I have been an occasional visitor to the Mariemont Inn for 25 years, and recently discovered a family connection with it: my great grandfather ran the neighboring dairy and provided milk to the hotel in the 1930's. This review therefore is a combination of impressions gathered over a long association, and those from my most recent stay.
The staff (with the notable exception of a surly bartender years ago) is unfailingly pleasant and friendly. If you need anything, just ask. If you have a special request, an inquiry about the local area, or just want to chat, they are happy to assist, and are at all times professional.
Every room I've stayed in (even pre-renovation, with exposed plumbing and heating ducts) has been impeccably clean. The rooms are large and interesting: TVs are hidden behind a blind masquerading as artwork, the faux fireplace provides a nice glow, there are motion-activated nightlights to guide your way to the bathrooms at night, and the glass-door refrigerator is built in. The overhead shower is wonderful. The recent (to me) renovations are tasteful and in no way detract from the history of the building. The hotel is quiet -- noises from adjacent rooms or the hallway rarely intrude. WiFi is mercifully free, even if a little slow.
The restaurant is good -- it's popular with locals for weekend breakfasts, but I don't remember ever having to wait for a table. A limited room service menu is provided, but on my latest trip there was no menu in the room, so I didn't really know what was available. The bar is small and intimate, but not easily spoiled by a noisy group. It's one of my favorite places to unwind at the end of a long day.
The lobby is spacious, and there are numerous areas to gather with a small group to plan the day or just relax. The gym consists of just a few treadmills; there is no pool. The surrounding area is very walkable, with restaurants, shops, a theater, and a Graeters Ice Cream shop. As of 2017, there are two pizza joints across the street, but no drug store or "5 and dime" store. There's a Walgreens down the road in Plainville, but a car is necessary for that trip. A Starbuck's is next door. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, and even though the hotel is located right on Route 50, road noise is minimal. Walking the neighborhood is like walking onto the set from "Leave It To Beaver" (for those old enough to remember that Utopian version of suburban life).
The Inn isn't inexpensive, even with a discount, and has a 72-hour cancellation policy. But it's still my "go-to" hotel in Cincinnati, especially if I have no reason to be downtown. It seeks to recreate Old World charm, and largely succeeds. less