The Blu Hotel Blue Ash Cincinnati, an Ascend Collection Hotel

This hotel offers a distinctive and unique atmosphere, often described as having a French Quarter flair or fun decor, immediately impressing guests with its pleasant lobby aroma. It is particularly well-suited for families and sightseers due to its spacious rooms and convenient location near highways and attractions like Kings Island. Business travelers also find it appealing for its quiet environment and comfortable accommodations. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the exceptional comfort of its beds, and the generally friendly and helpful staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main lobby area if you are sensitive to noise, and it may be wise to bring your own snacks, as some available for purchase have had expiration date concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a unique interior design and a spacious lobby that many guests find appealing, though some note that certain common areas appear a bit dated or worn despite recent updates. A significant highlight for many is the 24/7 gourmet coffee machine, offering a variety of hot beverages. While there is an outdoor pool, reviews indicate it is frequently closed or not well-maintained, with some guests noting issues like dirty water or bird droppings. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi and offers snacks and drinks for purchase near the front desk. The glass elevator is a notable feature, adding to the hotel's distinctive character.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is largely positive, with many praising the spacious rooms and the exceptional comfort of the beds and soft sheets, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, there are notable inconsistencies, with some guests reporting significant issues such as blood stains on bedding, ants or other bugs, and general dirtiness upon arrival. Common room issues include broken toilet paper holders, non-functional coffee makers, torn curtains, slow-draining showers, and inconsistent hot water in bathrooms. Noise from the lobby or other rooms, particularly slamming doors, is occasionally mentioned, though many find the rooms generally quiet. Some rooms also have AC units that are either faulty or blow cold air directly onto the bed.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives widespread praise for its quality and variety. Guests appreciate the extensive spread, which often includes waffles, omelets, sausages, yogurt, cereals, muffins, toast, and fresh fruit. The coffee machine is frequently highlighted for its excellent quality and diverse options, including cappuccino and latte. While most guests are satisfied, some note that the hot food options, such as eggs and gravy, can be basic or seem to be made from powdered ingredients, and there is sometimes a lack of meat options, particularly on weekdays.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally well-regarded, offering easy access to highways and a variety of nearby food options. It is considered convenient for those visiting attractions like Kings Island, which is approximately 15 minutes away by car. While not in downtown Cincinnati, its position provides a quieter environment, away from city congestion and noise. Free parking is available and appreciated by guests, though some mention that the parking lot can be limited. The area is perceived as safe and secure by most visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the smooth check-in and check-out processes and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests. Specific individuals are often commended for going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. However, there are isolated reports of rude staff interactions, particularly during night shifts, and some guests have experienced significant issues with security deposit refunds, which can be a source of frustration. Despite these occasional negative experiences, the overall sentiment regarding service is overwhelmingly positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a security deposit is typically charged upon check-in, and while it is promised to be refunded, some reviews indicate delays or difficulties in receiving it back. The hotel has a unique policy regarding towel usage for hair dyeing, with guests potentially being charged for damaged towels. While the hotel is generally considered a good value for its price, especially given the spacious rooms and amenities, some guests feel it is overpriced for its condition, citing areas that appear dated or in need of further renovation. The hotel's distinctive decor and ambiance are often mentioned as a key part of its appeal.