Independent hotel management company New Waterloo will open the doors to Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel this July, emerging as an adaptive reuse of the historic Gwynne Building.
This marks the company’s second Ohio lifestyle hotel in two years, following the 2025 opening of Fidelity Hotel in Cleveland.
Reviving a Beaux-Arts landmark
Originally built in 1913, the 13-story landmark was commissioned by Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt and designed by architect Ernest Flagg. To honor Flagg’s French-inspired Beaux-Arts approach, the design team at Looney & Associates delved into archival drawings and historic records to merge classical Parisian design with Cincinnati’s local identity.
The restoration revitalizes the building’s façade and key external elements. A newly introduced four-story courtyard features an elegant grand stair, while previously closed terraces have been reopened to the city. Above, the restored white-washed tower showcases its original multi-chromatic design, and the reinstated vaulted lobby is framed by steel storefronts that replicate the historic originals.
Channeling Parisian charm
Stepping inside, the interiors evoke a Parisian charm that nods to Cincinnati’s historical moniker as the Paris of America. The aesthetic is grounded by natural marble floors laid in dynamic geometric patterns, setting a foundation for bold wallcoverings, a curated collection of local art, and a mix of vintage and modern furnishings.
The hotel’s apartment-style guestrooms offer an intimately residential experience, while meeting spaces have been reimagined to resemble fashionable parlors and serene garden retreats.
Grand spaces for gathering
The Fidelity Hotel features 165 total accommodations, which includes 17 suites, two bunkrooms, and a lavish presidential suite.
Guests are invited to indulge in a trio of distinct culinary concepts including Gwynne, which will serve as the property’s full-service restaurant, complemented by a stylish lobby bar and Cora’s All Day Café, a charming corner market inspired by a Parisian marché offering local artisanal goods.
For gatherings, the property boasts more than 7,770 square feet of flexible event space. The crown jewel is the 2,575-square-foot Vanderbilt Ballroom, illuminated by sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows.
Rounding out the amenities is a fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, CLMBR, and FORME Life equipment.
Gwynne and Cora’s Café at the Fidelity Hotel Cincinnati
At the Fidelity Hotel Cincinnati, the F&B program pays homage to the city’s storied past through two distinct concepts. Inspired by the architectural grandeur and “Porkopolis” heritage of Cincinnati’s golden era, Gwynne reimagines Midwestern classics through a contemporary lens, highlighting seasonal ingredients and local sourcing.
Meanwhile, Cora’s Café channels the spirit of the neighborhood corner stores and bustling market culture that once defined downtown Cincinnati. Designed as an all-day destination, the café brings together specialty coffee, local retail offerings, and craft beverages in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. As the day unfolds, the space transitions from a hub for remote work, business meetings, and casual lunches to an inviting gathering place for seasonal spritzes, local craft beer, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
