Cleveland sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Its downtown was laid out around Public Square, and the city's cultural institutions, sports venues and lakefront are all within reach of the centre. The Cuyahoga divides the city into a West Side and an East Side, and that split is the single most useful thing to understand when choosing where to sleep.
For a visitor, the practical choice comes down to three zones: Downtown, where the bulk of the city's hotels are; the East Side around University Circle, which has a smaller cluster of options near the museums and the university; and the West Side, including Ohio City, which has the city's only hostel and is handy for the airport side of town. This guide covers those areas, what each suits, and how the accommodation tiers compare.
Best areas to stay in Cleveland
1. Downtown
Downtown is where most of Cleveland's hotels are located, making it the default base for a first visit. It is centred on Public Square and includes the theatre district of Playhouse Square, the lakefront at North Coast Harbor, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will find the widest range of accommodation types here, from budget-conscious options through to full-service properties.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the sights, sports venues and evening entertainment within a short distance of their room. Because the hotel supply is concentrated here, it is also the easiest area to compare prices in.
2. University Circle and the East Side
University Circle is the East Side's main lodging cluster, with a few additional options in the surrounding area. It is the setting for the city's major cultural institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Case Western Reserve University, and it sits within the Cleveland Metroparks system.
This area suits visitors whose priority is museums, the university or the parkland rather than nightlife, and it can work well for families. Note that it is a separate base from Downtown, so plan on using transport to reach the lakefront and the sports venues.
3. Ohio City and the West Side
The West Side includes Ohio City, which holds the city's only hostel, making it the natural choice for budget travellers. Further out on the far West Side, near the airport, there are additional lodging properties.
Choose this side of the river if you are watching costs, arriving or departing by air, or prefer a base away from the downtown core. It is across the Cuyahoga from Downtown, so factor the river crossing into your plans when heading to the central sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: The city's hostel is in Ohio City on the West Side, which is the main hostel-style option within Cleveland itself.
- Mid-range: Downtown holds the majority of the city's hotels, so the broadest choice at this level is found there, with a few further options around University Circle on the East Side.
- Splurge: The full-service hotel stock is concentrated Downtown; the far West Side near the airport and the neighbouring suburbs add further choices if you want to stay outside the centre.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit, because that is where most of Cleveland's hotels are and where the main sights, from Public Square to Playhouse Square and the lakefront, are grouped. Staying there keeps the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the theatre district and the sports venues within easy reach. It also gives you the largest number of properties to compare when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Where are most of Cleveland's hotels?
Most are Downtown. There are a few additional East Side options around University Circle, and some properties near the airport on the far West Side.
Is there a hostel in Cleveland?
Yes. The only hostel in the city is in Ohio City on the West Side.
Should I stay Downtown or near University Circle?
Stay Downtown if you want the main sights, the theatre district and the lakefront close by. Choose University Circle if the museums, the university and the surrounding parkland are your priority.
Are there places to stay outside the city itself?
Yes. Neighbouring suburbs provide numerous lodging choices in addition to the options within Cleveland.
Compare live prices for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide.