Hotel Covington is the reason many visitors now stay on the Kentucky side of the river. Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide, it fills a historic building in downtown Covington that began life as a department store, completely renovated so the rooms have modern layouts while the bones of the old building show in the brick and industrial architecture of the public spaces. The main hotel has 114 rooms, each with a locally curated minibar, and its expansion, North by Hotel Covington, adds 53 apartment-style suites, most with kitchenettes, in another modernized historic building, along with the Knowledge Bar and Social Room. The social life of the hotel centers on Coppin's Restaurant and Bar, its signature dining room, with a seasonal menu, signature cocktails and an outdoor patio, while an artisan coffee bar in the lobby and a 24-hour fitness center cover the basics. It is a few blocks from the Ohio River, with downtown Cincinnati directly across the water.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 638 Madison Avenue in downtown Covington. The riverfront, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and the cafés and bars of the MainStrasse Village area are close by, and downtown Cincinnati, The Banks and the stadiums are a short drive or rideshare across the river. The hotel says Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is about fifteen minutes away by car, and the Kentucky location makes it a natural base for the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, which are both reached by highways heading south and west from Covington.
Rooms and who it suits: it suits couples, food lovers and travellers who prefer a neighborhood feel to a big downtown hotel. Families and longer stays should look at North by Hotel Covington, where the suites with kitchenettes give room to spread out; the luxury skyline and terrace suites there are memorable for a special occasion.
Good to know: parking is available for a charge, with valet and self-parking options. The hotel is listed as pet friendly for a fee; confirm the details when you book. Covington is lively on weekend evenings, so ask for a room away from the street if you sleep lightly. Book Coppin's for weekend brunch, which is popular with locals as well as guests.
Why stay here
- ✓114 rooms plus 53 North suites
- ✓Coppin's Restaurant and Bar
- ✓Artisan coffee bar
- ✓Kitchenettes in most North suites
- ✓Local minibar in every room
- ✓24-hour fitness center
- ✓Outdoor patio dining
- ✓Valet and self-parking
Good questions
Where is Hotel Covington?+
It is at 638 Madison Avenue in Covington, Kentucky, a few blocks from the Ohio River. Downtown Cincinnati is a short drive across the river.
What is North by Hotel Covington?+
It is the hotel's expansion in a second historic building, with 53 apartment-style suites. Most have kitchenettes, which suits families and longer stays.
Is Hotel Covington a good base for the Ark Encounter?+
Yes, its Kentucky location puts you on the right side of the river for the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Both are reached by highway, so you will need a car.
