The Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is a central, polished stay in Marriott's Renaissance brand, in the four-star class and about 0.8 miles from the center of downtown. The hotel notes an on-site bar and restaurant and says that parking is valet only, which is worth knowing before you arrive by car. It is a good fit for couples on a city break, business travellers and first-timers who want an easy, reliable base within reach of Fountain Square and the streetcar. The hotel's own dining means you can eat without going out on a cold evening, while the surrounding streets put the Aronoff Center, the arts district and the riverfront within a walk or short ride.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in downtown Cincinnati, and the streetcar takes you from nearby stops to The Banks, the Freedom Center and the Reds Hall of Fame in one direction and Over-the-Rhine, Music Hall and Findlay Market in the other. Fountain Square and the Walnut Street arts corner are close on foot. For the zoo, the Museum Center and the Art Museum, use a rideshare or car. Covington and Newport on the Kentucky side are a short drive over the bridges.
Rooms and who it suits
Renaissance hotels aim at travellers who want some design and local flavor with the reliability of a big brand. That makes it a good compromise between the chain hotels and the boutique choices, and it works for both business and leisure. Couples will find the on-site bar and restaurant convenient for a quiet evening. Families may prefer the Hyatt Regency for its pool and children's facilities.
Good to know
Parking is valet only, so budget for a nightly valet charge and allow a few minutes at arrival and departure, and check the current rate when you check rates. Policies on breakfast, pets and resort-style fees vary, so confirm them before booking. Rates rise on Reds and Bengals weekends and when conferences are in town, so look at neighboring dates if you are flexible.
If you plan to ride the streetcar and walk, you may not need a car at all, in which case the valet-only parking matters less. Ask for a higher floor if you want city views, and for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
A stay here pairs well with a Music Hall tour, an evening in Over-the-Rhine and a morning at the Taft Museum or the Art Museum. For travellers who like a predictable, comfortable base in the middle of the city, it is an easy choice. If you are arriving by train or bus, the hotel is an easy rideshare from the station, and from the airport, which is across the river in Kentucky, plan on a rideshare or taxi, allowing extra time at rush hour.
Guests who prefer to leave the car at home can rely on the free streetcar for most of their sightseeing. Ask at check-in about luggage storage if your flight or train leaves after checkout.
Why stay here
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓On-site bar
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓Marriott Renaissance brand
- ✓Streetcar nearby
- ✓Near Fountain Square
- ✓Walkable to the arts district
- ✓Central downtown location
Good questions
Does the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel have self-parking?+
The hotel says parking is valet only. Confirm the nightly charge when you check rates.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes, there is an on-site bar and restaurant.
Is the Renaissance close to the sights?+
It is in downtown Cincinnati, close to Fountain Square and the streetcar, with the riverfront and Over-the-Rhine a short ride away.
