Downtown Cincinnati is very compact, so all the downtown hotels are pretty convenient to the conference center. After reading several reviews, I decided on the Westin and was generally very happy with the hotel, especially the breakfast area downstairs that recognizes that most people travelling for business would prefer to grab a quick, healthy bite and work on their laptop, rather than wait for table service. The hotel room was clean and spacious enough to comfortably share with a colleague. The gym was adequate and all the equipment worked (not always the case in many hotels) My only complaint is having to pay for wireless internet in this day and age.

generally not as clean or nice as most Westin hotels. the hotel is part of a larger office building. as some other reviewers have indicated, there were homeless people throughout the lobby. security was limited at best. i would not want my wife or daughter staying there by themselves. although a key was required to operate the elevator, it was >20 meters from the 'hotel lobby' which is poorly defined because it is part of the larger office building.

room was nice and clean as expected. i would stay there again for business given the caveats above.

This was my first time in Cincinnati for a business trip with several colleagues. The hotel is in need of a renovation and the neighborhood is not great. One thing about the stay was really outstanding, which was Julie at the front desk. She was incredibly helpful, kind, and professional. She went out of her way to help with recommendations for restaurants and any other suggestions I asked for (e.g. best hair salon in Cincinnati for a haircut.) I checked in on Thursday and needed a reservation for 10 colleagues on Saturday evening- somewhere with good food and a good atmosphere that was also reasonably priced. She recommended her favorite restaurant, Jimmy G's, and called the owner immediately to arrange a great table for us. The experience was wonderful- everything Julie promised, and more- great place with great food, good service, and reasonable prices. It was also close to the hotel. This was my first time visiting Cincinnati and my colleagues were really impressed that I found such an excellent place. Julie's colleague, Elly, was also helpful and friendly. Two of the other front desk staff members were not as friendly or helpful, and you could really see the difference. During Julie and Elly's time off from work, several times there was no one at the desk at all. The hotel itself is in need of a renovation- the rooms are tired and it is a shame that you cannot open the windows. They should also have some security in the lobby--many people who were not guests at the hotel were in the lobby soliciting my colleagues for money.

Just wanted to recognize the great work of Julie. As a regular traveler and frequent visitor of the Westin Cincinnati, it's always refreshing to see a friendly face at the counter and to receive exceptional service. She's knows me by name, gives me a warm greeting, and starts confirming my preferences (which she already knows). I especially appreciate how she works through any needs I have on current and future reservations. The answer may not always be the one I want, but I feel she's working on my behalf to come up with a solution.

Just wanted to call our her great work and let you (and her) know what a difference she makes!

Thanks --

Lynn N
Starwood Platinum