The Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront is at 668 West 5th Street in Covington, Kentucky, in the entertainment district on the south side of the river. It is the budget-minded choice among the larger hotels on this side of the Ohio, and it offers a lot for the money: an indoor pool open from 7am to 11pm, a 24-hour gym, laundry facilities, a business center, concierge service and two bars. The restaurant, Eighteen at the Radisson, serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and a Sunday brunch, and is closed on Mondays, with reservations recommended. The Fifth Lounge is the hotel's bar. A full breakfast is available for a fee on weekdays and weekends. The hotel does not allow pets. Because parking is far cheaper here than at most downtown Cincinnati hotels, it is a sensible base for drivers who plan to visit the Ark Encounter or the Creation Museum.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about a three-minute drive from Paycor Stadium and about three minutes from Great American Ball Park by the hotel's own information, and the riverfront is an 11-minute walk. Downtown Cincinnati, the Freedom Center and the Reds Hall of Fame are a short drive or rideshare across the bridge. There is no streetcar on the Kentucky side, so plan on a car or rideshare for most outings.
Rooms and who it suits
It suits families watching their budget, sports fans attending Reds or Bengals games, drivers who want cheap on-site parking and travellers who like an indoor pool after a day out. Anyone who wants a short walk to the Over-the-Rhine restaurants should stay on the Ohio side instead.
Good to know
Self-parking costs about ten dollars a night with in-and-out privileges, a strong saving against downtown rates. Check-in starts at 4pm, the minimum age is 21 and check-out is before 11am, with early check-in and late check-out available for a fee. Breakfast is charged separately. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan dinner elsewhere that night.
Planning tip
Because the hotel is a drive from most sights, build your days around a car or a rideshare and use the cheap parking to your advantage. The Ark Encounter is about forty minutes south, the Creation Museum is near the airport, and Newport Aquarium is a short hop along the river.
For dinner, you can eat at Eighteen on most nights, but remember that it is closed on Mondays and offers a brunch on Sundays, which makes a relaxed start before a late checkout if you have booked one. Rates rise on home-game dates, so compare dates carefully.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Eighteen at the Radisson restaurant
- ✓The Fifth Lounge bar
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Business center
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓Low-cost self-parking
Good questions
Where is the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront?+
It is at 668 West 5th Street in Covington, Kentucky, a short drive from both stadiums.
How much is parking?+
Self-parking is listed at about ten dollars a night with in-and-out privileges.
Does it allow pets?+
No, pets are not allowed.
