Exploring Ohio and not sure where to stay in Cleveland? The second largest city in the state is packed with cultural, historical, and sporting attractions, and where you make your base will depend on your itinerary.
Whether you’re heading to C-Town for some R&R on the shores of Lake Erie or to watch a basketball or football game, the city is home to some lovely neighborhoods with a range of hotels to suit all budgets and styles.
Downtown Cleveland is the beating heart of the city, boasting famous attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center, and many of the best hotels in Cleveland. Westlake is a great area for budget travelers, while University Circle has plenty of parks for families to hang out. Party people usually make their base in Ohio City for the fantastic nightlife.
Need some help picking where to rest your head in Ohio’s second-largest city? Plan your vacation with this comprehensive guide to all the best places to stay in Cleveland, featuring the top areas & neighborhoods and a variety of accommodation choices to suit your needs.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Ohio Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Cleveland, OH
The lakeside city of Cleveland has several distinct areas & neighborhoods, each with its own character, atmosphere, and array of attractions. This should make it easier for you to decide where to make your base for your C-Town adventure.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Cleveland, Downtown is your best bet. This neighborhood is the beating heart of the city, with plenty of famous attractions, great restaurants, and an excellent choice of accommodations. A reliable transport system with links to other areas of the city makes it easy for you to get around.
Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s vibrant theater district in the downtown area and home to several outstanding performing arts centers and playhouses. This neighborhood is a great locale if you’re in town for dinner and a show.
If you’re looking for beaches, breweries, and bangin’ tunes all night long, then make Ohio City the base for your vacation. As it’s located just over the Cuyahoga River from Downtown, Ohio City is also a good option for sticking close to the top points of interest without paying city center prices.
University Circle is the top place around town for families. Close to Downtown, the neighborhood has beautiful green spaces, great museums, and a young, relaxed vibe.
For less hustle and bustle and budget-friendly accommodation, Westlake is a lovely choice. Just 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland, the laid-back neighborhood has tranquil parks, casual eateries, and one of the most popular private golf courses in Northern Ohio.
The best areas to stay in Cleveland, OH, are:
Downtown
✓ Best area to stay in Cleveland for first-time visitors
Downtown Cleveland is where all the action is, from top attractions and trendy restaurants to stylish bars and clubs and a variety of accommodation options. Striking architecture abounds from the Gothic-style Trinity Cathedral to the Art Deco Terminal Tower, and the iconic I.M. Pei-designed Rock Hall is nothing less than breathtaking.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tops the list of the most popular places to visit in Cleveland and simply cannot be missed if you are a music lover! Spend a few hours in the world of rock, celebrating your favorite artists.
Also located in the city center, The Warehouse District has some fantastic shops, restaurants, and cafés and a cool, trendy vibe. Enjoy spectacular views over the entire city from the Terminal Tower Observation Deck.
There are plenty of lovely green spaces around Downtown Cleveland to kick back and relax. There is always something happening at Public Square, from picnicking in the summer to ice skating in the winter. Watch boats glide by on the Cuyahoga River at Heritage Park and soak up some gorgeous city skyline views.
As it’s the heart of the city, Downtown is home to many of the best Cleveland hotels. Expect to pay higher prices when staying in this central part of the city.
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown, an IHG Hotel
A short walk from the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse arena, Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown, an IHG Hotel is a good choice if you’re in town to catch a game. Relaxed rooms come with minifridges and wet bars, and you can upgrade to a suite with a separate living area for more space. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s trendy eatery before heading out.
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
Set in a beautifully restored building, the elegant Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown is perfectly located for exploring the city’s top attractions. A short walk will take you to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and FirstEnergy Stadium. Warmly decorated rooms have all the mod-cons, and you can enjoy top-notch facilities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24/7 gym.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
Exuding understated elegance, the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade offers a luxurious retreat. Set inside the historic Victorian-era Arcade shopping center, the hotel has beautifully appointed rooms with contemporary décor and vaulted ceilings. Pamper yourself in the full-service spa and relax over drinks in the stylish cocktail lounge. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a short stroll away.
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
Modern and bright, The Westin Cleveland Downtown is a good option if you’re in town for a conference. Just two blocks from the Cleveland Convention Center, the hotel features upscale rooms and suites with standard amenities and free Wi-Fi.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Synonymous with luxury, the Ritz-Carlton certainly delivers. Plush rooms have marble bathrooms, iPod docks, and spectacular views. Book a Club-level room to get free access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast, food, snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated concierge. Relax in the beautifully appointed lounge and dine in style at the hotel’s high-end restaurant.
Playhouse Square
✓ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Cleveland for arts & culture
Playhouse Square is the theatrical center of the city. Situated in downtown Cleveland, it is the second-largest performing arts center in the country after New York City. Home to beautifully restored Art Deco-style theaters, historic playhouses, vast marquees, and bustling restaurants, Playhouse Square buzzes with energy 24/7.
Established in the 1920s, the district fell into disrepair and was lovingly brought back to life years later. Today, Playhouse Square is vibrant and lively, with more than 1,000 events hosted each year. It’s not just theater shows you can enjoy – a variety of performing art events are held, from comedy shows and concerts to dancing and children’s shows.
An array of casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, and laid-back bars are usually packed with pre- and post-show crowds, and the spectacular GE Chandelier above East 14th Street is the glistening cherry on the top of the cake.
There’s only a handful of accommodation options around Playhouse Square, including hotels and apartment rentals. Expect prices to be mostly in the mid-range and above.
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an IHG Hotel
Set on a lovely tree-lined street just a short walk from Playhouse Square, Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an IHG Hotel offers a casual and comfortable base while you enjoy the theater district. Modern rooms have standard amenities and free Wi-Fi, and a sauna, hot tub, and indoor pool promise the ultimate relaxation.
FRONTDESK Athlon Apts Downtown Cleveland
Ideal for self-catering, FRONTDESK Athlon Apts Downtown Cleveland offers fully equipped and service apartments in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. The apartments are comfortable and convenient, offer free Wi-Fi, and have a comfy home-away-from-home feel.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian building, the Kimpton Schofield Hotel, an IHG Hotel oozes grace and charm. Rest your head on designer Italian linens in your retro-chic room and enjoy in-room spa services. Dine at the hotel’s industrial-chic restaurant or grab a loaner bike and head out to explore. The hotel is less than a mile from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a short walk from Playhouse Square.
Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection
Elegant and sophisticated, the Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection is a luxurious retreat. Set in a meticulously converted 1906 building, gorgeous rooms have designer décor and fireplaces. Enjoy butler service in Club rooms and walk Fido in an indoor dog park. Sip cocktails in the rooftop lounge against stunning views.
Ohio City
✓ Top place to stay in Cleveland for nightlife
Bohemian and trendy, Ohio City is where the cool kids go. One of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods, it’s now one of its hippest too. Filled with elegant old buildings housing eclectic shops, chic boutiques, swanky restaurants, and buzzing nightclubs, Ohio City is the go-to spot for nightlife in the city.
It’s not all about dancing the night away, though, and you’ll find plenty to do around Ohio City during the day. Spend the day soaking up some sun at Edgewater Beach. Admire some incredible art at the Glass Bubble Project or Spaces Gallery. Head into Hingetown to check out some amazing street art.
Explore the beautiful but ambiguously creepy Franklin Castle and shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the West Side Market. Check out some of the local craft breweries or take a beer tour of Ohio City with the Cleveland Brew Bus.
Most of the lodgings around Ohio City are AirBnb-style vacation rentals, houses, and apartments. Prices here tend to be cheaper than properties closer to the city center.
Stone Gables Inn
Set in a beautifully restored 1883 home, Stone Gables Inn is a charming old-world B&B with comfortable individually styled rooms. Sleep in a canopied bed, relax in your in-room whirlpool tub, chill out on the front porch, and take in lovely city views. A cozy lounge with a fireplace is perfect for snuggling up with a book on a chilly night.
Zen Retreat
Relax in the comfort of your own apartment just a few miles from Edgewater Park Beach. Zen Retreat is an ideal self-catering option with three air-conditioned bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available, and there’s an in-house restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking.
Apple Street Apartment
Perfectly located in the heart of Ohio City, Apple Street Apartment is a one-bedroomed apartment with all the mod-cons for a hassle-free stay. A fully equipped kitchen comes with a dishwasher and washing machine and you can enjoy cycling nearby. The apartment is within a few miles from all the major stadiums like Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
University Circle
✓ Top-rated neighborhood in Cleveland for families
If you’re traveling with family, then University Circle is one of the most popular places to stay in Cleveland. Situated about four miles from Downtown, the peaceful leafy neighborhood is home to lovely parks, excellent museums, and family-friendly restaurants.
This laid-back student-centric district has loads of fantastic museums to explore. If you’re an art-lover, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland or the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a winner, and the Dittrick Medical History Center is a must for budding doctors.
Wander around Cleveland Botanical Garden with the kids, where you’ll find a special Children’s Garden and a beautiful glass conservatory. Catch a show at the Maltz Performing Arts Center or watch the Cleveland Orchestra in action at the Severance Hall.
The accommodation scene around University Circle includes mostly mid-range chain hotels. As it’s outside of the heavy city center traffic, it’s a great spot to launch into some of the most popular Cleveland day trips.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center
The Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center is an informal all-suite hotel surrounded by clinics and hospitals. Modern studios are spacious and bright, with kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. You can relax at a casual lobby bar or on a patio with a fire pit and stay fit in an indoor pool and a 24-hour gym.
The Glidden House
Set in an exquisite 1910 mansion, The Glidden House is elegant and refined. Polished rooms have plush décor, and vintage-inspired suites have living rooms and kitchenettes. Tuck into a European-style breakfast in the sunroom every morning. Dine on Northern Italian fare in the high-end restaurant set in a beautiful carriage house.
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland, an IHG Hotel
Modern and stylish, the InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland, an IHG Hotel has elegantly decorated suites with standard amenities and free Wi-Fi. Make use of a free shuttle service to the University Circle museums and a short walk will take you to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy drinks at the C2 Bar and Lounge.
InterContinental Cleveland, an IHG Hotel
Located on Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Campus, the InterContinental Cleveland, an IHG Hotel is a good option if you’re in town for a medical procedure. Spacious rooms have minibars and iPod docking stations and you can stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Dine at the North Coast Café or Table 45 and unwind in the on-site sauna.
Westlake
✓ Recommend area for budget travelers
A quiet neighborhood 12 miles west of Cleveland’s Downtown, Westlake is a great area to stay if you are traveling on a budget. There are good transport links to the rest of the city, and with lovely parks and green spaces with views of Lake Erie, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful, relaxed vacation.
Westlake’s beautiful landscapes offer loads of fun outdoor activities. Head to Huntington Beach for swimming and spectacular sunrises, or go fishing in the Bradley Woods Reservation. Take the kids to Swings-N-Things Fun Park for bumper boating, mini-golf, and batting practice. Tee off for a game at the North Olmsted Golf Club.
If you’re in the mood for arts and culture, visit the Oldest Stone House Museum and the ARTneo Museum of Northeast Ohio Art.
As Westlake lies outside of the city center, it’s also a great spot to launch into some of the most popular Cleveland day trips.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland/Westlake, an IHG Hotel
You can’t go wrong with Holiday Inn for simplicity, informality, and convenience. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland/Westlake, an IHG Hotel offers brightly decorated rooms with standard amenities. Book a suite if you want a kitchenette and living area, and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Complimentary perks include a hot breakfast buffet. Kids under 12 stay free!
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Westlake
This hotel is a great option if you want to shop and hit the beach. The Hampton Inn Cleveland-Westlake is just a short walk from the Crocker Park Shopping Center and a few miles from Huntington Beach. Basic rooms have custom-designed beds and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, and weekday breakfast bags to go are available on order.
Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park
Situated next to the Crocker Park Shopping Center, Hyatt Place Cleveland/Westlake/Crocker Park has modern rooms with basic amenities. Sitting areas with pull-out sofas are ideal for extra guests, and free Wi-Fi is available around the hotel. Enjoy facilities like an indoor swimming pool and a fitness room, and stock up on snacks at a mini-mart.
