Holiday Inn Cincinnati-riverfront By Ihg

This hotel is frequently praised for its friendly staff and convenient location, making it a suitable choice for travelers attending sports events or exploring downtown Cincinnati. Its signature feature is its accessibility to various attractions and transportation options, appealing to both families and couples seeking a well-situated base. While many guests found the hotel generally clean, feedback on room comfort and the breakfast experience was mixed. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm breakfast inclusion at the time of booking, be aware of potential parking fees, and consider requesting a room away from the elevators for a quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers an outdoor pool, which some guests found clean and enjoyable, though others reported issues such as cold or green water, or it being unavailable. A fitness center is present, but some reviews noted it was dirty or had broken equipment. While some guests experienced reliable Wi-Fi, others reported persistent connectivity problems in their rooms. Vending machines were frequently found to be empty or out of order, limiting snack and drink options. The elevators were often described as slow, sticky, or old, with some instances of non-functionality. Many guests commented on the hotel's generally dated appearance, despite some cosmetic updates, suggesting a need for more comprehensive renovations in common areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness was varied; while many rooms were found to be clean and well-maintained with spotless linens, a significant number of reviews cited issues such as dust, hair, stains on bedding, black mold, or a general grunginess, indicating inconsistent housekeeping. Opinions on bed comfort were also mixed, with some guests praising the comfortable beds and soft pillows, while others found mattresses to be hard, firm, or uncomfortable. In-room amenities often fell short, with reports of non-working coffee makers, insufficient towels, and the absence of microwaves in rooms (community microwaves were available in hallways). Guests also encountered problems with non-functioning outlets, old TVs with limited channels or poor signal, and phones that did not work. Bathroom issues included clogged or leaking showers, a lack of body wash, and no exhaust fans. While some rooms were quiet, others experienced noise from thin walls, street traffic, trains, or noisy air conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience was a frequent point of contention among guests. Most found it to be mediocre, cold, or disappointing, with limited options and slow replenishment of popular items like eggs, milk, or coffee. Many guests were surprised to learn that breakfast was not included in their stay and required an additional fee, often feeling it was not worth the price. There was also confusion reported regarding the use of vouchers or coupons for breakfast access. The on-site restaurant and bar generally received negative feedback, with guests noting very limited menu choices, items being out of stock, and inconsistent operating hours, often closing earlier than expected. The atmosphere in these areas was sometimes described as uninviting.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering easy access to downtown Cincinnati, Main Street in Covington, and various restaurants and bars. It is particularly convenient for those attending sports events at nearby stadiums, with many guests appreciating the walkable distance or the availability of affordable shuttle services like the TANK trolley or GEST golf carts. The hotel is also well-situated for interstate access, making travel convenient. While some guests noted the surrounding area could feel a bit "sketchy" or had homeless individuals, the hotel itself was generally perceived as safe. Parking is available and often described as ample and well-lit, though a daily fee is frequently mentioned, which surprised some guests.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff was largely positive, with many guests praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. The check-in process was often described as quick and efficient, and staff were noted for being responsive to requests, such as providing extra towels or addressing room issues promptly. Guests appreciated the attentive service from front desk personnel and housekeeping. However, some reviews indicated mixed experiences, with a few guests encountering staff who were perceived as rude, unhelpful, or dismissive, particularly regarding breakfast policies or specific requests. There were also instances where staff seemed overwhelmed or understaffed, leading to slower service or a lack of knowledge about hotel amenities.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for guests traveling with animals, who appreciate the reasonable fees and designated dog walk areas. However, some guests reported issues with a security deposit policy, experiencing delays or difficulties in receiving refunds after their stay. There was also confusion regarding housekeeping services, with some guests expecting daily cleaning but finding it was not provided unless specifically requested or for longer stays. The property has undergone a rebranding to Voco, an IHG brand, with some cosmetic updates noted, though the underlying older structure remains. Guests should also be aware that the hotel primarily accepts card payments, which was an inconvenience for those preferring cash.