Cincinnati’s 21c Museum Hotel combines art with lodging

When looking for lodging, there's nothing quite like a 21c Museum Hotel. The first property in Louisville, Kentucky, wasn't planned to be part of a chain at first by founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson. The contemporary art collecting couple were scouting spaces in 2006 to display art and give travelers a place to stay in the downtown area.

The concept has now expanded to multiple cities and was acquired by a French hotel company called Accor. Short for 21st century, 21cs have popped up in Chicago and Cincinnati, along with several other cities, and have been met with major success.

Cincinnati's location is at 609 Walnut Street in a bustling arts and business district adjacent to the Contemporary Arts Center and across the street from the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Being a few steps from entertainment and dining establishments is vital for the property and those who stay there.

Like several of the other 21c developments, the Cincy hotel was constructed in a historic building. The ten-story, 156-room boutique hotel opened in 2012 in the Metropole Hotel space. The attached restaurant kept the Metropole name in honor of that and brings a hint of Italy to the table. This history pairs nicely with another feature found throughout the hotel, the tiles are provided by the Rookwood Pottery Company.

A convenient spa is simply elegant and adorned with art as guests exit the elevator to be enveloped in multiple treatments. Go higher and take a stroll along the seasonal rooftop deck, then head downstairs for more curated sculptures.

A special mascot can be found in the Museum and throughout the venue, known as the Yellow Penguin, a four-foot-tall bird made from recycled plastic. The penguin is inspired by the city of Cincinnati's sculptures and smaller reproductions may be purchased in the gift shop located to the left of the front desk. The retail shop often celebrates Pride and diversity with unique items found at a reasonable price.

Plan to stay at least one evening in the Nightwatch room, an installation created by artist Chris Doyle in 2024. The suite comes complete with moody light projections floating across the walls and adds ambience compared to the more traditional rooms. The regular rooms are quite spacious with plenty of amenities, including a desk setup, a coffee bar and just the right amount of furniture to lounge on.

The team at this 21c Museum Hotel has curated an environment that will make guests feel right at home, with many indoor sights to see, all housed in a world of wonder!

When looking for accommodations, 21c is the place to be. Visit 21cmuseumhotels.com to book a stay today.

Here's a link to a past 21c Museum Hotel review from The Flying Nunn:

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