11 Best Hotels in Cleveland, Ohio

You can't miss the peacock-blue double-entrance doors atop a short set of stone steps at this four-story guest house. Built in 1874, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside are numerous period details, such as pocket doors, a marble fireplace, and French wallpaper. All rooms have private baths. The bridal suite has a four-poster bed. Cap off your day with a complimentary glass of sherry or port. Weather permitting, breakfast is served on the back deck. The inn is downtown between Playhouse Square and University Circle just east of Cleveland State University, on the city transit system's new Euclid Avenue line (Silver Line)

Almost all of the rooms at this nine-story hotel are designed for business travelers and have work stations. It's 3 mi from the airport and 7 mi from Downtown. All rooms are no-smoking.

Attached to Key Tower, the tallest building in Cleveland, this hotel faces the historic Mall "C" and abuts Public Square. Plush accommodations have fantastic views of Lake Erie and the downtown skyline. The rooms are neat and spacious, but the real star is Key Tower. At 948 feet, it's the tallest building between New York and Chicago. All rooms are no-smoking; a 2006 renovation brought new flat-screen TVs, wired and wireless Internet, upgraded bedding, and new bathroom tile and fixtures.

This two-story, Tuscan-style brick home, built in 1868, is in the historic Ohio City neighborhood. The uncluttered, cozy rooms are painted in warm tones, have restored pine-plank, cherry, dark walnut, or maple floors, and quilt-topped beds. Most of the upstairs rooms have vaulted ceilings. Some rooms share a bath.

For those who are skeptical of the rustic facilities and folksy banter common at many B&Bs—but who still want distinctive lodging and a personal feel—Glidden house offers a compromise. On the Case Western campus, the French Gothic mansion, built in 1910, has a traditional hotel staff and dining in its carriage house restaurant, Sergio's, which focuses on seafood and Brazilian fare. Rooms feature plasma-screen TVs and private baths. The modern room decor in particular is a welcome change from the often fussy look of some historic B&Bs. Suites are decorated more traditionally, and some have wet bars.

In the heart of the city, the hotel is suited for business travelers and pleasure travelers alike. Rooms are bright and not too cramped, with cream-color walls and green carpeting. (Bedding and carpeting in all rooms were replaced in early 2007.)

Just across the street from Jacobs Field in the Gateway District, the hotel lies within walking distance of Cleveland State University Convocation Center, Terminal Tower, and Quicken Loans Arena. Given its location and amenities—oversized work desks, meeting rooms, and fridges and microwaves—the in-and-out sports fan, business traveler, and sightseer are all equally well served. Rooms feature Herman Miller Mirra chairs and high-definition flat-screen TVs.

Just under 3 mi from the airport, the Holiday Inn is a convenient and reliable (if unspectacular) choice for travelers. Upkeep is good, and the hotel offers many of the same features as downtown chains—concierge, pool, steakhouse dining—for less.

This grand 14-story 1851 hotel is within walking distance of the Cleveland Convention Center, the Flats, the Theater District, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Each tastefully furnished room has one or two queen-size beds or a king-size bed, a dark-wood entertainment center, plush sitting chair with ottoman, and a work desk. Jacuzzi suites are available, as are oversized marble bathrooms with TVs. The lobby area, which has a towering atrium, houses the Sans Souci restaurant.

Antiques and original 18th-century art fill Cleveland's Ritz. Guest rooms have work desks and marble baths. The white-linen Muse restaurant, which serves American fare with a flair, has the feel of a tony lounge.

The 13-story Wyndham overlooks the bright lights of the vibrant theater district. The hotel's airy, modern lobby is flanked by Winsor's restaurant. The hotel is adjacent to the Halle Building, which houses a food court open for lunch, (although there are also plenty of great places to eat downtown). Each room is outfitted with a Herman Miller chair and massaging shower head, and some have views of Playhouse Square.