An historic building opens its doors to leisure and business travelers alike, giving them a home away from home

The building that the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel calls home has a long history in Cincinnati. It opened on New Year’s Day in 1901 as the Union Trust Building, and was the tallest building in the city for 12 years and in the state of Ohio for three. Designed by iconic American architect Daniel Burnham, it now houses the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel while continuing to pay homage to its past.

Still offering the same breathtaking views it did as a bank, the hotel boasts magnificent architectural details including the original vault, elevator doors and finishes, according to Tracy Hartman, the hotel’s director of Catering.

When you step onto the second floor of the hotel, you’ll find the original lobby, which has been transformed into a 6,800-square-foot event space with 40-foot vaulted ceilings that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Gilded Age.

However, it’s the staff that serves as the backbone of the property.

“Many of our colleagues have been with us from opening day,” says Hartman. “Everyone from our bellmen to our banquet staff is genuinely excited to welcome you to our property and offer top-notch service while you are visiting our favorite city.”

There are 323 guest rooms in the hotel, including 40 suites. “We offer a fully equipped business center and state-of-the-art fitness facility,” says Hartman. “We have many conveniences for business and leisure travelers including valet parking, in-room dining, executive level rooms and a concierge lounge.”

Also in the hotel is D. Burnham’s, a restaurant and lounge named after the building’s architect, that is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

The amenities at the Renaissance offer everything you could want during a stay in the Queen City. Whether you’re there on a staycation or on a business trip, the Renaissance aims to make all guests feel like they’re at home. 

Plus, its location in the city’s Central Business District means it’s close to city attractions and entertainment. 

“We are located on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, in the heart of the city,” says Hartman. “We are a quick walk to Fountain Square, Duke Energy Convention Center, Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, the Freedom Center, Heritage Bank Center, the Aronoff Center and The Banks.

“Then, just a short drive away, you’ll find the Hard Rock Casino, Over-the-Rhine, Newport on the Levee, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory and BB Riverboats.”

Hartman says that the Renaissance’s location in the Central Business District also makes it a big deal for business travelers during the week and families on the weekends. 

“Our functional and unique banquet spaces are the perfect place to host anything from a business meeting to your dream wedding,” adds Hartman. “Our talented and experienced event and culinary staff are always going above and beyond to create memorable experiences for our guests.”