Family-Friendly Hotel in Cincinnati: Our Stay at The Summit Hotel

Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Allison Lancaster

A modern hotel building labeled Summit Hotel sits atop a grassy hill under a clear blue sky, with a sidewalk and young trees in the foreground.

If you’re planning a family trip to Cincinnati and need a hotel that’s clean, quiet, and works well with kids in tow, The Summit Hotel is a great option. We stayed here for one night during a recent road trip and were genuinely impressed with how family-friendly it felt without being overly themed or chaotic.

It gave us what we look for most as a family of four: space to spread out, a calm atmosphere, and easy access to the city without feeling like we were in the middle of it.

Spacious Rooms That Work for Families

A modern hotel room with two queen beds, a desk and chair by the window, a TV, and a coffee station on a white counter. Natural light enters through tall windows with sheer curtains.

Two children stand by a large window in a hotel room, looking out at city buildings. A bed, desk, chair, and lamp are visible in the room.

The first thing we noticed about our room at The Summit was how much space we had. When you’re traveling with kids, hotel rooms can feel tight fast. But the suite-style layout here made all the difference. There was a sitting area that gave us room to relax after a day on the road, and the kids had enough space to play without being underfoot.

The beds were really comfortable, the room was clean, and everything felt fresh and well thought out. We weren’t climbing over bags or bumping into each other just to get ready for bed. That extra room made it easy to settle in and recharge.

A hotel room desk with a chair, desk lamp, telephone, magazine, TV, coffee maker, and a circular red wall decoration above the desk.

Modern hotel bathroom with a walk-in glass shower, large illuminated mirror above a sink, towels, and toiletries neatly arranged on the counter.

Great Location Outside Downtown

The Summit Hotel is located in the Madisonville neighborhood of Cincinnati. It’s not right in the middle of downtown, which we actually liked. It gave us a break from the noise and traffic but still kept us close to everything we wanted to do. Most of the spots we planned to visit were within 15 to 20 minutes, which made it easy to hop around without wasting a bunch of time in the car.

Some family-friendly favorites nearby include:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Newport Aquarium
Smale Riverfront Park
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Washington Park’s playground and splash pad
The Reds Hall of Fame and Great American Ballpark

Parking was free and easy. No garages or valet lines to navigate. Just pull in, unload, and head inside. That simplicity makes a big difference when you’re juggling luggage, snacks, strollers, and kids.

Tall glass office building under a clear blue sky, with trees, benches, and a stadium visible in the foreground.

Calm and Stylish Without Feeling Stuffy

The overall vibe of The Summit was modern and stylish, but not uptight. The lobby had cozy seating areas where we could regroup and relax, and the rooftop terrace gave us a great spot to get some fresh air before bedtime.

An adult and two children stand together in the center of a modern, spacious lobby with high ceilings and contemporary decor.

We didn’t feel like we had to keep the kids quiet or on their best behavior the whole time. The space felt relaxed and comfortable while still looking beautiful.

Spacious hotel lobby with modern seating, red chairs, gray ottomans, patterned carpet, tall walls, artwork, and upper floor balconies visible.

A modern building lobby with polished floors, red and beige seating, high ceilings, and multiple floors visible through large interior windows.

Onsite Dining That Saves Time

After a full day of driving, we were glad to find an onsite restaurant with a menu that included kid-friendly options. We didn’t have to get back in the car or search for takeout, which made dinner so much easier.

The next morning, we grabbed breakfast from the buffet downstairs. It had everything we needed to fuel up and hit the road: eggs, yogurt, cereal, fruit, toast, and coffee. Nothing fancy, but it was fast, easy, and gave us one less stop to make.

Fun Art Throughout the Hotel

Our kids loved the art all around the hotel. Bright murals and unique pieces made every hallway a little more fun. They kept pointing out their favorites, which made even quick trips to the elevator feel like an adventure.

It wasn’t something we expected, but it made the hotel feel more interesting and family-friendly in a low-key way.

A modern interior with a metal staircase, polished concrete floors, and a large, colorful abstract mural on the wall.

The Extras That Make a Difference

Our room had a mini fridge, which is always helpful when you’re traveling with kids. We kept snacks, water, and leftovers chilled without having to ask for anything extra. There was also a large counter area where we could set up chargers, lay out clothes, and keep things organized.

Everything felt clean, safe, and well-maintained, which is a must when you’re traveling with little ones.

Modern hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer monitor, an office chair, and floor-to-ceiling windows with curtains letting in natural light.

Would We Stay Again?

Yes. The Summit Hotel made our road trip stop easy and enjoyable. It had the space we needed, the comfort we wanted, and the little conveniences that make travel with kids smoother. It didn’t feel overly focused on families, but it definitely worked well for one.

If you’re passing through Cincinnati or planning a trip to the city with kids, The Summit is a solid choice. It feels more upscale than your average chain, but still welcoming for families.

We’d absolutely stay there again the next time we’re in the area.