople dine in the hotel’s restaurants. The Palace Restaurant, awarded a Mobil Three-Star rating, offers fine dining, while more casual fare may be enjoyed at The Cricket Lounge. Afternoon tea is a hotel, and city, tradition.

The Cincinnatian appeals to a diverse clientele. Business travelers often book the hotel because of its convenient downtown location, as well as its in-room high-speed Internet, professional concierge service, and prestigious address. The restaurants are perfect for brokering deals or conducting one-on-one meetings, and the six private function rooms are ideal for hosting corporate events.

This genteel hotel doesn’t speak to business travelers alone, however. Its pampering services and refined style catch the eye of leisure travelers, too. The hotel is just right for a romantic weekend or getaway, yet it is also a comfortable fit for single travelers. Families with young children won’t find many child-focused amenities, but the hotel’s great location and gracious service will make families feel right at home.

(+) Grand historic hotel with modern amenities is a comfortable fit for all travelers

Guest Services: Cincinnatian Hotel

The Cincinnatian takes great pride in its highly trained, professional staff. The staff aims to please at this hotel, where guests are treated with respect and warmth. The concierge staff is especially attentive and helpful. Business travelers will be pleased to find one-stop shopping for all of their needs while staying in Cincinnati. Leisure travelers wanting to take in the sights of the city will find the concierge particularly helpful, offering suggestions for area restaurants, sightseeing, and even procuring theater tickets.

(+) Staff balances professionalism with warmth and grace

Guest Rooms: Cincinnatian Hotel

The hotel has 146 guest rooms, including seven suites. The rooms are luxurious, offering charming details such as fireplaces and balconies. They are also lavishly appointed with antique-style furnishings and distinctive art and decorative objects. Still, the rooms are designed with modern travelers in mind. High-speed Internet, spacious desks and work areas, and comfortable bedding are among the amenities. Large windows look out over the city streets, while inner-courtyard views of the eight-story atrium are also enchanting. The hotel’s junior suites are extremely spacious, while extras such as whirlpools and dining rooms make the accommodations exceedingly comfortable.

(+) Classically designed rooms are comfortable and charming

Facilities & Activities: Cincinnatian Hotel

Resting on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a lovely city with plenty to offer vacationers and business travelers. The hotel’s location in the heart of downtown makes it easy to access the city’s major attractions. Many of the hot spots are within walking distance, while others require only a quick car ride.

The location couldn’t be better for art fans, since the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Taft Museum are within two miles of the hotel. Families traveling with children will appreciate the proximity to the Newport Aquarium, about two miles from the hotel, as well as the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is under four miles away.

There are two fantastic facilities dedicated to the performing arts within a short distance from the hotel, including Riverbend Music Center and Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts. Paul Brown Stadium is less than a mile away and River Downs racetrack is nine miles away, keeping sports fans happy. It’s easy to catch most of the sights in one walk around downtown.

Though there are limited opportunities for recreation within the hotel itself, it does offer a fitness center for guests. Big, bright windows give the fitness center an open, airy feel, while state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment with individual televisions mounted at each station are a boon to athletic-minded travelers.

(+) Great downtown location makes exploring Cincinnati a breeze

Dining & Lounge: Cincinnatian Hotel

Guests have the choice of two restaurants while staying at The Cincinnatian. The Palace Restaurant is the hotel’s signature fine-dining establishment. The dining room is one of the city’s most elegant, with rich wood-paneled walls and large-scale oil paintings displayed gallery style. The restaurant is crowded throughout the day with hotel guests and area businesspeople. The 45-minute expedited lunch service is popular with busy executives who don’t want to sacrifice quality while dining out during the work week.

In the mornings, The Palace provides a breakfast buffet, as well as à la carte service. Dinner is when the chef really shows off his talents, though. The seasonal menu is like a love letter to the culinary traditions of the world. French, Asian, and American influences meld to create innovative dishes such as whole fried yellowtail with black bean sauce and loupe de mer with fava beans, honshimeji, and sarsaparilla foam. Despite the restaurant’s inventive cuisine and stylish setting, children will feel right at home with their own menu featuring kid favorites such as chicken fingers, peanut butter and jelly, and spaghetti.

Guests who want to feast on lighter fare in a more casual setting will find The Cricket Lounge to their liking. Big, comfortable chairs and an airy venue set within the eight-story atrium create a pleasant atmosphere, and The Palace’s kitchen provides the snacks and meals.

Afternoon tea is a special tradition at The Cincinnatian. Set to the strains of a live harp, the tea service is an especially lovely way to spend an afternoon. Adults will find a wide selection of pastries and tea sandwiches, as well as numerous tea offerings. There is even a teddy bear tea for little ones, complete with miniature peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, teddy bear-shaped cookies, and the choice of tea, hot chocolate, or juice. Guests planning to leave the hotel for meetings or sightseeing will want to plan ahead and order a boxed lunch from the hotel. This gourmet-to-go meal is a wonderful, much-appreciated feature.

(+) Nice mix of fine and casual dining, as well as proper afternoon tea

Business Services: Cincinnatian Hotel

The Cincinnatian is a perfect hotel for business travelers. Its downtown location is ideal, the in-room amenities make it easy to work away from home, and the wonderful staff is on hand to assist with any need. Single business travelers are as well-accommodated here as groups. The hotel’s six private function rooms are often selected by area businesses for off-site meetings and events.

(+) Hotel is suited to both independent business travelers and groups