The Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square sits on Euclid Avenue in the heart of the theatre district, and its name is its selling point. Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside New York, a claim the district itself makes, and the hotel puts you steps from its theatres, so you can stroll to a show and be back in your room in minutes. It is an IHG hotel, which means predictable standards and a loyalty program for guests who collect points, and the price level is usually below that of the lakeside and Public Square luxury hotels. The HealthLine bus runs along Euclid Avenue directly outside, providing a direct line to Public Square, downtown and University Circle, while the Rock Hall and the lakefront are a longer walk or a short ride.
Location and the theatre district
Playhouse Square holds several historic theatres, restaurants and the outdoor chandelier that hangs over the street, and it is lively on show nights. If you are staying for a performance, this is the most convenient hotel in the city. The district is also the setting for the outdoor escape game and the Cleveland ghost tour, which makes it easy to build an evening around a walk. Arrive early on show nights, because the streets are busy and parking garages fill.
Who it suits
Theatre-goers, couples and budget-conscious visitors who want to be downtown will appreciate it, as will families who want a straightforward, well-known brand. The hotel is not on the lakefront, so if your main interest is the Rock Hall and the Science Center you may prefer the Hilton by the convention center, and for a more characterful boutique stay the Kimpton Schofield and the Metropolitan at The 9 are alternatives on East Ninth Street. Because it is on a main road with a bus line, ask for a higher floor if you are sensitive to street noise.
What to check when you book
This guide has not read the hotel's own pages, so confirm room types, parking costs and any fees on the booking page. Theatre weekends, conventions and games push downtown rates up, so compare dates, and look at midweek stays if your plans are flexible. In winter the walk from the hotel to the theatres is short, which is a real advantage when temperatures fall, and the HealthLine is a good backup if you do not want to walk to Public Square.
Families visiting for a holiday show should book early, because the best dates around the festive season are the first to go, and it is worth checking whether the show you want has a matinee that fits a child's bedtime.
Why stay here
- ✓Playhouse Square location
- ✓Walk to the theatres
- ✓HealthLine bus outside on Euclid
- ✓Euclid Avenue address
- ✓Show-night location
- ✓Short ride to the Rock Hall
- ✓Loyalty program brand
- ✓Downtown location
Good questions
Is the Crowne Plaza close to Playhouse Square theatres?+
Yes, it is in the Playhouse Square district on Euclid Avenue, so the theatres are within walking distance.
How do I get to University Circle from the hotel?+
The HealthLine bus runs along Euclid Avenue past the hotel and continues to University Circle.
Is it close to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?+
It is a longer walk or a short ride away. The Hilton by the convention center is closer to the lakefront attractions.
