Best Downtown Cleveland Hotels: Where to Stay and Why
For a first trip to Cleveland without a car, I would stay on Public Square, at Hotel Cleveland or The Ritz-Carlton, both built into the Tower City and Terminal Tower complex where the RTA Red Line from Hopkins Airport arrives in under 30 minutes. This page lists 18 hotels averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 11,084 guest reviews. Most sit in four pockets of downtown: Public Square, the Playhouse Square theater district on Euclid Avenue, the Gateway blocks by Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the convention center and lakefront side. Two are not downtown at all, and I say which. Here is how to pick the right block.
Downtown Cleveland runs from Public Square and Terminal Tower east along Euclid Avenue to the theaters, with the ballpark blocks to the south and the lakefront to the north.
Where to stay
Which downtown Cleveland block suits your trip
Downtown Cleveland is compact enough to walk from Public Square to the ballpark, the theaters or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but each corner serves a different trip. The rail link from the airport ends under Public Square, the theaters cluster on Euclid Avenue around East 14th Street, and game days fill the blocks around Progressive Field. Choosing the block matters more than choosing the brand.
Public Square is the base I would choose for a first visit. Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection, occupies a 1918 building on the square and connects directly to Tower City Center's shops, restaurants and cinema; The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland sits on West Third Street inside the Terminal Tower complex. RTA's airport page puts the Red Line ride from Hopkins to Tower City Station at under 30 minutes, so you can arrive without a car or a taxi. The weak point is the Ritz's score: 7.0 from only 20 reviews, too small a sample to judge either way.
Playhouse Square is the choice for a show. The district on Euclid Avenue is the second-largest performing arts center in the United States by seats after Lincoln Center, and at East 14th Street hangs the GE Chandelier, 20 feet tall with 4,200 crystals, verified by Guinness as the largest outdoor chandelier when it was lit in 2014. Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square overlooks it, with an indoor pool and Brel's restaurant. It scores 8.3 from 994 reviews. Hotel Indigo on Huron Road, 8.0 from 799, is the other walkable option for an evening at the theater.
For a game, I would sleep in the Gateway blocks. Kimpton Schofield, in a historic building on East Ninth Street, is within 500 metres of both Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and it scores 8.5 from 200 reviews. ROOST Cleveland and the Residence Inn on Prospect Avenue East are four and five minutes' walk from the FieldHouse, with kitchens for longer stays. Drury Plaza on East Sixth Street, two blocks from the convention center, has the best balance of score and sample on the page: 9.0 from 2,206 reviews, with an indoor pool, a hot tub and free evening appetizers.
The lakefront side suits conventions and Browns games. Hilton Cleveland Downtown on Lakeside Avenue East is about 200 metres from the Cleveland Convention Center and 400 metres from the Browns' stadium, now called Huntington Bank Field since the FirstEnergy name was dropped in 2023, and the Rock Hall is an eight-minute walk; it scores 9.0 from 720 reviews. Two hotels on this page are not downtown: La Quinta Cleveland Airport North is three miles from Hopkins, and InterContinental Cleveland is on the Cleveland Clinic campus, 4.5 miles east. I would book them only for an early flight or a Clinic visit.
A traveler's perspectiveFor a first weekend in Cleveland, I would take the Red Line from Hopkins straight to Tower City and stay at Hotel Cleveland on Public Square, with the 1918 building, the indoor connection to Tower City and the theaters a short walk east. For a show night I would switch to the Crowne Plaza, which overlooks the GE Chandelier. For a game or a family trip I would choose Drury Plaza: 9.0 from more than 2,000 reviews, an indoor pool and free appetizers in the evening are hard to beat downtown.
The Westin Cleveland Downtown - NEWLY RENOVATED
Cleveland
12 reviews
A newly renovated pet-friendly base near the arena
Check availabilityWhy guests love itRecently renovated, The Westin Cleveland Downtown sits on Saint Clair Avenue NE, and valet parking makes arriving with luggage and children easier. Rooms have a refrigerator for drinks and snacks plus a flat-screen cable TV, and a fitness centre is on site. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is a four-minute drive, handy for a family game night. Pets are allowed, with bowls provided, which helps families who travel with a dog.
Fidelity Hotel
Cleveland
140 reviews
Five-star comfort with pet baskets on East 6th Street
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe family dog gets a warm welcome at the Fidelity Hotel, with bowls and a basket provided, and the concierge and 24-hour front desk help with tickets and plans for downtown Cleveland. The modern restaurant serves American food with vegetarian and gluten-free options, useful for families with dietary needs. A fitness center and a bar are on site. Parking is valet only, so I would plan for that if you drive. A 9.2 score from 140 reviews is excellent.
ROOST Cleveland
Cleveland
393 reviews
An aparthotel four minutes from the arena
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAs an aparthotel, ROOST gives families an apartment layout rather than a standard room, which helps on longer stays. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is a four-minute walk and Progressive Field about 700 metres away, so a Cavaliers or Guardians game needs no car. The Cleveland Convention Center is an eight-minute walk and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame about 19 minutes on foot. Garage parking is available, pets are allowed, and 393 reviews average 9.0.
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
2,206 reviews
Free daily appetizers with a pool and hot tub, two blocks from Convention Center
Check availabilityWhy guests love itComplimentary daily appetizers and drinks are a real plus for families at the Drury Plaza Cleveland Downtown, often enough for a light early dinner with children. The indoor pool and hot tub keep everyone happy after a day downtown, and rooms have a microwave and a refrigerator for snacks. Pets are allowed. Parking is valet, which I would factor in if you drive. With a 9.0 score from over 2,200 reviews, it is one of the safest downtown picks.
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
720 reviews
200 metres from the Convention Center, steps from the stadium
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe lakefront location puts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame about eight minutes away on foot, an easy outing with older children, and the Great Lakes Science Center sits next to it. FirstEnergy Stadium is about 400 meters away and the Convention Center about 200 meters, handy for game days and events. Pool towels are provided. Parking is valet, which simplifies arrival. A 9.0 score from 720 reviews shows consistent service.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel by IHG
Cleveland
200 reviews
A historic boutique stay steps from the ballpark
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamilies heading to a Guardians game or a Cavaliers night can simply walk: Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are both within 500 metres of the Kimpton Schofield. The historic building on East Ninth Street has a 20th-century theme that older kids may enjoy, and the family dog is welcome, with bowls provided. Parking is valet only, so I would plan for that if you drive in. Yoga mats in the rooms are a nice extra.
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
Cleveland
163 reviews
Marble bathrooms in the heart of downtown at Key Tower
Check availabilityWhy guests love itCleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower places families downtown, with the historic Arcade within a short walk for an evening stroll and the Cleveland Convention Center less than a mile away. Rooms have a seating area with a large chair and ottoman, which gives a bit of extra space, and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. Pets are allowed, so the dog can come along, and valet parking takes care of the car.
InterContinental Cleveland by IHG
Cleveland
166 reviews
Five-star comfort on the Cleveland Clinic campus
Check availabilityWhy guests love itSet on the Cleveland Clinic's medical campus on Carnegie Avenue, this InterContinental is the practical choice for families visiting a relative or a specialist, since appointments are a short walk away. Two on-site restaurants mean meals are covered on long days without driving. Downtown and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are about 4.5 miles away, close enough for an outing with teenagers. Parking is by valet.
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square by IHG
Cleveland
994 reviews
Valet parking and an indoor pool facing Playhouse Square
Check availabilityWhy guests love itTheater nights are the reason to stay here: Playhouse Square's stages are about two minutes on foot, and children usually love the giant outdoor chandelier hanging over Euclid Avenue. The indoor pool gives kids a reliable activity in Cleveland's long winters, and Brel's restaurant on site saves a search for dinner before a show. Parking is valet only, which simplifies arrival with luggage but should be planned for. Rooms have a work desk and coffee maker.
Aloft by Marriott Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
260 reviews
Lake-view rooms with a design-led feel downtown
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAloft Cleveland Downtown is a relaxed choice for a family city break, especially with a dog, since pets are allowed without fuss. The hotel stands on West 10th Street in the Warehouse District, within walking distance of the lakefront and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rooms have designer bedding and Bliss bath products, and select rooms look out over Lake Erie, so ask for one when booking. Parking is garage or valet only, which adds to the bill.
Hotel Cleveland Autograph Collection
Cleveland
106 reviews
A historic 1918 landmark connected to Tower City Center
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHotel Cleveland Autograph Collection occupies a historic 1918 building on Public Square with an indoor connection to Tower City Center, so a rainy or snowy day with children still means shops, restaurants and a cinema without stepping outside. Mowrey's, the restaurant on site, keeps dinner close. Rooms have an oversized chair, a desk and a 42-inch TV, practical rather than plush, and valet parking handles the car.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
347 reviews
Full-kitchen suites five minutes from the arena
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFull-kitchen suites make this Residence Inn a sensible downtown base for families staying several nights: breakfast and simple dinners can happen in the suite, which helps with picky eaters and tight schedules. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is a five-minute walk along Prospect Avenue East, handy for a Cavaliers game or a concert. Pets are allowed, and a gym is on site. Parking is garage or valet only, so I would factor that in before driving downtown.
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG
Cleveland
799 reviews
Valet parking and a pet-friendly base near the Rock Hall
Check availabilityWhy guests love itHotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown sits on Huron Road, and valet parking makes arriving with children and luggage easier. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is 1.6 km away, a classic outing for families with music-loving teenagers. Headliner Bar and Eatery on site keeps dinner simple, and rooms include cable TV, an in-room coffee maker and a large work desk. Pets are allowed, useful for families travelling with a dog.
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
Cleveland
1,238 reviews
A walkable mid-range base on East Ninth Street
Check availabilityWhy guests love itEast Ninth Street puts the Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown within walking distance of the Galleria Mall, the theater district and the Convention Center, so families can explore downtown without a car. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is close by, a good outing with music-loving teenagers. Pets are allowed, which helps if the family dog travels too. Parking is valet only, so I would plan for that if you drive. It is a practical mid-range base.
Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
466 reviews
Saltwater pool and hot tub combined downtown
Check availabilityWhy guests love itAn indoor saltwater pool with a hot tub in the same space is rare in downtown Cleveland, and it is what I would book the Hilton Garden Inn for with children, especially in winter. Family rooms are practical rather than plush, with tea and coffee makers and a work desk. Carnegie Avenue keeps the Convention Center and the ballpark district within reach for a game day. Pets are accepted. The 7.6 score from 466 reviews is modest, so I see it as a pool-first choice.
Comfort Inn Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland
995 reviews
A free shuttle and budget-friendly base on Euclid Avenue
Check availabilityWhy guests love itA daily buffet breakfast and a free shuttle service make the Comfort Inn Cleveland Downtown a practical, budget-minded choice for families. The hotel sits on Euclid Avenue, about 1.6 km from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, so a Cavaliers game or a concert is a short ride away. Private garage parking keeps the car safe overnight, and the 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals. A 7.3 score from 995 reviews is modest, so I would keep it for short stays.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland - Airport North
Cleveland
1,859 reviews
Three miles from the airport with a hot breakfast included
Check availabilityWhy guests love itCleveland Hopkins International Airport is three miles from La Quinta Airport North, which makes it a sensible stop for families with an early flight or a late landing. Breakfast is included, with sausage, scrambled eggs and oatmeal, so children eat before the airport run. Pets are allowed, useful on a road trip with the family dog. Rooms are simple, with a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee facilities. I would keep it for one night around a flight.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Cleveland
20 reviews
Marble bathrooms and downtown views inside Terminal Tower
Check availabilityWhy guests love itI would book The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland for a family that wants a central address on Public Square. It sits on West Third Street within the Terminal Tower complex, with views of downtown Cleveland. Rooms have marble bathrooms and plush bedding, TURN Bar + Kitchen is on the ground floor, parking is on site and pets are allowed. Guests rate it 7.0 across 20 reviews, so the score is modest for the brand.
Local tips
- 1From Cleveland Hopkins Airport, take the RTA Red Line to Tower City Station: RTA puts the ride at under 30 minutes, and Hotel Cleveland and The Ritz-Carlton are inside the same complex.
- 2Book Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square for a show night: it overlooks the GE Chandelier at East 14th and Euclid, a short walk from every Playhouse Square stage door.
- 3Search for Huntington Bank Field, not FirstEnergy Stadium, when planning a Browns game: the stadium changed name in 2023, and some hotel pages still use the old one.
- 4Stay at Kimpton Schofield on East Ninth Street for a Guardians or Cavaliers game: Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are both within 500 metres.
- 5Treat the Westin's 9.3 and the Ritz-Carlton's 7.0 with caution: they come from only 12 and 20 reviews, while Drury Plaza's 9.0 rests on 2,206.
- 6Do not book La Quinta Cleveland Airport North or InterContinental Cleveland for a downtown stay: the first is by Hopkins Airport, the second on the Cleveland Clinic campus 4.5 miles east.
- 7For longer stays, ROOST Cleveland and Residence Inn Cleveland Downtown on Prospect Avenue East have kitchens, which most downtown hotels on this page do not list.