What a beautiful hotel!

This absolutely gorgeous place needs to be on a best in America list. Found the service and attention of all staff to be some of the most cordial in a long while. An old friend and I had a whirlpool package which was relaxing and wonderful. Such a light, clean, and airy room. The Palm Court waiters were out of a story book, and the food was superlative. I'm giving it five well earned stars.

A Jewel in the Queen City

I stayed at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza for one night the weekend of 16 July 2004, as part of the hotel's special deal with the Cincinnati Opera. I was going to be in town for a performance of "Don Giovanni," and thought it would be nice to stay overnight instead of driving home late. I had never been to that hotel before, and after reading the mixed reviews on this website, I approached it with a slight bit of trepidation, but in the end, I was extremely pleased.

The hotel is at least 70 years old, but her years weren't showing in the few locations I saw. There were parts of her that reminded me of Louisville's own Brown Hotel and the Seelbach -- capturing both our modern age and a bygone era. Located nearly dead center downtown Cincy, it is close to a number of things including Fountain Square -- the lovely meeting place for residents and visitors, Saks Firth Avenue, Tiffany's, TJ Maxx and numerous other department stores, as well as Great America Ballpark, home of the Reds, and the Cincinnati Music Hall, home of the opera company.

One of the valets helped me unload (valet parking is located on a floor under the hotel) and I was quickly on my way from the lower lobby to the main floor.

There were no problems with finding my reservation (I had a wait time of about 30 seconds), and the front desk clerk was particularly efficient and very nice.

My room was on the fifteenth floor, which was quiet for the most part -- something I appreciated, and while on the smallish side, was fine since I was staying alone. The room was very clean, which is something I pay very, very close attention to when I stay in hotels. Everything was in its' place and in working order (especially the A/C); the bed was comfortable with lovely fresh linens, 4 pillows already on the Queen sized bed, and a nice white comforter in place of one of those hideous patterned bedspreads you usually get. There was plenty of closet space, complete with an iron and ironing board; lighting was good throughout, and the room overlooked the PNC Bank Building with the Ohio and Great America Ballpark in the background. Nice view. The bathroom was also small, but there were plenty of clean towels and a clean tub, shower, sink, floor and commode. I didn't find any trash or leftovers from previous guests. The walls are a tad thin, but I wasn't kept awake and barely heard a bump. Improvements are being made on the 15th floor as a paint job was in progress when I arrived.

I hadn't been in my room but a few minutes when the phone rang and it was the front desk. The clerk said she had accidentally kept my credit card and wanted to know if she could run it up to my room. I checked and realized that I didn't have it; and was floored and kicking myself for not getting it back (I'm usually more careful than that). She was at my room in moments, apologizing, but I consider that honest and great service.

Praise to the valet parking. You're advised to call down 10-15 minutes before you need your car as these boys are very busy, and the times I needed my car were at peak times -- dinner time and check-out. But they respond with a smile; were quite mannerable; gave good directions to get me started (I was mainly using Mapquest and maps)...and I was more than happy to tip them.

I had breakfast in the Palm Grille, which is part of the Palm Court Restaurant. I decided to go with the buffet as it was the most price conscious as you get coffee and juice with your buffet selections. The scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and waffles were very good and filling. The restaurant was busy so service was a bit slow in refilling the coffee cup or glass of juice, but it improved, so that I had a few relaxing moments to sit back with a book before leaving.

While my stay on the 15th floor was delightful, I can only hope that those on the 9th floor survived. The hotel seems to draw a lot of conventions (I counted at least three), and one group I saw was a fraternity reunion. I was holding my breath when I saw 6 of them getting on the elevator with me on my return from the opera -- along with their 4-24 pack cases of beer! They got off on the 9th floor...and I doubt anyone slept. My hope is that since this was a large reunion (some were wearing professionally made name tags so this was obviously a huge group), the 9th floor was booked for them alone. Otherwise, your stay was going to be a disaster!

For me though, the hotel was a total delight and I have no qualms recommending it. I will be staying there again when I'm next in Cincinnati, which I hope will be soon.

Terrible Service

The lobby and meeting rooms are beautiful, however. . . The rooms are very small and the walls are very thin! I could hear every conversation from the rooms next door. I was very disappointed in the concierge service. When one travels out of town, they should be able to rely on the Concierge. We asked for a paticular type of resturant and were sent to something entirely different! In addition, we were told that Covington stores were open on Sunday - and they were not. We were stuck in Covington and unable to get a taxi. We called bact to the Concierge to get help getting a taxi and he gave us a telephone number to a taxi service. When we called that taxi service, we were told that they do not work the Covington Area! We asked to Concierge to make a call to a resturant. When we got there he had not called! This group of concierge's were tiped well - but did not perform their duties - Lesson learned, do not tip these people until you get back from your adventure!

Maid service was also poor - Never left enough towels. I would not stay there again.

Weekend at the Hilton

The gentleman at the front desk welcomed me and chatted with me about the hotel's Art Deco architecture. He reminded me of the time change that night.

My room rate was $139.20 per night. There were two closets in my room, #2820. The bathroom was small with very little counter space. The bed was nice and comfortable. I ordered the music video service but the sound quality wasn't very good.

I liked being able to walk to the Palomino restaurant and the shops at Fountain Place without having to step outdoors.

Overnight valet parking was $18.00 per day. You pick your car up at a different place from where you drop it off----that's a little tricky.

I found most restaurants in the downtown area closed for Sunday lunch.

I settled for salty spinach dip and some uninspired pizza at the Uno restaurant when I should have gone back to the Hilton for lunch.

Having stayed at both the Cincinnatian and the Hilton Netherland Plaza, I think I slightly prefer the Cincinnatian.

Beautiful hotel

beautiful hotel with tons of fine artwork. rooms are clean, comfortable. to top it off, got room for under 100 dollars on a saturday night. will definately return.

Romantic Time

I surprized my husband for our 22nd wedding anniversary and took him to

the Hilton. This hotel was beautiful! Our room, with a jucuzzi was

awesome. The bed was very comfy and cozy. I called ahead and ordered

champaign glasses and strawberries. Both were there when we got to our

room. People were friendly and very helpful.

We went to Morton's Steack House for dinner. That was delicious. The whole night was not cheap, but hey, we deserve it. We've been happily married for 22 years!!

We had a wonderful time and will not hesitate to go back.

Spectacular in every way.

One of the best hotels in the Midwest, if not the country. Decor is nearly unbelievable, Palm Court rivals anything in Europe. Staff couldn't be nicer and prices, both rooms and meals, were reasonable.

Best possible location in a fun downtown area. I'd never stay anywhere else in Cincy.

Fabulous!

I've travelled to a fair number of hotels around the world and I challenge anyone to find one that's more beautiful. Literally every inch is a work of art, yet, the whole things is very tastefully done. In addition, the service was OUTSTANDING! On 2 different occassions I had staff literally walk food up to my conference, 3 flights of stairs up! Don't miss this place!

A Very Positive Experience

The hotel is beautiful. My room was large, lovely and comfortable. Everything was simply nice. I will stay here again and again and again.

What an Looker!

The Netherland Plaza is, simply put, breathtakingly beautiful. I challenge you to find another hotel in the US, and perhaps in the world, that has such stunning and awe-inspiring authentic Art Deco era appointments. I was expecting to bump into William Randolph Hearst at every turn. However, "Rosebud" would never have tolerated the service here which falls woefully short of the surroundings. In response to the broken cooling unit (which ran like a compressor all night and soaked the floor)in my smallish room, I got a "Sorry 'bout that!" Similarly, the service in the dining area alternated between snarling and inept. You gotta see the public areas, but unfortunately, there are no brains behind that beauty.