Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Stay in Cleveland
Cleveland works well for families when the hotel gives you space and a place to burn off energy, and the listings here are chosen on those terms. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown both pair an indoor pool with a hot tub, and Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square has an indoor pool of its own. Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Downtown and its University Circle sibling offer full kitchens or kitchenettes for longer stays, and InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland runs a free shuttle to the University Circle museums. Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown adds family rooms, free parking and a daily buffet breakfast. I compare them by space, pool and location.
Cleveland is a lakefront city where family sights such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sit downtown and the museums gather in University Circle.
Where to stay
Pools, suites and kitchens for Cleveland families
A family hotel in Cleveland needs to solve three practical problems: where everyone sleeps, where the children can swim, and how to reach the sights without a long drive. Downtown puts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the arenas close, while University Circle puts the museums close. I pick hotels from the listings that have a pool, a kitchen or suite layout, and I note what each one is near, so you can match the stay to your plans.
A pool is the first thing most families ask about, and downtown Cleveland has several good answers. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, on East Sixth Street two blocks from the Cleveland Convention Center, has an indoor pool and a hot tub, and its guests rate it 9.0 across more than two thousand reviews. Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown, on Carnegie Avenue, combines a saltwater indoor pool with a hot tub, and its family rooms have air conditioning and a work desk. Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square offers an indoor pool too, with Brel's at Playhouse Square on site for dinner.
Space matters on a longer trip, and the Residence Inn properties are built for it. Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Downtown, on Prospect Avenue East, has full-kitchen suites and sits a five-minute walk from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center, on East 101st Street, has family rooms with kitchenettes, an indoor pool and garage parking. InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland, on Euclid Avenue, is an all-suite hotel with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker in every room. I would choose one of these when meals in the room will save time and effort.
Location decides how much driving a family does. Hilton Cleveland Downtown is about an eight-minute walk from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and roughly 400 metres from FirstEnergy Stadium. Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown, on Euclid Avenue, offers family rooms, free private parking, a fitness centre, an outdoor terrace with a fireplace and a daily buffet breakfast, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History a few kilometres away. InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland provides a free shuttle to the University Circle museums, which helps families who prefer not to drive.
Ratings and reviews help narrow the list. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown scores 9.0 from 2,206 reviews, Hilton Cleveland Downtown 9.0 from 720, and Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown 8.0 from 921. Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown is lower at 7.6 from 466, though it is one of the few downtown hotels that combines a pool and a hot tub. Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center scores 8.6 from 484. I treat the scores as one input only: a family that wants a kitchen may reasonably prefer a Residence Inn over a higher-rated hotel without one.
A traveler's perspectiveFor a family trip built around downtown, I would pick Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown for its indoor pool, hot tub and microwave and refrigerator in the room, with the Cleveland Convention Center two blocks away. If the plan is mostly museums in University Circle, I would choose Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center for its kitchenettes and indoor pool. Whichever area you pick, I recommend deciding where the museums and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame fit in your days before you book.
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.
The Glidden House
Cleveland
585 reviews
A gothic 1900s inn on the university campus
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe Glidden House occupies a gothic 1900s building on the Case Western Reserve University campus, which makes it a natural base for families visiting a student or touring the university. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a short walk away, an easy outing with children. Complimentary breakfast keeps mornings simple, and rooms come with a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a coffee machine and free WiFi for quieter evenings.
Stone Gables Inn
Cleveland
150 reviews
A historic Ohio City inn with free parking and a garden
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFree private parking is a real advantage at Stone Gables Inn, since many downtown Cleveland hotels charge for valet. The historic building on Franklin Boulevard in Ohio City has a garden and a sun terrace where children can get some air, and rooms come with air conditioning and streaming for quiet evenings. Check-in and check-out are private, so arrival is calm. I would pick it for families who prefer a residential street to a big lobby.
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.
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.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center
Cleveland
484 reviews
Kitchenette suites with an indoor pool near the Clinic
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamily rooms with kitchenettes make this Residence Inn on East 101st Street a practical base for families on a longer stay linked to the Cleveland Clinic, or for several days among University Circle's museums. The indoor pool gives children something to look forward to whatever the weather, and some rooms have a city view. Pets are allowed, and garage parking is available. Downtown's stadium district is a drive away, so I would book it specifically for University Circle.
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.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
Cleveland
667 reviews
A Victorian arcade address with a spa and pet baskets
Check availabilityWhy guests love itThe Arcade itself is the attraction for families: the hotel occupies a Victorian shopping arcade on Superior Avenue East, and children usually enjoy the glass roof, balconies and wood-paneled rooms with vaulted ceilings. Pets are welcome, with bowls and a basket provided, so the family dog can come along. Valet parking simplifies arrival with luggage. FirstEnergy Stadium is about four minutes by car, handy for a Browns game with older kids.
Courtyard Cleveland University Circle
Cleveland
112 reviews
Newly renovated and under a mile from the Clinic
Check availabilityWhy guests love itCourtyard Cleveland University Circle is mainly useful to families with a medical reason to be in town: it sits on Cornell Road, less than a mile from both the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. After a day of appointments, the Bistro restaurant on site keeps dinner close, and rooms have a refrigerator and in-room coffee for a multi-day stay. The recent renovation shows in fresher rooms, and valet parking takes care of the car.
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.
Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic by IHG
Cleveland
674 reviews
In-room dining and a bar right by the Clinic
Check availabilityWhy guests love itMost guests here are visiting the nearby Cleveland Clinic, and the setup suits a family on a medical trip. Rooms have a refrigerator and an in-room safe, and in-room dining means a meal can arrive after a long day of appointments. Parking is valet only on Euclid Avenue, which keeps arrival with luggage simple. The bar and lounge give adults a quiet place to regroup, and 674 reviews average 8.3.
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.
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.
Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown
Cleveland
921 reviews
Free parking and a fireside terrace on Euclid Avenue
Check availabilityWhy guests love itFamily rooms and a daily buffet breakfast make mornings simple, and free private parking on site keeps arrival easy with luggage and children. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are each a few kilometres away, both easy outings for a family day. The outdoor terrace with a fireplace is a pleasant spot on cool evenings. A score of 8.0 from 921 reviews shows steady satisfaction.
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.
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.
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG
Cleveland
122 reviews
All-suite rooms with a free museum shuttle on the Clinic campus
Check availabilityWhy guests love itInterContinental Suites Cleveland is a considerate choice for families accompanying a relative to the Cleveland Clinic, as it sits on the campus itself on Euclid Avenue. Every room is a suite with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker, which helps with long days and irregular meals. On lighter days, the free shuttle to University Circle reaches the Cleveland Museum of Art and other museums, a welcome break for children. Valet parking is the only option, so budget for it.
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.
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
- 1Decide between downtown and University Circle first, since the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the museums sit in different parts of the city.
- 2Choose Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown or Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown if an indoor pool and a hot tub matter most.
- 3Pick a Residence Inn or InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland when a kitchen, kitchenette or suite layout will make mealtimes easier.
- 4Look at Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown if you want family rooms, free private parking and a daily buffet breakfast.
- 5Use the free shuttle from InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland to reach the University Circle museums without driving.
- 6Ask about parking before you arrive: several downtown hotels offer valet parking, while Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown lists free private parking.