Cleveland Hotel: Downtown vs. University Circle
 

I'm going to be in Cleveland for a quick overnight stay for an event at the Cleveland Institute of Music. I gather it is on the campus of Case Western.

I'm consideringing staying at either the Ritz Carlton in downtown or the Intercontinental, which is closer to the venue.

It will be much easier to get to the RC from the airport. If I stay at the Intercontinental, I'll have to cab it both ways.

I also get the feeling that given its proximity to the Cleveland Clinic, the Intercontinental may have a very "medical" feel to it.

I'm trying to decide which makes more sense. Both are a cab ride to the venue although one will be a lot closer than the other. My only concern is getting a cab back to downtown.

I tend to prefer a luxury property. Any advice would be much appreciated.

The Intercontinental itself does not have a medical feel. It is in the middle of the Clinic campus so you will see many DR's, medical staff and patients walking around outside.

If it is nice out and you are a healthy person you could walk to CIM from the Intercontinental. (I would only do this during the day.)

The Ritz will be easier to get to and from the airport. You could take the rapid transit (subway/light rail)directly. There is now a good bus line on Euclid Ave. (The med line) Which runs from public square to University Circle where CIM is located. I would take this during the day.

You are right to worry about getting a cab back. Cabs can be difficult to get in Cleveland. I would ask someone a CIM to help with the cab back to the hotel.

A nicer place on the Case Western campus is the Glidden House. More homey and European feeling than the Intercon. Otherwise, I'd choose the Ritz Carlton, so you can walk to things and have the ease of public transit.

I tried Glidden House. They were booked solid.

The Intercontinental is removed form downtown and there isn't anything around except Cleveland Clinic. It's also a pain to get a cab at the Intercontinental because the hotel really pushes the use of the limo drivers who hang out at the entrance and there is no regular cab line there.

Downtown is a much better choice IMHO

ITA with Emily. We've used the Cleveland Clinic and stayed at the Intercontinental. It was great for that purpose but wouldn't stay there otherwise. It definitely has the medical feel to it. Lots to do in downtown. There's also a Marriott that is very nice. Easy to get to the East Side.

Thanks everyone! I've decided to stay at The Ritz Carlton.