RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT CINCINNATI DOWNTOWN/THE PHELPS, Cincinnati

The hotel sits in a walkable downtown business district, with the Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium about 10 minutes away on foot. US Bank Arena is similarly close. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 10-minute drive, while Eden Park and the Cincinnati Art Museum are a 30-minute walk. The Taft Museum and a park across the street are within easy walking distance. Nearby dining includes Subito, LA Rosa's, Wild Eggs, and Moerlein Lager House, all within a kilometre. Street parking is available alongside the park, and highway access is straightforward. For trips to Over-the-Rhine, the trolley stop is nearby.

Rooms are apartment-style suites with a separate living area, full kitchen (stovetop, oven, dishwasher, cookware, dishware), and private bathrooms. Options include one-bedroom suites with two queen beds or one king bed, and two-bedroom suites with two separate bedrooms each with a king bed. A one-bedroom queen suite includes a sofa bed in the living room. Select suites have river or city views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TV with cable (HBO), free Wi-Fi, a tea and coffee maker, and a dining area. Rooms with two TVs are available. The property is an older historic building; some rooms show signs of wear but remain spacious.

Breakfast is a complimentary hot buffet (American style) served in the lobby, with options like eggs, bacon, waffles, pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee. The staff keep the buffet well-stocked and clean. The lobby bar offers cocktails and food including steak sandwiches and sliders; service is available from late afternoon. The seasonal rooftop bar provides panoramic views and an excellent menu with craft cocktails and dishes like hot chicken sandwiches. Room service is available and is reasonably priced. The bar menu may be limited in brand selection, but service is consistently praised. For variety, several restaurants are within a 5-10-minute walk.

The hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre with free access for guests. The rooftop bar offers sweeping city views and a lively atmosphere with creative cocktails, a wine list, and bar snacks. Outside, there is a garden terrace with a fountain, tables, a fire pit, and BBQ grills available for guest use. A park across the street has a walking path. There is no pool or spa on site.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas. Valet parking is available at a flat daily rate of $48, with unlimited in/out access; self-parking is possible on-site. The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/out, luggage storage, and an ATM. A business centre is free to use, with fax/photocopying and meeting/banquet facilities available for an additional charge. Laundry and dry cleaning are offered at an extra cost. Daily housekeeping is provided, with optional deeper cleaning. Pets are allowed on request and charges may apply. The hotel is wheelchair accessible and non-smoking throughout. A minimarket is on site, and a safety deposit box is available. No airport shuttle service.