Where to Stay in Cleveland – A Guide to the Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll
Cleveland is the most important city in Ohio. Located along the shore of Lake Erie and close to the Canadian border, Cleveland is especially famous for being the birthplace of American staples like rock and roll music and the Superman comics. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Cleveland, OH.
The main tourist attractions in Downtown Cleveland include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Public Square, Edgewater Park, USS COD, and the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. See accommodation in Downtown Cleveland.
A few miles east lies University Circle. This museum-packed district is considered Cleveland’s main cultural hub. Some of the attractions in this area include the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Severance Hall, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. See accommodation in University Circle.
Other must-sees in Cleveland include the lively West Side Market and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Due to its geographical location in the Great Lakes region, Cleveland has a continental climate. The summers are humid and warm, with frequent rainfall and temperatures that typically hover around 64 and 83 ºF (18 – 28 ºC). Meanwhile, the winters in Cleveland are very cold and snowy. Temperatures in January tend to be around 22 – 34 ºF (-6 to -1ºC). The best time to visit Cleveland is from late May to late September when temperatures are pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities.
To get to Cleveland by air, the city is served by Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Located 9 miles southwest of the downtown area, this airport offers connections to several places in the United States, as well as international flights to destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Cleveland is also well-served via train. Lakefront Station, located downtown, is the city’s central railway hub and connects Cleveland to Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Albany, Boston, or New York City. See train routes, schedules & fares.
Additionally, Cleveland is connected through a network of long-distance and inter-city buses to other cities in the Midwest and the East Coast. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around town, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates a metro system with four different lines locally referred to as “Rapid.” The city also has a comprehensive bus network, regular taxis, and mobile apps like Uber and Lyft. You can also choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Cleveland is Downtown. This lively area is home to the city’s main tourist attractions, the best accommodations, and boasts the best public transport connections in the city. See accommodation in Downtown Cleveland.
Other great quarters to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Cleveland are the up-and-coming districts Ohio City & Tremont, Cleveland’s cultural hub University Circle, and Westlake.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Cleveland.
Best Location in Cleveland, Ohio: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Cleveland depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.
- Best location in Cleveland for sightseeing: Downtown Cleveland | University Circle
- Best location in Cleveland for nightlife: West Side Market (Ohio City & Tremont) | Downtown Cleveland
- Best location in Cleveland for families: University Circle
- Best location in Cleveland without a car: Downtown Cleveland
- Best location in Cleveland for first-time visitors: Downtown Cleveland
- Best location in Cleveland for business travelers: Downtown Cleveland
- Best location in Cleveland for hipsters: West Side Market (Ohio City & Tremont)
Best Hotels in Cleveland, OH by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Cleveland. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection
- Best mid-priced hotel: Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
- Best budget hotel: Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown
- Best luxury hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
- Best boutique hotel: Kimpton Schofield Hotel
- Best hotel with a pool: Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
- Best inn / B&B: Stone Gables Inn
The Best Areas to Stay in Cleveland, Ohio
1. Recommended area: Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland is home to the city’s most notable tourist sights.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located by the lakefront, is Cleveland’s most visited attraction.
Public Square and the adjacent Tower City Center feature hotels, shopping centers, and the famous Terminal Tower.
Other places to see in Downtown Cleveland include the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and Edgewater Park.
This central district also offers some cool neighborhoods like the Warehouse District, full of industrial buildings turned into shops, restaurants, and offices.
Downtown is a good area to stay in Cleveland for shopping, eating, or enjoying the nightlife of the city.
Downtown is the best area to stay in Cleveland as it is the heart of the city.
Downtown Cleveland is very pedestrian-friendly, so getting around on foot is easy. The area is also very well-connected by the Rapid system and the urban bus network.
When it comes to accommodation, Downtown Cleveland has a wide variety of mid-range and luxury hotels, as well as many tourist apartments.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Cleveland:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Best area to stay without a car
- Good area for shopping
- Good transport connections
- All kinds of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown
Located in downtown Cleveland, just across the street from the Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, this hotel features an outdoor pool and WiFi.
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Budget
Comfort Inn Downtown Cleveland
Located in downtown Cleveland, one mile from Quicken Loans Arena, the Comfort Inn Downtown Cleveland offers rooms with free WiFi.
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Luxury
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
The Hilton Cleveland Downtown offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen cable TV in downtown Cleveland. It is located approximately 200 meters from the Cleveland Convention Center.
2. Ohio City & Tremont
Ohio City is considered the quintessential Cleveland art district.
This neighborhood has a bohemian and multicultural atmosphere, with lots of breweries and eclectic shops where the most peculiar and unique items can be found.
Nearby Tremont is an up-and-coming district considered Ohio’s new hipster hotspot.
These two areas are located southwest of downtown Cleveland and are known for their laid-back atmosphere.
West Side Market is the main attraction in this area. It offers international food, clothes souvenirs, and various handmade products.
This corner of southwest Cleveland is home to many craft breweries, bars, and clubs that make this area a good place to stay in Cleveland for nightlife.
Ohio City is connected by the red line of Cleveland’s Rapid. Ohio City and Tremont are also well-covered by the bus network.
Ohio City the best area to stay in Cleveland for hipsters, young travelers, and those looking for the quintessential Cleveland experience.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Cleveland:
- Hipster area
- West Side Market
- Good area for shopping
3. University Circle
University Circle is a neighborhood located 4 miles east of Downtown Cleveland.
Centered around Uptown Drive, this district is considered Cleveland’s Museum Quarter and is home to several museums, prestigious universities, restaurants, and beautiful parks.
Some of the attractions in this beautiful area include the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Cleveland Botanical Garden and Severance Hall are also located in University Circle.
On Uptown Drive, you can find restaurants, bars, and green areas. Not too far lies Little Italy, with many cafes, street art, and, of course, pizzerias.
University Circle is well-connected by rapid, buses, and a free shuttle service connecting the Case Western Reserve University campus.
University Circle is one of the best areas to stay in Cleveland, thanks to its numerous cultural institutions and young atmosphere.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Cleveland, OH:
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History
- Cleveland Art Museum
- Parks and green areas
- University atmosphere
4. Westlake
Westlake is a suburb of Cleveland.
Located 12 miles west of the downtown area, Westlake offers a quiet atmosphere and several parks and green spaces.
Staying in Westlake allows travelers to enjoy views of Lake Erie and the parks, making it one of the best areas to stay in Cleveland during the summer.
Accessing Downtown Cleveland from Westlake is easy using the bus or car. It is located just 20 minutes west.
For lovers of culture and history, museums like the Westlake Historical Society House are also in this neighborhood.
Westlake is one of the best areas to stay in Cleveland for being a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown and with accommodation of all kinds, including some luxury hotels that are cheaper than those in Cleveland City Center.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Cleveland:
- Crocker Park Shopping Center
- Connected to Downtown Cleveland via bus
- Peaceful area
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