Accolades and Awards
National praise keeps coming for Cincinnati USA as a premier meeting and convention destination, and the city’s improved image has been the subject of numerous articles placed in publications such as USA Today, CNN.com and Esquire Magazine. Cincinnati USA is recognized not only as a top destination for all ages, but also a community that strives for innovation, quality of life and regional growth.
Don't Just Take Our Word for It...
"On behalf of the American Association of Meat Processors, we want to thank you for helping us have a wonderful convention in your city! Many of our attendees expressed, what they found to be a friendly, interesting and economical destination. Most of all, they were pleasantly surprised of how interesting your city and the surrounding region was and all there was to do!
We also appreciated the materials and information the CVB provided throughout the planning and operating process, as well as the service you provided during the show!"
- Jodi Bartlett, American Association of Meat Processors (July 23-27, 2008)
"The CVB was a tremendous help in bringing our event to Cincinnati; and the willingness of the CVB to assist, made a big impression with the Brewer’s Association."
- Rob Westendorf, Brewer’s Association (June 19-21, 2008)
"I had never been to Cincinnati before; and, had never really heard much about the city, but we had an EXCELLENT time! It’s a beautiful part of the country; and the city was very clean and safe. I would definitely come back again!"
- Linda Price, Mary Kay Inc. (April 3-5, 2008)
"Each night as I left the Convention Center to cross to the Hyatt Hotel, I was impressed with the number of officers on duty to aid our members. I want to commend your officers on their hospitality on the part of the city and their friendliness."
- Roger A. Hall, Ohio Music Education Association (February 7-9, 2008)
"If possible, I would rate Sandy Clore a “6” (on a scale from 1 to 5 (excellent))! Sandy is by far the BEST CVB person I have worked with."
- Mike Woolf, House-Hasson Hardware (June 28-July1, 2007)
"Now that we are back and unpacking from last week, I want to take a second and tell each of you (CVB, hotel and Duke Energy Center reps) how much we were impressed with the City of Cincinnati and each of you in particular for your help, knowledge and presence. Everything promised was delivered. When needed you were only as far away as your cell phone. Usually, you were walking around looking for us and asking if we needed anything. This doesn't happen in every city we go to so it is very much appreciated! Our participants rated this as our best Convention ever. Be assured this was due in large measure to your professionalism, knowledge and diligence."
- John Rowley, Ohio Credit Union Systems (April 19-20, 2007)
"Pam Boeing was a terrific contact person (CVB). She walked us through everything, made suggestions and followed up with us. Very personable and helpful in every area."
- Judi Callahan, Bible Study Fellowship, Intl. (March 2-4, 2007)
Below is a sample of Cincinnati USA’s most recent designations:
Most Literate
Cincinnati is the ninth most literate city in the country out of 75 with populations of 250,000 or more, according to a study by Dr. John W. Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University. Miller's finding is based on library resources, newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment and internet resources.
Forbes Magazine
The magazine conducted a statistical analysis of the 40 largest metropolitan areas and ranked them based on four categories of danger: violent crime rates, workplace deaths, traffic deaths and natural disaster risk. Cincinnati ranked ninth overall for safest cities.
Spot for the Country’s Top Ice Cream
As part of National Ice Cream Month, Fodor’s combed the country for the best ice cream and Cincinnati’s very own Graeter’s came in third among the 10 shops featured, citing their smorgasbord of chip flavors for every taste.
Best Walking City
Cincinnati USA was named the Best Walking City in Ohio and ranked 10th in the nation, according to Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association. The study ranked more than 500 cities in the United States on a list of 14 criteria ranging from the number of walking commuters and green space, to street safety and air quality.
Best for New Business
Site Selection Magazine ranked Cincinnati among the top 10 metro areas for new and expanding businesses for 8 consecutive years. Coming in at No. 6 in the nation, Cincinnati had 247 businesses that met the magazine’s ranking criteria of growth. Cincinnati also earned marks from Expansion Magazine, which ranked it among the hottest 50 cities according to site location consultants.
Best City for Seniors
With low cost of living and affordable housing, coupled with a variety of cultural attractions, Sperling’s BestPlaces named Cincinnati USA the third best city for senior citizens. The study analyzed nearly 50 categories such as various senior living facilities, comprehensive medical care, specialized transportation services, and a significant senior population.
Healthiest City
Men’s Health Magazine named Cincinnati among the fittest cities in the country for children (Ranked No. 3, only Seattle and New York rank higher than Cincinnati). Rankings included how frequently adults are physically active; the percentage of overweight of obese adults; the number of children’s sport camps; and the number of fast-food restaurants per capita.
Best City for Nightlife
Forbes Magazine announced its latest line-up of the Best Cities for Singles 2006. Out of the 40 largest continental U.S. metropolitan centers, Cincinnati USA ranked No. 1 for its nightlife based on the number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs per capita in the region.
Cincinnati Rising
Described as a “town of best-kept secrets” author Ted Lee takes Travel + Leisure magazine readers on a thrill ride of discovery as he explores Cincinnati’s modern approach to architecture, food and attitude. Attractions, hotels and restaurants such as the Taft Museum of Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, the Cincinnatian and the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, and Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, Aioli, and Graeter’s are showcased. Also included is the shopping scene at Jungle Jim’s and St. Theresa Textile Trove.
Worth the Trip
Endorsed by the first lady of daytime talk, O, The Oprah Magazine, calls attention to Cincinnati’s “urban renewal” citing such attractions as the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, the Cincinnati Opera, the Cesar Pelli-designed Aronoff Center for the Arts and the nation’s latest gem, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The JeanRo Bistro is noted for its renowned chef, Jean-Robert de Cavel and Rookwood Pottery Restaurant (now known as Porkopolis) for its ambiance.
America’s Most Livable Communities
Bestowed by the non-profit organization Partners for Livable Communities, Cincinnati was listed as one of 30 cities across the nation whose innovations have brought vitality and growth to their regions and improved quality of life. Cincinnati is the only Midwestern city and one of the nine large markets nationwide to be named to the list.
AmericanStyle Magazine
In its August 2004 issue, AmericanStyle magazine ranked Cincinnati No. 5 among its list of 26 top arts destinations, recognizing three of Cincinnati’s arts venues: the Contemporary Arts Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum’s recently opened Cincinnati Wing and the renovated Taft Museum of Art.
Zagat Survey
Cincinnati’s attractions were recognized as top vacation spots for families, in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide, in association Parenting Magazine. Numerous Cincinnati attractions top rankings among a list of over 1,000 sites and attractions in the United States.
- Newport Aquarium was named the No. 1 aquarium in the Midwest and one of the 25 top rated attractions in the country.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden ranked 13th of 50 national attractions.
- Cincinnati Art Museum tied with four museums, including the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York and the Art Institute in Chicago for best art museum.
- Paramount’s Kings Island ranked 4th overall in “child appeal” category
- Newport on the Levee topped the national list of malls and shopping centers.
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and Great American Ball Park received top rankings as well.
Cincinnati’s dining scene was also recognized in the 2005 Zagat Survey’s 2005 Top U.S. Restaurant and Hotel Guide. Covering 1,383 of the best restaurants in 41 major U.S. markets, the 2005 Zagat Survey’s Top Restaurants, based guide inclusion on the ratings and reviews of over 110,000 restaurant goers throughout the country. Using Zagat Survey’s signature 30-point scale to rate Food, Décor and Service, Jean-Robert at Pigall’s dished up scores of 29, 28 and 29 for the Queen City - the only restaurant in the nation to receive such high marks.
Cities that Rock
Esquire Magazine ranks Cincinnati as seventh on its top 10 list of “Cities that Rock”. Cities were chosen based on the talent in their music scenes, venues and record stores.
Cincinnati’s musical history includes Syd Nathan’s King Records, which produced tracks from James Brown, John Lee Hooker, the Stanley Brothers and Hank Ballard in the 1940s and ‘50s to Bootsy Collins, Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs) and Peter Frampton.
Most Literate
Cincinnati is the fifth most literate city in the country out of 79 with populations of 200,000 or more, according to a study by Jack Miller, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Miller's finding is based on library resources, newspaper circulation, publication of local magazines and journals and Census and Education Department data.
Top Fun City
In a list compiled by Bert Sperling, creator of Money magazine’s annual “Best Places to Live” placed Cincinnati among the top 20 fun cities in the United States. The list based the ranking by reviewing “fun” characteristics of top U.S. cities such as the number of sports teams, restaurants, types of retail, arts performances, and city budget spent on recreation.
Most Innovative
Cincinnati ranks among the most innovative cities in the country, according to Visa’s Innovation Index which ranked the 50 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas based on measures of community support, entrepreneurialism and creativity. Factors such as the average number of new business, expansions and new divisions, the percentage of people employed by social organizations or the percentage of adults employed in occupations that are classified as “creative” were among the variables measured.
Top Amusement Park
Amusement Today, a monthly trade newspaper dedicated to the amusement industry, announced their 2004 Golden Ticket Awards, naming Crocodile Dundee’s Boomerang Bay Water Park Resort one of the top five water parks in the world, with the new Tazmanian Typhoon thrill ride cited as one of the top five best water park rides in the world. Paramount’s Kings Island was also recognized as having the “best kids’ area.” The Golden Ticket awards are made possible by polling a cross-selection of well-traveled amusement park aficionados.
Best Kid’s Area
Amusement Today readers also awarded Paramount’s Kings Island with the prestigious 2005 Golden Ticket Award for Best Kid’s Area in the world. The areas rewarded include both Nickelodeon™ Central and Hanna-Barbera™ Land. Between the two areas, the park boasts more than 20 attractions and more kids’ coasters than any other theme park in the world. Along with the Best Kid’s Area award, three other Paramount's Kings Island attractions received top honors. The world’s longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast®, was voted one of the top ten wooden roller coasters in the world, while the park’s newest coaster, THE ITALIAN JOBTM: Stunt Track, was ranked third for “Best New Ride.” Beyond rides, the park was also recognized for having the second-best games in the world.
AAA Four Diamond Award
The Cincinnatian Hotel (ninth year), the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel (third year) and the Westin Cincinnati (third year) all earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for superior service, amenities and hospitality. The Palace Restaurant, located in the Cincinnatian Hotel, Jean Robert at Pigall’s (third year), Daveeds (second year), Orchids at Palm Court (first year), located in the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, the Celestial (eighth year) also are AAA Four Diamond restaurant award-winners. Only 3.4 percent of an estimated 32,000 AAA Rated lodgings earn the award and 3 percent of the 25,000 restaurants the organization rates received four diamonds.
2004 Regional Theatre Tony Award
One of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry, the Regional Theatre Tony Award recognized Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park for its continued artistic achievement.
Top Mobil Travel Guide Ratings
The Palace Restaurant, located in the Cincinnatian Hotel, has received Mobil’s four-star restaurant rating for 13 years. In addition, the Cincinnatian received Mobil’s 2005 four-star lodging establishment rating. Jean-Robert at Pigall’s was named to the 2005 and 2006 Mobil Travel Guide with four-stars.
Sporting News Magazine
Sporting News magazine names Cincinnati as the No. 1 college basketball city in America based on the quality of the University of Cincinnati and Xavier teams and their dedicated fans.
USA TODAY
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal was chosen as one of the “10 great places to cherish choo-choo heritage.” Completed in 1933 as a busy Midwestern rail hub and later restored in 1991, the 10-story art deco structure continues to amaze visitors to this day.
USA TODAY
Listed as one of the “10 great beer festivals” in the summer, Okotberfest-Zinzinnati is recognized as the world’s second-largest authentic Oktoberfest. In fact, the mayor of Munich annually decrees Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati as the largest in the world outside of his domain.
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Cincinnati hotels and attractions are consistently honored with awards for outstanding customer service and other honors. Please take a glance at our accomplishments.
Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
Most recently, the Cincinnati USA CVB has received the following awards, all based on receiving top votes of meeting planners:
- 2009 Gold Service Award by Meetings and Conventions magazine (1986-1987, 1990-1991, 1994, 1996-1997, 2002-2009,). In addition, the CVB was awarded the 2006 Gold Awards Hall of Fame.
- 16th Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award in 2009 (1991-1995, 1997-2005, 2008-2009)
- 2003 "Award of Excellence" from Corporate & Incentive Travel
- 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Middy Awards from Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (OACVB)
- 2004, 2005, 2006 Ruby Awards from Ohio Travel Association (OTA)
- 2007 Public Relations Society America Blacksmith Award Finalist
Cincinnati USA Hotels
The Cincinnatian Hotel (Downtown Cincinnati)
- 4 Diamond Rating from AAA for 18 consecutive years
- Mobil Travel Guide four-star rating for 18 consecutive years
- Travel + Leisure 2002 & 2006 "World's Best Business Hotels"
- Cincinnati Enquirer 2006 5 Star Rating for The Palace Restaurant
- Conde Nast Traveler 2004 and 2001 Gold List "World's Best Places to Stay"
- Travel + Leisure 2001 "25 Stylish Hotels in America for Under $200"
- USA Today 2002 Top Ten Places to have "Afternoon Tea"
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza (Downtown)
- AAA Four-Diamond Award – 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
- American Culinary Federation’s “Pastry Chef of the Year – Northeast Region”, 2008
- American Culinary Federation’s “Award of Excellence”, 2007
- Cincinnati Enquirer’s 5-Star Rating – the paper’s highest rating
- Cincinnati Magazine, One of top restaurants the city – 2008 (#3), 2007 (#7), 2006 (#3), 2005 (#3)
- Cincinnati Magazine, Dish of the Year – 2005
- Wine Spectator Award-Winner
Millennium Hotel (Downtown Cincinnati)
- Pinnacle Award for Meeting Excellence
- MPI Silver Plate Award for Best Meeting
- "Excellence in the East" award from Meetings East magazine
The Westin Cincinnati (Downtown Cincinnati)
- AAA Four Diamond Award Winning Hotel
- Hotel Team Convention Services Award, from Starwood Hotels and Resorts
- World's Best Frequent Guest Program; Starwood Preferred Guest Program, voted on by 222,000 frequent travelers from around the world
Cincinnati USA Restaurants
Celestial
- AAA Four-Diamond Award for 2006 (8th Year)
Jean-Robert at Pigall's
- AAA Four-Diamond Award
- Mobil Travel 4-star award in 2007 - the only four-star eatery in Ohio
- Zagat Survey named Pigall’s one of the top 11 restaurants in the country (2007)
Orchid's at Palm Court (at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza)
- AAA Four-Diamond Award – 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
- American Culinary Federation’s “Pastry Chef of the Year – Northeast Region”, 2008
- American Culinary Federation’s “Award of Excellence”, 2007
- Cincinnati Enquirer’s 5-Star Rating – the paper’s highest rating
- Cincinnati Magazine, One of top restaurants the city – 2008 (#3), 2007 (#7), 2006 (#3), 2005 (#3)
- Cincinnati Magazine, Dish of the Year – 2005
- Wine Spectator Award-Winner
Palace Restaurant (at The Cincinnatian Hotel)
- AAA Four-Diamond Award
- Has been a Dirona Member since 1997 with the 'Award for Excellence in Dining'
- Wine Spectator's 'Award of Excellence'
Cincinnati USA Attractions
Newport on the Levee
- Zagat Survey selected Newport on the Levee as the #1 Shopping/Mall Attraction for Families in the United States in May 2004.
Kings Island
- Best Kids' Area in the World, Amusement Today newspaper - 7th consecutive year
- The Beast and Son of Beast roller coasters have finished one-two in the Discovery Channel's online survey of top wooden roller coasters. The rides are featured in the show Top 10 Coasters.
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