Tucked into the vibrant District at Clifton Heights, Hotel Celare is the latest addition to Cincinnati’s thriving hospitality scene. With a bold, modern design and a deep connection to the city’s energy, this Tribute Portfolio hotel offers an experience that blends curiosity, comfort, and culinary excellence.
We spent two nights there a week ago but wished we would have planned a longer stay. The front desk staff, restaurant servers, and valet service were all so friendly and accommodating. It couldn’t have been more enjoyable.
Whether you’re visiting for a luxurious stay, a rooftop cocktail, or a business event, Hotel Celare promises to be more than just a place to rest — it’s the newest ‘must-visit’ destination in Cincinnati.
A Prime Location in the Heart of Innovation
Located at 310 Straight Street, Hotel Celare sits in a dynamic, walkable neighborhood directly across from the University of Cincinnati and just minutes from downtown. The District at Clifton Heights is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafés, parks, and entertainment venues, making it the perfect setting for a hotel designed to inspire curiosity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Cincinnati native, the area offers endless opportunities to explore. Convenient valet parking is available curbside ($25/per day or $40/overnight).
For a quick bit of fresh air, walk the U of C campus directly across the street and enjoy their beautiful architecture. For a longer outing, walk, jog, or run one-half mile north, past fraternity row, and enjoy the hiking trails, fishing lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a disc golf course in Burnet Woods.
Stylish, Comfortable Accommodations
At Hotel Celare, guest rooms are designed with both style and comfort in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, offering panoramic views from one of the highest elevations of Cincinnati. Each room features plush bedding, a giant flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, and coffee machine. Bathrooms include luxurious Molton Brown bath products, rain-like waterfall showerheads with sleek chrome wands, and easy-entrance, sliding glass doors.
For those who need to stay productive, rooms come equipped with a spacious workstation and complimentary Wi-Fi. One hint, if you are a gadget junkie like me, with a half dozen or more electronic battery-operated cameras and computers to recharge each night, bring a plug strip for 110v charging. The desk location had one USB-A and one USB-C port, but also only one solitary 110v outlet.
From dining to working out, you won’t need to leave the building. Food and drink lovers will find Hotel Celare a paradise, thanks to its two signature dining destinations: The Vick and Iris Café.
The Vick: Cincinnati’s Boldest Rooftop Bar
Perched on the seventh floor, The Vick is a retro-inspired rooftop bar that combines striking mid-century modern design with skyline views. With garage-style windows, neon lighting, and artistic touches, the ambiance is as compelling as the cocktail menu. Guests can sip Bourbon Trail-inspired cocktails while enjoying the energy of the city from above.
Iris Café: A Cozy, All-Day Retreat
For a more intimate setting, Iris Café is the place to be. Inspired by the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris Café starts the day with artisanal pastries, fresh coffee, and signature breakfast sandwiches.
By evening, it transforms into a chic cocktail lounge offering fine wines, handcrafted drinks, and small plates. Whether you’re in the mood for a morning latte or an evening Negroni, Iris Café delivers with style and substance.
Each morning we enjoyed the Iris cafe on the second floor after hitting the gym, also on the second floor. For a medium-sized hotel, the gym was surprisingly well-equipped. There were a good number of Matrix cardio machines, free weights, and a great multi-function cable machine. In warmer weather, a garage window wall door raises up to access an outdoor rooftop yoga, exercise, and/or meditation area.
Do you need even more reasons to visit?
Hotel Celare doesn’t just provide a place to sleep — it offers a full-service experience with amenities designed for work, play, and relaxation.
- Event Spaces: With four flexible event rooms, including the Onyx Ballroom (which can accommodate up to 200 guests) and a heated second-floor terrace, Hotel Celare is ideal for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.
- Pet-Friendly Stays: Bringing man’s best friend? Hotel Celare welcomes pets, making it easy to travel with your four-legged buddy.
- Seamless Digital Experience: From digital check-in to daily housekeeping and responsive service requests, the hotel integrates technology for effortless convenience. Need your car from the valet? Just text the QR code and head downstairs.
The Visionaries Behind Hotel Celare
Hotel Celare is the result of a collaboration between Crawford Hoying and Shaner Hotel Group, two industry leaders in hotel development and operations.
- Crawford Hoying, known for its transformational real estate projects in Ohio, is the owner and developer of Hotel Celare.
- Shaner Hotel Group, a global leader in hospitality management, operates the property, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction.
The hotel’s General Manager, Kollin Hanes, and Director of Sales & Marketing, Tracy Hartman, bring decades of experience to the project, ensuring that Hotel Celare not only meets but exceeds expectations.
A Unique Addition to Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio
Hotel Celare joins the Tribute Portfolio by Marriott, a curated collection of independent hotels known for their unique design and deep connection to their local communities. With nearly 120 hotels worldwide, Tribute Portfolio properties celebrate individuality while offering guests the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy®, including exclusive member perks, rewards, and seamless booking experiences.
Experience Hotel Celare
Hotel Celare is set to become one of Cincinnati’s most talked-about destinations. Whether you’re planning a stay, a special event, or just a night out, this new addition to the city’s landscape is worth experiencing.
Book your stay or learn more at www.hotelcelare.com. Maybe we’ll see you there. We are looking for the opportunity to come back.
Disclosure: We were invited to their ribbon cutting event, but there was no financial compensation involved for this article. Opinions are, and always will be, strictly our own.
All photos ©2025 Doug Bardwell | Bardwell Photography
Originally published 4/12/25 on Medium.com.