Wendy

I need to go to Cleveland on business this month and having never been, need some help.

Any recommendations you can give me on nice hotels to stay in the downtown area (close to the Flats?) would be great. I'll have a rental car but would like to be someplace where I can walk to good restaurants, shopping, etc.

Thanks!

Deborah

Ritz Carlton or Renaissance are both downtown and very nice hotels. They are close to the flats and warehouse district and walking distance to restaurants.

JillD

Wendy,

I would recommend either the Ritz or Renaissance hotel at Tower City Center, both are part of the Tower City Center complex, attached to shopping and businesses, they are a bit pricey. Another option is the Hyatt at the Old Arcade on Euclid, it is very nice. If you are on a budget there is the radisson hotel gateway, in the midst of the sports arenas or holiday inn express adjacent to the old arcade.

I would tell you that if you've never been to Cleveland avoid the flats, it is way over hyped and never really was that great even when businesses were booming there - it is somewhat of a ghosttown, the only place wother visiting is the watermark restarant - go for brunch if its nice out and sit outside.

I think you'd much prefer the area around Tower City and the warehouse district, much more to do. Some really good restaurants : Blue Pointe Grill (great seafood), The Metropolitan Cafe (good people watching) Sushi Rock, The Chop house, Circo, and Johnny's - very nice but pricey.

For things to do the obvious stuff like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a Tribe game. But we also have some other really good options - playhouse square is in walking distance; as are some bars/clubs - Spy bar, The Liquid, Picwick and Frolic, Funky Buddha, Mercury Lounge. If you have a vehicle you should try out Ohio city and Tremont just over the Carnegie-Lorain bridge 1/2 mi. west. In Ohio City check out Great Lakes Brewery, Fulton Bar and Grill, Flying Fig, and Parkers. In Tremont try Lola, Farenheit, Fat Cats, then go to Velvet Tango Room for the BEST cocktails or the Treehouse if a neighborhood bar is more your speed.

Also venture to the east side and the University circle area - there is the CMA - world class art museum, CWRU - check out the new Frank Gehry designed Peter B/ Lewis building then travel 1/4 mile up Mayfield to Litle Italy and dine at any of the fab restaurants, get pastry at Presti's or gelato at Dino's and stroll around the art galleries.

Have fun, if the weather is nice you'll like Cleveland a lot.

Wendy

Excellent info, thanks Doborah and Jill! I'll start checking out Tower City Center (is this also considered downtown?). thanks for all the great suggestions!

Deborah

Tower City is downtown and the Renaissance is connected to it I believe. The Ritz is also right there, I think near the Hard Rock Cafe. It is a shopping center with movie theaters and restaurants. Everything is within walking distance. Have fun.

Wendy

I got the Renaissance for $55/ per night thru Priceline. Pretty good considering their web special was $149. Thanks for the help!

Deborah

Great and it's a really nice hotel. Have fun.

Wendy

Just wanted to post back that the Renaissance in Tower City is fantastic! Great staff, rooms, location, etc. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

We ate at Metropolitan which was good, had drinks at a lounge right next door, I shopped at the Tower City mall and had a wonderful lunch at Sans Souci! Also went to a game at Jacobs Field and walked inside thru the Tower City Center and Gund arena all the way which is soooo handy!

I have to say that I thought going to Cleveland was going to be pretty bad, but I enjoyed the city and just wish I had had more time to explore!

Wendy

Deborah

Great, I'm glad I could help. I'm actually her myself at the moment. The weather has been fantastic.

Deborah

That's here myself!! If you have to go back let me know and I'll try and help again.

audra

topping for KathyK

stormygirl

toppinng for wliwl