Best Pool Hotels in Cincinnati

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.

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 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.

OK, this hotel isn't actually in Cincinnati but across the Ohio River in Covington, Kentucky, (about 98 miles northeast of Louisville). The Marriott's Ohio riverfront location, close to the big city, does seem to be one of its key selling points. That's particularly true if you're interested in catching a Bengals football game at Paul Brown Stadium (about 1 mile away) or a Reds baseball game at the Great American Ballpark (also just 1 mile away). Some guests complain of slow room service and a somewhat confusing journey from the lobby to the hotel rooms. Speaking of rooms, all feature beds with pillow-top mattresses, coffee makers, marble bathrooms and in-room Internet access (for a fee). If you want to make the most out of staying at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter, you should book a room facing the water and not the city streets. Additional on-site amenities guests can take advantage of include a fitness center, an indoor pool and a handful of restaurants and lounges. Earn or indulge in complimentary perks if you're a Marriott Rewards member.