21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? There are certain hotels that change the way you see a city, and 21c Cincinnati is a perfect example. Don't be mistaken for Ohio's friendly midwestern veneer - although that's definitely one of the reasons people love visiting here - there is a creative community and arts scene here that punches well above its weight. And that's apparent from the moment you step through the doors of 21c, a standard-setting boutique property which is part hotel, part museum, part restaurant. What's the backstory? Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel's 100 year-old premises was formerly home to Cincinnati's Metropole Hotel, and subsequently a forgettable bloc of apartments and retail. But when 21c took over in 2009, they were careful to preserve much of the building's original features, including a grand staircase leading to the second floor ballroom and original mosaic tile floors. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Sometimes in high concept properties, the finer details can get overlooked. That's not the case here. Our king-sized bed was delightfully plush with nice, crispy bedhseets. The custom furniture pieces had a modern vibe, and acted as something of a palate cleanser to the rest of the hotel's high octane art collection. The bathrooms are delightfully funky - look a bit closer at the white subway tiles from Cincinnati-based Rookwood Pottery Company and you'll see surrealist ears, noses, and lips poking out. It's details like that which transform 21c from "just another funky hotel" to a really singular, memorable experience. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? No charge for Wi-fi Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Even people who aren't staying at the hotel clamor for reservations at Metropole, where executive chef Vanessa Miller leads the way. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect such delights as a burnt carrot salad with pickled onion and feta, and a tea-brined chicken served with acorn squash and toasted farro. Chef Miller is also adapting to the Covid era by offering heat and eat take home meal kits. In the warmer months, the hotel's rooftop cocktail terrace is the place to be for hotel guests and locals alike. And the service? From the friendly valet out front, to the efficient front desk, most everything went off without a hitch. Since 21c sold to AccorHotels in 2018, it seems there have been a number of hiccups especially when it comes to housekeeping - missing wastebaskets, room service trays left in the hallway for too long, that sort of thing. What type of travelers will you find here? It's an eclectic crowd of hip business travelers, young couples, art lovers and foodies - pretty much anyone who wants to take advantage of the hotel's central Downtown Cincinnati location. The hotel even attracts a good amount of locals looking for a staycation, and lots of repeat guests - it's the kind of place that you notice a different detail, or different piece of art every time you stay. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The location is superb. It's a short walk from all of Downtown Cincinnati's shops and museums, as well as over to the Smale Riverfront Park. If you're in town for a Cincinnati Reds game, this is where you want to be - not only is it just minutes from Great American Ballpark, but it's where lots of people will congregate before and after games, as well. Is there anything you'd change? The $38 valet charge feels a little steep. Any other hotel features worth noting? The art! Two floors of the premises are dedicated gallery spaces displaying a rotating mix of local and international artists. The galleries are open to the public and free of charge. So even though they are temporarily open by appointment only due to Covid, there is always a contingent of local art enthusiasts stopping by 21c to see what's on view. There's also a small spa offering a number of facials, peels and massages. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Ask any local or regular and they will tell you the hotel definitely had its heyday before getting acquired by AccorHotels in 2018, but maybe that's just their midwestern roots showing. 21c is still a beloved part of Cincinnati's downtown scene." - Todd Plummer
