Cleveland advice
 

Hi everyone,
We're thinking of taking a driving trip to Cleveland, mid-July, and I need some hotel, etc. advice.

We'll likely go to the ballgame on Friday night and the Rock and Roll Museum on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Otherwise, our time is open.

Re hotels, we don't need anything fancy, just clean, safe and central. I can't remember where we stayed last time we were there (long ago) but the two that come up on expedia in my star-range and price range (thought I'd be happier to spend less) are Cleveland Intercontinental Suites ($153), Intercontinental Cleveland ($189). I haven't check the price yet but there's a recent very good thread that recommends the Radisson. We're also fine with anything like Embassy Suites, Doubletree, etc. Any suggestions? A good location (shops, restaurants, stuff) is really important to us.

We'll have a car but do like to walk. I'd be happy to have your suggestions re restaurants, too. Casual is a must since we're traveling in a teeny car and don't have room for lots of luggage so clothes choices will be at a minimum.

Thanks

I am no expert, but if I ever get to Cleveland, I plan to dine at Lola.

That looks amazing, Janet. If I can think of a way to take something dressy to wear, it's a possibility. The problem is that we're driving in a sportscar and there's almost no room in the trunk. We're limited to one carry-on size bag -- for the two of us!

We had a great time in Cleveland. TR here. Concur about Lola - it was closed when we were there. Loved the Mexican restaurant I mention in the TR

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Hi goddesstogo,

While there's more rock star paraphernalia there than generally interests me, I quite enjoyed the section called "precursors to rock" most at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and felt I left quite educated. Coming from Toronto, downtown Cleveland may seem rather eerily quiet and undeveloped, but some of the architecture there (e.g., Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Old Stone Church, Fountain of Eternal Life, the Arcade) is lovely and under-appreciated.

Another highlight for me was the James A. Garfield mausoleum in the lovely green Lakewood Cemetery with the views of Lake Erie and the downtown skyline in the distance. Nearby to Lakewood Cemetery are the University Circle and Little Italy neighborhoods. In this area, I thought the Case Western campus quite attractive and the Cleveland Museum of Art actually stellar (not to mention it's free). The Botanical Gardens nearby the museum are a pleasant enough way to spend an afternoon. Little Italy or nearby Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights are a pleasant setting for a meal while you're in the area.

The Ohio City area is also worth checking out for the West Side Market and lovely nearby homes. The John Heisman (of the American football Heisman trophy) birth home is in a pleasant area of Ohio City within easy walking distance of the West Side Market.

You'll have a car, so this may not interest you, but I got around on transit exclusively while there, taking the "Health Line" from Downtown to the University Circle area and the Red Line to Ohio City.

Have a good time. Cleveland doesn't get the best press, but does have a surprising amount to offer. Best wishes, D. Williams

Thanks so much, everyone -- this is exactly what I was looking for!

Comfort Inn might just fit the bill. Is the neighbourhood fairly interesting?

We've been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before -- spent a whole day there and still didn't see the whole thing!

We're very likely to leave the car in the hotel parking lot and just take public transportation and/or cabs wherever we're going.

Any more hotel advice? More restaurants? I seem to remember a nice row of restaurants somewhere.

We walked from the Comfort Inn to the Hall of Fame.....the neighbourhood was mainly a business district (think Spadina/Front area without the Dome and Entertainment District). On/Off highway was easy as was parking.

The breakfast place that I chose in Cleveland was the Big Egg on Detroit. The breakfast was quite good. There was off street parking behind the restaurant.

We have had nice stays at the Marriott, the Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the Renaissance. The last one is old, and some of the rooms can be tiny, but it is quite elegant and impressive. All of these are within walking distance of Progressive Field, Quicken Arena, the R&R Hall of Fame, Playhouse Square, the Horseshoe Casino, and a number of good to excellent restaurants, including Lola on E. 4th St, and several near W. 6th St in the Warehouse District.

Other good restaurants are located in or near Ohio City, which has a great beer scene as well, the Tremont neighborhood, where Lola was originally and its sister Lolita is now, and in Little Italy, around Murray Hill and Mayfield Rd on the east side.

For restaurants, we loved Fahrenheit in Lincoln Park area, other side of town but well worth the trip, area seems to be regenerating.

We also liked Fire Food and Drink in Shaker Heights.

At the Comfort Inn, you're very near Playhouse Square area that has some shows. You'll be very close to the reasonably frequent Health Line that plies between downtown and University Circle. You might feel there like you're in a bit of a no-man's land, especially as you proceed westwards. You're about 1 km east from what I'd consider more the "heart" of downtown, the Tower City Terminal area. I think the Comfort Inn would be ok, but just so you know what you're in for.

I actually stayed about 8-10 blocks further to the west of the Comfort Inn at the Brownstone Inn, a lovely Victorian B&B filled with beautiful antiques. While I had a great time for a remarkably good price, I was further into the "no man's land". I think I'd probably pick to stay in Ohio City if I were to return.

Here's a look at someone's favorite goings-on in Cleveland during the summer, with lots more links:
https://www.law.csuohio.edu/meetcmla...ampaign=buffer

Make sure to get reservations to Lola as soon as you know your dates.

It can be a fun evening to see the Cleveland Symphony playing outside at Blossom.

http://www.cleveland.com/musicdance/...2014_blos.html

Our stays in Cleveland were at the Renaissance.

Go into Painesville or Fairport Harbor or Mentor for a beach day! Small town feel, some good mom and pop food around there.

We live 30 miles from Cleveland so we have never stayed at a hotel there but I would suggest one of the downtown hotels most all of which have good reviews: Marriott, the Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Renaissance, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn. All within walking distance to the Game and R&R. The Horseshoe Casino is new to Cleveland and a good place to walk thru and have a casual lunch. I would not count on public transportation, driving in Cleveland is not bad. Blossom is beautiful and a great evening but it would be about a 20-25 minute drive. A nice day out on the Lake can be had on The Goodtime which you can board on 9th street, I will get more info on that for you.

Here is the link for The Goodtime: http://goodtimeiii.com/site/ We love seeing Cleveland from the water while sipping a glass of wine on the upper deck!

This is so great! Thanks, everyone.

Okee dokee! We've now got baseball tix and reservations at the Marriott Downtown at Key Centre!

I've downloaded all your info but if there's anything else you can think of to tell me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again.
gtg

AND we have reservations for dinner at Lola on Saturday night!
Woo hoo!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!!! I want a full report.