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Cleveland is a major city in Ohio and is full of things to do for every traveler. Whether you enjoy sports, beaches, local culture, great food, or weird attractions, you’ll find it all in this bustling city. Known for its Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland is a great holiday destination for pretty much anybody.
With so much to explore, figuring out exactly where to stay in Cleveland can be tricky. There’s a huge variety of accommodation in Cleveland to suit different travel styles and budgets, but choosing just one can get overwhelming!
To help you out, we’ve created this guide on the best places to stay in Cleveland. We’ve included something for every traveler, so whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or anything in between – we’ve got you covered.
- Where to Stay in Cleveland
- Cleveland Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Cleveland
- Cleveland’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Cleveland.
- What To Pack For Cleveland
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Cleveland
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Cleveland
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Prefer to choose your Cleveland accommodation without a lot of fuss? Here are our top picks.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The Grey Barn | Best Airbnb in Cleveland
This funky apartment is one of the coolest places to stay in Cleveland. It sleeps three guests and is just a short distance from Downtown and all its attractions. It has a full kitchen, free parking, and an industrial vibe that’s both comfortable and attractive.
Urban Cottage | Best Luxury Airbnb in Cleveland
This private, secure cottage sleeps two and is freshly renovated to include a modern kitchen and amenities. It has a large garden, bright and airy spaces, and free parking on-site. Local shops and restaurants are all right nearby.
Comfort Inn Downtown Cleveland | Best Hotel in Cleveland
This hotel is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland with kids or with friends. The rooms come in a variety of styles to suit every travel group, and the hotel is right in the heart of Downtown and close to everything. It also has an on-site restaurant and 24-hour front desk.
Downtown
Downtown is absolutely the right choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland for your first time. This is where you’ll find all of the most popular attractions in the city as well as a variety of accommodation options for almost every budget.
Westlake
Located around 12 miles west of Cleveland’s Downtown, Westlake is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland on a budget. This is a quiet local area, with lovely parks, green spaces, and views of Lake Erie, making it the ideal vacation choice in summer.
University Circle
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cleveland for families, then try University Circle. This area is around four miles from the Downtown and is home to lots of restaurants, parks, and museums. This means you should be able to keep the kids occupied in this area without too much trouble!
Ohio City
Ohio City is perhaps the symbol of what Cleveland has become. It’s bohemian and extremely trendy, which is what makes it the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cleveland for nightlife. It’s also one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods, so it’s filled with gracious old buildings that boast amazing architecture.
Cleveland isn’t a huge city, which should make it easier for you to work out where you want to stay. However, each neighborhood has its own attractions and atmosphere, so choose your base carefully!
If you’re visiting Cleveland for the first time, Downtown is the best choice. It has good accommodation, restaurants, and is full of places to explore. It also has reliable transport links to the rest of the city, making it easy to get out and explore.
The second area to look at is Westlake. This is a quieter part of the city that’s less popular with tourists, so accommodation here tends to be cheaper. This makes it the best place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget.
With its young vibe and abundance of museums and parks, University Circle is the best place to stay in Cleveland with family. This area isn’t far from Downtown either, making it easy to get out and explore.
The final area is Ohio City, which is where you’ll find Cleveland’s best nightlife. This area is known for its breweries and beaches, so you can combine the two as long as you stay safe at the same time!
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Cleveland’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
This city offers a huge range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. So, if you’re looking for hotels and hostels in Cleveland, here’s where to start.
1. Downtown – Where to Stay in Cleveland for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – The Warehouse District for great shops and cafes and a trendy vibe.
Downtown is absolutely the right choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland for your first visit. This is where you’ll find plenty of things to see and do, as well as a variety of accommodation options for almost every budget.
Cleveland’s Downtown contains all of the attractions that this city has become famous for. It has amazing restaurants, great places to shop, and a collection of bars and clubs that will keep you busy for days. This neighborhood really has it all!
Bright and Spacious Apartment | Best Airbnb in Downtown
You can walk everywhere from this one-bedroom apartment, making it an ideal base for exploring Cleveland. It has a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, as well as security cameras to ensure your safety during your stay.
Cozy and Spacious Getaway | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
Located in the heart of Downtown, this spacious apartment has two bedrooms and sleeps up to six guests. It has free parking and laundry facilities, as well as bright, open spaces for socializing or relaxing.
Aloft Cleveland Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
This hotel sits in the heart of Cleveland has a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and laundry services. The rooms are large and comfortable and include bathrooms with complimentary Bliss products.
Things to See and Do in Downtown:
- See a Broadway-style show at the Playhouse Square.
- Enjoy the greenery and people-watching in Public Square in summer and ice skating in winter.
- If you’re into architecture, make sure you check out the Gothic-style Trinity Cathedral.
- Watch a game at one of the local stadiums like the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Progressive Field, or FirstEnergy Stadium.
- Eat at popular local spots like U Jerk, Superior Pho, or Addy’s Diner.
- Take in the water views or check out a festival at Voinovich Bicentennial Park.
- Enjoy views over the entire city from the Terminal Tower Observation Deck.
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View on Osprey2. Westlake – Where to Stay in Cleveland on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Westlake – Enjoy mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and more at Swings-N-Things Fun Park (perfect for kids!)
- BEST Place to Visit in Westlake – Huntington Beach for great swimming and sunrise views.
Located around 12 miles west of Downtown, Westlake is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland on a budget. This is a quiet area, with lots of parks and views of Lake Erie.
Westlake has good transport links to the rest of the city and is ideal for a quieter, more relaxed vacation. It also has some great museums as well as luxury hotels that are actually more budget-friendly than those in the Downtown.
Power Farmhouse | Best Airbnb in Westlake
This 200-year-old farmhouse is newly renovated to be homely and welcoming, with all the modern amenities. It has five bedrooms and sleeps up to 10 guests, so is one of the best places in Cleveland to stay if you’re traveling with a large group.
Beautiful Home in Cleveland | Best Luxury Airbnb in Westlake
This home sleeps up to eight guests, so is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland with kids. It’s situated on an acre of landscaped gardens and has a full kitchen, so you can feel right at home.
Courtyard Cleveland Westlake | Best Hotel in Westlake
Located right in the heart of Westlake, this is a luxury bed and breakfast in Ohio at a bargain price! It boasts a pool, fitness center, and a restaurant that offers a buffet breakfast in the morning. There’s also a 24-hour market on-site for snacks.
Things to See and Do in Westlake:
- Go fishing or just explore and look for deer in the Bradley Woods Reservation.
- Enjoy the lake atmosphere and the sunsets from the Solstice Steps.
- Test your swing at the Southwest Golf Center or North Olmsted Golf Club.
- Visit some local historical spots like the Westlake Historical Society or the Oldest Stone House Museum of the Lakewood Historical Society.
- Try some local treats at Aristo Bistro, Smokin’ Rock n Roll, or Luca West.
- Take in the displays at the ARTneo Museum of Northeast Ohio Art.
3. University Circle – Best Neighborhood in Cleveland for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in University Circle – Take the kids for a wander in the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
- BEST Place to Visit in University Circle – Little Italy for old-style pizza and restaurants.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cleveland for families, then try University Circle. This area is around four miles from the Downtown and is home to lots of restaurants, parks, and museums. This means you should be able to keep the kids occupied in this area without too much trouble!
University Circle is home to several of the city’s best universities, so it naturally has good transport links to other neighborhoods. It’s also close to Little Italy where you can get some amazing Italian food.
Courtyard Cleveland University Circle | Best Hotel in University Circle
Courtyard Cleveland sits in the best neighborhood in Cleveland to stay in for a young vibe and lots of attractions. It has an indoor pool, bistro, family rooms, and a great outdoor space you can enjoy. It’s also a short distance from the university and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cleveland Clinic Boutique | Best Airbnb in University Circle
This apartment is one of Cleveland’s first micro-apartments, with every part of it planned to maximize space and utility. It has custom furniture and electronics, and everything is designed with multi-purpose. Suitable for up to three guests, you’ll be surprised by how much room this apartment actually offers.
Luxury Condo in the Heart of Little Italy | Best Luxury Airbnb in University Circle
This condo is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cleveland for families. It sleeps up to six guests and has numerous attractions within walking distance. The apartment has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a private balcony you can enjoy.
Things to See and Do in University Circle:
- Check out the displays at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- See what’s on at Severance Hall or the Maltz Performing Arts Center.
- Learn more about the history of the sport at the Baseball Heritage Museum.
- Wander along Uptown Drive for some great restaurants and bars.
- Have a meal at L’Albatros, Café Premier, or Valerios.
- Enjoy 6,000 years of history, films, and music at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
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- COOLEST Thing to Do in Ohio City – Get some sun at Edgewater Beach.
- BEST Place to Visit in Ohio City – West Side Market for homemade souvenirs and great food.
Ohio City is perhaps the symbol of what Cleveland has become. It’s bohemian and extremely trendy, which is what makes it the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cleveland for nightlife. It’s also one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods, so it’s filled with gracious old buildings that boast amazing architecture.
This neighborhood is filled with breweries, eclectic shops, international food options, bars, and clubs. It’s also known for its handmade goods. You’ll never get bored of exploring here – no matter what time of the day!
Ohio City Modern Loft Apartment | Best Airbnb in Ohio City
This cozy apartment is one of the best places in Cleveland to stay if you want to be within walking distance of local breweries and shops. The apartment sleeps four guests and has a private balcony, full kitchen, and modern decor.
Healing Garden Carriage House | Best Luxury Airbnb in Ohio City
This charming little house has amazing outdoor spaces where you can sit and enjoy the greenery and socialize with friends. It’s right in the heart of Ohio City and offers new fixings, enough space for two guests, as well as a full kitchen.
Stone Gables Inn | Best Hotel in Ohio City
If you enjoy boutique accommodation, then you’ll love this inn. With a really homey feel, it has private parking, family rooms, and private bathrooms. It’s also close to local restaurants, shops, and transport links.
Things to See and Do in Ohio City:
- Check out some of the local breweries like the Market Garden Brewery, the Great Lakes Brewing Co, and the Saucy Brew Works.
- Go wandering and find some of the city’s amazing street art in areas like Hingetown.
- Take the kids to see the museum at A Christmas Story House.
- Immerse yourself in some art at Transformer Station, the Glass Bubble Project, or Ohio City Glass.
- Check out the gracious and only slightly creepy Franklin Castle (Hannes Tiedemann House).
- Have a meal at some of the trendy local eateries like TownHall, Proof, or Barrio Tremont.
- Pack your beach bag and spend the day at Edgewater Beach.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Cleveland.
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Cleveland and where to stay.
What To Pack For Cleveland
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Cleveland
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Cleveland
Cleveland really is an awesome place to visit if you’re traveling in the USA. Once you’ve got your accommodation sorted, you can turn your attention to all the awesome things there are to see. and do.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Cleveland, we recommend Ohio City. This eclectic neighborhood offers the best of the city and is bursting with things to see and do. Plus, it’s well-connected to other areas, so you can easily get out to explore.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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