This summer our family’s hotel needs changed a bit with multi-generational travel when our grandson arrived. When seeking out reasonably priced lodging in the Cleveland, Ohio area for a weekend visit with friends and relatives, I browsed though options that would allow my daughter some space to take care of a two month-old baby but we’d be able to share a room. The Hampton Inn and Suites Cleveland Airport offered just what we needed.
The sofabed was comfortable for sitting and sleeping
The suite– a bedroom, living room, and kitchenette combo provided plenty of space for our two-night stay. Baby paraphernalia and snacks took over the kitchenette counter and the fridge was put to use with perishables and drinks. My daughter and grandson had the king-size bed in the bedroom while I was perfectly comfortable on the sofa bed in the separate living room.
With two doors leading into the bathroom–one from the bedroom and one from the living room/kitchenette area, neither of us disturbed the other when we needed to use it. Also, with separate sleeping areas and a closed door between them, I didn’t hear one thing during the late night and early morning feedings.
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The living room was also big enough that when folks came over to visit one evening we had space to not feel cramped and the baby could go to sleep in the bedroom without being disturbed.
Of course, the best feature of our room was the kitchenette sink that turned out to be the perfect place for bath time. The high curved faucet made bathing a baby easy.
Although there was a certain utilitarian approach to the kitchenette decor–there wasn’t any, and I wondered briefly if perhaps if the decorating efforts were stalled, the rest of the suite had an artsy edge. Framed black and white photos in the bedroom and the living room paired with the modern fabrics of the furniture and drapes created a visual appeal.
The bedroom, however, had the cozy treatment of the cotton duvet cover of the comforter and soft lighting. The ambiance was more intimate than the open feel of the rest of the suite.
When I headed out to explore the rest of this 97 guest room hotel, I ran into several guests–many attending weddings in the area. The hotel’s lobby and common areas, decorated with a sensibility of pleasing textures and colors provided ample room for guests to hang out–which they did in combinations of couples and a few friends. The lit gas fireplace was a lovely touch. Another touch I haven’t noticed before at a Hampton Inn is a coffee table book size restaurant guide touting dining options in the area that included downtown Cleveland.
The pool, business center and workout room were in good shape and at breakfast, staff briskly kept items refilled. There were plenty of tables to accommodate everyone without feeling crowded.
This Hampton Inn is located in Middleburg Heights, a Cleveland suburb just minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and quick access to I-71. There is a free airport shuttle. With downtown Cleveland about 20 minutes away, the hotel is a viable, less expensive option when visiting all that Cleveland has to offer without the higher cost that often includes a parking fee of a downtown hotel.
Nearby, there’s a mall with a multi-plex movie theater, a K-Mart and several restaurants from the more typical Bob Evans, Perkins Pancake House, Olive Garden and McDonald’s to name a few. But, for local flavor, head to the higher end Brown Derby, a steakhouse with a bar that’s quite good.
Head down Bagley Rd. to get to Berea, the town where the liberal arts college Baldwin Wallace University is located. Here you’ll find access to the Cleveland MetroParks system also called the Emerald Necklace.
We paid $169 for our suite through Hotels.com but check out the hotel’s website for deals as well. Other rooms range from one queen bed to king bed to two doubles. You can also check rates on Booking.com and Expedia.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
