hans

I'll be in Cincinnati in May and wondered if anyone had a recommendation between these three hotels - Omni Netherlands, Hyatt Regency, and Westin. I'm also looking for restaurant reccomendations within walking distance of these hotels.

Thanks

John

I stayed at the Omni Netherland Plaza a couple of years ago. It was a great old hotel which wasn't generic, which I like. I recommend it, although I'm sure the Hyatt and Westin are also nice.

Patrick

Can't believe you'll dine better in the midwest than at the Maissonette. I haven't been there for a few years, but understand it is as great as always. Also like La Normandy, their sort of "junior" restaurant below it -- guess it's still there. Both are right in the heart of downtown, easy walking distance.

JoAnn

Grab a cab and go to "The Boat House" for the best ribs in the world! It's not that far from downtown and worth the money to go. One of Ted Gregory's best customers? Bob Hope for one. Enjoy.

maxine

Definitely the Westin and the Masionette. I also like the Montgomery Inn for ribs, but it's not downtown.

JoAnn

The Boat House
owned by the Gregory family-of Montgomery Inn of Montgomery OH fame)
925 Eastern Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Call 513-721-7427 for reservations
Go to www.montgomeryinn.com for map & info.

jennifer

In my opinion, the Omni is your best bet. The Hyatt is a little worn, the Westin is nice but generic. The Omni is an art-deco style historic hotel. There is a little city mall called Tower Place that is adjacent to the Omni which is a nice place to browse. The location is great and I think you will really like the atmosphere.
Another hotel to consider is The Cincinnatian-a four-star hotel that is a block or two away from the Omni.
The Maisonette is outstanding and is one of the longest running five-star restaurants in the country. Montgomery Inn, aka,
The Boathouse is a short cab ride away from downtown and is affordable. You must try their ribs!!!
Also, the Main Street area has some good restaurants and is known for breweries and nightlife downtown (Mt. Adams is also a good place to go for dining and nightlife...)

Have fun and let us know what you think of the "Queen City"!

Lynne

Hans,
Ditto the 5 star Maisonette, but you should make reservations NOW. Dinner can be booked 2-3 months in advance; lunch maybe a month. See www.maisonette.com. Be prepared for the 5 star smaller portions.
La Normandie (same web site as the Maisonette) is very good and they use the same kitchen as the Maisonette. Both are a very short walk from either hotel.

A trip to Cinti is not complete without going to Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse - don't miss it! It's just a short cab ride away from either of the hotels, about 1 mile or you could walk, but in May that could be quite a warm walk.

There are lots of restaurants around the Arnoff Center - Nicholson's Tavern & Pub (Scottish), Palomino’s (Californian) & Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (new this past fall). Ruby is a well known local restaurateur and also owns The Precinct, located east of downtown just a 10 minute cab ride. They have the best steaks in town and excellent service. See www.theprecinctinc.com. There is a Morton's Steakhouse in Tower Place Mall, but I would choose the Precinct over Morton's any day.

Mike Finks on the Kentucky riverfront has wonderful seafood and steaks. The view of downtown Cinti is beautiful at night. It's just a short cab ride across the river. You could walk, but it's quite a long walk over the Ohio River.

Check out cincinnati.com for restaurant reviews.

I've stayed at the Onmi years ago, the rooms are small since it's an older hotel. The Hyatt remodeled the end of last fall, so everything should be new. I've heard very nice comments on the Cincinnatian Hotel. The Westin is like every other Westin in smaller cities.

If your interested in a Red's baseball game, better get those tickets now. Ticket sale have gone crazy here since Ken Griffey Jr became a Red.

Kara

YOU HAVE TO TRY GRAETERS ICE CREAM. HEAVEN ON EARTH.

Bob

One thing everyone forgot to mention about the Omni (if it's still there), is that there is a huge shopping mall in the same building (the Carew Tower). Definately check out Mike Fink's on the river; during the day this will give you your best photo op of the city...the picture I shot hangs on my office wall.

Carol

Of course you should try the Maisonette, and you can't miss Graeter's (any chocolate chip variety) but how can there be all these postings without a single recommendation for Cincinnati chili. You simply must try Skyline!

Carol again

Hans, I added my reply before reading the very next posting about Cincinnati. You'll learn everything you need to know and more about visiting Cincy, eating there...and chili!