What to expect: The hotel's spacious, airy atrium lobby is organized around the central indoor gazebo, a local landmark. A skywalk links to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, and a large, well-staffed business center make this hotel a natural draw for business travelers. Proximity to downtown Cincinnati and its stadiums—just across the Ohio River—is another draw for sports fans and those exploring the Cincinnati area.

Amenity highlights: The skywalk to the convention center and the bridge to downtown Cincinnati establish the hotel's appealing locale, while the gazebo—one of the world's largest—centers the lively interior tone. Amenities abound throughout the hotel: complimentary wireless Internet access, a fully-staffed business center, 9,000 square feet of meeting space, fitness center, and lap pool to name a few.

Insider tip: Mainstrasse Village, on Covington's west side, is a neighborhood containing more than 800 buildings constructed between 1840 and 1877. Primarily residential, the buildings on this National Historic Register site represent a treasure trove of Italianate, Romanesque, and Queen Anne styles. The area's retail district is a German village-style concoction, with specialty shops and restaurants.