Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps

Our visit was a weekend getaway with family to attend our first game at Great American Ball Park. After a six-hour drive and arriving around midnight, our check-in experience was seamless. The staff was courteous and professional, exactly as we expected. Unfortunately, our departure experience was disappointing. While waiting for our car, I approached the front desk with a question about applying a Marriott gift card to our stay. I politely asked the associate if she could assist me with what I believed to be a simple request. Her response was surprising: “You will just have to wait. I don’t know how to do that, so I will need to get someone,” after which she began walking away. I responded, “Never mind, it’s okay. We’re fine and will leave now.” The associate then returned to the terminal and stated, “I can get someone.” Given the tone and attitude that had already been displayed, I replied, “It’s okay, we’re fine. I will call Corporate on Monday to address this, and by the way, may I ask your name?” Ashley provided her name with ease, and we exited the hotel. As it was raining and our car had arrived, we proceeded load up and get in the car. At that point, Ashley walked to the top of the steps and yelled down to us, “I told you I could get someone to help you.” I politely responded, for the third time, that we were fine, gave her a thumbs up, and we began our drive home. I did not want a negative checkout experience to overshadow our weekend in Cincinnati or affect the mood of our trip home. Unfortunately, it did. Approximately thirty minutes later, I received a call from The Phelps. My wife suggested that I not answer, as we already felt embarrassed by the interaction. I intended only to explain that I would address the matter the following day, as that moment was not appropriate. During the call, I was told that The Phelps operates on an older system and that Ashley was unfamiliar with the process required to apply the gift card. The following day, I contacted Marriott Corporate and shared my concerns. I was assigned a case number and told to expect follow-up communication. After one week, I had received nothing. When I called again, I was informed that the guest relations associate who initially handled my case had failed to record my email address. Three additional weeks have now passed, and I still have not received any communication regarding the matter. I do not write negative reviews lightly. I gave Marriott multiple opportunities to address this concern directly, but my efforts to follow up have gone unanswered. I understand that the hotel may have been dealing with operational challenges that morning—an elevator was out of service, valet services were backed up, the weather was poor, and staff may have been under pressure. However, those circumstances should not affect the way guests are treated. The issue was never that Ashley did not know how to process the gift card; the issue was the manner in which the interaction was handled and the lack of professionalism that followed. This situation presented a coaching opportunity, both at the property level and through Marriott’s guest relations process. Unfortunately, neither experience reflected the level of service I have come to expect from Marriott.

Easily one of the best Residence Inn experiences I’ve had. Amazing staff, clean and nice property, great location and good value.

My family was in town for the Royals/Reds series and this was a great place to stay. Nazanin Le Claire, Front Desk Manager, helped me secure rooms close to each other and we had three 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, Lytle Park view reserved. She told me that in order to get three on the same floor, two of them would have Lytle Park view and one would not which I agreed to. We had rooms 310, 313 and 308 (the non-park view room) and they all had very different layouts and were sized differently. If you have a choice, ask for 310 and then 313 and lastly 308. All were nice and fine, but 310 was huge compared to 308. But, all of them were great, clean and had working appliances and full cabinets of dishes and kitchen things. I never was awake in time for the free breakfast but I'm sure it was fine. The location of this hotel is great for walking to the Great American Ball Park, the Connector, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and isn't that far away for a nice walk across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to go to LaRosa's Pizza Covington (in Kentucky) if the Reds strike out at least 11 batters and you each get a free 8" small 1-topping pizza code to use within 7 days! One day we walked to the (free) Connector stop next to Walgreen's and rode to Findlay Market where we enjoyed lunch. Then we walked to Rhinegeist Brewery which was closed before getting back on the Connector to Washington Park. After walking around Washington Park, we got back on Connector and got off at Fountain Square and enjoyed Graeter's Ice Cream before going to Carew Tower to go up to the observation deck which was closed for renovation (June 2, 2026). After that we walked around The Banks before walking back to the Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps. We were all SO impressed by the friendliness of everyone we met, both within the hotel as well as strangers that greeted us on the streets, that we all agreed we would love to return for another Royals/Reds series!

This hotel is well located close to the Taft Museum (easily within walking distance), downtown (a very short drive), and across the street from a nice looking park. It has valet parking ($48/day) and also some street parking alongside the park across the street. It's an older property but well maintained. Provides an included buffet breakfast that was ample. Two somewhat unusual features were the availability of two-bedroom suites and all rooms having a kitchenette. The suites were of particular interest for future travel with another person. I am certain I will return to the Phelps at some time.

I wanted to give a shout out to Angie and Tasha. They went above and beyond to make my experience at The Phelps a top tier one. Very thankful for their help my entire stay

Naz and Josline at the front desk were amazing! I was in for a wedding over last weekend. They were attentive to my every need. They were helpful and made my and my families experience wonderful. Thanks for a great weekend! I look forward to staying there again. Rob. Stachler

roof top bar, breakfast and front desk staff

Rooms are getting a little old

Angie and Tasha in the kitchen were great! Loved them. Very personable and helpful. Made the experience even better!

Everyone was so nice!

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