Given the amazingly low rates of the Parker House compared to those of other B & B's in the vicinity, I had some skepticism about it but couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a mere block away from friends I was in town to visit. No sooner did I step inside than my skepticism was dashed.
Although the house doesn't appear to be all that unique or distinctive from the exterior, the inside proved to be both. Its first owner had commissioned painted ceilings by a local muralist, and the current owners had those ceilings among many other things restored to their original luster. If furniture or fixtures in a room didn't date back to the first house, chances are something from roughly the same era was installed in its place. The common areas are well-stocked with plastic plants to add greenery - "We got tired of racing to mop water off the antique furniture, so..."
Both owners are outgoing persons, as befits folks in their position as innkeepers. The husband in particular is a font of information and a source of countless entertaining yarns. It's he who has a knack for renovating and restoring buildings; "The entire basement here is full of stuff in case something needs to be added or replaced." If you like tomatoes, their backyard garden produces such a bumper crop that he's eager to give you a bagful when you leave. He's also the one to take suggestions for a main course at breakfast to go along with the generous plate of sliced fresh fruit.
(Matter of fact, the Parkers' hospitality went so far as to allow my nearby friends to join me for the morning meal at no extra charge one day.)
Although the Parker House is situated close to the UC campus, none of the neighborhood noise a large student population brings infiltrated the walls. For the most part it was only crickets that could be heard at night. The well-shaded front porch was conducive to relaxation even on the hot August days when I was in town.
Public transportation in Cincinnati is rudimentary at best, and infrequent - also not recommended to use - at night. But the inn's location near the university and downtown does mean that you can avail yourself of numerous "Metro" bus routes within short walking distance. If you bring your own vehicle, there's ample off-street outdoor parking available on the property. Just don't veer into the tomato plants.