Residence Inn by Marriott Hotel, Cincinnati
More photosLocated in the city’s heart, the Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown (famously known as The Phelps) has some serious historical clout. The property is housed inside the iconic Phelps Apartment building, which was constructed back in 1926 by Charles Phelps Taft—the half-brother of US President William Howard Taft. Charles built the luxury tower to convince his wealthy business partners to stay living in the downtown core rather than fleeing to the suburbs, and the President’s own family actually lived there for a time.
Because it was originally built as a high-end apartment building rather than a standard hotel, the architecture gives you a totally different layout than you’d expect from a typical chain stay. Every single room is an expansive, apartment-style suite complete with a fully equipped kitchen. It completely subverts the usual cookie-cutter hotel layout by blending 1920s old-world real estate luxury with modern amenities.
One of its coolest hidden gems is the “Top of the Park” rooftop bar. It offers panoramic, unobstructed views of the downtown skyline, the Ohio River, and the lush canopy of Lytle Park directly below. Speaking of the park, it features a famous, slightly weary-looking statue of Abraham Lincoln that was gifted by the Taft family in 1917, and the park itself is famously built right on top of a tunneled section of Interstate 71.
The location is a paradise for history buffs and sports fans alike. The hotel sits just steps from the historic Taft Museum of Art, housed in a 200-year-old National Historic Landmark. You’re also a quick, easy walk to the Great American Ball Park (home of the Reds), Paycor Stadium (home of the Bengals), and the gorgeous riverfront trails of Smale Riverfront Park.
Expert reviews
“All of the big, glistening rooms are suites with full kitchens. Located in Cincinnati’s Business District, The Residence Inn is a 10-minute walk from US Bank Arena and the Great American Ballpark.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Nice rooms
- Rooftop bar
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
Location
Recent guest reviews
9 February 2026
Our stay was wonderful!
The front desk staff was exceptional! We had the most wonderful stay. What a beautiful property you have there! We cannot wait to come back!!
We loved everything.
2 January 2026
Karen always takes great care of us personally with so much love and professionalism Kudos to her!
Karen is simply the best!
4 December 2025
Clean and good breakfast.
It was close to the venue we were attending. The breakfast was good also.
I didn’t have any dislikes.
2 December 2025
Great experience all around…look forward to visiting again!
The location was great.
The breakfast was wonderful!! And the staff was very nice and professional.
26 November 2025
MS. KAREN IS THE BEST AND DESERVES A NICE RAISE SHE REPRESENTS RESIDENCE INN WELL!!!
My wife and I love this hotel and it's staff,they are the best! In particular Karen,Joycelin and J the valet guy. Ms. Karen is so nice,kind,courteous and professional! She always goes the extra mile and makes us feel special and like family! KUDOS TO HER ALWAYS ,WE LOVE HER!!!
10 November 2025
Karen and the entire front desk did a great job!
Everything was exceptional!
The Phelps bar was closed!
9 November 2025
Almost booked an additional night we were so pleased with accommodations. Will definitely stay here again when visiting
Convenient and beautiful area. Super spacious room and kind/attentive staff
18 October 2025
The staff from beginning to end were exceptional!!!!!
Rooms very nice. Location to venue
25 September 2025
I did forget a pair of golf shorts but didn’t have time to go back and get them
Clean facilities and friendly staff
6 August 2025
Baseball weekend trip
Older property but very clean and great roof top.
Older rooms and amenities
4 August 2025
We will stay again!
The rooftop bar is spectacular! It was nice to relax in the evening.
21 July 2025
Would love to find another reason to stay at The Phelps to visit Cincinnati!
I loved almost everything about this property! It was beautiful inside and out. The staff were all professional, quick and sweet! We called the front desk for bedding for the pull out sofa and they were delivered with a smile in 5 minutes or less. And we were on the 11th floor, at check in time! The breakfast was yummy and had a great variety, plenty of seating and a friendly staff there to keep everything clean, tidy and food plentiful.
The only shortfall was the parking. You had to either pay valet or find a parking spot on the street. However, valet staff (more than a few) were directly outside the front door of the building, quick and ready to be of service. And they were so kind and funny! We were highly favored, thank you Jesus, and found a spot directly up front so we did not use their valet service.
13 July 2025
It was a quiet& comfortable night stay.
CLEANLINESS
The traffic out front trying to park.
10 July 2025
Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
The staff and property were outstanding!
Location, amenities, and views.
30 May 2025
Great hotel close to the river
Close to ballpark, excellent accommodations
Bar/restaurant close at 10:00, game went long so they weren’t open when we got back
21 April 2025
The location was wonderful, hotel was very nice, clean, and the staff was amazing.
Francés at the front desk was wonderful!
She was extremely welcoming and told me about all the amenities.
Valet was also pleasant! I wish I remembered his name! But keep up the great work!
Breakfast was pretty good and the sausage and biscuits were great!
I had a chicken sandwich at the bar in the lobby and it wasn’t cooked thoroughly.
20 April 2025
Need more help for your valle drivers!
Hotel is exceptional clean and in a great location.
During checkout or am times, if you are going to charge 42.00$ to park cars at your facility, you should have multiple valle drivers available. The driver was WONDERFUL unimpressed with the hotel expecting him to get 8 people's cars during checkout time, waited at least 15 min for my car, and called 10 min ahead. That needs to be adjusted for your poor workers, especially if you think charging 42$ is acceptable.
24 January 2025
Everything was amazing the young lady that checked us in that night was amazing
The view
Parking
6 January 2025
Perefect staycation for our date night!
All the staff are very friendly! Got our room upgraded by the front desk into beautiful spacious room with magnificent city view. The location is near by all the good restaurant. Perfect for date night or weekend getaway!
No parking garage, but they have valet parking service. You can also park on the street in front of the hotel.
10 September 2024
Had a great time would stay again
Comfortable beds very clean and wonderful breakfast.. staff was very nice and helpful..
I like everything
1 September 2024
The staff was awesome we’ll be back.
I liked the location it was a short walk to great American ballpark
It was hard to get to
1 September 2024
Excellent accommodations, within walking distance of a lot of places.
The breakfast buffet was awesome! There were so many choices, far exceeded my expectations. The hotel also has a patio area out back that has a fountain area and a grill and fire pit. The area was beautiful. We even used the grill. The staff was excellent in setting up the grill for our use. The hotel is less than half a mile from The Reds stadium, perfect walking distance.
It was a bummer that the roof top bar was closed to the rest of the guests due to a private party that had reserved it. And there were not many dishes to use in the room, there was only 3 plates, a couple coffee
Mugs and a couple glasses. There needs to be more glassware and kitchen items. But all in all it was satisfactory. Parking was not included in the cost of the room, $42 per night. The hotel cost was already pricey and thus should be included.
5 August 2024
Amazing. Room upgrade and everything!
Great area and easy walking distance to everything!
16 June 2024
Staff is super friendly and helpful. Rooftop bar is fun.
Smelled good and clean
N/a
22 May 2024
I would stay there again.
The room was very spacious. Breakfast was fantastic.
Shower was a little outdated.
10 May 2024
After Derrby a perfect stay to unwind
Spacious
No complaints
13 April 2024
We would stay there again.
Great location and great desk service. Great breakfast!
Hotel facilities
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Minimarket on site
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Food & Drink
- - Bar
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
Activities
- - Fitness centre
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - BBQ facilities
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
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