Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown

The entrance of this stately, former bank building built in 1894 belies the lively scene inside. The majestic marble columns outside the entrance lead to a long, quiet foyer with marble floors, intricately stamped copper ceilings, and original chandeliers. Even the brass doors of the elevators framed by marble are impressive. Three wood kiosks serve as the reception desk. Once inside, the atmosphere gets decidedly more upbeat and modern, with a cluster of sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables adjacent to a popcorn machine. Vibrant colors of orange and yellow as well as colorful modern art energize the lobby space. A nearby game room with a billiards table and video game machines gives a few playful diversions. The bright and airy, two-story great room (where breakfast and an evening cocktail reception is held) buzzes with tourists, sports fans, and people ready to take in downtown’s nightlife and many attractions. 

The Holiday Inn Express is in the heart of Cleveland’s Entertainment District, surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and other hotels. It’s a two-minute walk to the historic Arcade building and its shops. Many other restaurants and nightclubs are within a few minutes’ walk. Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena are about an eight-minute walk, while First Energy Stadium and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum are both about a 15-minute walk. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Cleveland Convention Center (five by car) and a nine-minute walk to the Global Center for Health Innovation (Medical Mart). A rapid transit stop is in front of the hotel (at Euclid Avenue and East Sixth Street), which provides transport to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport via the Red Line in 40 minutes (a 20-minute drive). Case Western Reserve University’s campus is 15 minutes by car (about 30 minutes by bus) and Cleveland State University is a 15-minute walk (five minutes by Red Line). The Cleveland Clinic is 15 minutes away by car, as are the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Botanical Garden.    

Rooms were renovated in 2012 and receive high marks from guests for being clean, comfortable, and exceptionally spacious with original hardwood floors, 13-foot ceilings, and large windows offering impressive views of downtown Cleveland. Rooms come in nine different options including king and double-queen. Along with beautiful maple-colored hardwood floors, decor includes green patterned drapes, tan walls, colorful modern art, and modern dark-brown wooden furniture. Each room has a green upholstered easy chair with matching ottoman, and a large work desk with ergonomic office chair. All rooms have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, ironing facilities, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are spacious as well, with granite vanities, beige tile floors, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Some upper-tier rooms have wet bars, and whirlpool shower/tub combos framed by distinctive checkered tile. And some ‘feature’ rooms have whirlpool tubs located outside the bathrooms, which have standard shower inserts. Of the 141 rooms on 16 floors, 26 are suites that have separate sitting areas with sofa beds and dining tables, as well as microwaves and mini-fridges. All rooms have phones with voice mail. Note that noise from traffic and surrounding bars and clubs can be heard at times, especially on lower-level rooms and on weekends.

Parking is valet only and a bit expensive. Guests may prefer using the public parking lots in the area. A free hot breakfast buffet, with the chain's signature cinnamon rolls and pancakes, is included in room rates. There's no other food service, and no bar or lounge, but an evening reception offers free beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. There's free popcorn and water (flavored with seasonal fruit) in the lobby, as well as a vending machine with snacks. The on-site game room is outfitted with a billiards table and pinball/video machines. A small fitness center is open 24 hours and includes cardio and weight-resistance machines and free weights. A business center has free printing and two computer stations with Internet access. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Same-day dry cleaning is offered, as are valet dry cleaning and laundry pick-up services. There are coin-operated laundry facilities, as well, and an ATM in the lobby.