Stays in Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland has indoor access to Tower City Center and its station, and Hotel Cleveland Autograph Collection and Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower face Public Square. Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade, Kimpton Schofield Hotel, Fidelity Hotel, Metropolitan at The 9, ROOST Cleveland, The Westin Cleveland Downtown and the Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square fill out the center, as do Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn, Aloft, Comfort Inn and Hotel Indigo. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, rated 9.0 on more than 2,000 reviews, is the most reviewed of the 27. For the hospital, I would book University Circle: InterContinental Cleveland, InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland and Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic sit by the Cleveland Clinic, and Courtyard and Residence Inn University Circle serve the same district, near its two Red Line stations. The Glidden House, a 1910 mansion on the Case Western Reserve campus, is a walk from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tru by Hilton Cleveland Midtown sits between the two bases. West of the Cuyahoga River, Stone Gables Inn on Franklin Boulevard is a small inn under 2 miles from Progressive Field. La Quinta Inn & Suites Cleveland Airport North, off exit 240 of I-71, is for an early flight only, with nothing worth seeing on foot. In winter, the National Weather Service in Cleveland places the heaviest lake-effect snow east of the city, over eastern Cuyahoga, Geauga and the higher ground inland, so a base on the train line suits December.
For a first visit, stay downtown between Public Square and Playhouse Square, which stages more than 1,000 events a year and is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside New York. If the trip is about the Cleveland Clinic, the museums or Case Western Reserve University, sleep in University Circle instead, a few miles east. HealthLine buses join the two bases in their own lanes along Euclid Avenue, through Midtown, so whichever you choose, the other is a bus ride away rather than a drive.
You can skip the rental car. The RTA Red Line leaves from Airport station, on the lower level of the Cleveland Hopkins terminal, reached by escalators or elevators near the middle of the ticketing and baggage claim levels. It reaches Tower City, the downtown stop of the airport train, in under 30 minutes; the station lies beneath Tower City Center, on the corner of Public Square. The same train continues without a change to Cedar-University and Little Italy-University Circle before ending at Windermere. Trains run roughly from 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. every day; land later and it is a taxi.
Cleveland in numbers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection
Cleveland
128 reviews
Five-star comfort four minutes from both stadiums
Check availabilityWhy guests love itMetropolitan at The 9 sits on East 9th Street, a four-minute walk from both Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, so a Guardians afternoon and a Cavaliers evening with the children need no car at all. The on-site restaurant keeps dinner simple between games, the fitness centre suits parents, and rooms have flat-screen cable TV. Pets are allowed, which helps families traveling with the dog, and valet parking takes care of the car.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to expect
- Gateway District, just south of Public Square: Progressive Field (Guardians) and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cavaliers) side by side
- North Coast Harbor on the Lake Erie shore: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Ohio City, across the Cuyahoga: the West Side Market hall
Local tips
- Plan the West Side Market for a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or a Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.): the market hall is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- On a show night, the Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square puts you on the theater block itself, with no drive and no train to catch after the curtain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cleveland Museum of Art free?
Yes for general admission: you walk into the permanent collection without paying. The free tours still need a ticket, reserved in advance or picked up on site, and some special exhibitions require a paid ticket, so check those before planning a whole day around one.
Where should I stay for a Guardians or Cavaliers game?
Downtown. The ballpark and the arena share the Gateway District, a short walk south of Public Square, so a hotel around the square or at Tower City lets you walk to the game and back and skip event-night parking altogether.