I have never been to Cincinnati, Ohio, actually nowhere in Ohio for that matter, so when Buick asked me to go test drive their 2014 Regal, I jumped at the chance to go see the Midwest of the United States. This trip also included a drive to Louisville, Kentucky. Read all about that here. For the weekend in Cincinnati, I stayed at the 21C Museum Hotel, a boutique hotel located downtown, right near the Bengals football stadium.
My stay had no bumps in the road. It was smooth sailing from the moment my Tory Burch flats graced the exotic lobby. I arrived around 3pm, just in time for check. Because of my cross country travel – not to mention two hours spent in the Delta Sky Club – I was ready to crash for an hour or two before dinner. I wanted to look refreshed for the evening reception being hosted by Buick at the American Signs Museum. I was greeted like a celebrity and let’s be honest here, I am anything but! The receptionist gave me my key card, a quick overview of the hotel and the wi-fi password, which I would need all weekend to file stories.
From the outside, 21C Museum Hotel looks like any other hotel…but when you step inside it is anything but! So throw away any misconceptions you have about hotels in Cincinnati being cookie cutter. 21C Museum Hotel is the height of modern sophistication with a twist. The entire hotel is a contemporary museum with art installations from artists from all over the world, including mixed media works. All the fixtures and decorations are so aligned with the theme that I truly felt as though I was spending the weekend in a chic museum. My room was no exception.
I can’t tell you exactly what I was expecting as I had avoided viewing all of the rooms on 21C’s website so that I could be left with a bit of a surprise. And a surprise it was….The room was out of this world! It was contemporary with a plush king sized bed, sitting area to entertain and watch television on the 42-inch high definition TV, a fully stocked mini bar with all my favorites (Red Bull, Gin, Vodka, wines and sodas), ample lights, an iPod dock, which would come in handy after losing my charger at the airport, a Nespresso machine and lavish robes (yea I am a sucker for bath robes).
The bathroom was quirky, with a walk-in shower and tiled walls with artwork protruding from the tiles, including lips, breasts and what have you. There was even a rubber ducky in the corner to bring back nostalgic childhood memories. Though I brought my own bath products, I couldn’t help but take advantage of the Malin + Goetz bath products stocked in the bathroom. If you have time, head to the The Spa at 21c with a menu that includes signature facials by RéVive skincare as well as massages and body wraps.
If you find you do have some spare, there is plenty to keep you busy at the hotel. The renowned Metropole restaurant is housed in the hotel. Helmed by Chef Michael Paley, the Metropole is a farm-to-table restaurant that sources all its ingredients from the region’s sustainable farmers and producers. Needless to say, their menu changes seasonally and includes roasted meats, fish and vegetables; grains; and housemade charcuterie. They also have an impressive wine and cocktail selection. Make sure to go to the rooftop Cocktail Terrace, which offers stunning views of downtown Cincinnati. The menu focuses on creative cocktails and also offers a small selection wine, beer, and bar snacks from chef Michael Paley.
If you aren’t familiar with the hotel’s location you should know that it is central to most of Cincinnati’s popular clubs, restaurants and lounges, as well as the huge NFL stadium less than a five minute walk from the hotel. It is also right by the Arnoff Center for Art and the Cincinnati Opera.
Nightly rates for the 21C Museum Hotel start at $213. So head over to their website and book your room if you find yourself in Cincinnati, Ohio.
