Carew Tower
Carew Tower
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Central Business District
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4.5
644 reviews
Excellent
376
Very good
197
Average
48
Poor
12
Terrible
11
Melanie R
Gulf Shores, AL142 contributions
Feb 2021
Attempted a visit but the observation deck has been closed and is closed indefinitely. Unfortunately didn’t see this information posted anywhere before we went. We did go to the I Love Cincinnati store for a couple small souvenirs.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith B
Wayne, MI475 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Renovations inside, but they look so haphazard. Building is clearly rundown. Retail is on the first two floors, or at least it should be. It was mostly empty. The observation deck is closed and apparently has been for a few years. I didn’t go higher than the second floor, but it appears to be a mix of offices and empty space.
So sad to see a piece of Cincinnati history and great architecture in such poor shape.
So sad to see a piece of Cincinnati history and great architecture in such poor shape.
Written 26 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tmazionsmith
Saint Paul, MN446 contributions
May 2023
We went into the building to see the interior architecture and to find the I Love Cincinnati store. Most of the retail spots are empty, which was sad to see. I'm sure Covid played a part in that. We noticed that there was a sign stating there was an observation level, so we tried to find out how to get up there. Once we figured out where to go, we were disappointed to discover that the observation area was closed, so there was no way we could get up there.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina S
Lebanon, TN15 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
When I called in the morning, the attendant tried to discourage me from visiting. Inspite of this, my daughter and I made the trek to the top floor see Cincinnati from the observation deck. The attendant of the observation deck was extremely rude. Additionally she was closing earlier than her sign stated and refused to allow us to go on the deck. When I pointed this out she said she closed early because that was the time she got to leave. We were extremely disappointed this experience.
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel M
Burlington, KY3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
When we got all the way to the observation deck, we saw a sign that said "no credit cards accepted, cash only". The woman at the desk could have cared less...
We went back down to the ground floor and withdrew $ from the ATM (which only dispenses $20 increments) and returned to the observation deck. The elevator we had ridden for the 2nd leg of the lift was cramped and creaked and popped so much we walked up the stairs for the last 4 stories. This time there was a man at the desk, laying across the counter with his head on his arms. Without raising his head, he looked at the $20 bill I extended to him, and he said, we don't take 20's. I said it would have been nice to know this before going down the first time and also it would be nice if the Carew Tower entered the 21st century and accepted cards (even our parking meter accepts them)
His response was, "Oh well..." and he closed his eyes again. We left for the 2nd and final time and although my wife still has never been able to see the view from the observation deck, we probably never will. I've never had service that bad before. He could have at least sat up or stood up, maybe he could have even said, "I apologize for the inconvenience"....
His whole attitude said, "I hate my job and you're lucky we even let you people up here." The Observ deck could be a huge draw but I'm starting to see why downtown Cincy is struggling to draw visitors
Visit was on 8/17/14 between noon-3pm
PS. restrooms were locked, there is no wheelchair access
We went back down to the ground floor and withdrew $ from the ATM (which only dispenses $20 increments) and returned to the observation deck. The elevator we had ridden for the 2nd leg of the lift was cramped and creaked and popped so much we walked up the stairs for the last 4 stories. This time there was a man at the desk, laying across the counter with his head on his arms. Without raising his head, he looked at the $20 bill I extended to him, and he said, we don't take 20's. I said it would have been nice to know this before going down the first time and also it would be nice if the Carew Tower entered the 21st century and accepted cards (even our parking meter accepts them)
His response was, "Oh well..." and he closed his eyes again. We left for the 2nd and final time and although my wife still has never been able to see the view from the observation deck, we probably never will. I've never had service that bad before. He could have at least sat up or stood up, maybe he could have even said, "I apologize for the inconvenience"....
His whole attitude said, "I hate my job and you're lucky we even let you people up here." The Observ deck could be a huge draw but I'm starting to see why downtown Cincy is struggling to draw visitors
Visit was on 8/17/14 between noon-3pm
PS. restrooms were locked, there is no wheelchair access
Written 18 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Optiker909
Highland Heights, OH8 contributions
June 2013
Carew tower observation deck was one of the items on our to do list on our Cincinnati visit. We made certain choices like staying at a more expensive hotel, etc. It is supposed to open at 10:00AM on Sunday. After enduring a claustrophobic rickety old elevator to get to a staircase in need of a good cleaning that leads to the observation deck it was closed. So we descended the dirty stairs. The rickety lift to the 45th floor and down. If you want to open at 10:15 or 10:30 fine but be open during the published hours.
Written 2 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoesWithWine
Washington DC, DC14 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
The Carew tower offers a terrific, open-air viewing deck with 360 views of downtown Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. You'll look straight down on fountain Square. Stairs are required for the last floor, so persons with limited mobility may find this a challenge. The regular elevator goes to the 45th floor, then a tiny old elevator takes you up three of the last four levels.
The highlight of our visit was touring the Netherland Plaza hotel, with its art deco lobby and fabulous fixtures and murals. Be sure to pick up the free self-guided tour brochure, which is available at the inside entry to the Orchid Restaurant. The brochure has tremendous information about this Cincinnati gem and points out details you would otherwise miss. There are interpretive placards between the hotel lobby and the Carew tower elevators that give interesting history of the Netherland Plaza and how the hotel got its name (even as a Cincinnati native, I had no idea that was not the original name).
The highlight of our visit was touring the Netherland Plaza hotel, with its art deco lobby and fabulous fixtures and murals. Be sure to pick up the free self-guided tour brochure, which is available at the inside entry to the Orchid Restaurant. The brochure has tremendous information about this Cincinnati gem and points out details you would otherwise miss. There are interpretive placards between the hotel lobby and the Carew tower elevators that give interesting history of the Netherland Plaza and how the hotel got its name (even as a Cincinnati native, I had no idea that was not the original name).
Written 25 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gatorzman
Tampa, FL213 contributions
June 2011 • Friends
Our family spent about an hour on the roof of Carew Tower taking in the beautiful scenery of Cincinnatti and northern Kentucky. Some beautiful pictures and you can really see all of the buildings and the layout of the city from here. Watching ships, paddle wheelers, trains. traffic and the people in the downtown area is easy to do. You can see both the Reds and Bengals stadiums very clearly. There are no screens or fences blocking your 360 degree view. Only thing missing is a detailed picture map of what you are looking at. I would highly recommend this bargain attraction when you are in Cincy.
Written 7 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass26064884725
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Just spoke to the security desk at the Carew Tower 513.241.3888
According to the security personnel the observation deck is closed and is most likely permanently closed.
This is very sad as it was one of the first places I took my sons when we visited and one of the best places to bring children and out of town guests.
According to the security personnel the observation deck is closed and is most likely permanently closed.
This is very sad as it was one of the first places I took my sons when we visited and one of the best places to bring children and out of town guests.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack N
1 contribution
July 2021 • Friends
The website states to wait for information on 2021 Spring, gives a number that they do not answer or give any information, they may be closed forever. I guess it is another Covid excuse for mediocrity.
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen G
Richfield, Minnesota
We missed the closing time, but are leaving town tomorrow. Is there a way to go "almost to the top" for a good view without going to the observation deck? My young daughter really wants to see the city lights
Written 23 March 2019
Only the observation deck is open at the top. The other floors are all offices. If you know someone in an office you can look out the window!
Written 14 April 2019
Yes. You are only charged when you go through the door onto the roof.
Written 21 December 2018
Is the observation deck open during winter mounts.. November thru Jan?
Written 9 October 2017
I don't think the hours here are correct, they close at 6pm on week days and 7pm on weekends.
Written 13 April 2017
Observation deck and gift shop are open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 - 7:00 PM.
Rates
$4 ages 12 and up
$2 ages 6-11
Free for ages 5 and under
Cash only - small bills appreciated
Written 13 April 2017
is there any way to get to the top without steps. we are handicapped and cant do steps
Written 5 September 2016
No there is not another way to the top. The building gets smaller as you go up and the second elevator only holds two people and doesn't go to the observation deck.
Written 17 October 2018
Can you give tips on how to get up to the tower and where to park? I tried and was unsuccessful.
Written 31 March 2016
There is an underground garage under Fountain Square - park there. The banks of elevators are just off the main hall of the tower. The security guy can assist you with the direction, but it's quite easy. You take main elevators up to #45, then switch to a smaller elevator for final few floors. Bring binoculars.
Written 1 April 2016
No, the tower is not easily accessible because the elevator is small and the steps to the roof are narrow.
Written 16 November 2015
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