Name: 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Address: 609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati Central Business District, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, US
Price range: US$149–US$656 per night
Rating: 8.6

What guests think

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati blends a downtown location with an on-site contemporary art museum, earning praise for its walkability and unique vibe, while reviews also note uneven upkeep and services that sometimes fall short of the premium price.

Guests frequently highlight friendly staff, engaging gallery spaces, and convenient dining and bar options, with occasional shout-outs to the rooftop bar and spa. Common criticisms include worn or dated rooms, maintenance problems such as nonworking refrigerators, AC or hot-water issues, confusing lighting, and mixed cleanliness with sewer-like odors reported in some lobby and hallway areas. Expect a creative, central stay with variable room quality and service consistency.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Standout galleries and a rooftop bar add character, though the rooftop was occasionally closed. Spa and valet are convenient (valet can be pricey), the fitness center drew odor complaints, and there’s no pool or hot tub.

Related guest reviews

6

Paula

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was ok. For almost $400 for the night it was ok. It was clean and pretty quiet. It seems to be lacking something, The location is good but the idea of artwork could be so much more. Maybe even have sections to highlight high school students? They didn’t give any information at check in- about anything, WiFi password, where to find the art gallery, times of operation for the restaurant, you can’t use the rooftop bar unless you’re part of a private party. And for the high price there is no breakfast included. It was ok, but we probably will not go back.

8

Emily

3 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

21C is always very clean and wonderful staff. Only issue would be the rooftop bar - it was a main draw and it was closed. A beautiful Memorial Day weekend and yet, closed till “mid June.” Next stay we will do one of the many other hotels downtown that is using the rooftop space.

10

Roseann

9 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk was vey helpful and friendly You can catch the trolley just up the block to get around the city but it is also very walkable The rooftop bar was great—despite the cooler weather they had blankets you could wrap yourself in Wish they had a larger drink selection

10

Michael

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I really enjoyed this hotel. It was located close to everything I wanted to do in Cincinnati. I looked at the menu for the restaurant, and I did not appeal. It had a lot of fairly unusual items so we did not eat there. The valet was convenient and we mostly quick

10

James Earl

24 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff and service was great and helpful with any questions i had. It was an awesome surprise to find out that this place is more than just a hotel. Loved the artwork throughout the first two floors. Such a great experience. Rooms were spacious, well cleaned, up to date, with good fluffy towels. Overall great hotel in the heart of downtown within walking distance from restaurants. Only drawback was parking. $40 per day valet parking. Valet was efficient.

8

Shannon

7 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Valet parking is included which was great. The amount I paid for the room, I was expecting it to be cleaner. I know It’s an old building but the bathroom specifically had a film over it like it hasn’t been deep cleaned in years. Limescale on the shower head and general yuck in the grout and corners. I got a message at the spa and it was the best message I’ve ever had which made the stay worth it. Lots of great restaurants in walking distance and not far from the reds.

8

Chelsea

1 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was very upset that I read online we would have a hot tub at the location to find out when we arrived they no longer have one. No hotel pool either. The spa was wonderful though & everyone was friendly! The beds were comfortable and the room was very clean. The hotel restaurant was a little too fancy for my liking so we only tried it once and didn’t eat much. We loved the Mexican restaurant across the road. The art in the hotel was beautiful!

6

Julie

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel has become quite run down. The lobby and common areas around it smell bad, as does the fitness center. The rooms, carpet and bathrooms are run down. The staff is nice. All that said, the current experience is not commensurate with the high end price. I’ve been staying here for the past three years when I travel to Cincinnati for business. I won’t be staying here anymore.

10

Kerissa

7 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is our third stay at 21c Cincy. I LOVE the rooftop bar they now have open and the room was as wonderful as always. I appreciate that they keep up on things so nothing is worn out or tarnished! This is always my Cincinnati pick!

8

Daniel

9 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Hotel is quite interesting in it's layout. Having artwork available was refreshing. The building itself needs updating: carpets/walls etc. The beds were comfortable and the staff was helpful. We had a great breakfast at the Metropole ( connected ) and would eat there again. The parking was very inconvenient and expensive. I would not do that again

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is mixed: many found rooms clean, but recurring reports cite sewer-like odors in lobby/halls, dingy carpets, scuffed walls, and bathrooms needing deeper cleaning (mildew or limescale). Housekeeping misses and unclean items were also noted.

Related guest reviews

6

Candace

11 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hallways and rooms were very dingy and dirty. Our bed didn’t have a fitted sheet just a regular sheet over the mattress cover. And the phone in our room did not work

4

William

6 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Housekeeping failed to clean and the front desk couldn't have cared less about it. The room was extremely dusty and there was visible mold in the bathroom.

6

Brittney

16 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was one of the most uncomfortable hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The room smelled like mold as soon as we walked in the door, the room felt dirty, the bed and sheets were awful! The sheets were literally scratchy on my skin. The hallways are dirty. Not only would I never stay here again, I would never recommend it to anyone ever.

4

Catrice

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bed was very uncomfortable, carpet looked dirty or dingy. The lobby had a sewer smell.

4

Monica

13 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel needs a refresh. There is a distinct stale smell throughout the lobby and hallways, the walls are damaged/scuffed, the corners of the bathtub are moldy, the empty mini fridge was dirty. The hotel is very basic with few amenities- a small closet, no slippers, very thin bedding. The hotel ran out of clean towels at one point. The art was very interesting but I would not recommend.

6

Leslie

7 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We have stayed many times at this location in last 10 years. The people are wonderful. However the hotel needs some TLC. There was a strong sewer smell on the lobby area, the beds have been changed as they very hard and the hallways needed cleaned and painted.

8

Deborah

5 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unique boutique hotel. Clean. The rooms were nice but worn. Carpeting in the hallway was worn and torn.

8

Shannon

7 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Valet parking is included which was great. The amount I paid for the room, I was expecting it to be cleaner. I know It’s an old building but the bathroom specifically had a film over it like it hasn’t been deep cleaned in years. Limescale on the shower head and general yuck in the grout and corners. I got a message at the spa and it was the best message I’ve ever had which made the stay worth it. Lots of great restaurants in walking distance and not far from the reds.

6

Julie

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel has become quite run down. The lobby and common areas around it smell bad, as does the fitness center. The rooms, carpet and bathrooms are run down. The staff is nice. All that said, the current experience is not commensurate with the high end price. I’ve been staying here for the past three years when I travel to Cincinnati for business. I won’t be staying here anymore.

6

Kelly

26 Feb 2023

·

Stayed with my girlfriends for a staycation. Location was great, walkable to nearby restaurants. Parking is valet only, $39/ night - not ideal but normal for downtown. Overall the hotel was fine; for the price, I wouldn’t stay here again. I think it’s labeled as a four star hotel and feels like a three star: surprised at the low quality of the linens for the price of the room, felt more utilitarian than luxury. (Read: thin bed linens, small not plush towels, shower curtain ineffective at keeping water in the shower). The room fridge was non functioning and no ice machine available (you could call for ice from the front desk). The hotel is an older space which isn’t an issue but could have leveled up the experience with plush linens. Staff was great, very helpful. The art is beautiful. Penguins are fun. Another oddity - there was a consistent odd / off smell in the lobby the entire weekend. Maybe from the restaurant?

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Rooms

Rooms are often comfortable and sometimes spacious, but many feel dated with recurring maintenance issues (nonworking or locked fridges, weak or no hot water, AC problems, confusing/dim lighting, worn fixtures) and occasional street noise or poor views.

Related guest reviews

4

Susan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The lighting system was awful. Must turn on desk and coffee maker by using switch at door. Difficult to control bed lights because of this system. No directions for quirky coffee maker. Hotel ran out of decaf coffee pods and then all coffee. No in room refrigerator though one delivered upon request. Staff confused about where to place it. Shower spray was so weak it took long time to rinse hair. Shower leaked all over floor... leaked at base of shower onto floor outside shower. Took two huge towels to sop up. Staff attempted to repair but did not work. Restaurant breakfast service was friendly and polite but slow. Room was dark and dreary. On the bright side, there was more than adequate shelf space around sink, which was a real pleasure. And entire staff was cheery and responsive. I have rarely had to call desk for help but called 8 times during my stay here. Family staying in room next door had shower that was so fast it hurt them! had similar complaints about lighting ... one tiny window in rooms and no overhead lights . The museum aspect was nice and very interesting but did not compensate for the quirkiness of the rooms.

4

Mindy

28 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirty doors in lobby no hot water

8

holly

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

nice stay room walls could be cleaner fridge didnt work but was told we could request new one

8

Keith

13 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall uncomfortable. No light blocking window treatments……several outside lights filtering in ALL night. Very uncomfortable bed, Unable to get good sleep. Hilton properties used to have decent properties….. I’m not so sure anymore

6

Jillian

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel right in the heart of downtown so walking to most places was easy. Room was beautiful and artsy. Front desk staff was super sweet. The bed was hard as a rock but I typically overlook that as I fully admit I’d a ‘princess and a pea.’ The bathroom floors were even heated which was a great touch. What we’re NOT happy with is there was absolutely no hot water. We got there about 4pm on Saturday and checked out at 10am Sunday. We tried showering Friday night and thought maybe the hotel was just on overload? Then tried Sunday morning. We left the hot water running for 23 minutes all the way up and it was barely lukewarm. Same with washing my face and hands. Due to that we probably won’t stay there again.

8

shelby

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super cool boutique hotel. Very comfortable bed and pillows. Sadly my fridge didnt work so that was a bummer since i bought things that needed refrigeration. Water pressure was very low, but it is an older building. Overall, loved my stay.

6

Olivia

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was pretty excited for my stay at the 21C Hotel in Cincinnati, however when I got to my room, I was quickly met with issue after issue. The room itself was completely underwhelming. It was didn’t match the “light and airy” feel that was pictured on the website. Additionally we had a broken window shade, the phone wasn’t plugged it, and stained robes. Additionally we quickly found out that there were other inconveniences such as no access to an ice machine-you have to call a request someone bring a bag of ice. Additionally if you want to chill something, you can’t because there is no functioning mini fridge, however there is a non functioning mini bar fridge that can’t be accessed and in our case was a broken machine just sitting in the way in our room. The saving grace of this trip was the staff. Everyone was so helpful and understanding. We had our robes replaced, our window shade fixed, a mini fridge brought to our room, and traded our stained robes. I personally don’t like coming to a hotel, especially for a romantic get away, and experiencing so many inconveniences in one stay but the staff did their best to accommodate. I likely will never revisit this hotel in the future.

6

Nicholas

4 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was nice, but the AC in our room was broken so it was very hot all night

8

Sharon

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Valets were nice and friendly. Restaurant servers could use some smiles. Our bed was comfortable and bathroom was nice and roomy. Refrigerator didn’t work and the coffee maker was extremely loud and annoying. Area around the hotel was nice and we enjoyed restaurants near by.

8

Kristen

3 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 19,323 nights

Great lication downtown. However, even on 10th floor, street noise was very loud.

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Service

Service is frequently praised as friendly, helpful and responsive across front desk and valet, though inconsistencies appear: occasional rudeness or poor communication, slow responses or missed housekeeping, billing/fee confusion, and sporadic valet delays or issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Sara

28 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We stayed at 21c for 4 nights and were very pleased with the hotel. The staff was so friendly and helpful. When we got into our room, the mini fridge smelled really bad so we called the front desk and someone was there in 5 minutes to replace it. The room was very clean and quiet. This hotel is a perfect place to stay in the city as it is close to many things. There is a free streetcar stop literally 1 minute from the hotel which will take you around the city. The valet parking was very easy and the guys were super friendly and speedy in getting our car. We had a wonderful first visit to Cincinnati and it definitely won’t be our last to the city or this hotel. Thanks for giving us some great memories!

8

David

5 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel's use of original paintings in an art museum type setting is beautiful. Rooms are a good size and very inviting and attractive. My only objection was the nearly 25 minutes it took to get my car from the valet when leaving. Very frustrating. Also cost of valet at $40 overnight is a high price for a second tier city.,

10

Morgan

5 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

I enjoyed everything about this hotel. From the room, to the staff, to the restaurant and bar. The location is in the heart of downtown and is easy walking distance to many attractions. This is my "go to" anytime I visit my family in Cincinnati.

2

Myisha

29 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was friendly. The room was ok. It had a noticeable smell that was not great. Shower would not turn off and I had to call as it was stuck. I paid for valet and my car was damaged badly. I checked out and waited for valet to pull my car up and the complete side was badly damaged. Valet just got out like nothing was wrong. A manger came out to write a report. Never offered any service fee back or anything. Took the report outside I’m the heat and never offered me back in hotel seeing that I was very upset. I will never stay here again or recommend anyone stay here. The only thing good was the front desk staff and some other employees was nice. It’s still a full day and the hotel insurance has not contacted me. I called and spoke with the general manager that was nice but had no urgency. Completely unacceptable.

10

Sara

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I stayed in a 21C in Louisville and found this location to be equally as delightful and playful. The front desk staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Our room was perfect. Will stay again.

10

Stacy A.

28 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was a treat to stay in. The entire experience was great from the clean rooms to the check in with the front desk girl. The lobby was so cool it was distracting to check in. My truck was too tall for the valet garage so they made great accommodations and made room for it in front of the hotel. The valet is 24 hours so I wasn't worried at all. The rooms were clean, updated and comfortable. The restaurant staff was efficient and friendly. This place checks all the boxes. A night at the museum!

4

Jeffrey

16 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I had a reservation number and itinerary number and they could not find my name anywhere in the system. I don’t know how this can happen since I received 3 confirmation emails. They did end up giving me a room but it took 25 minutes

10

Devon

23 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was great. Room and facility was very clean and well appointed. The restaurant and bar were very convenient and was comparable to other restaurants in the area. All of the staff we encountered were very nice, friendly, and helpful with any questions we had. We flew in from out of state for a show and really enjoyed our stay. We’d stay there again.

8

Michael

2 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This location is great and everything with one exception was excellent!! Restaurant, bar and food was outstanding. Bartender Andrew was above and beyond. One problem was morning checkout. It was easy but person checking me out was an ass. I know it was early 6:30am but I was the only person around and he could not manage a smile. Valet parking was reasonable and the staff was great.

6

saundra

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The quality of friendliness when I arrived w/Valet Service was strained @ best. Their customer assistance attitude lacked. After check-out I was told bill would be emailed. Never received final copy from hotel or Hotels.com. Ended up being on phone a good 1/2 hr, getting the run around from AI support which was no help & finally got a live person to assist. Chances of me staying there again are slim @ best! Personal customer service is being lost thru AI. & My time is as valuable as any hotel's time especially when paying high $ for an o/n stay. Not very happy w/my experience. Seems I paid almost $300 to get a quality run around‼️

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Location

Central downtown location within easy walk of stadiums, the Aronoff, restaurants and the free streetcar; many find the area convenient, though a few noted late-night sketchiness or homeless presence.

Related guest reviews

10

Julie

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location downtown Cincinnati. Close to dinner spots and entertainment. I would definitely return.

10

Kevin

26 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Walking distance to stadiums and restaurants. Very eclectic atmosphere. Onsite restaurant is a bit pricey.

10

john

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Quiet location for the center of Cincinnati. Valet parking made it easier to drop/pick up car. Everything was walkable and the area was beautiful. Staff warm, welcoming and helpful.

10

Sally

30 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice place. Very centrally located. Aranoff across the street.

10

Chris

14 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice revitalized building in downtown area and the area itself is also revitalized and buzzing with activity. Lots of food options.

10

Ryan

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were looking for a place to stay within walking distance of Great American Ballpark and this hotel came up. It was an easy few block walk to the ballpark. While there are a couple of interesting food/drink options right by the hotel we passed on those to explore our hotel. A good nightcap from the bar that we could take with us as we explored. The first two floors are an art gallery that was small (it was undergoing some display changes) but interesting. We took our time leisurely strolling in a completely relaxed atmosphere. The hotel itself started with a very friendly and courteous check-in (all of the staff was so pleasant throughout our stay). The hotel room was clean and comfortable. The shower was extremely powerful (seriously it might strip paint) but I'd rather have that than the weak streams we've encountered before. Checkout was simple. Note that parking is either on your own (we parked in an underground lot behind the hotel for about 2/3 of valet) or valet. Also I will say that this feels like a very upscale place (fancy food, chocolate on the pillow, bourbon tasting, etc) but it was also down-to-earth in that there were several others staying there for the baseball game and everyone was pleasant. I would HIGHLY recommend staying here!! We definitely will again

8

Brett

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fun property, right by free trolley and many attractions, easy walk to the River.

8

Steve

6 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the hotel room and the location. Service was good. There were lots of homeless people around the area and it felt a bit unsafe.

10

Max

26 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean rooms and very well located. Would recommend.

10

Brian

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Cool property - the art work was very cool. So walkable to so much of Cincy. Great spot.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

On-site restaurant and bar are often praised for quality and cocktails, but reports note slow service at times, higher prices, and limited or closed hours (including breakfast/holidays); room service and late-night options are limited, and breakfast is typically not included.

Related guest reviews

10

Amber

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Neat little hotel in downtown Cincinnati. The hotel bar had AMAZING custom cocktails!

4

Martha

6 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I had such high hopes for this hotel but I can’t recommend it. Some of the front desk staff are rude. However, the valets and engineering teams are great. The AC/ventilation in the room is terrible. It shuts off frequently and kicks back on when the room gets stuffy. Wish the restaurant stayed open later so you could get something to eat after a concert or show.

6

JEAN

2 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice staff, great bed, linen, and towels but: Shower lukewarm The room was not clean on the 2nd day Restaurant closed for breakfast on Thanksgiving day Overall, I'm not too impressed.

10

Kevin

26 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Walking distance to stadiums and restaurants. Very eclectic atmosphere. Onsite restaurant is a bit pricey.

8

kristina

4 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We discovered the toilet and shower had drain problems in the morning so we were unable to shower. Reported to staff that said they would contact engineering department. We decided to eat at restaurant in hotel and waited an hour for French toast that came out undercooked- staff said the system was down so they could not put order in but did not give us that information while we waited for an hour. We requested our car 20 minutes before leaving and proceeded to wait 30 minutes for car and had to ask staff if they could please get the car after waiting 30 minutes. The rates were already higher than usual since the Reds had a concert following the game. Very disappointed and will not recommend this hotel to anyone in the future

8

Emil

16 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Disappointed that the bar and restaurant were closed for updates and we were not informed before booking

8

David

20 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Second time there, good rooms, good location. Restaurant could be great, but waited over an hour for food at brunch. They were apologetic, but…

10

Devon

23 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was great. Room and facility was very clean and well appointed. The restaurant and bar were very convenient and was comparable to other restaurants in the area. All of the staff we encountered were very nice, friendly, and helpful with any questions we had. We flew in from out of state for a show and really enjoyed our stay. We’d stay there again.

2

Yvette

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall service not up to price of room. Restaurant service good food not good.

10

James

23 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel and restaurant. The art is very cool, and the rooms are very nice.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$154
February	US$193
March	US$176
April	US$171
May	US$216
June	US$244
July	US$232
August	US$192
September	US$271
October	US$269
November	US$193
December	US$158

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $385	17 $230	18 $650	19 $265
20 $164	21 $175	22 $175	23 $233	24 $164	25 $221	26 $273
27 $154	28 $156	29 $156	30 $198

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $203	2 $353	3 $304
4 $150	5 $158	6 $159	7 $168	8 $322	9 $477	10 $656
11 $149	12 $152	13 $152	14 $152	15 $149	16 $252	17 $178
18 $152	19 $151	20 $152	21 $159	22 $154	23 $481	24 $264
25 $152	26 $151	27 $152	28 $151	29 $151	30 $159	31 $159

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Accessible

Deluxe Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Corner

Luxury Suite, 1 Double Bed, Accessible

Deluxe Suite

Luxury Double Room, 2 Double Beds

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed

Luxury Room (Accessible)

Studio, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Luxury Room, 1 King Bed

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

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Prices for upcoming dates