Cincinnati Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret: This Courtyard Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Cincinnati Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret: This Courtyard Hotel Will SHOCK You! (Seriously, It Will!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I’m diving headfirst into a hotel review, and let me tell you, this one’s… different. We're talking about the Courtyard by Marriott at Cincinnati Airport, and calling it a hidden gem feels like the understatement of the century. I stumbled upon this place expecting the usual beige airport experience, a quick layover pit stop, and boy, was I wrong. Forget the cookie-cutter, drab hotels you dread. This Courtyard? It's got soul. And secrets. Big ones.
(Disclaimer: This is going to be long. But trust me, it's worth it. I'm basically writing a love letter to this place.)
Accessibility & Utter Amazement
Okay, let’s be real. Accessibility is HUGE. The hotel isn't just "accessible," it's thoughtful. Elevators? Check. Wide hallways perfect for maneuvering a wheelchair? Check. Accessible rooms designed with a genuine understanding of needs? Double-check. They haven't just ticked the boxes; they've actually cared. And for someone who travels with a slightly wonky knee, that's a massive win. This isn't just a hotel, it's a vibe.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Inner Germaphobe (Almost) Relaxed
I’m a bit of a clean freak. Let's just put it that way. Seeing the words "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services" flashed me a wave of relief the size of the Ohio river. They’re SERIOUS about hygiene here. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Uh-huh. But the cherry on top? Room sanitization opt-out available. This is the kind of flexibility my anxious heart craves. I felt safer here than in my own surgically-clean apartment. Almost. Almost.
Internet, Wi-Fi and Connectivity (Because We're Living in the Future, People!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. They know what's up. And not just any Wi-Fi. It was actually fast and reliable. (A rarity in hotel-land, let’s be honest.) I could stream Netflix, video chat with my cat (don’t judge), and still get some work done. Internet access – LAN? Sure, but the Wi-Fi took care of 99.999% of my needs. They even have Wi-Fi for special events, because even a business conference needs good internet, apparently.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Beyond the Buffet (Thank Goodness!)
Alright, food. This is where the Courtyard really surprised me. The breakfast buffet? Good. But the a la carte restaurant? Wow. Their international cuisine was a pleasant surprise. I even bravely ordered the Asian cuisine, and it was delicious. Coffee/tea in the restaurant? Naturally. Coffee shop? You betcha. They even have a poolside bar for those lazy afternoons. Breakfast in room is an awesome touch if you're feeling anti-social. And they have a snack bar, which, let's face it, is a lifesaver after a long flight. (I may have raided it for emergency chocolate…)
My Favorite Part: The Swimming Pool & The Pool with a View (It’s Glorious.)
Let's talk about the real reason to book this hotel: the pool. It's not just a pool; it's an oasis. I mean, seriously, this is a hotel at an airport, not a tropical resort, and yet… they have a pool with a view. And it looks amazing. Sure, the weather wasn't cooperating during my stay, but the sheer fact that it’s there made me happy. I'm dreaming of sunny days and pool-side cocktails, or at least a strong coffee from the coffee shop to sip while I dream of sunshine.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Because Travel Shouldn't Feel Like Work (The Gym is Real!)
Okay, okay, I get it. You're at the airport. Who has time for a spa day? BUT… they have a fitness center, which I, surprisingly, used. It was actually decent! And if you ARE into serious relaxation, which I'm starting to become, they offer a spa! What?! They've got a sauna, a steamroom (and I'm obsessed with them), and even… get this… a foot bath. Like, who ARE these people? This hotel is basically a wellness retreat disguised as an airport hotel, and I am here for it. The idea of a body scrub made me suddenly think of a vacation on a beach, haha!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of EVERYTHING (Seriously.)
From the concierge to the 24-hour front desk, this hotel is all about making your life easier. They have a gift shop (perfect for last-minute souvenirs), daily housekeeping, laundry service, and even a dry cleaning service. Plus, a convenience store. Currency exchange? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. Elevator? Of course. Honestly, they have everything you could possibly need. They even have a business center with Xerox/fax services because, yes, the 21st century is still sometimes a pain in the rear.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
This hotel is family-friendly! Babysitting service, kid's meals… they're all about that family life. It's kind of sweet, actually.
Rooms: The Details That Matter (And the Blackout Curtains!)
Let me ramble for a moment, okay? The rooms. Air conditioning is essential. Blackout curtains? Genius. The bed was comfy, the mini-bar was stocked (hello, emergency snacks!), and there was even a reading light. Each room comes with an alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. Seriously, they've thought of everything. I mean, I hate to admit it, but I fell in love with these rooms so much, it's almost embarrassing.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Airport transfer? Yep. Valet parking? You betcha. Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Car park [on-site]? Also yes. Taxi service? Naturally. They make getting to and from the airport a breeze. They even provide a car power charging station for all those electric vehicles.
The Verdict: This Isn't Just a Hotel, It's a Destination.
Listen, my friends. I went in expecting an airport hotel. I came out… well, I came out wanting to move in. This Courtyard really blew me away. It's clean, comfortable, convenient, and genuinely pleasant. I was shocked! This is the best-kept secret at Cincinnati Airport, and I’m spilling the beans.
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The Offer: Book NOW and Get a FREE Upgrade! (Seriously?)
Okay, here’s the deal. Because I’m so jazzed about this place, I’m giving you the inside scoop:
Book your stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Airport through this reviewer (because, let's be honest, that's what I'm doing), and you'll get a free automatic upgrade to a room with a view AND a complimentary drink at the bar!
That’s right. You get to experience this incredible hotel and get some extra perks. It's a win-win. This deal is only available for a limited time, so book now! Trust me, your travel-weary soul will thank you.
Click here to book your stay and experience the BEST-KEPT secret at Cincinnati Airport! Trust me, it will shock you! (Insert affiliate link here, because, well, a girl's gotta eat - and maybe hit that amazing spa again…)
Denver's Hidden Gem: Ken Caryl TownePlace Suites Escape!
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL scoop on my trip to… Florence, Kentucky. Yeah, I know, the other Florence. Not the fancy Italian kind. This is… Florence, KY. And honestly? It's gonna be a wild ride, just like my life.
Day 1: The Arrival, the Disappointment (and a decent burger)
- 3:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Okay, so far so good. Airport's clean, the people seem… pleasant enough? Wait, is that a guy wearing a Croc with socks? Okay, Florence, you're already delivering on the "unexpected charm" front.
- 3:30 PM: Shuttle to Courtyard Cincinnati Airport South/Florence. The driver’s telling me all about his pet ferret, which he insists is a "gentleman." I’m trying to be polite, but I'm mostly picturing myself back home with my cat Noodle.
- 4:00 PM: Check-in. Hotel looks… fine. Standard issue Courtyard. You know, the kind where the only thing that changes from one to the next is the regional art that’s trying way too hard to be "local." This one's got a giant, blurry photo of the Ohio River. Pretty sure I can see a barge.
- 4:30 PM: The Big Thirst. Gotta find something to drink ASAP. The in-hotel bar is called "The Bistro," which fills me with a vague sense of existential dread. I order a beer, and discover it’s surprisingly good. My mood begins to lift.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at some random diner called "The Burger Barn" (I think). I swear, the name has a cartoonish burger and a barn on the sign. The burger? Holy. Mother. Of. Burgers. It was a greasy, beautiful mess. Perfect. It’s got me feeling like I can conquer this town.
- 7:00 PM: Stare at the TV. Netflix, bed, and an early night. This is my life now.
- 10:00 PM: Try to sleep. The AC sounds like a disgruntled walrus. Welcome to my vacation.
Day 2: The Ark Encounter, the Indignation (and a whole lotta Jesus)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, or rather, drag myself out of bed. The walrus is still there.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The scrambled eggs are… questionable. I briefly consider skipping breakfast entirely, but then I remember I'm going to the Ark Encounter. I need fuel for the ridiculousness.
- 9:30 AM: The Ark Encounter. Oh. My. God. Seriously? I knew it was gonna be… something, but this? A giant replica of Noah's Ark, complete with actual animals… or at least, replicas of animals. And the size of it?! It's biblical! The lines were long. The parking was a zoo. The sheer scale of it all is overwhelming, and frankly, a little bit terrifying. People genuinely believe in this stuff, and as I walk around I am torn between respect and a kind of bewildered, morbid fascination. I take a bunch of ridiculous photos, not sure what to make of them but figuring I’ll sort it out later.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Ark’s cafeteria. The food is… bland. I can't help but wonder if Noah had better options in the… well, in the ark.
- 1:00 PM: Wander around the Ark. Okay, so the exhibits are… interesting. They're very… literal. There's a lot of explaining “why” everything had to be done. The whole thing is just… a lot. I'm genuinely fascinated and a little bit horrified at the same time.
- 4:00 PM: Still looking at the Ark. Still trying to process it. Still… a little bit speechless. I bought a t-shirt that says, "I survived the flood!" (ironically, of course).
- 6:00 PM: Drive back to Florence. I seriously need a stiff drink.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a chain restaurant. I can’t even remember the name. I mostly remember my exhaustion. Just eat, and retreat back to my room to start the next episode in a TV show.
- 9:00 PM: Staring blankly at the ceiling. My brain hurts.
Day 3: Local Delights, Unexpected Joy, Departure
- 9:00 AM: Wake up feeling surprisingly… okay? The walrus has finally given up.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at a local bakery (recommended by the friendly shuttle driver). The place is full of friendly locals. The pastries? AMAZING. Cinnamon rolls the size of my face. This is more like it!
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Florence Y'all Water Tower. Okay, so it's just a water tower. But it's got "Florence Y'all" written on it. That's just… perfect. I take approximately a million pictures. I am, against my better judgement, enjoying myself.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at another burger place, this one recommended by the bakery lady. It's not as great as the first one, but it’s still pretty good. I’m developing a real fondness for Kentucky burgers.
- 1:00 PM: Shopping. I buy a "Florence Y'all" t-shirt. I have officially embraced this trip.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I need a nap.
- 4:00 PM: Pack. I stare out the window feeling kinda melancholy. This place is… surprisingly… growing on me.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner somewhere… I’m too tired to remember.
- 7:00 PM: Shuttle to the airport. The driver recognizes me and asks what I thought. I tell him about the Ark Encounter. He just laughs.
- 9:00 PM: Flight home. I’m tired, I’m full, I’m a little bit confused, but I’m also… strangely… happy. Florence, Kentucky, you weird, wonderful place. You were exactly what I needed. And I wouldn't have traded this trip for anything.
Hold up. "Best-Kept Secret"? Really? Is it *that* good?
Okay, okay, "best-kept" is a *bit* much. Let's call it... a surprisingly *memorable* secret. Look, airport hotels are typically the same: bland, overpriced, and designed to bleed your wallet dry before your redeye. But this Courtyard? It's got... character. And by 'character,' I mean it’s a glorious, frustrating, hilarious, and sometimes deeply satisfying exercise in controlled chaos. Think of it like the quirky aunt who always brings the best cookies but accidentally sets the tablecloth on fire every other visit. Ya know?
What's the food situation? Because let's be honest, airport hotel food is usually... soul-crushing.
Right? The eternal question. Here's the deal: the bistro is... present. It exists. And the coffee? Well, it's coffee. Sometimes it's hot. Sometimes it's… lukewarm. But then... there's the *chicken wings*. I kid you not. Crispy, saucy, perfectly imperfect... these wings are a gift from the gods. I've heard whispers of a burger that's decent too – my friend Sarah practically *wept* with joy after a particularly grueling travel day. Seriously, the wing game alone is worth the price of admission. Just, you know, don't expect Michelin stars.
Okay, chicken wings are a selling point. But the *rooms*? Spill the tea.
Ah, the rooms. They're… Courtyard rooms. You get what you expect, but there's something *slightly* off. I stayed in a room once where the air conditioning sounded like a jet engine taking off. I swear, I thought I was going to need earplugs *and* a sedative. Then, the next time, I was in a room that smelled faintly of chlorine and… success! The bed was comfortable, the shower had good pressure, and the TV actually worked! It's a gamble, a glorious, unpredictable gamble. Each stay is like a choose-your-own-adventure story, but with slightly questionable carpet choices.
I *hate* airport hotels sometimes. Are the staff friendly at least? Because a smile goes a long way.
This is where things get interesting. The staff? They're… people. They're human. They’re not robots. They *feel* your pain. You can tell. Some are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, genuinely happy to assist, ready to make your day. Others... well, others look like they've seen things. Seen the early morning, the late nights, the endless parade of weary travelers. But even the most battle-worn staff member will offer a genuine, if slightly exasperated, smile. And in the world of airport hotels, that's a win. I remember once, my flight was delayed for something like *eight hours*, and I was a complete mess. The front desk guy saw I was about to fall apart, and he was *amazing*. He got me a free drink coupon, a better room (miraculously!), and just... listened. He didn't have to, but he did. So yes, overall, good staff experience.
What's the deal with the parking/shuttle situation? Because airport hotels are notoriously tricky there.
Okay, listen up. The shuttle is... *reliable*. Which, again, for an airport hotel, is a victory. It runs regularly, and the drivers are generally friendly. But, and this is a BIG but... sometimes the shuttle feels like it's playing a cruel joke. It'll show up *right* when you're not ready. It'll be late *every* time. I swear, there was one time I was running late for a flight and the shuttle driver looked me straight in the eye, shrugged, and said, "Airport's that way!" (gesture to the right). Parking is… there. It's available. Just don't expect free parking. And, look, parking is just a parking. It's never glamorous.
Let’s talk about the pool - I need relaxing after a flight!
Oh, the *pool*! This is where the “character” rears its head. The pool is... well, it's a pool. It's heated, I think. Sometimes, it feels like the temperature is somewhere between "refreshing" and "Arctic blast." This is an *experience* in of itself. I’ve seen it pristine, glittering blue, with a few happy kids splashing, and I’ve seen it slightly… cloudy. And the chlorine smell? Let's just say it lingers. The pool area also has the strange ability to amplify the already loud sounds of other travelers. Screaming kids? amplified. Loud couple arguing? amplified. Overall, it's an interesting experience. Sometimes, it’s relaxing, sometimes it’s a chaotic spectacle.
Okay, so, final verdict: Should I stay here?
Look, if you crave sterile perfection, if you value immaculate service above all else, if you're terrified of a surprise, then maybe not. But if you're a weary traveler who’s seen some things, who appreciates a little bit of, well, *humanity* in your hotel experience, and if you’re willing to roll the dice on the chicken wings, then absolutely. Go for it. Just, you know, pack earplugs. And maybe your own towel. And, hey, if you see me there, buying a third order of wings, come say hi. Because we all need a little chaos, a little surprise, in our lives, right? RIGHT?! Okay, bye.
