10 coolest hotels in Cleveland

History oozes from every brick at the Schofield hotel, housed in a Victorian-era building designed by architect Levi Schofield. The copious plants are a homage to Schofield’s involvement in the creation of the Museum of Natural History and the rooms are playful, with touches such as matchbox cars above the bed and knitted ottomans made from recycled saris. Seasonal, local ingredients star in the restaurant where chef Andrew Gorski serves north-eastern Ohio favorites with a creative twist. Location-wise the Schofield couldn’t be better – you can walk almost everywhere downtown from here.

Mood? Boutique chic.
Location perks? Super central. 
Budget range? A wide range of options.

Within easy distance by foot from the likes of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the theaters of Playhouse Square, the four-star Westin is a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore Cleveland’s city center. And if you’re a compulsive jogger? Well, even better. The Westin provides running maps and New Balance workout gear (for a small fee), primed for you to venture out into the city.

Mood? Affordable luxury. 
Location perks? In the heart of Downtown. 
Budget range? Very well priced. 

This funky chain of quality budget hotels from the Starwood Hotels group is the best bet in Cleveland for those seeking to save a few pennies but still stay Downtown. You won’t be scrimping on style here, with bold colors and sleek woods in the smart bedrooms, while the WXYZ bar hosts acoustic performances by emerging artists from around the region. There’s a gym on-site too and technology is king here – you can even use the SPG app as your room key.

Mood? Modern bliss.
Location perks? Easy access downtown. 
Budget range? Mid-range.

If you’ve reason to go to the convention center, this hotel can’t be beaten – it’s connected by a walkway. It’s also easy to walk to all of Downtown’s star attractions and the highest floors have sweeping views of the city center and the lake to boot. Prices rise the higher your bed does; if you can’t stretch to it, take a seat for a drink at Bar 32 instead – it’s on the top floor so has the very best views. There’s an indoor pool and fitness center as well as the gourmet Burnham Restaurant serving Ohio’s best produce.

Mood? Sleek design. 
Location perks? Walking distance to all of Downtown's delights.
Budget range? Varied price range.

A recent redesign of this sophisticated city center hotel blends Cleveland’s steel industry past with its contemporary spirit – think chic greys and blues with metal finishes and a dramatic onyx bar serving dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Rooms and suites feature large windows overlooking the city and the lake and there’s a huge 24-hour gym with all the latest equipment and personal training sessions. The hotel is part of Tower City Center, with its shops and restaurants accessible without even setting foot outside.

Mood? Contemporary luxe.
Location perks? A mile from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other great city center attractions. 
Budget range? Spenny.

The striking 1907 Cleveland Trust Building is now home to this Marriott hotel, which has something no other hotel in the city does – an indoor dog park, called Bark. There’s also a yoga studio, a rooftop sun lounge, and a fitness studio. Also on site is the Alex Theater, for live music, and the fabulous Vault bar, where cocktails are mixed in what was once the bank vaults. Rooms are decorated with a touch of bling and you’ll get a view of the theater district, Lake Erie, or even the ballgame at nearby Progressive Field.

Mood? Glitzy glam.
Location perks? Nestled in the city center. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 

Nope, this luxury hotel isn’t in an arcade, that name actually refers to the gorgeous 19th-century atrium at its center. Stay here though and you are right next door to the East Fourth Street entertainment district, where you’ll find a strip of great restaurants. Back at the hotel, 1890 Restaurant serves local dishes overlooking the atrium, while rooms feature chic, calm decor and views of the city, lake, or sports stadium. There’s also a spa and a 24-hour fitness center.

Mood? Clean simplicity. 
Location perks? Walking distance from great dining and shopping options. 
Budget range? Variety of options. 

From the moment you’re given the signature warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival, the Doubletree makes you feel at home. You’re slightly to the north of Downtown here and within walking distance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center. For anything further, there’s a free shuttle service. The indoor pool is heated, the rooms have luxury bedding and gourmet coffee and the Stadium 3 Bar and Grille is a relaxed place for American classics.

Mood? Minimalist vibe.
Location perks? In the center of Downtown.
Budget range? Very affordable. 

Lovers of the theater should look no further than the Crowne Plaza. Rooms are simple but you won’t spend much time in yours, this is the heart of the city’s theater district, and there are nine within striking distance. In fact, Playhouse Square is said to be the largest performing arts center in the US outside of New York. Back at the hotel, there’s an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center, and the Ghost Light restaurant serves classic favorites such as burgers, flatbreads, lobster nachos, and pierogis.

Mood? Neutral sleek design.
Location perks? In the core of Cleveland's theater district... what more could you need?
Budget range? Surprisingly cheap. 

Key Center’s Marriott might not be the most luxurious or OTT hotel on this list, but it might be the most convenient. A large hotel in the center of downtown Cleveland, it makes a fab base for everything from sporting events at the FirstEnergy Stadium to nights out at the House of Blues. The spacious rooms offer huge beds and marble bathrooms, with plenty also boasting spectacular views out over Lake Erie. And that isn’t all: on-site are two restaurants – the upmarket Il Venetian for authentic Italian cuisine and the more casual Greatroom for midwestern modern dishes – plus a well-fitted fitness center.

Mood? Bohemian dream.
Location perks? Take a look at Downtown Cleveland from the gorgeous terrace.
Budget range? Mid-range.