After a rough September of an unexpected surgery and recovery, James and I were both feeling the need to get away. The great thing about living in Lexington is we are only a short drive to several great destinations for a short or long weekend trip.
Last weekend, we chose to run away for an overnight trip to Cincinnati’s 21 C Museum Hotel. Cincinnati has become a great place for us to take both day and weekend trips as there is always something to do and see. Last December, we enjoyed a trip to 21c Louisville and I was excited to experience Cincinnati. We chose the meet the neighbors package which included dinner credit at Metropole restaurant, tickets to the Contemporary Arts Center (which is located next door) and a gift shop credit. For those not familiar with the 21c Museum Hotels, there are currently three locations in Cincinnati, Louisville and Bentonville, Arkansas. These are boutique hotels which have rotating art installations which are free for the public to view (the museum part). Art is located throughout the hotel in the lobby and into the halls and rooms. We were warmly greeted by Sheila at the front desk who surprised by sharing we had our room upgraded to a suite. Below is the siting area. Most rooms are decorated in modern decor but remain very comfortable.The living room of the suite was one of our favorite places. We finished watching a few college football games. The couch was extremely comfy and great to relax on after a day of shopping and walking. Note the chandelier over the couch area along with the light behind the couch.
This was a wall light by the door. The effect is from playing with camera filters.
You can’t help but sleep well in the king size beds at 21c Hotels. Each room has a tempur-pedic mattress with luxurious duvets and sheets. It makes it very difficult to get up in the morning.
My favorite part of this suite was the bathroom. The lights had dimmers which could be adjusted and I regret that I did not take a photograph of the floor.
Our room came with a walk in shower with a beautiful lavender gray tile. This created such a relaxing environment for a bath. In the center picture below you will see an ear sticking out of the tile. This is found in each of the rooms and is very subtle. I’m not sure I would have even noticed it if James had not pointed it out.
After relaxing from our afternoon, we spent some time exploring the art exhibits and had drinks and an appetizer at the Metropole bar.
We had duck pastrami with an assortment of cheeses. The presentation was beautiful and it was absolutely delicious. James and I always like to ask the staff what their favorite menu items are before making our decisions. The one item that everyone recommended (front desk staff, bartender and our waitress) was the burnt carrot salad. OK, so the name doesn’t automatically pull you in but let me tell you – you MUST try this salad. It is a combination of carrots, onion, feta, cilantro with avocado. A twist on the typical green salad. The carrots are roasted and this highlights their taste. Two can split one salad and I see why the restaurant has to keep it on the menu at all times. I could eat this salad several times a week.
Although the roasted half chicken came recommended by everyone, James and I both chose something different. James chose the braised pork shank and I the verlasso salmon. Both of these were equally beautiful and wonderful meals. I have to add the menu also include fantastic sounding sides such as caramelized cauliflower and grilled sweet potatoes with pomegranate. We did not have room to sample any of these but I certainly would love to try.
For dessert, James had the toasted marshmallow. It is banana bread, peanuts and dark chocolate ice cream. He said it was delicious! My photo of the cranberry tart did not come out but trust me when i say it is wonderful.
After filling ourselves up, we enjoyed more of the art located throughout the museum. You can view some of my favorites that I shared on Instagram. On Sunday we had a room service breakfast and we used our tickets to the Contemporary Art Museum. We then had lunch with our friend Kate and her husband Kyle. We were so excited catching up that we didn’t take any photographs. Each 21c Hotel is home to a different color penguin which are 3 feet high and can be found roaming throughout the hotel. There was a table having dinner with one on Saturday night. Before leaving 21c on Sunday, I used my gift shop credit to purchase my own smaller yellow penguin. He was found having coffee with me last Monday morning.
Every experience we had at a 21c Museum Hotel has been top of the line. You can not ask for better customer service and the quality of everything from the valet service, to the rooms, to the food is exceptional. I believe a stay at any of these hotels is an experience you will not forget. As for me, I’m anxiously awaiting the 21c Museum Hotel that is planned for Lexington. I will gladly be one of their first guests! And yes, the penguins will be Kentucky blue! 
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I love this. I have never heard of this hotel. I hope they get on in Lexington.
They are remolding the building right now in Lexington and the plans are to have it open in late 2015 or early 2016. If you are every in Cincinnati, you can tour the art gallery. It’s open 24/7.
So pretty!! I love the modern aesthetic– so clean and calming 🙂 And delicious looking food– ahh I’m jealous!
Wow–they sound really committed to making the hotel experience a creative and enjoyable one! I’ve never been to a hotel anything like that, but that really sounds like it was an amazing getaway!
Rachel, It is truly one of the best experiences I have every had. We don’t often go to boutique hotels but it is worth a once a year getaway. So good to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like a neat place! Maybe A and I can convince his parents to watch the kids one night and let us stay at the one in Louisville…
We also loved the one in Louisville. At the least you need to go visit – and take a picture with a penguin!
How cool is this. The Hubs and I love to run away, and I am now going to look into this, it is a bit far, but hey sometimes that is ok.
Thanks… Visit from SitsGirls