Portman Holdings has officially announced that the highly anticipated hotel near the Duke Energy Convention Center will be a Marriott. This major project will rise just south of the convention center, featuring approximately 700 rooms and more than 62,000 square feet of advanced meeting space. In addition, the hotel will boast a 17,445-square-foot event terrace, multiple ballrooms, and upscale amenities tailored to group, business, and leisure travelers. Designed to be one of the largest and most significant hotel developments in the region, it will also include ground-floor retail and an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking 5th Street.
Public-Private Partnership and Financial Backing
The Marriott project is being developed through a public-private partnership, with critical financial support from the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the state of Ohio. Portman Holdings noted that both city and county officials were briefed on the plans in June and expressed their enthusiastic support. According to the developer, early sitework has already commenced, and full-scale construction is slated to begin by late 2025. The hotel is expected to open its doors to guests by 2028. Notably, a skybridge will connect the Marriott directly to the Duke Energy Convention Center, making it a convenient destination for convention-goers and tourists alike.
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Transforming the Convention District
This project is part of the broader revitalization of the convention district. The $828 million master plan includes $264 million in renovations to the Duke Energy Convention Center and enhancements to the Elm Street Plaza. The plaza is envisioned as an outdoor community space with public programming to engage both residents and visitors. Additionally, the 780-space Convention Center Garage, purchased by 3CDC in 2023, will serve as the main parking facility for the Marriott Hotel and the convention center. The garage itself is undergoing a $12 million renovation while remaining operational.
A Story of Vision and Collaboration
The Marriott announcement marks an exciting chapter in Cincinnati’s growth. It also highlights the city’s long-standing relationship with Portman Holdings, renowned for their transformative urban developments. This project was first conceptualized as a way to reinvigorate the convention district and attract more national events. Over the years, it gained traction thanks to strong support from local leaders, including Mayor Aftab Pureval and the Hamilton County Commissioners. As Katie Westbrook of 3CDC emphasized, this development is more than a hotel, it’s a symbol of Cincinnati’s ambition to become a premier destination for conferences and tourism. When the Marriott opens in 2028, it will stand as a testament to what is possible when vision, collaboration, and investment come together to shape a city’s future.
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The Duke Energy Convention Center Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Marriott Hotel at Duke Energy Convention Center
Developer: Portman Holdings
Location: Just south of the Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Hotel Size: Approximately 700 guest rooms
Meeting Space: Over 62,000 square feet of advanced meeting facilities
Event Terrace: 17,445 square-foot outdoor events terrace overlooking 5th Street
Unique Features: Multiple ballrooms, luxury amenities, ground-floor retail
Skybridge Connection: Direct skybridge linking hotel to convention center
Construction Start: Full construction planned for late 2025
Opening Date: Expected to open in 2028
Parking: 780-space Convention Center Garage serving hotel and events
Total Convention District Investment: $828 million overall project budget
Public-Private Partnership: Funding from City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, State of Ohio
Convention Center Renovation: $264 million in upgrades to the Duke Energy Convention Center
