One night in Cleveland -- where to stay, where to eat
 

My hubby and I are taking our daughter to school in Wisconsin. We're driving from our home in NYC and breaking the trip one night in Cleveland, which is almost exactly 1/2 way. If we only have one night in Cleveland, where should we stay to be in close walking distance to something interesting -- restaurants, walk. I've heard the "Flats"... If so, hotel recommendations? Restaurants? We are foodies and eat anything.

Well then go to M. Symon's restaurant Lola.

thanks for the restaurant advice -- hotels anyone -- or other restaurants?

Definitely go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Its fantastic! Our older teens really loved it too and we're planning a return trip this summer. We stayed at the Marriott but there's also a Ritz, which is attached to a fun shopping area.

Forget the Flats. It used to be a great place to go but no longer, they keep saying it will once again rise and shine but not yet. The Warehouse District has a good reputation but I have never eaten at any of the restaurants there to recommend. You might want to check out the dining quide:
http://cleveland.diningguide.com/dl1dt.htm

Downtown has a lot of hotels to choose from, all within walking distance to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,which I would also recommend, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Ritz, I think I would recommend the Marriott Renaissance: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...ferInfo=173595 They are offering a good package that includes breakfast and tickets to the Hall of Fame.

I've stayed at the Renaissance before, loved it. Do not recommend the Tower City mall that it (along with the Ritz) is connected to though. That mall has gone way downhill and hardly has any stores in it anymore.

Definitely avoid the Flats, stick to West 6th street if you like the nightlife scene or dinner (Blue Point Grill is also excellent), or East 4th Street (where Lola is).

Thanks guys. I booked the Renaissance Cleveland thru priceline bidding. I got the Renaissance (by limiting my criteria to Downtown and 4 stars) for the first night on the way there for $150 and on the way back for $123. On their site rooms were starting at $229 and up. so I'm happy.

Checked out Lola and it looks wonderful, but I'm no sure we're going to be up for a fancy place (with fancy prices) after such a long drive. Does anyone have any experience with the same chef's bistro -- Lolita? Look a little more laid back...

Check out Fat Fish Blue. It's a chain but we've been there twice and enjoyed our meals. It's a blue jeans kind of place and often with live music, you can check their schedule on the wevsite. http://www.fatfishblue.com/about.html

Lolita is definitely more laid back and I also highly recommend it. I usually go to his B Spot burger joint in Beachwood, which is even more laid back, but not downtown. Awesome food.