The hype
Guests universally praise the chic design, high ceilings, and immaculate cleanliness, often calling it the best hotel in the Cincinnati area.
Covington Cincinnati Riverfront
$166-280/ night
Book this if You want the coolest address in Northern Kentucky—a historic department store turned boutique hotel that feels more like a curated social club than a place to sleep.
Why People Love It
- Stunning adaptive reuse of the 1910 Coppin’s Department Store
- The 'North' expansion adds apartment-style lofts with kitchenettes
- Coppin's Restaurant & Bar is a legitimate local hotspot, not just a hotel lobby
Quick Take: It's the most stylish stay in town, but if there's a wedding in the courtyard (and there usually is), you're part of the reception whether you were invited or not.
Reviewed by @caseylavie: I couldn't believe I was walking the same halls as Zac Efron! Beyond the movie connection, I fell in love with the chic design and the food at Coppin's. It’s the perfect spot if you want something cooler than a standard chain hotel near Cincy.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'North' building rooms facing Madison Avenue can be noisy due to street traffic and sirens, and the courtyard rooms get blasted by DJ music during weekend weddings.
- You appreciate historic architecture with modern industrial-chic design
- You want a walkable neighborhood vibe (Covington) just across the bridge from Cincy
- You are a foodie who wants a top-tier restaurant and bar downstairs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard and highly rated. Reviews consistently mention 'crisp' and 'spotless' conditions.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Tile work is kept clean, though the dim lighting might hide dust (but none reported).
- Maintenance: Excellent. The adaptive reuse is well-maintained, with very few reports of broken fixtures.
- Linens & towels: High quality, 300-thread count linens and custom microfiber robes.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and neutral; no lingering smoke or musty historic building smells reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding DJs in the courtyard (weekends)
- Sirens and street noise on Madison Avenue
- Event noise from 'The Lightwell' venue in the North building
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'North' building is a separate expansion with a different, more residential vibe
- Coppin's Walk-Up window serves late-night food but is seasonal (closed in winter)
- You can walk to the Cincinnati Reds stadium across the Roebling Bridge in about 20 minutes
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Lighted makeup mirror (bathroom lighting is moody/dim)
- Walking shoes for the bridge crossing to Cincinnati
Room Genie
Best picks
- Madison King Deluxe for high ceilings and extra space
- Roebling Suite for skyline views (request a high floor to minimize street noise)
- North Building Lofts if you want a kitchenette and apartment feel
Rooms to avoid
- Courtyard-facing rooms on floors 2-3 during wedding season (weekends)
- North building rooms directly facing the street if you are sensitive to traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room on a high floor, specifically away from the courtyard if there is an event scheduled, and away from the Madison Avenue street side.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a historic pool in the North building, but it's covered with glass and serves as a 'peephole' floor feature, not for swimming.
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is à la carte at Coppin's or grab-and-go at the Artisan Coffee Bar.
What is the difference between Hotel Covington and North?
Hotel Covington is the original historic department store with standard boutique rooms. 'North' is the renovated YMCA next door, offering apartment-style suites with kitchenettes.
How much is parking?
Valet is $30/night with in/out privileges. Self-parking is ~$12/night at the nearby city garage (7th St) but has no in/out privileges.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, very. There is a $75 non-refundable fee per stay, and they allow up to two pets.
Can I walk to downtown Cincinnati?
Yes, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk across the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Knowledge Bar' in the North building is a hidden gem for cocktails, often quieter than the main Coppin's bar.
- ✨
Request a 'Magic 8 Ball' in your room—it's a quirky standard amenity they sometimes forget.
- ✨
The 'Walk-Up' window in the alley serves late-night tacos and snacks, but check hours as it's seasonal.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom lighting is designed for romance, not grooming—it's very dim.
💡The 'pool' is a lie—it's a cool architectural feature you walk over, not swim in.
💡Wedding noise is not just a possibility; it's a probability on weekends.
💡The North building has a 'Lightwell' event space that can also generate internal noise.
💡You are technically in the South (KY), but the vibe is distinctly urban Midwest.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Covington Cincinnati Riverfront is located and what's nearby.