Best Hotels near Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Appropriately perched adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center – across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts in downtown Cincy – the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati is for the traveler looking for a little more than just a place to hang their hat. Recent guests heaped praise on the unique outpost of the 21c Museum collection, saying they felt little need to step foot outside the hotel. Perhaps that's because you don't need to leave the property to get your fill of culture: The museum within the hotel features a rotating roster of 21st-century artists. And the creativity doesn't stop at the gallery display; rooms are stylishly decorated and feature amenities including MALIN + GOETZ toiletries and Nespresso coffee makers. If interpreting modern art isn't your idea of a good time, you can enjoy some pampering at the Spa at 21c. The hotel also boasts an on-site fitness center, though recent guests warn that it is a bit small. And when your stomach starts to rumble, the on-site restaurant, Metropole, receives rave reviews from past visitors thanks to its fresh menu and knowledgeable waitstaff.

Located on West Fifth Street in Cincinnati's Central Business District, this hotel earns high praise from recent guests for its convenient location and sophisticated atmosphere. Dating back to 1931, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is a National Historic Landmark with a French art deco design. The lobby features Brazilian rosewood paneling and gorgeous ceiling murals. Inside the rooms, you'll find signature Hilton amenities like plush Serenity beds, complimentary high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. And as an added bonus, if you take part in the Hilton Honors rewards program, you can rest assured that you're eligible to accrue or redeem extras, such as free nights' stays, by choosing to stay here. This Hilton also contains a pool and a fitness center – though recent guests thought both were on the smaller side – and three on-site eateries. Previous patrons only have positive things to say about Orchids at Palm Court, citing tasty cuisine and top-notch service as reasons to return.

The Cincinnatian Hotel first opened its doors in 1882, with a French Second Empire design and "Palace Hotel" for its name. Today, this historic hotel, located on Vine Street, is esteemed for The Palace restaurant, which is currently undergoing renovations until March 2018. The hotel's Cricket Lounge also boasts delectable fare and a relaxed ambiance, further enhanced by its surrounding eight-story atrium. But the elegant and comfortable rooms, appointed with calming beige and red accents, wooden furnishings, luxurious linens, complimentary Wi-Fi access and deep soaking tubs, are popular among guests, too. However, what recent visitors appreciate the most is the hotel's romantic atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. While recent guests loved the staff, they did notice that the older building could use some updating.

The Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps sits in downtown Cincinnati, less than a mile from The Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, home to the MLB's Cincinnati Reds and the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. Despite being in the center of the city's action, guests say the property is quiet. Housed in the Phelps Building (originally constructed in 1926), the all-suite hotel is pet-friendly and has 134 rooms. Travelers can choose between studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom layouts; all are outfitted in blues and greens have at least a king-sized bed and a sofa bed (larger rooms have additional sleeping space), swiveling flat-screen TVs that allow you to watch from several spaces and a fully equipped kitchen. Bathrooms have shower and tub combos. Wi-Fi is complimentary, but only valet parking is available and it incurs steep daily rates. The hotel has a small fitness center and is near a jogging trail. Unlike some other Marriott properties, this location offers a complimentary full hot breakfast daily. The Phelps Bar serves tapas and drinks at dinner, but Top of the Park – the property's rooftop bar – is the clear on-site dining choice. With stunning city and Ohio River views, handcrafted cocktails and light bites, it's popular with locals and hotel guests alike. Loyal Marriott hotel guests can earn and redeem Marriott Rewards points here.

The Hyatt Regency is situated in downtown Cincinnati and a good choice for travelers catching a game at nearby Paul Brown Stadium or the Great American Ball Park – both are within walking distance of the hotel. Rooms at the property are equipped with coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, iHome radios and Hyatt's signature Grand Beds. Recent guests suggested requesting a room on a higher floor for impressive Cincinnati skyline views. Past lodgers also noted that while the rooms were exceptionally clean, standard rooms and bathrooms were on the smaller side. But most travelers spent their time outside of the room – the hotel has a fitness center and a fifth-floor glass-enclosed heated pool with an attached sundeck. When you get hungry, sit down for a meal at Red Roost Tavern or grab a quick bite at The Market, which serves salads and paninis to go. And thanks to the hotel's Hyatt ties, loyalty program members can collect and use points for perks like meals at the hotel's restaurants.

Most recent guests report a pleasant stay at The Westin Cincinnati thanks to the property's convenient Fountain Square location in the downtown area. And while some say the decor is simplistic, guests appreciated that rooms are clean, comfortable and appointed with signature amenities, including Heavenly Beds, along with floor-to-ceiling windows and flat-screen TVs. What's more, the hotel underwent renovations in 2015 to freshen up its accommodations. The property's popular facilities, such as the indoor pool, two dining venues, WestinWORKOUT gym and 24-hour business center, also pleased guests. However, some travelers thought the room rates were a little pricey for an average business hotel. Because Westin is a member of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Millennium Cincinnati is located in the financial district of downtown Cincinnati and is surrounded by a number of restaurants, shops and entertainment sites. If you're here for either business or leisure, you couldn't ask for a better location. The large hotel has 872 guest rooms that feature complimentary Wi-Fi access, smart TVs and coffee makers; however, some recent guests noted that standard rooms are on the smaller side and have housekeeping issues. When it's time to eat, the Bistro on Elm is the on-site restaurant serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additional on-site amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop pool and sundeck, a business center and valet parking (requires a fee).

Kingsgate Marriott Conference Center at the U of Cincinnati is a 3.5 star hotel located at 151 Goodman Drive in Cincinnati. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 335 reviews.

Situated close to Interstate 71, U.S. Highway 42 and Gilbert Avenue, SpringHill Suites Cincinnati Midtown offers guests convenient, all-suite accommodations. Each room comes standard with a minifridge, microwave, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access, though some recent guests note that the rooms do not feature stovetops, sinks or utensils. The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast each morning, and visitors can enjoy cocktails at the Lobby Bar during the evening hours. Other on-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Plus, you’ll find this Cincinnati hotel to be within easy walking distance of Eden Park, and just a short drive from Cincinnati attractions like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Taft Museum of Art, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the JACK Cincinnati Casino. Because SpringHill Suites is a Marriott property, Marriott Rewards members can accrue or redeem points by choosing to stay here, as well.

The Garfield Suites Hotel is a 3 star hotel located at 2 Garfield Pl in Cincinnati. It has a 0.0 overall guest rating based on 0 reviews.

Hampton Inn and Suites Cincinnati/Uptown-University Area is a 2.5 star hotel located at 3024 Vine Street in Cincinnati. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1007 reviews.

Comfort Suites Newport is a 2 star hotel located at 420 Riverboat Row in Cincinnati. It has a 3.5 overall guest rating based on 456 reviews.

Budget Host Town Center Motel is a 2 star hotel located at 3356 Central Parkway in Cincinnati. It has a 1.5 overall guest rating based on 34 reviews.