The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower occupies part of the Key Tower complex on Public Square, the tallest building in Ohio, and it combines a reliable brand with one of the most central addresses in the city. From the lobby you are a short walk from the Tower City rapid transit station, which runs the Red Line to the airport and to the West 25th Street stop for the West Side Market, and from the Old Arcade, Playhouse Square and the Rock Hall. It is a business-class hotel in a business district, so expect weekday energy, a polished lobby and a quieter weekend, when the office towers empty. For leisure travelers it offers a straightforward base with a familiar loyalty program and the location advantages of Public Square without the premium of the lake-view Ritz-Carlton, which stands on the same square.
Location and transit
Public Square is the hub of the city's transit, and the Marriott is steps from it. The Red Line, the HealthLine bus and the trolley options are all close, so you can use the hotel as the starting point for the Rock Hall, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the neighborhoods west of the river without a car. Playhouse Square is a ten-minute walk east on Euclid, and the lakefront attractions are a little further north, so on a mild day you can walk to most of the downtown highlights.
Who it suits
Business travelers come first, but first-time visitors who want a central, uncomplicated base will also find it useful, as will rail and airport travelers who value the Red Line connection. Families on a budget may find weekend rates attractive, because downtown business hotels often have more availability when offices are closed. Couples looking for a more intimate boutique feel may prefer the Kimpton Schofield, and those who want a historic building on the square will look at Hotel Cleveland. Ask for a higher floor if you want city views.
What to check when you book
This guide has not read the hotel's own pages, so confirm room types, parking charges and any resort or destination fees on the booking page. Check the date against major events, because Browns weekends, conventions and concerts raise downtown prices. In winter, the proximity to Tower City is a real comfort, since you can reach the rail station with minimal time outdoors, and a stay here makes a car unnecessary for a first visit built around the downtown sights and the West Side Market.
If you do bring a car, compare the hotel's parking cost with nearby garages, because the difference over a three-night stay can be noticeable.
Why stay here
- ✓Key Tower building on Public Square
- ✓Steps from Tower City station
- ✓Red Line to the airport
- ✓HealthLine bus nearby
- ✓Walk to the Old Arcade
- ✓Walk to Playhouse Square
- ✓Business-class hotel
- ✓Loyalty program brand
Good questions
Is the Marriott at Key Tower close to Tower City?+
Yes, it is on Public Square within a short walk of the Tower City rapid transit station and the Red Line to the airport.
Can I walk to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from here?+
On a mild day it is a walkable trip north to the lakefront, though many visitors take a short ride in winter.
Is it good for a first visit without a car?+
Yes, Public Square is the transit hub of the city, so the hotel works well as a car-free base.
