Men's • August 15 – 23, 2009 • Cincinnati, Ohio USA
Women's • August 8 – 16, 2009 • Cincinnati, Ohio USA
The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women’s Open is an annual tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA. The tournament was started in 1899 as the Cincinnati Open (it would be later known by several other names, including the Tri-State Tennis Tournament), and would eventually grow into the tournament now held in Mason. The original tournament was held at the Avondale Athletic Club, which sat on property that is now Xavier University, and would later be moved to several various locations due to changes in tournament management and surfaces. The first tournament in 1899 was played on clay courts, and the event was mostly played on clay until 1979 when it switched permanently to hardcourts. Today, it is the oldest tennis tennis tournament in the United States played in its original city.
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center
Location: 5460 Courseview Drive
Mason, OH 45040
Surface: Hard/Outdoor
Eight of the 10 players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour have committed to play the upgraded 2009 Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati. The players include the reigning champs at Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open; the reigning Olympic gold medalist; three players who were No. 1in the world in 2008; and present finalists at the US Open, the French Open, and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships. Players who have committed early include Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams.
The following hotels are only recommendations. We will be happy to suggest other accommodation options based on your preferences.
Kirkwood Inn
Located in beautiful Mason, Ohio, the Kirkwood Inn is en route to historic Lebanon, Ohio. In quieter times, the farmhouse and inn were used as a hitching post and resting place for stagecoaches. Henry Clay and other historical figures would often stay at the quaint house as they made their way across the region. Today, the quiet back roads have given way to one of Ohio’s fastest growing communities, and the Kirkwood Inn into one of the area’s finest lodges. The quiet hotel offers a receipe for all to enjoy the exceptional comforts of the finest Inns along with the tradition of excellence rich with history. Nestled quietly yet accessible to Historic Lebanon, Kings Island downtown Cincinnati, and more, the Kirkwood Inn is your next destination.
Distance to the stadium: 3 miles
| Prices starting at: $495.00 per person (Based on double occupancy for three weekday or weekend nights, daily buffet breakfast at the hotel and entrance to the 300 Terrace Level at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for one day or night. There is a 2-day cancellation policy and minimum of 3 nights) |
Hyatt Place Cincinnati—Northeast
Hyatt Place is a new kind of hotel that puts style, innovation and The Hyatt Touch within everyone’s reach. Enjoy the signature Hyatt Grand Bed, a plush Cozy Corner oversized sofa sleeper that is separated from the sleeping area, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the hotel. Visit the hotel’s Gallery which is a warm and open area that features a self-registration kiosk, an intimate coffee and wine cafe, a TV den and an e-room with free access to a public computer and printer. Hyatt Place was inspired by the changing landscape of contemporary, multi-tasking business travelers, who have successfully adapted to today’s "24/7 lifestyle," seamlessly merging personal and professional activities. To help guests achieve this lifestyle, Hyatt Place offers an atmosphere of casual hospitality with a balanced mix of comfortable and functional amenities.
Distance to the stadium: 7 miles
| Prices starting at: $360.00 per person (Based on double occupancy for two weekday nights, daily continental breakfast at the hotel and entrance to the 300 Terrace Level at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for one day or night) |
Holiday Inn Express Suites—Mason
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati–Mason has a free hot breakfast bar which is the perfect way to start your day before heading to the tournament. You can enjoy a relaxing stay at the hotel by taking advantage of their heated indoor pool, fitness center, free local calls and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Their central, suburban location offers convenient access the tennis center and attractions. The hotel is located 19 miles from downtown Cincinnati.
Distance to the stadium: 7 miles
| Prices starting at: $360.00 per person (Based on double occupancy for two weekday or weekend nights, daily hot breakfast buffet at the hotel and entrance to the 300 Terrace Level at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for one day or night) |
Hannaford Suites Hotel Cincinnati
Designed with comfort in mind, the Hannaford offers more private living space, attentive service and helpful amenities for overnight and extended stays. The centrally located suites blend old world grace with modern-day comfort and convenience. And the suites are comparatively larger than the traditional lodging available in the area.
Distance to the stadium: 14 miles
| Prices starting at: $250.00 per person (Based on double occupancy for two weekday or weekend nights, daily hot breakfast buffet at the hotel and entrance to the 300 Terrace Level at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for one day or night) |
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel opened in 1931 and is a National Historic Landmark and charter member of Historic Hotels of America. The hotel features breathtaking French Art Deco that has been restored to its 1930's grandeur. With rare Brazilian rosewood paneling, indirect German silver-nickel light fixtures and soaring ceiling murals, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel is one of the world's finest examples of French Art Deco. No trip or visit to Cincinnati is complete without a stay at this remarkable hotel.
Distance to the stadium: 25 miles
| Prices starting at: $495.00 per person (Based on double occupancy for two weekday or weekend nights, concierge lounge access at the hotel and entrance to the 300 Terrace Level at the Lindner Family Tennis Center for one day or night) |
Day 1: Departure for Cincinnati
Upon arrival into Cincinnati pickup your rental car or take a shuttle/taxi to the hotel
Day 2: Sightseeing
Begin your day with breakfast in the heart of the city, Cincinnati’s historic Fountain Square is the perfect place to get view a cultural gem, the Tyler Davidson Fountain and the “Genus of Water.” The American Institute of Architects has twice honored Cincinnati’s Fountain Square as an example of the innovations "that are making our cities more enjoyable places."
In the late morning/afternoon take a guided walking tour of downtown Cincinnati’s impressive architectural gems. Guests will view 10-15 sites that focus on the many architectural styles represented in the Queen City. Included are Italianate and Greek Revival structures, as well as many buildings in the Court Street historic district that survive from the Canal era. (Allow two hours)
Head to the top of Cincinnati’s tallest building, The Carew Tower Observation Deck, that offers an unobstructed view in every direction — it’s also a perfect spot to enjoy lunch or catch a spectacular sunset. The Carew Tower and the attached hotel, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, are among the finest examples in the country of Art Deco architecture.
End the day’s tour with dinner on Cincinnati’s only authentic riverboat restaurant, Mike Fink’s, which offers a spectacular view of the river and Cincinnati skyline. Mike Fink’s is on the National Register of Historic Places. 859-261-4212
