Scene
The laid-back hotel offers guest a glimpse of local life
The cozy freestanding fireplace in the lobby is the warm welcome you need to the Kimpton Schofield. Like a Midwestern hug, it’s also the best way to fight the chill of a winter visit.
The modular leather couches and community table are a gathering spot for strangers to become friendly over morning coffee or afternoon wine, as I did during my stay. There’s also a cubby hole with pillows for reading a good book (may I suggest “Cuyahoga” by Pete Beatty?). Guests check in at the desk, set behind a woven tapestry, and can purchase snacks and other items there at any time of day.
Location
One of the few boutique options in downtown Cleveland, perfect for urban explorers
If you are visiting Cleveland for the first time, you can mostly leave the car behind as the Kimpton Schofield is within walking distance of some cool things to do. Take advantage of public transportation nearby — there’s a bus stop on the same block as the hotel — and the murals and public art found around every corner.
While you’re exploring, don’t miss these spots nearby:
- The Arcade is one of the most stunning buildings in Cleveland. Built in 1890, the Victorian shopping arcade was dubbed Cleveland’s Crystal Palace, with its airy glass ceiling. Today, it has a number of restaurants and stores.
- There’s a reason the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is the most popular attraction. The sprawling complex has incredible artifacts like the awning from CBGB, handwritten Joni Mitchell lyrics and the iconic gray suits donned by The Beatles.
- Playhouse Square is the country’s second-largest theater district, also complete with the largest outdoor chandelier in the world. It includes multiple venues, including historic 1920s theaters, and hosts plays, concerts and comedy acts.
- Between Euclid Avenue and the Gateway District, there are dozens of bars and restaurants to choose from. Within a short walk of the hotel, you can sip craft beers from Masthead Brewing Co. or chow down on pulled pork from Cleveland native Michael Symon (of Food Network fame) at his Mabel’s BBQ restaurant.
- Whether you’re a fan of the Browns, Cavaliers or Guardians, the Cleveland sports arenas are all easily accessible from the Schofield. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is a short walk away, with Progressive Field and FirstEnergy Stadium a few minutes further.
- And file this under good to know: Heinen’s grocery store is a local chain, and their best location is across the street from the hotel, set in the historic Cleveland Trust Building. You can grab prepared foods along with fresh-squeezed juices, charcuterie and beer and wine.
Rooms
Guest rooms resemble your most stylish friend’s apartment
The 1902 redbrick office building was covered in granite for 30 years before it was carefully restored to its original design by namesake architect Levi Schofield. This Kimpton opened in 2016 and has 122 rooms, as well as over 50 apartments, across 14 floors, so you might share an elevator with a resident.
All Kimpton Schofield guest rooms are non-smoking and pet-friendly, with Atelier Bloem bath products, LED efficient lighting and yoga mats to use during your stay. Artwork is inspired by nostalgia, with nods to Matchbox cars and model planes. Minifridges and alarm clocks are also included, along with a mini marquee sign about the desk, plush bathrobes and large showers. There are also accessible rooms, city view rooms and corner rooms.
- King Premier: This room is the standard with around 300 square feet and features Italian linens, a 40-inch flat-screen television and a work area with plentiful outlets.
- King Deluxe: This option has the same features of the premier but with a slightly larger space at 370 square feet. The bathrooms in this room are massive, with a large double shower and two vanities.
- Queen Queen Deluxe: There is also a two-queen-bed arrangement with 400 square feet of space.
- Suites: Choose from a one-bedroom, 665-square-foot suite with a large living area or the 1,204-square-foot presidential suite with a vintage clawfoot tub, dining area, pull-out sofa and views of Lake Erie, Public Square and Playhouse Square. There’s also a Van Gogh suite promotion with decor inspired by the artist’s work.
Amenities
The restaurant is just one of many ways to enjoy the hotel
IHG members get free Wi-Fi during their stay at the Kimpton Schofield. Guests can take advantage of the onsite fitness center, available 24 hours a day, with ellipticals and weights. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Hall of Famer musicians (BB King! The Rolling Stones! The Clash!) with the hotel’s free guitar rental program, available at the front desk.
If you’re getting around Cleveland by car, the hotel has 24-hour valet parking, available for $38 per day. The hotel also has Edison electric bikes for rent and Micro Kickboard scooters for kids to see the city on two wheels.
Named for Levi Schofield’s wife, Betts is the Kimpton Schofield’s bustling restaurant with modern leather chairs and a bar featuring local beer from Market Garden and Great Lakes. Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, along with happy hour. Menu highlights include pressed juices, a harvest bowl and Sunday Sauce pappardelle. There’s also a cocktail for every palate, from the CBD and vodka Bong Water to the alcohol-free Teetotaling Tiki, made with orgeat syrup, fresh lime and ginger beer.
Guests also enjoy classic Kimpton perks like morning coffee and tea and an evening reception with red and white wine. If you’re still peckish, the front desk has drinks and snacks for sale.