Victoria Lupascu 
Visiting Cleveland, Ohio? I’m your trip-planning gal! In this guide, I’ll tell you where to stay in Cleveland!
I share 6 areas across Cuyahoga County’s capital so you can find your perfect base according to your travel preferences! I also compared hundreds of hotels and handpicked THE best-rated ones to help you plan your stay!
Now, the best area to stay is Downtown – it’s the hotspot for sightseeing, fine dining, shopping, and all things touristy! But if this is out of budget/sold out, worry not, I have 6 neighborhoods for you that are perfect for tourists and the best hotels sorted by price for each of them!
Read this post because this way you will be able to book your ideal accommodation in just a couple of minutes!
Also, please make sure you book your stay in advance! Cleveland is a pretty touristy spot, and you want to secure those best deals before someone else grabs ’em!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Book your stay in Cleveland right away and get the party started:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown – where to stay in Cleveland for the first time
- 2. Ohio City – where to stay for nightlife + foodies
- 3. University Circle – the best place to stay for culture
- 4. Playhouse Square – for fun + sports
- 5. Beachwood – best place for tranquility
- 6. Westlake – where to stay in Cleveland for families
- BONUS: Where to stay in Cleveland near the airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Cleveland, Ohio
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
This map shows all the areas I’ll talk about in this article:
- DOWNTOWN: for first-timers
- OHIO CITY: for nightlife
- UNIVERSITY CIRCLE: for culture
- PLAYHOUSE SQUARE: for fun + sports
- BEACHWOOD: for tranquility
- WESTLAKE: for families
1. Downtown – where to stay in Cleveland for the first time
You can never go wrong when choosing the center area of a city, especially Cleveland! Located on the Southern shore of Lake Erie (one of the 5 Great Lakes), it offers a great mixture of modern buildings and scenic panoramic views of the lake!
Downtown is filled with attractions like the popular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum for rock music fans (and those curious about it!), the USS COD Submarine Memorial commemorating fallen submarines in WWII, and the Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Cleveland is the city of rock and roll! Did you know that the first rock concert ever took place in Cleveland in 1952?
Also, check out the Great Lakes Science Center to learn more about the nature around you, or take a small cruise for a fresh perspective of Cleveland with the GOODTIME III boat company!
The area is pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk around as much as your legs can carry you!
While you’re on your feet, the Public Square is a super popular location in Downtown Cleveland, with tons of art events! You’ll also find cool bars and breweries here! My favorite is the Butcher and the Brewer, they have the best sliders to go along with beers!
You’ll find plenty of hotels in downtown Cleveland, but I highly recommend booking them in advance to get the best rooms!
An incredible hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a gym, an on-site restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast! They have spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a perfect location!
Other accommodation in Downtown Cleveland
Enjoy the spa service in this modern hotel that has a restaurant and is located near the Public Square
An affordable yet elegant hotel in the central area with a complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi
I love the cool design of this Warehouse district condo that has 2 rooms, a nice view, and a brand-new kitchen
Things to do in Downtown Cleveland
- Take a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum tour
- Check out the art events in the Public Square
- Take this self-guided tour of Downtown Cleveland
- Have a cool experience at the Great Lakes Science Center Museum
- Go shopping at Cleveland’s famous Arcade Mall
- Explore Downtown’s bone-chilling sites in a walking tour
2. Ohio City – where to stay for nightlife + foodies
Ohio City is a smaller area located next to Downtown Cleveland perfect for artsy people! It has a combination of old and new buildings, and the atmosphere is super laid-back here!
Ohio City is named after its early settlers who came from the New England states and wanted to establish a new community in the Ohio River Valley.
At night, hit the bars and breweries (Great Lakes Brewing Company and Market Garden Brewery are a blast!) and have the time of your life. During the day, engage in sightseeing and food tasting. You can even head to a sandy beach in Detroit Shoreway’s Edgewater Park!
The Ohio City hotspot is the West Side Market, attractive to foodies and those interested in art and handmade products. I can totally see myself spending hours here!
Ever heard of Cleveland-style hot dogs? They’re also known as Cleveland Polish Boys and have a layer of sweet southern barbecue sauce. You can find them in carts across Cleveland, including West Side Market.
Other attractions include the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Music Box Supper Club and Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica live music venues, and the 19th-century mansion Franklin Castle (Hannes Tiedemann House).
PRO TIP: Ohio City is less than a 10-minute drive from the iconic “A Christmas Story” movie home! The house has been turned into a museum, so make sure you visit if you’re a fan!
This is mainly a residential area, so you won’t find any luxury hotels here. For luxury, check out Downtown!
Other accommodation options in Ohio City
This private, cozy house can be your home away from home in Cleveland with breakfast, free parking, and adorable Victorian-style rooms
A top-rated 2-star facility with flat-screen TVs, free parking, family rooms, and private bathrooms
A guest-favorite apartment in a historic building, newly decorated, within walking distance from West End Market
Things to do in Ohio City
- Search for hidden treasures at the West Side Market
- Take a small food tour of Ohio City
- Sip cocktails at the Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
- Take a picture with Cleveland Script sign (map)
- Visit the nearby Christmas Story House in Tremont
- Take the kids on a trip to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
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3. University Circle – the best place to stay for culture
Located 4 miles (6 km) East of Downtown Cleveland, this area is perfect for uncovering Cleveland’s cultural side. The University Circle neighborhood is also known as the museum district, and it’s home to the Case Western Reserve University Campus.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and Severance Music Center (music hall) are the top attractions here. Other hotspots include the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland History Center.
You can visit a few parks here too, like the Wade Oval and Cultural Gardens.
John D. Rockefeller, the wealthiest American ever, is buried in the Lake View Cemetery in University Circle!
You’ll find a wide range of restaurants and bars here, but if you feel like exploring other parts of the city, Little Italy is located right by the University Circle. It’s famous for its cafes, pizzerias, and street art. The Presti’s Bakery and their cannoli are a MUST-TRY!
University Circle and Little Italy are super friendly and have a young atmosphere due to the many students who frequent the neighborhoods.
And if you’re in the mood for a road trip, rent a car and go to Pittsburg. It’s only 2 hours away and has awesome attractions! You can read my honest guide about Pittsburg here to help you plan your trip!
Enjoy your stay in Cleveland in this luxury property with an on-site fitness center and business meeting rooms. Travelers can spend a cozy day, order room service, and watch movies on the flat-screen TV.
Other accommodation options in University Circle
Guests will feel at home in this historic house that offers a complimentary breakfast and a business center
Chill in the garden of this nice property that offers its guests many amenities, including a fitness center and free Wi-Fi
Spend a cozy vacation in this home away from with a hot tub, a short walk from University Circle
Things to do in University Circle
- Admire some of the best pieces of art at The Cleveland Museum of Art
- See the beautiful flowers at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Search for cool facts about the city at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
- Take a stroll around the Hershey Children’s Garden
- Go on this delicious Little Italy food tour
- Take a day trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
4. Playhouse Square – for fun + sports
Playhouse Square is your go-to spot for entertainment and sports events! The area is recognizable by its iconic GE Chandelier, which happens to be the largest of its kind in the world!
This sub-district of Downtown Cleveland boasts many performing arts centers, and it hosts over 1,000 events throughout the year! Make sure you visit the Cleveland Play House Theater, the first professional regional theater in the country!
Playhouse Square is a great option if you’re wondering where to stay in Cleveland for a basketball game! The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse basketball arena is just a short walk away!
Heard of the Cleveland sports curse? The superstition lasted from 1964 to 2016 since none of the local teams (Browns, Cavaliers and Indians) could win a major U.S. championship! In 2016, the Cavaliers FINALLY won the NBA finals, and the curse got broken!
The Progressive Field (ballpark of the Cleveland Guardians) is also a short walk away, so consider Playhouse Square for baseball games and sports events of any kind!
A fabulous 4-star hotel in the heart of the city with stunning hallways, just 4 minutes from Progressive Field. You’ll find numerous restaurants here, a fitness center, private parking, and superb King Suites!
Other accommodation options in Playhouse Square
A 3-star hotel overlooking the Square with spacious rooms and an indoor swimming pool
A great budget hotel with complimentary breakfast; main complaint is about the elevator card malfunctioning; other than that, guests have a good experience
This upscale place has a full kitchen and is perfect for extended stays; my personal favorite of all Cleveland Airbnbs
Things to do in Playhouse Square
- Take a selfie in front of the GE Chandelier
- Visit the Playhouse Square at night
- Catch a game at Progressive Field
- Check the upcoming events in the Wolstein Center
- Have a cultural experience in the Connor Palace
5. Beachwood – best place for tranquility
Located 11 miles (17 km) southeast of Downtown Cleveland, Ohio, this lovely suburb is a nice location for travelers seeking tranquility.
Beachwood is a super peaceful place to stay in Cleveland. It’s that location where you can take long walks in spots like The Acacia Reservation and enjoy spending time outdoors!
But don’t worry, you’re still going to find all the amenities you need at Beachwood Place, the largest shopping mall in the area!
Other attractions include the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage sharing stories behind the Jews of Cleveland, and the Canterbury Golf Club. Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park is a great attraction for kids, so here’s an idea if you’re bringing them too!
And if spending time in nature is your thing, just remember that Niagara Falls is just 3 hours away! I have a special article about where to stay in Niagara Falls, so check it out anytime to know more!
This is the only luxury hotel in Beachwood, and even though it’s slightly below my strict rating standards, I decided to show it to you because it’s still pretty good. They offer breakfast, a gym, and free parking on top of spacious and fancy rooms.
Other accommodation options in Beachwood
Go for a dip in the pool, relax in the room, or enjoy other amenities like the on-site restaurant
A lovely inn located near many restaurants with a swimming pool and free parking spots
A newly renovated house with 2 bedrooms with plenty of green spaces nearby
Things to do in Beachwood
- Enjoy some quiet time in The Acacia Reservation Park
- Search for souvenirs and buy some cool stuff at the Beachwood Palace
- Take the kids to play in Brainard Park
- Have dinner at the iconic Tres Potrillos Mexican Restaurant
- Visit the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
6. Westlake – where to stay in Cleveland for families
Located 17 miles (27 km) west of Downtown Cleveland, this lovely suburb is the perfect area to stay with the little ones! There are tons of parks here, perfect for the little travelers who need to consume all their energy.
You can enjoy beautiful Lake Erie views here, drive to the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, or the nearby Swings-N-Things Fun Park (both being awesome amusement parks!) to make your kids’ vacation memorable!
There’s also the Westlake Historical Society House if you want to learn more about the area’s history.
By the way, Cleveland was the first city to receive public electricity in 1879! So cool!
As you know, I only give the best of the best hotel options for my travelers. I can’t offer you a luxurious property here, because there aren’t any I think are worth recommending. But, I have found 3 other options with a great location!
NOTE: Winters in Cleveland can get pretty cold and snowy, so consider the weather conditions when you’re booking your stay!
Other accommodation options in Westlake
Swim in the pool of this nice accommodation that has a good location, family rooms, and free parking spots
Enjoy your stay in Cleveland in this nice inn that has many amenities, including breakfast service and family rooms
Guests will feel at home here, enjoying a fireplace, free parking spots, and enough room for 3 travelers
Things to do in Westlake
- Take the kids to play in Clague Park or the Schwartz Road Park
- Learn new things about the area at one of the attractions here, the Westlake Historical Society House Museum
- Check out Crocker Park shopping mall
- Take a stroll around the area and admire the views of Lake Erie
- Enjoy some family time outdoors in Bradley Nature Park
- Visit the Metroparks Zoo
| 👑 Luxury price: | $250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | $180 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $130 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Drury Plaza |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hyatt Regency Cleveland |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hampton Inn Cleveland |
BONUS: Where to stay in Cleveland near the airport
If you’d rather stay near the airport due to flight time or itinerary, I’ve got you covered with three excellent hotels for all budgets!
NOTE: I don’t recommend any other hotels near Cleveland Hopkins Airport because they have poor ratings! You’ll be safe to book these ones:
- Luxury: Aloft Cleveland Airport – A 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, a 24/7 front desk, a free airport shuttle, and free parking. They also have free cancellation (up to 2 days before arrival) if you change your flight!
- Mid-range: Hampton Inn – This lovely 3-star hotel has the same amenities as Aloft, except they also include breakfast in the price! There’s less luxury, of course, but still, it’s an excellent deal for short stays!
- Budget: The Orbit Hotel – This budget-friendly option offers a free airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk, complimentary breakfast, and free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival!
FAQs about where to stay in Cleveland, Ohio
🌃 Is it safe to walk in Downtown Cleveland at night?
Yes, usually, it’s safe to walk around Downtown Cleveland at night, but make sure you’re not alone or exploring secluded areas.
💯 What is the best area to stay in Cleveland?
Downtown & Ohio City are the best areas to stay in Cleveland, Ohio. Most attractions are within walking distance, and you can stay at the Metropolitan at The 9 Hotel.
🏨 What is the best boutique hotel in Cleveland?
The Glidden House is one of the best boutique hotels in Cleveland, as it has a great location, many amenities, and a bar on site.
🤔 Where to stay in Downtown Cleveland?
Metropolitan at The 9 and Hyatt Regency Cleveland are two amazing hotels in Cleveland Downtown. Both offer amazing services and are located within walking distance from most attractions
👩🏽🎤 Where to stay in Cleveland near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland is the best hotel near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The hotel is located just 0.5 miles away from the Hall of Fame! A more budget-friendly option is the Hampton Inn.
☀️ Is there a nice part of Cleveland?
Of course! Downtown, Ohio City, University Circle, and Beachwood are all beautiful parts of Cleveland where you can stay!
🚶 Is Downtown Cleveland walkable?
Yes! Downtown Cleveland is very walkable. You’ll find restaurants, shops, music venues, and sports fields, all within walking distance from each other. Hotels are scattered all over the place, as well.
🛏️ Where to sleep in Cleveland?
Best Cleveland hotels include Drury Plaza for luxury and Tru By Hilton and Hotel Indigo for a more affordable stay.
📅 How many days should I stay in Cleveland?
I recommend at least 2 full days for Cleveland. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions and feel the city vibe. For more in-depth sightseeing, 4 days is enough.
⁉️ Is Cleveland safe?
Downtown, Ohio City, University Circle, and other areas in this article are safe for tourists! Stay away from East Cleveland, as it’s considered an unsafe area. But since there are no attractions there, this place won’t even be on your itinerary!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post as much as I did and that it helped you decide where to stay in Cleveland!
The accommodation list has some of the best hotels in Cleveland, but here are my 2 favorite ones because I know how hard it is to decide:
- Metropolitan at The 9 – A luxury hotel with a rooftop terrace
- Hyatt Regency Cleveland – A lovely hotel located in a historic building
There’s nothing left for you to do now but this one little thing: book the hotels ASAP! That way, you can sleep better at night knowing you won’t have to pay that last-minute high price!
Enjoy your stay in Cleveland, and don’t miss visiting the Rock and Roll Hall Museum, the West Side Market, and Lake Erie!
Leave me a comment below if you have any other questions about this city or any suggestions for our readers!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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