Hotel Covington

While Cincinnati sits on the north bank of the Ohio River, cross over to the south and you’re in Covington, Kentucky. And a few blocks from the river, in a building that started its life as a department store — and Kentucky’s first skyscraper, back when skyscrapers were a comparatively modest thing — is Hotel Covington, a 114-room boutique hotel that’s by some distance the most stylish place to stay on this side of the river.

Inside the rooms, the look is contemporary, but with more than a passing nod to the glamour of the early 20th century. The renovation of this old building was total, which means the floor plans give you generous 21st-century dimensions. And the amenities are right up to date, including Bluetooth sound systems and mini-fridges stocked with a thoughtful selection of local products.

Coppin’s Restaurant and Bar is the most atmospheric of the hotel’s spaces, with rough brickwork and industrial architecture providing the backdrop to a menu of hyper-local American fare — this is more or less the exact spot where North meets South, and it’s apparent at the table. And for something more casual, there’s a walk-up window for late-night take-out, as well as an artisan coffee bar in the lobby. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself developing a strong preference for the Kentucky side of the river.