Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade

The Arcade is one of Cleveland's architectural treasures: a nineteenth-century indoor shopping hall linking Euclid Avenue and Superior Avenue, with a huge glass skylight, five tiers of ornate iron balconies and two office towers at either end. Opened in 1890 and among the earliest buildings of its kind in the United States, it has been restored and now forms the heart of the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade. Guest rooms are in the historic towers, and the great hall below doubles as the hotel's public space, with shops and places to eat along its galleries. It is worth seeing even if you are not staying, and Viator lists Arcade Cleveland as one of the city's top attractions. The hotel describes itself as a downtown hotel and spa and offers meeting and wedding space, which means the hall often hosts events at weekends. For visitors, it combines a memorable setting with a central location close to the downtown sights.

Location and getting around: the Arcade runs between Euclid and Superior Avenues, a few minutes' walk from Public Square and Tower City's rapid transit station, which connects to the airport, Ohio City and University Circle. The Museum of Illusions, East 4th Street's restaurants and the theatres of Playhouse Square are within easy walking distance, and the ghost tour around Prospect Avenue is close by. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a walk of around fifteen to twenty minutes north toward the lake.

Rooms and who it suits: because the rooms sit in historic towers, layouts and sizes vary more than in a modern hotel, and some have views down into the Arcade. It suits couples and architecture lovers who want a sense of place, first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere downtown, and wedding and event guests. Families will find it central, though the hotel is more about atmosphere than resort-style facilities.

Good to know: the Arcade hall is a public space and a busy event venue, so expect weddings, parties and photographers at weekends, and ask for a room away from the atrium if you want quiet. Downtown parking is paid, and the hotel's parking and transportation page lists current options, so check it before you drive. Rates sit in the mid-range for downtown Cleveland and rise on convention and game weekends.