There sure isn't much talk about Cleveland and I have some old posts to kind of get an idea. Hopefully I can change all that when I get back! I know someone else is going to Cleveland next weekend and I can't wait for they're trip report!

One hotel I'm considering downtown is the Hilton Garden Inn, found a good rate there. I heard this hotel is near the baseball park?? Anything else nearby?? I've been considering priceline, alot of people get the Hyatt Regency for peanuts. I see most hotel's charge $14-$20 for parking! I'm also considering flying from Baltimore, it's only $39 one way. Is the train from airport close to most hotels??

Some of the things that really interest me are Rock/Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Ctr, MetroPark Zoo & Rainforest, Healthspace Cleveland, USS Cod Submarine, maybe the Great Lakes Brewery, Cleveland Botanical Garden + any other suggestions. I know I may not get all of these things but these are what look interesting to me.

What is the best beach on Lake Erie to go relax and sink your toes into some nice sand? I've never been to any of the great lakes before. Is the lake fresh water?? ((&))

I might consider the Lolly the Trolly tours, has anyone taken it? I dunno if $15 would be worth the 2 hour tour or not.

I'm going Aug 25, staying for 3, maybe 4 days depending if I fly or drive. Does anyone know if there is any festivals happening the last weekend in August?

Thanks, I'm hoping to bring out the Cleveland Fodorites!

I've spent lots of time in Cleveland, but don't know a lot about the hotel quality because I stay with friends.

Downtown Cleveland is pretty compact and it's only a few minutes walk between any two places. The Hilton Garden Inn is about 2 blocks from Jacobs Field. Most of the other big hotels (Renaissance, Marriott, Hyatt, etc.) are also only a few minutes walk from the Field.

From the Airport, you can take the red line train for $1.50. It leaves every 15 minutes and takes about 30 mins to get downtown to the Tower City Station. Most hotels are a couple blocks except the Renaissance which is connected. Check <ridetra.com>.

The R&R Hall of Fame and USS Cod are on the north edge of downtown and also a short walk from most of the hotels.

The largest cluster of restaurants is around W 9th and St Clair near the NE corner of Public Square and many have outdoor seating during the summer.

I can't recommend any beaches but all five Great Lakes are fresh water.

My husband and I just spend the weekend in Cleveland a couple weeks ago. We mainly went to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which we really enjoyed), and decided to make a weekend out of it.

We got a rate at the Renaissance right downtown at Public Square of $111 (AAA weekend rate; pay in full ahead), plus $20/day valet parking. I would really recommend the Renaissance and it was also a great location. You can walk to so many things right from the hotel. The Warehouse District, where most of the cool downtown restaurants are, is right around the corner, and the hotel is connected to the Tower Center which has a train station right there. It would also be within easy walking distance to the baseball field. (We were bummed that there wasn't a home game while we were there!)

Things we did during the day that I would recommend:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Lolly Trolley Tour - definitely worth the 2-hour tour; gives a great overview of the city
Botanical Gardens
(The Art Museum is essentially closed for major renovations)

We also enjoyed a show at the House of Blues; it's only a couple blocks from the Renaissance. If you eat dinner there, you get to "pass the line" (for general admission) and are allowed in first to get a spot ... very limited general admission seating for popular shows. For some shows they may have more tables available. However, the food there was medicore there at best, so I wouldn't recommend eating there unless you want to do the "pass the line" thing (which may be worth it for some shows).

We also really enjoyed going to Fat Cat Blue right downtown. Good food and they had a great blues band from Texas playing. They also have an awesome Sunday jazz brunch (order off the menu; not a buffet).

If you like jazz, check out who's playing at Nighttown ... although you would have to drive to the Cleveland Heights area, but I hear it's a nice club and also serves dinners. (We were going to go there, but went to see the band at Fat Cat Blue instead since it was only a block from the hotel.)

There's also a comedy club, Improv, in the Flats (right near downtown) and another one right by House of Blues (Pickwick ...).

We had a great dinner at the Metropolitan Cafe. Really fun, trendy atmosphere (lots of windows) with outdoor seating as well. (It's in the Warehouse District right downtown.) We also had a good dinner at the Cleveland Chop House ... more of a traditional steakhouse atmosphere.

I really thought there was lots to do in Cleveland for a long weekend get-a-way. Have fun!

Hi bluestructure
The Science center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and USS Cod are all within close proximity. The restaurant, "Hornblower" is a barge on the water and directly next to the USS Cod. We have had good meals there. You can sit upstairs on the open deck or inside in air conditioning.
I would suggest one day taking the Goodtime 11 (or is it 111?)(your hotel will know)for a day to the islands. It leaves around 6am and makes stops at Kelly's Island and Put-in-Bay. Returns sometime after dinner. These islands are such fun and I'm sure you will enjoy them!

The Hilton is very close to Jacobs field, but it will be a very long haul to just about anything else, including the train. The Renaissance, Ritz, or Hyatt are much closer to the train. Are you not renting a car at all? A lot of the things on your list really aren't accessible by convenient public transportation (the zoo, the beach).

As far as beaches, the closest to the city is Edgewater Park (I'm pretty sure), but Mentor Headlands is also a very good beach and park and is about a 1/2 hour drive away.

Merry:
Thanks! I'm pretty sure I'll drive from Baltimore (5-5.5 hrs )

Why rent a car when I have topless jeep? I'll just close my eyes at the gas pump!

I'll look into those other hotels and try my luck at priceline. I found a site with all the parking lots in the downtown area and they have cheap all day parking ($2-$5), does anyone know if they are 24 hr lots?

I saw the website to Headlands SP and that looks pretty cool and 30 min is close!

Cher: Thanks for the info, I'll certainly book the Lolly the Trolley tour!

cd: Thanks! Lots of great reviews on the Hornblower, will check it!

DH and I visited Ohio at the beginning of June. We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn in Cleveland. The hotel is almost directly across from Jacob's Field. We discovered (the hard way) that when there is a baseball game, the hotel parking lot is full. We could not find a spot on two different occasions. It was very frustrating. Also, we had a hard time finding a restaurant close to the hotel (other than the one inside the hotel). The hotel itself, though, is great.

Also, the Cleveland Science Center has an exhibit called "Body World" that is really good.

For a good beach, check out Put-in-Bay. There is a lot to do. You can tour the winery and see the world's largest geode. You can also see Perry's Monument. There are a lot of bars and plenty of other neat things to see.

Have Fun

You may be stuck with the hotel parking ... we also found cheap all day lots, but not ones that we could leave our car 24 hours.

Thanks for the heads up cher! I figure they weren't 24 hr lots. I have a few packages with the Cleveland Visitor Bureau. I found the Hilton Garden Inn for $90 a night w/ free parking. Has anyone stayed in University Circle at the Intercontintal? I found that for $119 w/ free valet + Breakfast for 2 @ North Coast cafe but how accessible is that to Downtown?

Kudo: How would you rate the walking from the Hilton to Tower city and other areas? I don't mind a few avg city blocks, I'm a fit 27 yr old. Plus there is NO baseball games that weekend, I checked so the parking lot should be OK.

Well I just booked the Hilton across from Jacobs field for $268 for Aug 25-28. That solves that problem and Tower City is only .5 miles away per google map, Rock Hall is 1 mile so that's pretty good I guess, 15 min walk. There is a NFL game on Aug 26 so hopefully that won't affect the parking near my hotel. Heck, I might even go!

Keep the suggestions coming! I know there are more Cleveland lovers out there! Can anyone give any comments on Headland's Beach SP??

Put in Bay beach is nowhere near downtown Cleveland. You'd have to drive over an hour to Sandusky, then take a speed boat from Sandusky to Put In Bay.

gotribe: thanks, I did look that up so that's why I was looking at Headland's SP!

The rate you got at the Hilton seems high to me. I just checked your dates at the Renaissance and found $139/nt. I have not stayed at the Renaissance but it appears to be a much nicer hotel than the Hilton and in a better location, right at Tower City.

The Renaissance also was offering several packages: with 2 tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame $165/nt; add tickets to Body Worlds $199.

Enjoyed our recent weekend in Baltimore--went to see the Indians. If you could come to Cleveland a few days earlier, you could see the Orioles play. No problem getting tickets for the game this year; you can buy them right at the box office before the game.
Enjoy your Cleveland visit.

Thanks Linda! The $268 is the total for 3 nights including taxes and parking. The catch was I had to pay for it all now but there is a $25 cancel fee. I thought that was the best deal so I took it. It only had + reviews on tripadvisor. I tried for the Renaissance as well as the Hyatt but saw it was over $100 a night. I don't really mind the walking. I saw the O's will be in town but unfortunately the 25th is the earliest I could leave. Did you drive to Baltimore? If so, was it about 5-6 hours?

bluestructure,

I like Headland's Beach. It may be a longer drive than 30 minutes, but if you're looking to spend some time by the water, I think it's pretty nice.

From your initial list, places I wouldn't miss are:

- the Rock/Roll Hall

- the Great Lakes Brewery. Some of the best beer ever. Nearby is the West Side Market which is a fun place to visit. Also, if you go on a Saturday, there's the Open Air Market very close to the Brewery and West Side Market.

- Cleveland Botanical Garden and nearby Little Italy. There's a nice glass gallery in the Schoolhouse on Murray Hill Rd in Little Italy and some great eats: Mama Santa's (very casual), Battuto (upscale). I think at least part of the Art Museum is open. They've been advertising Wednesday and Friday evening courtyard concerts. Also, if you want to check out an offbeat film, the Cleveland Cinematheque in the Cleveland Institute of Art (across the street from the Botanical Garden), has some interesting offerings in the evenings.

I haven't been to Hornblowers. My husband said he had some terrible food there once, and I don't have much of a desire to go after that.

There really are a number of good places to eat downtown. It will be a bit of a walk for you and at night there's not much happening at your immediate hotel location if there's not a game going. Also, if you don't mind driving, there are great restaurants in the Tremont area also.

Have a blast and let us all know how you like your visit to Cleveland.

The Goodtime 11 is next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You can take a dinner cruise on her and see Cleveland from the water.
Also, I haven't been yet, but Pier W has recently been remodeled and is now open and I hear the food is fabulous and of course the view is wonderful as it sits right on the Lake. (It is expensive.)

So I finally have time to write my Cleveland Trip report. I hope it helps anyone who is planning on going to this city.
- We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel right downtown at Public Square. It is a great hotel. Beautiful on the inside and out, friendly staff and great location to science center, rock and roll hall of fame, attached to a mall and jacob's field and gund arena. The AAA rate I received was $125 with the option of canceling and was not charged until I checked out. Although there is also a $20 parking charge/ day it is worth it. The room was huge w/ a great view of Public Square. I would stay there again and highly recommend it.
- The first day we went to the Science Center. Alot of hands on activities great for any age. If you go before Sept. pay the extra price and see the Body Worlds display. It was wonderfully done and interesting. Although myself and the friends I went with are all science majors even the little kids were enjoying it. The second day we went to the zoo. Easy to drive to. Nice, newer zoo and the rainforest was just an added bonus. Great activity for the price ($9, free parking) After, we went to the Botanical Gardens in the University Circle. A little confusing at first driving around there but worth it. The glasshouses , one with a complete butterfly display, and outdoor gardens were a sight to see. Didn't go to the Art Museum because of renovations but University Circle is just a beautiful place to walk around.
That night we went to an Indians game and although Im not a big baseball fan ( my sister wanted to go) I loved it. We got the cheapest seats but had the best view in the park. A great park with great fans and the game definitly made me a fan. Also there was a terrific fireworks display afterwards. Just a warning if you want to go to the team shop you can't get in unless you have a ticket when a game is going on. The only way to get in from the street is if there isn't a game starting within the next 2 hours.
The last day we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What a great place to see. Although I was there once two years ago, I realized I missed a lot of things. My favorite display was the U2 one with the other 2005 inductees but the whole place is interesting. That night we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. I thought it might be a little tacky but it was a good atmosphere and good food. Just don't go when a baseball game is about to start or end b/c of the rush.
Overall, Cleveland has many things to do for everyone. It was a quick easy drive (only three hours from the Buffalo area). I will definitly go back, maybe for a football game, and would highly suggest it as a good long weekend vacation. Although it might not be one of the biggest city or one with the greatest reputation it really is a gem on lake erie, just like my home town. If anyone has any further questions feel free to ask. Sorry if this was too long.

yay, glad you liked Cleveland. I've lived on the east side my whole life (Mentor).

I just wanted to note that Mentor Headlands Beach is not over 30 min from downtown. Mentor is about 22 miles from downtown and usually takes me 25 min tops.

Just back from Cleveland and will post a full trip report in the next day or two. I had a great time, thanks to everyone for their advice and posts.