When The Westin Downtown Cleveland, Ohio recently popped up as a Living Social Deal, I took the bait. There wasn’t a switch. The hotel delivered what it promised–a double queen room with free valet parking for $82. (I paid the taxes at check-in.) Recently opened after a $70 million dollar renovation, The Westin, in the heart of Cleveland, is a hotel that offers classy comfort with an upscale urban feel.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next to Lake Erie
Although the hotel is geared more for the business traveler than for a family of four, namely myself, hubby and two teens, ages 17 and 13, we found our Westin stay a respite from the buzz of holiday gatherings.
The staff was friendly and helpful particularly when the 13-year-old decided to hoof it up 21 flights of stairs to our room while we took the elevator. He wasn’t sure where our room was after all. He stepped out of an elevator on the ground floor as the staff was getting ready to help find him. Thank you, staff.
Everything else about our stay ran smoothly, and if it hadn’t been the end of December, I would have taken better advantage of the hotel’s close proximity to Cleveland’s downtown offerings.
For example, our 21st floor room had a splendid view of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame against the backdrop of Lake Erie. I could have easily walked there in a few minutes, BUT, I’ve been to the Hall of Fame three times already, AND it was COLD outside.
We did bundle up for the quick walk to Tower City where there’s a food court, shops and the Beaux-Arts architectural splendor of Terminal Tower. Opened in 1930, Terminal Tower was once the 4th tallest building in the world. We headed to the food court for dinner.
Although The Urban Farmer, a steakhouse restaurant in The Westin boasts a menu worth trying for its dedication to serving up creative dishes made from organic produce and meats from Ohio’s local farmers, we were out for cheaper eats. If we had been heading to a touring Broadway show at Playhouse Square, also close by, an Urban Farmer meal and a glass of wine would be a perfect addition to the evening.
Seating in The Urban Farmer
The Urban Farmer would also be a great place for a leisurely breakfast where thoughtfully prepared food is a menu trademark. The restaurant has mixed seating options ranging from a bar, to tables to one area with couches, chairs and coffee tables. This would be a wonderful place to lounge a bit in the morning reading and drinking coffee.
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Our lounging was done mostly in our room and in the business center. I headed to the business center to avoid paying for WiFi. Located on the 7th floor, the business center is an open area with several computers for guest use. Although the time limit is 30 minutes, you can use a computer for a longer time if no one else is waiting.
Our room, appointed with a coffee maker, refrigerator, plush towels, lovely to the touch sheets, and the most comfortable bed, served us well. The 46 in. LCD TV did capture our attention, but it had competition from the workout room that was more like a small fitness center. The exercise equipment is plentiful and varied from treadmills to free weights to a room with a punching bag if boxing is your forte.
Sculpture in the lobby, lounge area
If you happen to have left your exercise gear at home, you can rent some from the hotel. This includes New Balance sneakers. The Westin has a WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Program that gives guests the opportunity to borrow what they need for a $5 fee.
About the valet parking. It’s normally $30 for a night, but as stated, our Living Social Deal included this service. We left our car in the garage upon our arrival until we left the next day.
Whether you go to a Browns, Cavaliers, or Indians game, to a movie, to the Great Lakes Science Center, to The House of Blues or to Horseshoe Casino, you really don’t need your car if you stay at The Westin and don’t mind walking a couple of blocks. There are also several good to excellent dining options in addition to the Urban Farmer and Tower City’s Food Court.
Price Range- $139-$315 or check Hotels.com, Booking.com and Expedia for better rates.
The Westin Downtown Cleveland
777 Saint Clair Avenue NE
Cleveland,Ohio 44114
Phone: (1)(216) 771 7700
Post and Photos Courtesy of Jamie Rhein
