Driving across the Brent Spence Bridge, you can’t miss it. That massive, 18-story cylinder standing tall on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River is more than just a landmark; it’s the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront.
Most people see the round tower and assume it's just another dated hotel from the seventies. Honestly? They aren't entirely wrong about the age, but they’re missing the point. This place is a brutalist-era survivor that somehow still offers the best seat in the house for anyone wanting to see the Cincinnati skyline without paying downtown prices.
It’s weird. It’s iconic. And it’s surprisingly practical.
The Tower That Spins (And Why It Matters)
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the restaurant on the roof. Eighteen at the Radisson is one of the few remaining revolving restaurants in the country. If you haven't been, it’s a trip. The floor literally moves while you eat.
You’re sitting there, cutting into a filet mignon, and suddenly the Great American Ball Park shifts out of view to be replaced by the rolling hills of Covington. It takes about an hour to make a full loop.
People think it’s a gimmick.
It kind of is.
But it’s a gimmick that works.
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Where else can you get a 360-degree view of the Ohio River valley while staying seated? The menu is a classic American steakhouse vibe—think crab cakes, prime rib, and a Sunday brunch that locals actually show up for. If you’re planning a romantic night, this is basically the default setting for Northern Kentucky. Just make a reservation. Seriously. It fills up, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the city lights are hitting just right.
What’s Actually Inside the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront?
Staying here feels a bit like stepping into a time capsule that’s been carefully maintained. Built in 1972, the architecture is unapologetically "round." Because the building is a cylinder, the rooms are shaped like slices of pie.
This leads to some interesting quirks:
- Every single one of the 220 rooms has a private balcony.
- The views are either "City View" (Cincinnati skyline) or "River View" (the Ohio River and rolling hills).
- The bathrooms are often described as "partially open," which is a fancy way of saying the vanity is usually in the main room area.
The hotel recently went through some updates in 2025, so it's not the shag-carpet relic some older reviews might suggest. You’ve got 43-inch flatscreens, 100+ Mbps Wi-Fi (which is actually fast enough to stream), and refrigerators in every room.
The "Hidden" Amenities
Most guests just see the lobby and their room, but the middle of the tower hides an indoor pool with a retractable roof. In the summer, they open it up, and it’s easily one of the coolest spots to hang out. There’s also a 24-hour gym if you’re the type who needs to run off a steak dinner at 3:00 AM.
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Location: The "Covington Secret"
The biggest mistake travelers make is thinking they need to stay in downtown Cincinnati to experience the city. You don't.
The Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront is technically in Covington, KY, but you’re closer to the action than some hotels on the Ohio side. You can walk to MainStrasse Village in about two minutes. That area is packed with local bars, bourbon spots, and some of the best food in the region (go to Otto’s for the fried green tomatoes, thank me later).
If you’re here for a Bengals or Reds game, you’re looking at a 15-to-20-minute walk across the bridge or a $10 Uber ride. You avoid the "Event Pricing" traffic of downtown but get to look at the pretty buildings all night. It’s a win-win.
Is it worth the stay?
Look, if you want a ultra-modern, glass-and-steel "Lifestyle Hotel" with $25 cocktails and a DJ in the lobby, this isn't it. The Radisson is a bit more blue-collar than that. It’s reliable. It’s quirky.
The staff is known for being incredibly helpful—they’ve been known to print out lists of local pizza places for late-night cravings or help navigate the maze of bridge construction that seems to haunt the area.
The Reality Check:
- Parking: It’s around $10 a night. Better than the $40 you'll pay across the river.
- Breakfast: It’s not free. Head to The Fifth Lounge downstairs or just walk to a local cafe in Covington.
- Housekeeping: Currently, they’re doing weekly service unless you request more frequent visits.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Request a High Floor: Anything above the 10th floor on the North side will give you that "postcard" view of Cincinnati.
- Book the Sunday Brunch: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the brunch at Eighteen is a rite of passage. The prime rib station is legit.
- Walk MainStrasse: Don't stay cooped up in the hotel. The local Covington scene is much more authentic than the touristy Banks area across the river.
- Check the Bridge Status: If you’re driving, check the Brent Spence Bridge traffic. It’s right next to the hotel, and during rush hour, it can be a nightmare. Use the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge instead—it’s prettier anyway.
The Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront might be an "old-school" choice, but in a world of cookie-cutter hotel chains, its weird circular shape and rotating roof make it one of the few places with actual character left in the Queen City area.
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Check the current rates on the Choice Hotels/Radisson site before you book anywhere else; sometimes you can snag a room for under $150, which, given the view, is a total steal.