The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is the hotel to choose if you want to stay inside a piece of Cincinnati history without paying luxury prices. It opened in 1931 as part of the Carew Tower complex, then one of the most ambitious mixed-use buildings in America, and its public rooms are among the finest French Art Deco interiors in the country: rosewood paneling, painted ceilings, metalwork and murals that make the walk from the elevator to breakfast feel like an event. The hotel's address is 35 West Fifth Street, a block from Fountain Square in the center of downtown. Dining is grouped under the name of its opening year: The 1931 is the main restaurant, The Lounge at 1931 serves craft beer and small plates in an Art Deco setting, and The Grille at 1931 offers a casual menu. Rooms are comfortable rather than lavish, and the hotel has a fitness center, business center and room service.
Location and getting around: the Netherland Plaza is about as central as you can be in Cincinnati. Fountain Square, the shops and restaurants of downtown and the Aronoff Center are a few minutes' walk, and the free Connector streetcar runs nearby, carrying you down to The Banks, the Freedom Center and the Reds Hall of Fame, or up to Over-the-Rhine, Music Hall and Findlay Market. The riverfront is about a ten-minute walk. There is no airport shuttle.
Rooms and who it suits: it suits first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, history and architecture lovers, and families who want a central, well-priced base with connecting rooms and cribs available. Couples should ask for a higher floor. The rooms themselves are standard Hilton comfort, so the real draw is the building and the location; take time to explore the public spaces and the shopping arcade below.
Good to know: self-parking is about thirty-five dollars a day and valet about fifty, both in a covered garage with in-and-out privileges, and there is electric car charging. Pets up to twenty-five pounds are allowed for a one-time fee. Breakfast is available for a fee. Check-in is at 4pm and check-out at 11am. Because the hotel is large and often hosts events, rates swing with the convention and sports calendars, so compare dates if you are flexible.
Why stay here
- ✓1931 French Art Deco interiors
- ✓The 1931 restaurant
- ✓The Lounge at 1931
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Room service
- ✓Covered self and valet parking
- ✓EV charging
- ✓Pet friendly (up to 25 lb)
Good questions
Where is the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza?+
It is at 35 West Fifth Street, a block from Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. The streetcar and the riverfront are within easy walking distance.
How much is parking at the Netherland Plaza?+
Self-parking is about thirty-five dollars a day and valet about fifty. Both are covered and include in-and-out privileges.
Is the Hilton Netherland Plaza pet friendly?+
Yes, pets up to twenty-five pounds are allowed. A non-refundable fee applies.
