Finding a place to crash in the northern Cincinnati suburbs is weirdly stressful. You’ve got a dozen options off I-71, all promising the same "luxury bedding" and "hot breakfast," but honestly, most of them are just overpriced boxes with scratchy towels. The Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio stays in the conversation for a very specific reason: it doesn't try to be something it isn't. It’s a budget hotel. It knows it. You know it.
Located right off Kenwood Road, this property sits in that sweet spot between the high-end corporate offices of Blue Ash and the suburban sprawl of Sharonville. If you're coming into town for a meeting at the Ethicon campus or taking the kids to Kings Island—which is only about 15 minutes north—you're looking for efficiency. You want a door that locks, a bed that doesn't kill your back, and a price tag that leaves enough room in the budget for a decent steak at Jeff Ruby's later that night.
The Reality of Staying at Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio
People get weird about budget motels. There’s this idea that "economy" has to mean "grime," but that's not really the case here. The Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio is one of their "Red Roof Plus+" properties. That distinction actually matters. It’s not just marketing fluff; it usually means they’ve dumped some cash into interior renovations, added wood-like flooring—which is way cleaner than those old, questionable hotel carpets—and upgraded the bedding.
The rooms are compact. Very compact. If you’re traveling with a family of four and three suitcases, you’re going to be playing a game of Tetris just to get to the bathroom. But for a solo business traveler or a couple on a road trip, it’s basically perfect. The "Plus" rooms often include a "Seattle’s Best" coffee maker and an iron that actually works.
Location is the Real Winner
Why stay here instead of somewhere in Mason or downtown Cincinnati?
Blue Ash is a logistical dream. You are literally minutes from the Blue Ash Golf Course, which is consistently ranked as one of the best public courses in the state. If you’re a golfer, staying here is a no-brainer. You save fifty bucks on the room and put it toward your greens fees.
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Then there’s Summit Park. It’s a short drive from the hotel. This isn't just a patch of grass; it’s a massive redevelopment of the old Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport. They’ve got an observation tower, a bunch of great restaurants like Senate (get the hot dogs, seriously), and a massive playground. If you stay at the Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio, you’re close enough to enjoy the high-end amenities of the city without paying the "Summit Park adjacent" hotel taxes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Spot
The biggest misconception is that "budget" means "unsafe."
Blue Ash is one of the safest pockets in the entire Greater Cincinnati area. It’s a corporate hub. The police department is literally right down the road, and the area is heavily patrolled. You can walk to the nearby Target or snag a coffee without feeling like you need to check over your shoulder. The hotel itself uses exterior corridors—the classic motel style—which some people find intimidating at night. Honestly? It’s fine. It’s well-lit. Plus, having your car parked right outside your door is a massive win when it’s 20 degrees in January and you have to load your luggage.
Another thing: the pet policy.
Red Roof is famous for its "pets stay free" rule. Most "fancy" hotels in the area charge a non-refundable $75 or $100 pet fee. If you’re staying two nights at the Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio, that free pet policy basically pays for your gas. It’s a huge deal for the dog-show crowd that frequent the nearby Sharonville Convention Center.
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The Trade-offs You Need to Know
Let’s be real for a second. You aren't getting a gym here. There’s no sparkling indoor pool filled with screaming kids. If you need a workout, you’re going to have to go to the nearby Blue Ash YMCA or just run the local trails.
The breakfast? It’s not a thing here.
They might have some coffee in the lobby, but don’t expect a waffle station. You’re better off heading to Blue Ash Chili. It’s a local legend. If you've never had Cincinnati-style chili, this is where you go to get a 3-way or a couple of coneys. It’s right around the corner and beats any "free" hotel breakfast bar every single time.
Pricing Trends and When to Book
Prices at the Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio fluctuate wildly based on what’s happening at Kings Island or the Western & Southern Open (the big tennis tournament in Mason). During a random Tuesday in October, you can find a room for under $70. If there’s a massive concert at Riverbend or a tournament at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, expect that to jump.
It pays to check their specific "RediRewards" program. Even if you hate loyalty programs, this one is pretty straightforward. You get points, you get a discount, and you get a slightly later check-out. In a world of complex tiered memberships, it’s refreshingly simple.
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Navigating the Local Area Like a Pro
If you’re sticking around Blue Ash for more than twelve hours, don't just sit in your room.
- Summit Park Observation Tower: It’s free. You can see the Cincinnati skyline on a clear day.
- The Dining Scene: Blue Ash has some of the best non-chain food in the suburbs. Incline Public House has a location nearby, and Silver Spring House is famous for its chicken.
- The Commute: Avoid I-71 South between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. It is a parking lot. If you need to get downtown, take Reading Road or Kenwood Road south to bypass the worst of the highway congestion.
The staff at this location are mostly long-timers. They’ve seen it all. If you need an extra towel or a recommendation for a mechanic because your alternator died on the highway, they actually give you a real answer instead of a scripted corporate response. That kind of local knowledge is getting harder to find.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book the Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio, do these three things to make sure the stay doesn't suck.
First, request a room on the second floor. Exterior corridor hotels are always quieter on the top floor because you don't have people stomping around above your head. It makes a massive difference in sleep quality.
Second, check the filter on the PTAC (the A/C unit). It sounds nerdy, but in budget hotels, these get dusty. Pop the plastic cover off, rinse the filter in the sink if it’s gross, and your air quality—and the unit’s noise level—will improve instantly.
Third, use the "Plus" upgrade if it’s available for an extra five or ten bucks. The microwave and fridge combo pays for itself if you’re bringing leftovers back from any of the local spots.
This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It’s a place to sleep. But in the landscape of Cincinnati hotels, the Red Roof Inn Blue Ash Ohio remains a solid, predictable, and incredibly convenient choice for anyone who values their wallet over a lobby chandelier. Just bring your own shampoo if you're picky about that stuff, and enjoy the fact that you're staying in one of the best-connected suburbs in the Midwest.