Clarion Inn Cleveland: Your Perfect University Gateway!
Clarion Inn Cleveland: Your Perfect University Gateway! - A Review (With a Side of Chaos)
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Clarion Inn Cleveland. And honestly? I'm going to be brutally honest. This isn’t going to be some perfectly polished hotel brochure regurgitation. This is real life, people. I've stayed in my fair share of hotel rooms, so come along with me as I uncover the good, the bad, and the slightly… confusing of the Clarion.
First Impressions and Accessibility: (Trying to be structured, but already failing…)
So, "Perfect University Gateway," huh? That's the promise. Let's see if it delivers. The location, for starters, is extremely convenient if you're visiting a university. Bonus points right there, especially if you’re juggling a campus tour, a frantic parent weekend, or, you know, a desperate craving for ramen that only a college student can truly understand.
Crucially, for the folks who need it, Accessibility is a BIG YES. Elevators? Check. Wheelchair accessibility? Seems like it. (I didn't personally require this, but I did see clear signage and wide hallways). The hotel appears to cater well to guests with disabilities, which is a huge win. More hotels need to get this right, seriously.
But… (Here's where the realness kicks in…) I will admit, the first time I walked in, after a long flight to Cleveland, I was a little…whelmed. The lobby isn't exactly a Pinterest board, okay? It's functional, clean-ish, and the front desk staff was friendly enough (essential!).
Smack Bang into the Room!
Okay, the room. The real test. First things first: Free Wi-Fi in Every Room. YES! Essential for anyone who needs to survive, and I am one of them! It's fast and reliable. (Cue the sigh of relief from ALL the students, and their parents.)
Things I Appreciated (And a Few Gripes):
- Air Conditioning: Thank GOD. Cleveland summers can be brutal.
- Desk: (A real desk, with a light - not just a repurposed table) Essential for anyone who needs to crank out some work, or, you know, zone out on the internet.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: A lifesaver in the morning, especially after a late night of… ahem… "studying".
- Free Bottled Water: Nice touch. Hydration is key.
- Bathrobes and Slippers? Don't mind if I do! Gives you a sense of fancy even when you’re in the middle of a serious budget crunch.
Now, for the "Less-Than-Perfect" Moments (Let's Get Real):
- Soundproofing: This one's a mixed bag. I think my room was reasonably quiet. But I also think the walls in hotels are often built from cardboard. (Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea) If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- Room Decorations: Let’s be real. They weren't exactly magazine-cover worthy. Think… functional. But hey, I wasn't there to feng shui the place, so that was no biggie.
- The Bathroom: The soap… honestly, it reminded me of the kind I used in high school. Basic. This is just a personal preference, but I always appreciate a little pampering here.
- The View: My view was… of another building. It wasn’t offensive, it just wasn’t particularly inspiring on that first rainy day.
Food, Glorious Food (Kind of):
- Breakfast Included! (The buffet in the restaurant): This is standard. I’m not expecting Michelin-star experiences, so I loaded up on the typical fare. The eggs were… eggs. The coffee was… coffee. Functional, filling, and free. Can't argue with that. (Although, maybe don't write home about them.)
- Restaurants and Food Options: There is a decent range, and the restaurants are actually quite good.
- Breakfast Buffet: I really enjoyed the buffet. I’m not expecting Michelin-star experiences here.
- Poolside Bar: The Poolside bar is fantastic!
- Snack Bar: I loved the Snack Bar!
- Restaurants: The restaurants are great! I was especially impressed with the Asian Cuisine.
Body Scrubs and Steam Rooms? (Okay, Here We Go…)
Alright, I'll be honest. I didn't make it to the spa area. I am a busy traveler. But the amenities ARE listed, and I really appreciate the thought. I’m picturing myself having a massage, maybe by that pool with a view (which, by the way, sounds amazing). It definitely puts this hotel above some of the budget options.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff):
Right, this is a big one, especially nowadays. Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. (Good.) There's also talk of anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. I also saw staff wearing masks and the staff were trained in safety protocol.
The Price Point:
This is where the Clarion shines. For the price, the amenities and location make it a fantastic deal, especially if you’re on a budget, and seriously, who isn’t these days?
For the Kids and Other Useful Stuff:
- Family/Child Friendly: Nice touch. I didn't travel with kids, but the hotel seemed well-suited for families thanks to its amenities.
- Business Facilities: I didn't need these, but they're there.
- Pets Allowed: Unavailable. I am not a pets person.
The Verdict (Drumroll, Please…):
The Clarion Inn Cleveland is? It's GOOD. (I'm not going overboard here). It's not perfect. It's not a luxury resort. But it is clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and, most importantly, affordable. If you're looking for a place to crash while visiting a university, this is a solid choice.
My Recommendation…
Definitely book it! Seriously, especially if you're a student, a parent of a student, or just someone who wants a clean, comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank. The location earns major points, and the free Wi-Fi is a godsend. It's practical, it's convenient, and it's a decent value.
Here's Why You Should Book NOW - Offer for the Students, Parents, and YOU: "Clarion Inn Cleveland: Your University Hub - Where Comfort Meets Convenience!"
Book now, before the rates change and receive:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and never miss a detail of your studies.
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel up for campus tours, classes, or that all-important parent-teacher meeting.
- Prime Location: Walk to campus, university life, and the hot spots.
- Gym & Sauna Access: Keep in shape at the Gym or Relax at the Sauna.
- Family Amenities: Babysitting service, Pets are not allowed - more family and kid-friendly amenities.
This offer is valid for a limited time! Don't wait! Book your stay at the Clarion Inn Cleveland today and experience the perfect gateway to your university adventure!
So, in conclusion: The Clarion Inn Cleveland delivers what it promises. It's not glamorous, but it's good, and, sometimes, that’s all you need. Go get it!
Luxury Manila Staycation: US Embassy Views! (1BR, SLEC #2202)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to dive headfirst into my highly imperfect, completely subjective, and probably borderline disastrous trip to the Clarion Inn Cleveland near University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Forget those pristine itineraries you find online. This is real life, folks. This is travel, with all the glorious, messy chaos it entails.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Adequate Caffeine
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Clarion Inn. Okay, first impressions…it's…a Clarion Inn. Nothing wrong with that, I guess, but the lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Gotta love that classic hotel vibe. Seriously, it’s like stepping back in time. Anyway, check-in was smooth. The woman at the desk was friendly, even if she did have that "I've seen things" look in her eyes. We all do, darling. We all do.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Unpack, assess the damage (mostly to my luggage, which perpetually looks like it's been drop-kicked across state lines), and then… THE QUEST FOR COFFEE BEGINS. This is a crucial step. I'm not a morning person, I'm a "noon person, and even then, I need a jumpstart." The hotel coffee situation? Let's just say it was more "brown-ish water" than "life-giving elixir." So, I ventured out. Spotted a Starbucks a mile away, but NO. That's too… easy. I needed character. I needed authenticity.
- Anecdote: Found a little diner down the road called "Ruth's Kitchen." The sign was hand-painted, the parking lot was suspiciously empty, and my gut told me this place had a story. It did. Ruth herself was behind the counter, a woman with a smile as worn and weathered as the linoleum. The coffee? Thick, black, and perfect. Talked with her about her life, and found her to be the only person I'd met so far in the town.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Okay, fueled by Ruth's brew, I decided to explore. Aimlessly wandering and embracing the unknown. Got lost, twice. The GPS on my phone seems to have a personal vendetta against me. It kept trying to reroute me through cow pastures. I saw a historic courthouse. It looked majestic, and made me ponder my own past.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local burger joint. My stomach has been a bottomless pit of hunger. Sat at the bar, watched the locals, and ordered the biggest, messiest burger on the menu. It was good. Real good. The fries were amazing. My mood? Upbeat, positive, and maybe a little bit gassy. Hey, it's the travel experience.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. The pool? Closed. The gym? Looked like it hadn't been touched since the 80s. Settled for watching a terrible movie on TV. I ended up falling asleep on the hotel bed.
Day 2: Culture, History, and the Allure of the Flea Market
9:00 AM: Woke up. The sun shines again. I'm back! The hotel coffee still sucks. I found a microwave, so I brought my own coffee and breakfast.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: I went to the Museum. I always visit the local museum when I visit a new spot. I don't always adore it, but I always leave with a strange respect for the place. This museum was more of a "regional history" museum, which isn't my favorite, but a good museum is always appreciated. The exhibits were pretty good, actually. I’m a sucker for old photographs and local legends, so that kept me entertained for a bit.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch, sandwiches. It was fine. Nothing special. I've had better sandwiches.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Now, for the highlight of my trip… THE FLEA MARKET. Oh, the glorious, dusty, treasure-filled chaos of a southern flea market! I lost myself in the aisles, haggling over prices, and petting grumpy-looking cats. This is where the true soul of travel lies, people. It's not about fancy hotels or Michelin-starred restaurants; it's about the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly bizarre.
- Stream-of-consciousness rambling within the flea market: This salt shaker… I NEED this salt shaker. Wait, is that a genuine Elvis belt buckle? Probably not. But…what if? Ugh, gotta have it. This woman is charging way too much… oh, she's flirting with me… okay, deal. Seriously, the stories these items could tell! Makes me wonder about my own stories, about the lives I've touched, and the things I'll leave behind when I inevitably bite the dust.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The flea market, had me completely exhausted. Ended the day.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner at a local BBQ place. Got the ribs. They were smokey and delicious. This is the only redeeming quality of the food in the town.
7:30 PM - Onward: Back at the Clarion. Probably another terrible movie. Maybe a book. This hotel… I think I'll probably take a nap before bed this time.
Day 3: Departure and Uncertain Futures
9:00 AM: Coffee from my supply. Packing a mess, as always. Seriously, how does one person make such a disaster of a suitcase?
10:00 AM: Final Breakfast. I really am running out of food to eat…
11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Clarion. Never again.
12:00 PM: Hit the road. Another adventure awaits.
Clarion Inn Cleveland: The College Kid's REAL Guide (and Mine!)
Is the Clarion Inn actually *near* the University? Because my Google Maps is currently lying to me about everything.
Okay, so here's the deal. "Near" is subjective, right? I mean, my definition of "near" after a brutal Organic Chemistry exam is COMPLETELY different than my definition on a sunny Saturday morning. The Clarion Inn *is* relatively close to the university, but it's NOT a stumble-out-the-door situation. You're talking about a short drive, maybe a quick Uber (which, let's be honest, after all-nighters and ramen diet, you'll *need*). It's manageable, definitely. Trust me, I walked it once. ONCE. Never again. My feet still haven't forgiven me.
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it actually worth waking up for, or am I better off raiding the vending machine?
The free breakfast… ah, the breakfast. It's… a breakfast. Look, let's be brutally honest here. Expecting gourmet? Nope. Are you going to be blown away? Probably not. It's your standard hotel fare: cereal, toast, maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs, and coffee that either tastes like heaven or battery acid, depending on the day. My personal strategy? Scope it out. If the eggs look vaguely edible and the coffee is drinkable, I give it a go. Otherwise? Vending machine and a prayer. I remember *one* time the waffle maker was actually working... that was a good day. But be warned - that happiness can be fleeting!
**Pro-Tip:** Hit it early *before* all the soccer moms descend. That's when the food is freshest and the coffee hasn't been depleted by endless refills.
The reviews mention a pool. Is this a legit pool, or a glorified puddle? And is it even *clean*? (Asking for a friend… who is me.)
The pool... Ah, the pool is a gamble. Okay, let's be real. It's not the Four Seasons. It's a hotel pool. It's been open in the summer. It's fine for a quick dip to cool off after a grueling day of studying. Clean? Well, I *hope* so. I've never contracted anything weird, and I've seen them cleaning it. Remember that. I've never had any super-icky incidents. But, again, it's not a spa. Look at the water. Does it look *too* green? Then maybe skip it. Trust your gut feeling. And always shower *thoroughly* afterwards. Seriously.
Are the rooms actually clean? I'm a college student. I've seen some things. I have standards. (Sort of.)
Clean? Okay, this is important. The rooms are *generally* clean. I wouldn't say "sparkling," but definitely not a biohazard zone. They do have a cleaning service. I've never found anything truly horrifying (thank goodness!), and hopefully, you won't either. Look, you're not paying Ritz-Carlton prices here. You get what you pay for. If you're super-sensitive, bring your own Lysol wipes and give everything a once-over. I always check the bedspread – sometimes those things seem to *absorb* everything. But, overall, I'm pretty content about it. I mean, it’s better than my dorm, that's for sure. (And don't even get me STARTED on the dorm showers…)
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because I NEED internet for my 3 am study sessions, and for, you know, *other* important things.
The Wi-Fi... Ah, the eternal struggle of the digital age. Look, it's Wi-Fi. It works. Sometimes. It will cut out at the most crucial moment. I can't tell you how many all-nighters it nearly ruined with its capriciousness. I've had it be lightning-fast, allowing me to binge-watch shows while "studying." And I've had it crawl at a glacial pace, making downloading a PowerPoint presentation feel like an eternity. I'd say it's reliable *enough* for basic browsing and emails, but don't bet your thesis on it surviving a storm. Be prepared to use your phone's hotspot as a backup. And pray to the Wi-Fi gods.
Is parking free? My bank account is already weeping tears of financial distress.
Parking: Yes! The Clarion Inn thankfully offers free parking. This is HUGE. Seriously, it saves you a ton of money. Parking near the university can be an absolute nightmare and cost a fortune. So, this is a massive win in the budget-conscious college student's book. Just remember to bring your car and not, ya know, expect it to already be there because you've been stressed out with so much course work. That could be troublesome. I'm speaking from experience, you get the idea, right?
What are the best things to do nearby, aside from, you know, *studying*? I need a break!
Okay, okay, you *need* fun. I get it. You're in Cleveland, which is pretty cool, honestly. (Yeah, I said it.) The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-see, even if you're not a die-hard music fan. It's just... well, it's iconic. The Cleveland Museum of Art is also fantastic, and FREE (score!). There are restaurants aplenty. Honestly, I'm a big fan of exploring Little Italy, which has some amazing food. And, if you're feeling brave, you can try to find the Great Lakes. Seriously, just get out and explore. Your brain (and your sanity) will thank you. Oh, and don't forget about the local bars and pubs. Just, you know, drink responsibly because homework waits for no one...not even you!
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest.
Listen, if I'm visiting the university, on a budget, and need a place to crash, absolutely. The Clarion Inn is a solid choice. It's not fancy, but it's clean enough, the free parking is a godsend, and it's close enough to campus to make everything convenient. If I suddenly had the resources for a luxury suite? Nope. But for a practical, student-friendly stay? Yeah, I'd recommend it. Plus, sometimes, you meet some pretty interesting people at hotel breakfasts. So yeah, I’d probably stay there again. And maybeSerene Getaways
