Unique Cincinnati Stays

Going on a big adventure doesn’t always mean traveling hours by car or plane. Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are worthy travel destinations for locals, and there are some truly unique local stays that make being a tourist in your own town feel like a real luxury! So whether you are planning a staycation with the family, a romantic getaway or a girls night out on the town, check out these outstanding overnight options available right in our backyards…

21C Museum Hotel
This 100-year old hotel has been reimagined as a contemporary art museum that welcomes guests to stay, explore and discover! With 156 rooms available for booking, comfort is key but so is experience. The spacious rooms, luxury bedding and custom furniture allow maximum relaxation while the unique touches like Rookwood Pottery body-part tiles and original artworks boost the cultural relevance of a guest’s stay. 21C also has an in-house spa available for bookings, a 24-hour museum and Metropole serves up tasty locally-sourced ingredient bites and delicious drinks, too.
609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH  | 513-578-6600 | www.21cmuseumhotels.com

The Swing House
Immerse yourself in an art experience, overnight. This 1880’s three-story brick building may look unsuspecting from the outside, but upon entry the home reveals its truly unique nature. A playful swing descends from the high ceiling! Metal beams and large industrial fans compliment the rusticly exposed bricks, which were painted to the liking of residents from decades past. Trendy furniture and hip music further set the ambiance, and a trip down the spiral staircase brings guests to an actual art exhibit in the basement. Feel like you’ve lost some of your “cool”? A stay at The Swing House can help you get your groove back.
1373 Avon Place, Cincinnati, OH  | 513-325-6625 | www.swing-house.com

Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati
Love Cincinnati? The suites within this hotel have been expertly curated to highlight all things Cincy! Located on the University of Cincinnati Campus, the Ohio-inspired guest rooms serve up a bit of whimsical “Wow!”. Modern furniture, playful patterns and a dash of cute make a stay at the Graduate so much fun. Families can even book the Graduate Familyroom, which has animal centric wallpaper that tips a hat to the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo and has an actual custom bunk bed for when it is time to catch some z’s. The powerful pops of color in the playful lobby restaurant make it a must-stop dining destination!
151 Goodman Street, Cincinnati, OH  | 513-487-3800 | www.hilton.com

The Lytle Park Hotel
This chic hotel also boasts some super cool history! This 1909 Queen City building is part of the National Registrar of Historic Places Lytle Park Neighborhood and is mere steps away from Lytle Park and a stones throw away from the Taft Museum of Art. An elegant and classic feel meets modern luxury within the boutique hotel’s suites, especially the newly renovated Taft Suite Presidential Bedroom which boasts a king bed, separate dining room, separate living room and more. For those looking for a spa feel, be sure to investigate Rainwater and its marble bathroom— the spa robes and slippers elevate the experience! Blackout drapes in each room mean a good night’s sleep for all. Looking to truly unwind? Book the Serene Spa Package which includes a spa treatment from the nearby Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa!
311 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH | 513-621-4500 | www.thelytleparkhotel.com

BONUS: Unique NKY Stay

Hotel Covington
With Hotel Covington’s new “NORTH” addition, this boutique overnight option is absolutely a must-visit for those looking to stay local yet experience the innovative. The Deluxe Gym Loft and Luxury Lightwell Loft both reside in a space that was once a YMCA gymnasium! The open two-floor spaces boast spiral staircases, king beds and full kitchenettes. Don’t sleep on the dreamy rooms within the main hotel though! Rooms like the Coppin King and Queen City Queens showcase royal designs, elegant flare and a touch of vintage, too. An ideal dining destination during a stay at Hotel Covington (or any time, really!) is Coppins’ Restaurant + Bar—a true local favorite. 
638 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY | 859-654-7539 | www.hotelcovington.com

Find Things to Do during a staycation in Cincinnati/NKY by clicking here.

This article was originally published in May 2025.