Last fall, my daughter, her then fiancé, and I embarked on a Cleveland, Ohio quest for wedding guest lodging. On a whim, we stopped in the Cleveland Airport Marriott.
This Marriott’s lobby/bar/restaurant combo, with one area flowing into the next, indicates no fuss visiting between people. Hanging out at any one space is being seen. No need to wander around wondering where to find people.
Plus, the rich red and warm yellow highlights tastefully blend classic with modern energetic, and the prominent hand-painted art guitar sculpture is a nod to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll fame.
In essence, the hotel looks like a snappy, fun place to be with an appeal to all ages. It is.
Over the three nights we were there in June with our out of town guests for the wedding weekend, the hotel’s staff was solicitous, accommodating and quick to respond to any of our needs.
The doorman helped haul in luggage more than once. The reception desk personnel helped with changing reservations and answering questions like, “Where can I get a unity candle, and how do I get there?” (This response came with MapQuest help and a printout). Items could be left behind the reception desk until we could pick them up. Whatever we needed, help was there.
People exercised in the fitness room, swam in the lovely indoor pool, had drinks in the bar, played pool in the lobby and hung out in AMP 150, the hotel’s restaurant over the buffet breakfast (not included in the room rate). A few people had dinner and appetizers at AMP 150 as well. Dishes from salads to main to dessert are creative and interesting with a mix of texture and taste combinations.
We ran into each other everywhere.
Whether people had king rooms or two-doubles, everyone was satisfied–or it they weren’t, I didn’t hear complaints. All I heard over and over again was about the wonderful staff. Those who booked their rooms through the wedding block deal were on the same floor. The senior citizen and AAA rate were less expensive but did not include the $8 parking fee.
In addition to the hotel’s main gathering area with its restaurant, bar and lounge combo, this Marriott’s configuration included a lovely courtyard with a gazebo that also offered plenty of visiting space.
The fitness center–filled with a multitude of exercise possibilities and the pool are close to the courtyard that doubles as spill over space for wedding receptions. (My daughter’s reception was not at the hotel, but there were three receptions going strong the Saturday night we were there.)
Although my daughter and her husband’s reception was not at the Marriott, the service we received was as if it was.
(Although wedding guests rooms were either spacious and comfortable king bed or two double bed rooms, the wedding couple’s room was a junior suite with plenty of room for the pre-wedding flurry of getting ready. (7 bridesmaids, 1 bride, 1 photographer, 1 hairdresser and 1 mother moved around each other just fine.)
Room rates start at $109, but check other options. AAA and senior citizen discounts are cheaper.
* For free WiFi, head to the lobby. Although overnight parking in the secure lot is $8, it is possible to find a space in hotel’s front parking lot. Some guests ate breakfast at Denny’s next door.
*Other important considerations: The Cleveland Airport Marriott, located right off I-71, makes for easy driving access to downtown Cleveland and the airport. There is a free airport shuttle which several guests used. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, there is an RTA stop (Cleveland’s train system) within a short walk.
Make reservations directly with the hotel or you can compare rates and book at Booking.com or Expedia.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
