The former Cincinnati Enquirer building on Vine Street in Downtown is now a hotel. Two hotels, actually. It now houses a Hampton Inn and a Homewood Suites, both Hilton Hotel franchises owned and operated by SREE Hotels.
The dual hotel concept is a new one. "This is the new trend in hospitality," says SREE Hotels President/CEO Vinay Patel. "This is a little unique, stacked on top of one another."
A member of one of the architecture teams points out the building sat unused for so long because no one could figure out a way to reconfigure it and meet all the necessities of a historic building. Apartments weren't really financially feasible, nor was one, full-service hotel. But by creating two hotels in one building, financiers could be more creative and there were fewer hotel service requirements.
Dan Lincoln with the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau says travelers are increasingly looking for destinations with something different to offer. "Today, peoples travel decisions are influenced more than ever by finding truly authentic destinations and unique hotel experiences." Lincoln says the preserved art deco building will be a great draw.
The lower floors of the building house 108 Homewood Suites rooms and are designed for extended stay. Hampton Inn takes up the top floors and has 144 rooms. The two hotels share a common entryway and elevator systems but have separate check-in areas.
