Holiday Inn Cincinnati-Riverfront by IHG — Hotel in Covington

I stayed at this lovely hotel when I was in the area for a special event with my son’s fraternity at the University of Cincinnati. This hotel is only 10 minutes from Campus!

Until this recent visit, I had not stayed in a Holiday Inn for many years, and I was not sure what to expect.

I am happy to say that upon arrival, my worries were gone.

Everything was wonderful- the hotel was in great shape, and so was the room, Everything was very clean.

The biggest thing that impressed me, is something that can’t be bought, no matter how expensive the hotel…every employee that I encountered, CARED!

They CARED enough to smile and say hello to me when they pass me in the hallway, they CARED to ask if everything was to my liking, they CARED about the hotel itself!! This ‘it’ factor was lovely and is all too rare these days. Apathy is more common than not at some workplaces, but this hotel does not have this problem with company culture. Bravo!

I checked in quickly and drove around to the back to access my room and had to get ready and leave very soon thereafter for my event.

When I returned to the hotel that evening, after midnight, I decided to walk inside the hotel to the front lobby and check it out.

The man behind the front desk couldn’t have been more polite when I told him I just wanted to look around, he came out from behind the desk, introduced himself, asked me how my stay was going, and pointed some things out to me. He even mentioned the banquet rooms if I wanted to return for a larger event- nice sales tactic- I like it! We didn’t do a complete tour, you understand, but he was lovely. There were a few guests in the lobby, who were very enjoying the evening, as well.

Although I only stayed one night, whenever I would see an employee in the hallway or the elevator, they always said hello and asked me if there was anything I needed. I felt this was a sincere ask. And I did not need anything, but I truly felt that even if they weren’t the person to help me, they would find someone who could. I hope they are as happy with their job as they seem to be.

Perhaps they all should get a raise or a little bonus, because the positive culture in their place of employment does not happen by accident!!!

They work hard to make sure that I didn’t have any complaints, but the extra effort in their kind and pleasant demeanor means the world to me.

On another note, I am a female and was traveling alone; and I felt very safe in the well-lit parking lot and inside the hotel as well.

Please let this staff know to keep up the good work. Bravo! I’ll be back for certain, as my son has 3 more years of college! This will be my new go-to hotel when I visit the...

Took my 76 year old mother on a vacation to Gatlinburg, TN. Because of her age, we needed a place to stay at the halfway point home. Checked into this property & the first thing I was told was the restaurant/bar was not open. When I checked into the room, I was put on the 3rd floor right next to the elevator. Normally I have no issues with the room be by an elevator, but this property must not be paying their elevator technicians. The entire night, every time somebody used the elevator, it sounded like a jet engine in my room. Both of us were tired from being on the road so I didn't have the desire to go down to the front desk and ask to change rooms. We actually booked the room for 2 nights & ended up checking out early in the morning. The hotel was not very booked & I was shocked that the front desk/ management are so unaware of their hotel that they actually put us in the room to begin with. The room we stayed in should've been put into R status. Not to mention, I am sure all the rooms on each floor next to the JET ENGINE that is their elevator had the same experience I had. The room itself was not clean at all. Marks on the wall, marks on the furniture, & for a "non-smoking" hotel, it smelled like an ashtray. All my years of staying at IHG properties & this place was a complete dump. I have over 20 years in hospitality. From working in hotels to doing mystery shops at hotels. If it wasn't for my 76 year old mother, I would have blown a gasket. The negligence it takes for the front desk to put us in a room next to a broken elevator was astonishing. When I go to a restaurant & have bad service, I don't complain to the establishment. I simply never go back ever again and inform people of my experience. I spent 4+ years doing undercover mystery shops for hotels and how this property is allowed to fly the IHG banner is crazy. This property is an embarrassment to IHG. I could go on, but it isn't worth my time. Without a doubt one of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in. The only positive thing I have to say about the place was the bed was very comfortable. Sadly, i couldn't enjoy that comfort because I was busy plugging my ears from the jet engine noises coming from their elevators. Similar to the restaurant not being open, I am sure they will want to blame "covid" So sick of hearing that excuse. If you cannot find staff, then offer more money to get staff. If that doesn't work, then close the...

I chose the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Riverfront because it looked like it was conveniently located in Kentucky right across the river from Cincinnati and all the major attractions. When I first exited the freeway, I stopped at the other Holiday Inn (that apparently used to be a Best Western) probably located .2 mile from the Holiday Inn Cincinnati- Riverfront. I quickly realized my error and was redirected to the correct Holiday Inn. At the correct hotel, I found out that parking was $7 a day per vehicle. The room was reasonably priced and the rooms were nicely appointed and clean. Overall, the hotel was clean. The beds were so comfortable. I can’t emphasize this enough. Breakfast was good and was included in the overall price. Upon check-in, I met the nicest employee - I believe her name is Jennifer and she made me feel so welcomed. The outdoor pool is nice as well as there is a very nice gym located on the property. You need to use your key card to access the gym and the pool which makes me feel there must be outside guests that try to access the amenities at the hotel property. Walking distance to the bridge seems a bit far from this property, but it is a doable walk. You can take the bus for a $1 and quickly navigate the area. I would definitely recommend staying at this hotel again and will probably visit here again in the future. Special shout to Jennifer especially at the front desk, Marjory was also so very kind and lastly, but not really last is David Allen, Executive Chef deserves a special accolade. David was personable, professional and thoughtful. He provided us with recommendations on history events to see in the city while waiting on an entire room of guests. This was one of the best places I’ve stayed in a very long time. Thank you! Bravo to your staff and team!

One last note: I also had the chance to meet Makayla (spelling) chef at the restaurant who knew the next day that I drank cranberry juice - she was so observant, helpful and conscientious. I also met Tasha at the front desk who helped assist me with coffee in the early morning hours. She stopped what she was doing to happily make me a fresh cup of coffee. The whole front of house team fully embraces the key core values of Holiday Inn and the whole staff deserves a huge raise. People like this group of people are the reason I will return to stay at...