The Westin Cincinnati's lovely glass atrium entrance with its connected shops and offices is a constant scene of activity. It’s directly across from Fountain Square, where the majestic Genius of Water fountain is bathed in changing light. Popular restaurants and shops frame the hotel's large, open space that hosts special events year round, so it’s frequently filled with people. Given its central location and large inventory of meeting space, the Westin hosts many business functions and conferences, and caters to business travelers here to attend functions. But its location also lures many travelers in town to catch the Cincinnati Reds play at the Great American Ball Park or take in the Queen City’s sights. The lobby has a dark, sophisticated vibe, with low ceilings, wood paneling, and brown, beige, and gray carpeting in rectangular patterns. Brown leather sofas and armchairs are positioned near the long reception desk of rose quartz. The Over Vine bar, with its great views of the bustling city below from the mezzanine level, is a popular spot for guests and locals alike. 

The Westin is located directly across the street from Fountain Square, the heart of the city, where live music and other special events, including rooftop fireworks that can be seen from some rooms, take place almost every night. The hotel is connected to offices, shops, and restaurants via a lovely atrium. Many other restaurants and shops are within a one- to five-minute walk, and a Macy’s department store is across the street. The Duke Energy Convention Center, Aronoff Center for the Arts, and Contemporary Arts Center are all within a five-minute walk, and the Great American Ball Park and the entertainment center next to it are about a 10-minute walk away. It’s a 15-minute walk or nine-minute shuttle ride to Paul Brown Stadium, and an eight-minute walk to Procter & Gamble’s world headquarters. It's an eight-minute drive or shuttle ride to the Horseshoe Casino or Over the Rhine, a trendy district on the northern edge of downtown where many restaurants and nightclubs have opened. It’s a 15- to 20-minute cab ride or drive to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. 

The 456 rooms at the Westin Cincinnati were renovated in 2015, and they're spacious and tastefully decorated in a color palette of earth tones, with shades of beige and brown most dominant. Dark carpeting is in subtle stripes of dark brown, gray, and beige. It complements the lighter beige wallpaper and beige drapes. Matching reddish-wood furniture includes spacious desks with white ceramic tops, and headboards with attached nightstands. Gray upholstered armchairs and brown leather ottomans provide seating, along with gray-leather office chairs. Rooms feature Westin’s Heavenly beds. Standard amenities include 37-inch flat-screen TVs, robes, electronic safes, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and two speakerphones (one is cordless). Free bottled water is also provided, but only SPG members who book directly through Starwood receive free in-room Wi-Fi. Turn-down service is available upon request. Bathrooms have dark-brown granite vanities, beige marble floors, and beige tile framing shower/tub combos with rainfall shower heads. They also include back-lit mirrors. 

Traditional and Deluxe Guest Rooms (386 square feet) come with two double beds or one king bed. The Luxury King (495 square feet) and corner Studio Rooms (450 square feet) offer sitting areas with sofas and two armchairs. Larger suites are available that typically include wet bars, separate living room areas, boardroom/dining tables, and walk-in showers. 

Traditional Guest Rooms offer general city views, while most other rooms overlook Fountain Square. But think twice about requesting rooms facing the square, as guests complain that these rooms, especially those on lower levels, pick up noise from events taking place there. 

This Westin has all the four-pearl features associated with the brand, which caters to business travelers and fitness enthusiast. Ingredients, the Westin's casual restaurant is open for breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and early dinner, and it offers grab-and-go items. The Over Vine lobby bar serves light fare into the late evening and offers great views of the city from its mezzanine-level perch. A McCormick & Schmick’s steaks and seafood restaurant is in the same building, and there's a  gift shop selling snacks and drinks. Room service operates 24 hours a day.

For business travelers, there's  29,000 square feet of meeting space, and one of the spaces can be rented by the hour. Two computer stations with Internet access and printers make up the business center. Free newspapers are available in the lobby, and concierge services are offered. Wi-Fi is free in public spaces, though in-room Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members with direct bookings.

The fitness center is open 24 hours and is equipped with several LifeFitness cardio and weight-training machines, as well as free weights. Workout gear, including New Balance running shoes, can be borrowed from the hotel. An indoor rooftop swimming pool and whirlpool is next to the fitness center and offers great city views, but the pool is on the small side. 

Pets are welcome in select rooms with no surcharge, but they can’t be left in rooms unattended. An ATM and bank office is located in the same building. On-site garage parking is available, along with valet and self-parking.