If you like sports, music and good food, you’ll love doing a Girls’ Weekend in Cleveland, OH). Music fans don’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame featuring extensive memorabilia, music history, and concerts.
Culture lovers find your way to University Circle – Cleveland’s neighborhood packed with arts and culture including the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Art Museum ranked as one of the most comprehensive art museums in the U.S.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art and The Natural History Museum.
If you’re into sports, Cleveland doesn’t disappoint – with three major sports teams calling the city home, there’s always some live sports action to catch Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Indians or the Cleveland Browns.
The city also boasts a hot culinary scene with top chefs, a buzzy public food hall and over 30 breweries to choose from. See our list of top 5 breweries in Cleveland or jump on “The Original Cleveland Brew Tour” for a fun guided tour. Amidst the urban environment, there’s plenty of green spaces with miles of trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Cleveland is also situated on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River boasting six lakefront parks dubbed the Emerald Necklace offering boating, paddle-boarding, and canoeing.
If you’re ready to book, check out our top hotel picks for your home base in Cleveland – which offers everything from luxury to budget options.
Cleveland’s Coolest Hotels
Kimpton Schofield – Modern Cool with Historic Charm
Set in one of the city’s landmark Victorian buildings, the Schofield has a sleek yet romantic early- 20th Century look. It still has the original brick and terra cotta exterior, but the interior is retro-chic with white oak furnishings and warm copper accents. Over-sized windows and ornamental plants surround cozy sitting areas.
Rooms have pillow-top beds, artwork from the Victorian era, and spacious bathrooms with signature toiletries. All accommodations are pet-friendly and kid-friendly.
Aside from the complimentary evening wine and morning juice, tea, or craft coffee, you’ll find additional unique perks: custom bike rentals to explore the city with, and free guitar rentals for your own jam session. Fitness enthusiasts will be happy to find in-room yoga mats too, aside from a 24-hour fitness center.
The hotel is in the city center so it’s close to all the above places of interest.
Incidentally, the Schofield was rated Best Hotel in Cleveland by U.S. News and World Report in 2019 and Top Hotel in the Midwest by Conde Nast Traveler in 2017.
Glidden House – Boutique Hotel in a Landmark Building
This carefully restored family mansion was originally built in 1910 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a classic red brick and Gothic exteriors with charming French windows, a sprawling garden and a beautiful patio and gazebo in the back. Rare artwork, old and new, are on display in and around the property.
Posh rooms have full amenities: private bath, fine bedding, and linen, a work desk, HDTV, wireless internet, a coffeemaker. Vintage-inspired suites come with a separate living room, a sleeper sofa, a mini-fridge, microwave, and a wet bar.
A complimentary European breakfast is served in the parlor, library or sunny loggia every morning.
Glidden House is nestled on the grounds of the Case Western Reserve University so it’s right at the heart of both campus and city activities, museums, dining, and entertainment.
Washington Place Bistro and Inn – Well-appointed Inn
Located at the heart of Little Italy, this fully refurbished stone mansion has 7 charming, well-appointed rooms. The Inn has received several citations including one of the Best Bed and Breakfast Locations by The Cooking Channel; Cleveland’s Best New Restaurant in 2011; a Cleveland A-List Establishment; one of Cleveland’s Top Patios; and as a cutting-edge destination in 2013 by New York Magazine.
Cozy rooms provide modern furnishings, glass shower, toiletries, free Wi-Fi, iPod dock, a flat-screen TV and a safe. Some have a work desk, a seating area, and a vanity room.
Adjacent to the Inn, the Bistro offers modern American cuisine featuring local cheeses, produce, grilled meats and fresh fish. Guests can enjoy free Continental breakfast during the week and brunch on weekends.
The Inn is within 15 minutes’ walk to University Hospitals and college campuses, including Case Western Reserve University. It’s a 5-minute drive to Cleveland’s finest museums, cultural institutions, and the Cleveland Clinic.
Clifford House – Classic B&B
Clifford House is a historic 1812 Queen Anne-style brick home converted into a private but warm, welcoming B&B. Owner and host Jim Miner is famous for his hospitality and excellent cooking. He refurbished and curated each of the three stately rooms to include local art, high-quality linen, and other fine, classic touches.
The Inn’s amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and newspapers, parking space, a terrace, picnic area and barbecue grills, among others. Guests who want to cook their own meals can shop at the supermarket across the street or a nearby farmer’s market and make use of the House’s fully equipped kitchen.
Stone Gables Inn – Historic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
This vintage B&B was built in 1883 and is located in historic Ohio City, west side of Cleveland. Owners Jeff and Connie took four years to restore the character and charm of this old-fashioned piece of bygone architecture. Each of its five individually styled rooms has a private bath (some with showers, others a whirlpool tub), a king or queen-sized bed (some have canopies), fine linen, comforters, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Some have sitting areas with sofa-beds.
Twelve-foot ceilings, old wood, period furniture and lots of antiques provide an authentic “old world” feel. There are two living rooms with a fireplace, a library with books and games, a front porch and a deck with views of the city.
Guests often cite the Inn’s cleanliness, accessibility of its location and friendliness of the staff as top reasons for enjoying their stay.
The Cleveland Hostel – Modern Hostel for the Budget-minded
A “hub for young travelers and travelers young at heart” is what this hostel has come to be known for. It’s located in the historic Tea Company building originally constructed in 1900. Since it’s less than a 5-minute walk from numerous bus lines and a city train stop, its location is great for guests traveling by public transport. It’s also in close proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, breweries, and parks.
Owner, manager and seasoned traveler Mark Raymond have been to over 70 countries, staying in close to a hundred different hostels — by his estimates. He decided to put that experience to practice by opening up his own lodge for budget-conscious travelers.
Mark’s 15 rooms can accommodate up to 60 guests in private or sharing options.
Amenities include in-room lockers, indoor and outdoor bike storage, laundry, vending machines, luggage storage, a shared dining area and a large, fully equipped kitchen.
Aside from a games room and sun terrace, the hostel also boasts of a rooftop deck with iconic views of the city.
Ritz Carlton – Downtown Luxury
This 4.5-star luxury hotel boasts 206 plush rooms and suites featuring panoramic views of downtown Cleveland, Lake Erie, and Cuyahoga River. It is right in the business district within easy walking access to downtown attractions. It also has indoor access to the Tower City Mall.
Its well-appointed rooms come with a large work desk, a fully-stocked mini-bar, premium beddings, a nightly turndown service, 24hr. dine-in, complimentary overnight shoeshine service, and a complimentary morning paper. The marble bathrooms are stocked with designer toiletries and plush terry robes.
Valet parking, limo/town car service, and complimentary electric vehicle charging station are also on offer.
If you’re a fitness buff and don’t want to break your exercise routine while in Cleveland, you can use the hotel’s round-the-clock gym. The huge, 4,500sq.ft.- fitness center is open 24 hours and has top-of-the-line equipment. Why not work out together with the girls? It offers “fitness on demand”, a group virtual class on Zumba, yoga, and kettlebell. Workouts are complimentary for guests and club members, geared to all levels of fitness.
Another unique service at the Ritz: kosher food, carefully prepared in the hotel’s certified Kosher kitchen.
Metropolitan at the 9 (Autograph Collection) – Art and Luxury in Iconic Hotel
Located in the historic Cleveland Trust building, this upscale hotel blends art, history, and luxury in its sleek, modern design. One of its trendy bars, aptly called The Vault, is nestled right behind the bank’s former vault and rotunda area.
The Metropolitan has a hip, trendy vibe, integrating an art gallery, a ballroom and stylish event spaces fit for weddings and themed, non-conventional meetings. It’s one of the most dazzling, iconic properties in the Autograph Group by Marriot.
156 posh guestrooms come with large, separate living areas and mini-bars. Suites provide a sofa bed, some with a fireplace and a small conference area. Daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service are also provided.
Other amenities include a fitness center offering Pilates, yoga and kick-boxing classes, an indoor dog park, a (seasonal) rooftop cocktail lounge and live entertainment at Alex theater featuring Cleveland’s local artists.
In 2017, after just three years in operation, the Metropolitan joined Cleveland’s shortlist of AAA 4 Diamond winners. Its Mediterranean-style restaurant, Adega, was also voted Best Downtown Restaurant in Cleveland in 2015 and 2016.
Of numerous good reviews consistently given by guests about The Metropolitan, one stands out: staff friendliness.
Intercontinental Cleveland – Sophisticated Elegance
This 4-star luxury hotel is in the city center and near a metro station, less than a mile from the University Circle cultural and arts district. It lies adjacent to the main campus of the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, and guests who need to visit the clinic will find the skyway connecting it to the hotel very convenient.
The Intercontinental has 294 spacious rooms across ten floors, highlighted by elegant furnishings and original artwork all throughout. Each guestroom is well-appointed with a mini-bar, professional workspaces, multi-line telephones, iron, and ironing board and in-room safe. Premium amenities include goose down comforters, “ultra-plush” pillow-top beds, Egyptian cotton linen, soft bathrobes, and fine bath products.
A safe deposit box for extra-sensitive valuables is available at the front desk, and staff can offer assistance in different languages other than English: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish.
Guests often cite the staff’s helpfulness and warm hospitality as reasons for making their stay truly pleasant.
Hyatt – Historic Hotel Near Entertainment
This elegant hotel is set inside the iconic Arcade shopping center, a Victorian-era landmark constructed in 1890. It is the quintessential wedding venue in Ohio due to the enormous, breath-taking atrium inside the Arcade — with its 300-ft. skylight, sweeping marble staircase, and dramatic balconies.
The hotel itself features sleek, stylish rooms with high vaulted ceilings, wood paneling and sophisticated décor. Each of the 293 rooms has a mini-bar, laptop-sized safe, and a trademark Hyatt Grand bed. Suites have separate living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows and classy bathrooms with granite tubs.
Other amenities you’ll enjoy a 24hr fitness and luxury spa, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and coffee bar.
Westin – Downtown Modern Stay
An upscale high-rise hotel just two blocks from the Lake Erie waterfront and the Cleveland Convention Center. It’s also close to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center.
The Westin boasts 484 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing stunning views of Lake Erie and Cleveland’s vibrant cityscape. The 23-story building also has a multi-level built-in parking deck.
The hotel’s sophisticated spaces and event venues are highlighted by artwork from Cleveland’s top artists and sculptors.
Posh guest rooms showcase the hotel’s signature Heavenly Bed, along with down comforters and luxury linen. Suites have separate living rooms with pull-out sofas, and each bathroom carries signature Bath & Body toiletries and terrycloth robes.
There are a 24/7 gym, a Starbucks coffee shop and a steakhouse specializing in locally sourced meats and produce.
Also, complimentary cocktails are provided.
Drury Hotel – Downtown Historic Digs
Located in downtown Cleveland at the former Board of Education building, this family-owned and operated hotel has 189 modern, fully restored rooms. Guests are greeted at the beautiful 2-story lobby with a high vaulted ceiling, elegant marble floors, and two murals painted by Cora Holden in 1931.
Spacious rooms feature high ceilings, crisp sheets, and fine linen. Drury Plaza is rated 3 Stars but it provides above-par amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV, a microwave, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge. Suites have living rooms with pull-out sofas and an additional TV. Desks and telephones are also provided, along with free local and long-distance calls.
Other wonderful perks: complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon popcorn and soft drinks, and evening appetizers. Aside from the 24/7 gym, there’s an indoor pool and spa tub on-site.
Stay Alfred at the Garfield – Modern Apartment Option
Wanting more space and flexibility? Consider renting an apartment instead. Urban short-term vacation rental company, Stay Alfred, recently (2019) added to its list of Cleveland properties – this time at the historic Garfield Building along East 6th Street. As always, Stay Alfred promises the reliability of a hotel stay along with the space and comforts of a high-end apartment.
On lease at Garfield are 36 upscale, 1- or 2-bedroom apartments, each with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a dedicated living room, dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and in-unit laundry.
Guests have access to the (seasonal) swimming pool at the rooftop as well as a 24-hr gym, a coffee bar, a steakhouse, and a raw bar that’s set in a high-ceilinged, marble-floored room with Corinthian columns.
Hampton Inn – Value and Comfort
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, this mid-range hotel is only a short stroll from the city’s key attractions. Fourteen floors hold 194 comfortable guestrooms, each showcasing the hotel’s signature Hampton beds (single king or two queens). Suites come with a sofa bed for additional guests, and families or close friends can opt to stay in two connecting or adjoining rooms.
Each of the guestrooms comes with a workstation, a full-sized desk, an ergonomic chair, an easy chair, free Wi-Fi and a 37-inch LCD flat-screen HDTV.
Hot breakfast is provided every morning and guests are free to use the round-the-clock, well-equipped fitness center.
The Hampton allows guests to use their phones to gain access to their rooms just by downloading the hotel app. No need for physical keys.
Hilton – Downtown Comfort with Splendid Views
This relatively new (opened 2016) upscale hotel is right in the middle of downtown Cleveland and is seamlessly connected to the First Merit Convention Center by a tunnel. It’s also close to the city’s dining, entertainment, and other popular attractions.
The Hilton boasts exceptional views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. It has 600 sleek, spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary décor. Suites and family rooms come with separate living areas and pull-out sofas.
Room amenities include a 55-inch HDTV, an iHome docking station with USB connectivity, a mini-fridge, safe and built-in workstation. Wi-Fi is available — for a fee, though.
Guests are entitled to the fitness center and indoor swimming pool. There are four dining options, one of which is a sky bar that offers a panoramic view of Lake Erie from its topmost, 32nd floor.
Hilton graciously provides numerous accessibility features: visual aids, grab rails, raised toilets, lowered sinks, bathroom emergency cords, and wheelchair access.
Aside from English, staff can speak Bosnian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Featured Image by Wikimedia Commons
Pin for Later
