The Westin Cincinnati located across from Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati is convenient to stadiums, theaters, restaurants, museums, and other fun city attractions.
Cincinnati’s Rich History and Modern Attractions
The Cincinnati Reds major league baseball team … Cincinnati Bengals football team … that was the extent of my Cincinnati knowledge. Well, I owe Ohio a sincere apology because Cincinnati, certainly lives up to its “Queen City” nickname. In fact, it has a fascinating history dating back to 1788, including being named the first major inland city in the United States. Visiting Cincinnati reminded me that the city was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting slaves with escaping to freedom. And speaking of the Cincinnati Reds, it’s actually the oldest professional baseball team in the country.
Cincinnati is nestled along the Ohio River, part old-world charm yet it boasts many modern attractions. From its iconic skyline including the popular Findlay Market, I like the diversity of Cincinnati’s attractions including sports, history, astronomy, outdoor adventures, food, and even beer.
The Westin Cincinnati Overlooks Fountain Square
The Westin Cincinnati is set in the busy downtown area, overlooking the historic Fountain Square. The hotel’s distinctive glass atrium entrance caught my attention and the surrounding shops practically connected to its façade piqued my attention. If you didn’t know, the beautiful fountain, formally named the Tyler Davidson Fountain, is also referred to as “The Genius of Water” at the intersection of East 5th and Vine Streets.
The Westin Cincinnati turned out to be the perfect hotel since our visit was part business and another part visiting family who lived in the area. The convenience of staying within the city surroundings yet being able to go up to our guest room and enjoy the quiet met our expectations. Even better, with 450+ rooms and suites, we were lucky enough to be offered an outstanding city view. While our visit was in early March, just weeks shy of baseball season, it was special to know that the Great American Ball Park, home of the famed Cincinnati Reds, is conveniently a half a mile away from the hotel. There was plenty of shopping and other attractions within walking distance of the hotel.
City Views and Modern Hotel Amenities
Upon arriving in our guest room, the floor-to-ceiling windows were a sight to behold, a Fountain Square view to watch city folks down below strutting along the bustling streets. The room featured Westin’s special hotel brand of bedding products. The plush Sleep Well bedding and the Westin Heavenly Bed, and other hotel products can be purchased directly from the hotel’s website.
I enjoyed making a cup of tea and coffee each morning in our room while we enjoyed the city view below. The room also provided a flat-screen TV, in room safe, sitting area, and desk. Be aware that the complimentary Wi-Fi is for Marriott Bonvoy Members that book directly, otherwise you pay a fee. There is daily housekeeping service and room service available.
The WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and features treadmills, elliptical trainers, recumbent bikes, cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and strength equipment. One rainy morning, we actually paid a visit to the gym to use the treadmills and felt very comfortable during our workout. We try to work out to improve our long term health goals even when travelling.
There are dining options onsite. One uniquely named hotel restaurant that’s located in the atrium is called, “Ingredients…some assembly required.” It features a menu of American dishes. Apparently, it’s inspired by Manhattan and Chicago cafés, offering healthy grab-and-go items. The Turkey and Cranberry Gourmet Sandwich and the Chicken Pesto Panini were SO GOOD that prior to checking out of the hotel, we bought them “to go” to eat on the flight back home.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant serves lunch and dinner (times vary). We did not try this restaurant as I have a shellfish allergy. Over Vine, a popular upscale lounge overlooks Vine Street from the skywalk level. Last but definitely not least and highly recommended, is the In Room Dining. After a busy day in the city, it was so nice to order room service.
What Did We Do in Cincinnati?
In addition to eating the hotel’s impressive food, the food in Cincinnati was equally delicious. From Cincinnati-style chili and Goetta German-inspired sausage to multiple visits to Graeter’s Ice Cream, we gained our typical five pounds of vacation weight.
When we were not eating, snacking, or drinking cocktails, we took long walks up and down the city streets. We even walked to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center so I could reminisce about my 8th grade term paper on Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. There are so many parks, museums, theaters, galleries, festivals, and events that we could not fully see and appreciate Cincinnati in only a 3 night stay. The city actually has 100+ parks, that’s a lot of parks for one city, and we were bummed not to make it to the recommended 459-acre Mt. Airy Forest. However, that’s because we spent way more time at The Cincinnati Observatory than we had anticipated. In addition to the most interesting, guided tour that took about 45 minutes, we were obsessed with the exhibits including the telescopes, weather forecasting, and of course, shopping for souvenirs in the gift shop. Equally fun was our visit to the unique American Sign Museum. Yes, it’s a museum dedicated to signs from around the country. It was nostalgic to see the original Howard Johnson’s Restaurant sign, a place we visited on special occasions for ice cream as a kid.
Since it was a little chilly on this trip, we made more Starbucks hot tea and coffee type of beverage stops rather than cocktails, we couldn’t help but notice that there were so many breweries downtown. If you like beer, consider Cincinnati a must visit destination.
Key Takeaways
- Located in the heart of downtown across from Fountain Square
- Within walking distance of many restaurants, museums, and other attractions
- Modernly designed rooms featuring the special Westin Heavenly Bed
- Great downtown city views from guest rooms and public spaces
- 24-hour fitness center with state of the art equipment
- Multiple restaurants onsite and 24-hour room service
- Complimentary Wi-Fi is for Marriott Bonvoy Members
- Pet Friendly (pet policy and fees apply)
- Business center and event space available
- Parking available (fees apply)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the closest airport near The Westin Cincinnati?
The closest airport to The Westin Cincinnati is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), an approximate 12 mile drive to the hotel.
- Is there a business center in the hotel?
Yes, a business center and 29,000 square feet of event space and meeting rooms are available in the hotel.
- Does The Westin Cincinnati have in-room Wi-Fi?
While there is in-room Wi-Fi available to hotel guests, only Marriott Bonvoy members can receive complimentary in-room Internet access (direct booking and other rules apply.)
- Does The Westin Cincinnati allow pets?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly. The pet policy states that there is a $50 pet fee, maximum pet weight of 40 lbs., and a maximum of one pet per room.
- Can I park at The Westin Cincinnati?
Yes there is valet, self, and off-site parking available. Note that the parking garage is owned and managed by Cincinnati Port Authority and that self-parking does NOT include in and out privileges. The hotel does not have electric vehicle charging stations.
Final Thoughts
First I will say that we plan to go back to this area and stay at The Westin Cincinnati to attend a Reds baseball game during the season. Our hotel room and view were very nice and the Westin Heavenly Bed was as comfortable as it sounds. Room service was good and breakfast at the restaurant was a nice way to start the day. The staff was always cordial to us and the concierge guided us in the right direction to walk to the local attractions. I enjoyed brushing up on Ohio history and learning that Cincinnati is filled with exciting and unique attractions, along with delicious food that gives other big cities some competition.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
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