Going to Cleveland in mid-December. I assume the place to stay is downtown area, but would like advice. Will want to see R&R Hall and like nice shopping areas. Can we get around in cabs? Would prefer to not drive myself altho we will have a rent car.

We were transfered out of the Cleveland/Akron area 12 yrs ago but a great shopping area is the Galleria downtown. I know they have a hotel but am sorry, do not know the name. The Flats is a short drive from the Galleria area and has some wonderful restaurants. One that we liked was the Watermark. Do not know if it is still there. The Flats is very busy in the summertime as it is on the water. I don't know what it offers in the winter but have heard it is better then when we lived there. Our children were disappointed in the R&R Hall of Fame so go with low expectations and maybe you'll love it!! Cleveland is not hard to drive around in and probably better then trying to get a cab. Just ask for a map when picking up your rental car.

two summers ago (and maybe now), there was a holiday inn (high-rise, "city" version) about two blocks from the r&r hall of fame and the newer science museum. we stayed there and thought it was a pretty good value for the location. (we also had a nice view of the lake from our window.)

in our case, it was easier to drive to the flats, and the parking garage is right beside the hotel, very easy to access. however, we didn't see many restaurants nearby -- it's mostly business offices. it's a midwestern city at its heart, and "nice shopping" is basic shopping -- nothing high fashion.

we (male, 35, and female, 37) loved the hall of fame and spent at least six hours there. teens probably wouldn't enjoy it as much -- artists have to be performing for 25+ years to be eligible, so most teens aren't going to remember the artists who are featured!

have fun! i really enjoyed our trip and would go back.

The Galleria is dying and in a big way. Now the place to go is Tower City in the Terminal Tower. Very mall-like but there's a Fuddruckers there! Nightlife for anyone not under 21 has shifted to the Warehouse District. Good clubs and some great restaurants. It's downtown on the western edge right before the Flats.

If you stay downtown, you might want to look at the Hampton Inn downtown. It's smack in the middle of downtown and not expensive. It's new as well. There are a few places (like the old Arcade) that have been renovated into upscale hotels, Hyatt and Radisson are two of the biggies. Parking downtown can get expensive. And unfortunately, downtown still has parts that shutter after commuters go home.

For shopping, if you don't mind driving around, you may want to head to Beachwood for the mall there. It's very nice, but pricy. Good restaurants are all around Cleveland. It's cold in the winter and we like to eat. Try Murray Hill/Little Italy for some great Italian food. You will get stuffed! Driving is better than some cities, although not at rush hour. Avoid it like you would at home.

Coventry is also a little out of downtown but there are some funky shops and some more good restaurants too. The area around the art museum (and it's a good museum I might add), Severance Hall and Case Western has some funky little eateries and shops too.

You could get around in cabs but...driving here is a lot easier than in say, Boston. It's pretty much a grid pattern.

If you'd like more information on anything specific, I could email you.

near the terminal tower seems the right answer--there is a new ritz carlton there too

Thanks for the great info on Cleveland. My reluctance about driving is that I am a Texan and not only am I not used to driving in snow, I have rarely even seen snow. Being in Ohio at Christmas time seems likely to be a dangerous time for a Texan to be driving.

Larry, lately it has been in the 60's here in Ohio. Cleveland typically gets the heavy snow east of the city in the so called "Snow Belt." If you do run into snow, slow down and keep a good couple of cars length between you and the guy in front of you and don't ride your brake and you should be fine.

I agree with the above writer. Don't worry about it, and if you do run into snow or ice, have an assured clear distance and when stopping, pump your brakes, do not slam on them. If going into a spin, turn into the direction of the spin, and don't hit your brakes, PUMP them. Have a wonderful time!!

Let's get to the heart of the matter, shall we... Larry, I question your judgment on deciding to go to Cleveland in mid-December. That's not a rationale choice for a vacation no matter how you slice it. Most of the natives, in fact, head south to Akron or Canton that time of year if they can afford it.

Hey Dottie-I don't think it's a good idea to pump anti-lock brakes.

Sorry CarMan - you, of course, are right. I don't have anti-lock brakes so I didn't think of it.

To settle that snow debate anyway, do we really get snow in December? I'd be more worried about snow in March when we seem to get blasted with a foot and a half. Larry, drive in the slow lane, keep a clear distance and make sure there's plenty of washer fluid in the reservoir before you take the car. If there is any salt on the roads, you will appreciate having enough washer fluid!

I live right outside of Cleveland, and I have to say its a great place. "The inquisitor" need not worry about your decision to go there in mid-December. You'll have a great time. Yeah, we might get some heavy snow. It's not that big of a deal, and you can just drive more cautiously. However, if you feel more comfortable NOT driving, then I say find a good taxi service. You don't want to spend your whole vacation stressing out. Do what makes you comfortable, not what's practical. After all--it's VACATION!!

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in September and loved it. Beautiful room (almost like a little apartment), great breakfast, fun happy hour, indoor poor & fitness area, etc. Parking is very high: $9 everytime you come & go --- but we walked just about everywhere. It was less than 15 minutes to the R&R Hall of Fame and about the same to the mall. The "Flats" was a little too far to walk. There's a little shopping plaza attached to the Embassy Suites building that even had a well-stocked grocery store for late night snacks. We were genuinely impressed with the city - clean and friendly.