Columbus is the capital of the “Buckeye State”, where you’ll find the Columbus Museum of Art, the Scioto Mile, the Short North Arts District and the Buckeyes football team, who play at Ohio State University. Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is steeped in history and culture; check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, take in breathtaking views from the observation deck of the Terminal Tower. Other points of interest include Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Kelley’s Island (for a beach getaway), the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati
The Cincinnatian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Dating back to 1882, this is one of the Historic Hotels of America, housed in a landmark building. It was previously known as The Palace and displays French Second Empire style. As soon as you arrive inside the majestic building, you’ll be wowed by its soaring atrium, vintage artworks and grand marble staircase. But there are also plenty of mod cons, such as iPod docks, blackout blinds and coffee makers in the bedrooms. There’s also a fitness centre, a coffee shop, a bar and a restaurant onsite. The Cincinnatian Hotel is found in the Central Business District.
The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
Built in 1909, the Lytle Park Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, is another great option for those wishing to immerse in the city’s elegant heritage – you’ll find it in the Historic District. The interior has been recently refurbished, to create an oasis-like experience, with a park-inspired design. Guests can fine-dine at Subito on northern Italian cuisine, grab a drink in the lobby bar, or hang out in the Marketplace. The jewel at the top of the property is the rooftop venue, over which a fully retractable cover ensures a convivial socialising space come rain or shine.
Kinley Cincinnati Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
You could opt for a downtown boutique property, tailored in the style of the city and expressing its own character. Seductive, smart and fashionable, the Kinley puts you at the heart of the Cincinnati action. Breakfast is served daily and drinks, as well as a signature “Moodbar” Espresso are available at the lobby bar, The Exchange. While fancier small plates, providing a flavour of the Midwest, can be enjoyed at Khora. Book one of the hotel’s 94 bedrooms with custom-designed Murmaid mattresses and let your US adventure begin in comfort.
Cleveland
Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection
With a former life as a bank, this century-old building is somewhat of a city landmark – what was once the vaults is now a fancy cocktail lounge. There’s also an award-winning Italian restaurant, Centro (don’t miss the handmade pasta and 900-year-old sourdough brick oven pizzas), The Garden of Eden Rooftop Lounge, the family-run Heinen’s Market to grab any grocery necessities or treats (look up to get a glimpse of the venue’s Tiffany stained-glass rotunda) and the Ledger Bar for beers and bites. Bring your pooch along for the stay too – Metropolitan at The 9 has an indoor dog park.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel
As with all within the Kimpton collection, this hotel echoes the personality of its city in a playful, crafty, yet always sophisticated manner. Housed in a turn-of-the-20th-century brick building, it’s a popular spot for craft coffee and farm-to-table food. Custom-designed Micro Kickboard scooters for children, and Nutcase helmets, can be borrowed from the concierge, there’s a fitness centre with a Peloton Bike, Wag! Membership for those travelling with dogs, free guitar rental and a nightly wine hour. Eclectically decorated bedrooms come with Atelier Bloem bath amenities and you can request a plant be placed in yours ahead of arrival.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton’s classic European elegance is re-imagined for Cleveland in a palette of soft blues and greys. Its TURN Bar + Kitchen pays homage to the city’s industrial heritage within the steel industry and serves refined dishes crafted from local ingredients. And the bar is the place for theatrical molecular cocktails beside the fire. Those staying in Club Level Suites also enjoy access to the Club Lounge on the 14th floor, from which the views are phenomenal and snacks/drinks are complimentary. Plus you’ll benefit from a dedicated concierge.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade
Housed within a Victorian-era Arcade shopping arcade, built in 1890, this hotel’s architecture is something very special indeed. Vaulted ceilings, pretty balconies, period back-lit staircases, a majestic lantern-lit atrium and an 85 feet high skylight stretching more than 300 feet will have you gazing in awe. Alongside the antique features, you’ll find the mod cons of a 24-hour fitness centre, a salon and spa, a restaurant, a lobby market and a lounge. Plus there are restaurants available in the arcade, outside the hotel. Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade has 293 bedrooms.
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
This downtown property offers all of the trappings of a Westin hotel, such as the brand’s own mattresses and fitness concept. The Westin Cleveland Kitchen is the hotel’s restaurant, with comfy leather Chesterfield sofas for drinks, as well as tables and chairs, where diners can tuck into American cuisine, made using fresh, organic produce with a low carbon footprint. It’s home to one of the biggest ballrooms in Cleveland and bedrooms proffer views of either Lake Erie or the city skyline. Valet parking is also available for a fee.