American Beauties

On November 17, I had the honor of being asked to speak at the Historic Hotels of America’s annual conference. It was held at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, an architectural beauty dating back to 1931. I shared the podium with Preservation magazine editor James Schwartz and Ken Price, public relations director of Chicago’s Palmer House hotel. Our topic: “Print in the Digital Age.” (At Ohio Magazine, that's a subject that's near and dear to our hearts. For three decades, we've presented the best in beauty, adventure and fun throughout the state in periodical form. And now, our newly expanded website offers bonus features and the most comprehensive up-to-the-minute events calendar available anywhere.)

Founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation — a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving historic places — Historic Hotels of America are truly destinations unto themselves. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, comprising 230 inns, hotels and resorts, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, be listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and be recognized as having historic significance.

Fortunately, three of these architectural wonders are located in our state. Book a stay to banish the winter blues.

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza: When this French art deco masterpiece opened in 1931, critics raved that it “challenged the splendor of King Solomon’s Temple.” And it’s no wonder. The hotel’s main lobby and mezzanine areas feature a half-acre of rare Brazilian rosewood, extensive use of German silver and a stylized Egyptian decor reinforced with delicate floral motifs. There are also exquisitely detailed frescoes, ceiling murals and an original Rookwood fountain with a pair of matching seahorses. While you’re there, be sure to check out the opulent Hall of Mirrors, modeled after the Palace of Versailles in Paris. The refined Orchids at Palm Court was named the top restaurant in Cincinnati (Zagat, 2011) and one of the top 50 restaurants in the United States (OpenTable, 2010 and 2011). John and Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bing Crosby and Elvis are just a few of the luminaries who’ve stayed there.




The Cincinnatian Hotel: A stunning city landmark since 1882, this boutique hotel features an eight-story atrium topped by a glass skylight and guest rooms boasting oversized Roman bathtubs and granite showers. Stop by the Cricket Lounge for a light repast infused with jazz.









The Mariemont Inn: Located in the picturesque village of Mariemont — just minutes away from downtown Cincinnati — this striking 1926, three-story Tudor hotel is the epitome of charm — right down to the four-poster canopy beads, antique furnishings, imported rugs and beamed ceilings. (By the way, the village is also home to the nation’s only elected town crier who strolls the streets in colonial garb to call villagers to non-partisan town meetings.








Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. Fifth St., Cincinnati 45202; 800/678-8946
The Cincinnati Hotel, 601 Vine St., Cincinnati 45202; 513/381-3000
The Mariemont Inn, 6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati 45227; 513/271-2100

To preview these unique structures or to book a reservation, visit historichotels.org.