This hotel’s history goes back to the 1800s, but with modern amenities, it’s a favorite for jazz lovers, cocktail sippers and ghost-hunters alike

The history of the building that now houses the Symphony Hotel & Restaurant dates to the 1870s, seven years before the completion of Over-the-Rhine’s historic Music Hall. 

The structure was built by famous architect James McLaughlin, and in addition to the hotel, he also designed the Cincinnati Public Library, a wing in the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Cincinnati Gas, Light & Coke Company. 

The owner of the building eventually passed away and it was converted to dorms for music students attending the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. As the years passed, it changed its focus and became the Clyde Hotel.  

The current owner of the building, Karen Blatt, purchased it in 1995 after it had been abandoned for years. She is the one responsible for bringing this historic building back to its former glory and establishing the Symphony Hotel & Restaurant we know and love today.  

“Karen dedicates a lot of her time curating and collecting the perfect antiques to complete each room here,” says Hotel Manager Ashlyn Duggan. “She is behind every detail in the hotel and restaurant. It’s her love letter to her passion for interior design, music and Cincinnati. She made all of the collages on the tables in the jazz lounge area with pictures and articles from throughout Cincinnati’s storied history.”  

Behind the scenes, Blatt has a team entirely comprised of women. Tonya McGriff serves as the Executive Chef of the restaurant and has been working at Symphony for 14 years. Reagan Ruth, daughter of Tonya McGriff, is the restaurant manager and has been with the team for 11 years. Duggan is the hotel manager and has been best friends with Ruth for 10 years. 

There are nine rooms total at the hotel, all of which are named after famous composers like Mozart, Schubert and Rachmaninoff. “Each room is unique with different colors, decor and amenities,” Duggan says. “Our rooms only have one bed in them, which keeps the quaint feeling of a bed and breakfast. They all include modern amenities like fridges, coffee machines and smart TVs. We try to keep the historic nature of the building intact along with making sure our guests’ needs are met.”   

In addition to the guest rooms and restaurant at Symphony Hotel & Restaurant, visitors can also enjoy the Jazz Lounge and Biergarten. The Jazz Lounge is open on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. with the David Loyd Trio performing. Food and drinks are available in the lounge area so guests can enjoy live jazz with their food and drinks. “We offer our full-course menu as well as our appetizers,” Duggan says. “We have an extensive list of signature cocktails and a wall of bourbon along with red bottles of wine for purchase to appease any craving you have.” 

Duggan says that what makes Symphony Hotel & Restaurant unique is the journey through time it takes guests and visitors through. “You’re stepping into original 19th century architecture, but it feels like you are staying the night at someone’s home,” she explains. “With the restaurant and bar right downstairs [from] the bedrooms, it makes for a fun and easy stay. Our staff takes great pride in being flexible and accommodating during your stay to make you feel right at home.” 

Also, Duggan says, you may even encounter a guest who never left. “With our rich history comes rich stories,” she adds. “Yes, we have ghosts!” 

In addition to their typical event nights, Symphony Hotel & Restaurant is expanding event offerings. Duggan says they are getting into events like ladies’ nights, open mic nights and murder mystery dinner shows written by Chef Tonya that the entire staff is involved in. “We have all of those coming up in the next few months, with dates and tickets available on our website,” she says.  

Symphony Hotel & Restaurant is located at 210 W. 14th St. next to Music Hall and Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine.  

You can learn more about Symphony Hotel & Restaurant on its website. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram. To reach the hotel directly, or to book a room or private event, send an email to symphonyhotel@gmail.com or call 513-721-3353.