Unbelievable Kimpton Schofield Hotel: Cleveland's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Kimpton Schofield Hotel: Cleveland's Hidden Gem? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, or maybe the locally sourced, organic, expertly-brewed coffee, on the Kimpton Schofield Hotel in Cleveland. "Hidden Gem?" That's what they say, and honestly, after my stay, I'm mostly inclined to agree. But like any gem, it's got a few facets that could use a little extra polishing. Let's dive in, shall we? This is gonna be a long one… and I'm not gonna lie, I'm still processing all the feels.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Mostly Thumbs Up for Inclusion!
So, pulling up to this beautiful old building, the Schofield instantly screams chic. The architecture is gorgeous, a proper reminder of Cleveland's industrial history. The entrance? Easy peasy. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. Smooth ramps, wide doors… fantastic! Elevator access throughout? Yep. Scores big points here. The staff, generally, were SUPER helpful with any accessibility needs. Always a plus.
Important note: I didn’t personally require any specific accessibility aids during my stay (I’m more of a clumsy-but-able-bodied gal), but I made a point of observing the systems. The signage for accessible rooms was clear and the hallways were wide enough to maneuver with ease. I’m giving them a solid A for effort.
The Digs: Room Service, Sanity, & a Few Quirks
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. My room was… well, it was a room. And a non-smoking one, thankfully. Which, obviously. It had a blackout curtains, a godsend for a light sleeper like myself! The desk was functional if a little small for my mountains of paperwork, but the free Wi-Fi and Laptop workspace were golden. And thank GOODNESS for the Air conditioning. Cleveland summers? Brutal. Speaking of good things, there was an In-room safe box, perfect for hiding my… well, my important receipts and passport.
But here's where things get interesting. Remember that "perfect" picture you see on the website? Yeah, reality is a bit… different. The bathrobes felt a little less luxurious than I'd hoped and the slippers – well, let's just say they weren’t exactly cloud-like and they slipped on the tiled floor! The window that opens? Great for a breath of fresh air except the location of the AC, and I’m not sure how clean the air was (Cleveland again! Still, it's good for getting some fresh air and feeling less stuffy!
And the BEST part (I mean, besides the blackout curtains, of course)? The 24-hour Room Service! I'm a sucker for late-night snacks, and the menu was surprisingly diverse. In-room dining FTW! And to top it all off, the complimentary coffee/tea maker was an absolute necessity. You know, for the mornings after a night of ahem "research."
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized Heaven (Mostly)
Okay, so the pandemic has changed everything, right? And the Schofield clearly gets it. They have the Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Individual-wrapped food options. I felt really comfortable with their level of hygiene. The staff were on point with the Safe dining setup, and hand sanitizer stations were EVERYWHERE (which is good because I'm a total germaphobe, even before Covid!). It's worth remembering that room sanitation opt-out is available, you can choose to let the staff clean your room.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Eating My Way Through Cleveland
The Schofield boasts a ton of options, and I tried pretty much all of them. First off, the Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Let's just say it wasn't the most amazing breakfast I've ever had, but the Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. There's an A la carte in restaurant if buffets aren't your thing. The Asian cuisine in restaurant at one point had been on my list and since I'm always craving for some Asian flavor, I had to. It was good!
I was MOST excited about the Poolside bar. Sigh. I'm a sucker for ambiance. And while the rooftop pool with a view (yes, Pool with view!) was closed during my stay (boo!), the idea of sipping cocktails and getting some sun is just… dreamy. Maybe next time. Also, the Happy hour! Essential!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust (Maybe)
Okay, so the Schofield has a whole bunch of relaxation options on the menu. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and the Swimming pool [outdoor]. Pretty much all of it that's open (pool was closed during my stay). However, the Fitness center/Gym/fitness was open and functional. I tried to get some exercise in before some sightseeing, which was a good idea (I was too tired to explore the city after all the activities).
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Schofield definitely knows how to make a guest feel pampered. The Concierge was amazing – super helpful with dinner reservations and recommendations! Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. I used the Dry cleaning and the Laundry service, both with fair prices. The on-site Convenience store came in handy for last-minute snacks, and the Gift/souvenir shop was perfect for grabbing a little something for the folks back home.
And a HUGE shoutout to the Cashless payment service – easy peasy! And the Contactless check-in/out made the process a breeze.
For The Kids: Family Friendliness (with a caveat)
While the Schofield has Kids facilities, I wouldn’t call it explicitly “family-centric.” There's no kids' club or anything, but the vibe is definitely upscale and perhaps not ideal for toddlers running wild (unless you're one of those super-chill parents, which I am not). There is a Babysitting service available.
Hidden Gem Verdict:
So, is the Kimpton Schofield a hidden gem? Yes… mostly. It’s got a few quirks, some minor imperfections, and maybe isn't perfect for families, or if you're looking for a wild party atmosphere. But the location is fantastic. The staff were generally lovely, the rooms are well-appointed (even if the slippers need an upgrade!), and the amenities are top-notch (when they're open). The accessibility features are truly outstanding.
I'd go back in a heartbeat, especially if I could hit that rooftop pool!! Just… maybe bring my own slippers? And a backup plan in case the buffet doesn't hit the spot. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars!)
Denver Marriott Tech Center: Your Tech-Fueled Denver Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause here's the itinerary for my little Cleveland adventure at the Kimpton Schofield, a place that, frankly, I’ve been eyeing like a hawk circling a particularly juicy worm. Let’s see how this shakes out…
Day 1: Arrival & Overwhelmed Enthusiasm (Plus Maybe a Hangry Episode)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown, Cleveland! Okay, so the flight was a minor disaster. A screaming toddler, a guy who kept aggressively clipping his nails, and turbulence that felt personally vendettive. But hey, we're here! Arrived in Cleveland, where the weather has decided to announce itself as “slightly damp but otherwise indifferent.”
- 1:30 PM: The Great Lyft Scramble: Navigating the airport is always a game of "Where am I? Where am I going? Am I even alive?" Finally snagged a Lyft. My driver, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen things… many, many things. He regaled me with tales of Cleveland traffic, which, apparently, is a beast of legend.
- 2:00 PM: Check-In Catastrophe… Kinda: Arrived at the Schofield. Ooh, the lobby! Chic, art deco… gorgeous. I swear, for a second there I felt like I was in a slightly fancier version of a Wes Anderson movie. But, ugh, the checkin was a bit of a wait. People. Lines. The front desk person was lovely, bless her soul, but my inner hangry beast was already stirring. I may or may not have muttered about needing a cocktail stat.
- 2:30 PM: Room Revelation (And a Quick Cry of Joy): Finally in my room! And it’s… amazing. High ceilings, exposed brick, huge windows! The view is decent. I may have literally gasped out loud. And then, because I’m an emotional creature, I definitely shed a tiny, happy tear. I'm such a drama queen.
- 3:00 PM: The Cocktail Conspiracy (aka, Finding Food): Time to hit the on-site restaurant, Parker's Tavern. My stomach is now officially a political activist. Ordered a fancy cocktail and some… well, let’s be honest, comfort food. The bartender was a total gem, listening to me rant about airplane food and the existential dread of modern travel. He told me a joke about a squirrel, and it was perfect. The food? Solid. Not life-changing, but precisely what my soul needed.
- 5:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Mild Panic: So, here's the thing. My room is perfect. But… the Wi-Fi is being a brat. I'm also mildly terrified of the city, even though I know in my heart, I'm gonna love it. But I don't know where to love it yet. I've got a map. Now I just need… direction.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner & The "Is This Actually Cleveland?" Question: Decided against a big formal dinner. I just had some nice small plates at the hotel bar. The other patrons are… interesting. Lots of business types, a couple of what seemed to be art students, and a woman who was definitely wearing head-to-toe leopard print. Good for her! I love a bold lady. The overall vibe? Relaxed. Unpretentious. I'm sort of starting to wonder if this is the real Cleveland, and not the industrial, grey-sky one I'd been imagining.
- 7:30 PM: The "Should I Go See the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?" Debate I think I will! Tomorrow.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse and Journaling: A long, steamy shower at the hotel, and I think I'm finally calming down. The city lights look kind of beautiful from this window. I'm journaling, attempting to catch my thoughts before sleep.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 2: Arts, Adventures, and the Ongoing Quest for the Perfect Cup of Coffee
- 7:00 AM: The Coffee Crisis: I'm an addict. My morning starts with the quest for caffeination. Sadly, the coffee machine in the room produced lukewarm brown water. Fail. I'm heading downstairs to raid the hotel coffee shop. If they don't have good coffee, it's gonna be a very long day.
- 8:00 AM: The Coffee Triumph (Mostly): Success! The coffee shop at Schofield has a surprisingly good Americano. Victory. I'm going to need to drink like a gallon of water later.
- 9:00 AM: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – A Pilgrim's Progress: I put on my most confident shoes and decided to check this place out. Okay, the Rock Hall is cool. It is. The exhibits are well done, the history is fascinating. But maybe I'm not the target audience? I definitely enjoyed the fashion part much more than reading up on guitar history.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch Blunder and Minor Existential Crisis: Ate some mediocre food at the Rock Hall cafe. Definitely should've walked somewhere else. Now, I'm sitting in the lobby with a slight headache, wondering if I'm destined to repeat the same mistakes travel after travel.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring the Neighborhood: First Impressions are Confusing: Walked a bit, and I was surprised to see just how many bars there are in Cleveland. It's a beer city, clearly. So many breweries. I took a walk through some park. The architecture is surprisingly beautiful. I'm starting to feel something like… affection for this place.
- 4:00 PM: The Cleveland Museum of Art: A Moment of True Beauty: Okay, this was amazing. Absolutely. The collections are incredible! I wandered around for two hours, lost in a world of colors and stories. I actually cried, again, in front of a painting. Art does that to me. It's the best, and the worst.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Back to Parker’s Tavern. With a Twist! Decided to trust the hotel restaurant again. This time, I went for something I knew I'd love. The chef's special of the day was magnificent. The staff remembered me, which was comforting. The conversation flowed easily. I even made a joke, and someone laughed!
- 8:00 PM: The After-Dinner Walk… And the City's Secret: The city, at night, is gorgeous. I walked along the lakefront. The lights are reflected everywhere. You can feel a hint of the lake's breeze. There is something romantic here. You can actually see the stars.
- 10:00 PM: Collapse and Bedtime.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Feeling of "More, Please"
- 8:00 AM: The Last Breakfast: One last, glorious breakfast at the hotel. Got some eggs. Everything was yummy.
- 9:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping: My mission? Find the perfect Cleveland-themed souvenir that isn’t a t-shirt. Found a cute coffee mug for my friend, and a keychain.
- 10:00 AM: Farewell! Check out was easy. Said goodbye to the staff at the hotel. It's only a short trip, but I feel like I truly saw different sides of the city.
- 11:00 AM: The Airport Shuffle: Back to the airport. The flight has been delayed I think.
- 12:00 PM: Take Off? We're off!
- 12:05 PM: Contemplating the "What Ifs": As the plane soars, I can't help but think, "What if I stayed longer?" Cleveland, you surprise me.
- 12:10 PM: The Promise of Return: I'll be back. Definitely.
So, that's it. My imperfect, messy, wonderful trip to Cleveland. The Kimpton Schofield? Loved it. Cleveland? Also loved it. (And yes, I did eventually find the perfect cup of coffee, although I'm sworn to secrecy about the exact location.) 'Til next time, Cleveland. You had me at hello. Or maybe it was the exposed brick. Or the cocktails. Whatever. I'm a convert.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard San Juan Miramar's Unbeatable Ocean Views!
Unbelievably, It's the Kimpton Schofield: Your Cleveland Crash Pad FAQs (with a side of rambling)
Okay, So… What *Is* the Kimpton Schofield, Exactly? And Is It Actually 'Hidden'?
Alright, picture this: You're in downtown Cleveland, probably shivering because, well, Cleveland. And you stumble upon this beautifully preserved building, the Schofield Building. It's got this crazy history – I read *somewhere* about it being some sort of department store turned… everything. Inside? Boom. Kimpton Hotel. Now, "hidden" is subjective, right? It's not like you'll find it in your grandma's scrapbook of Cleveland landmarks. But it *is* a bit nestled, off the main drag. Which, honestly? That's a plus. Gets you away from the noisy street stuff. I, uh, almost missed it on my first trip. Was looking for the Giant Eagle market, and damn near walked by. Could've been a huge mistake.
The Vibe: Is It, Like, Too Fancy? I'm a Flannel Shirt Kind of Person.
Not *too* fancy, no. Thankfully. The Kimpton Schofield strikes this brilliant balance. It *feels* luxurious. Think exposed brick, cool art everywhere, and probably way nicer soap than you have at home. But it's not stuffy. The staff are super friendly – they actually *talk* to you, you know? Not just robotically asking if you need anything. You can absolutely rock your flannel. I did. No one batted an eye. Well, except maybe the bartender, but that's because I accidentally spilled a bit of my cocktail. Mortifying. But he was cool about it. (Phew.) Honestly, it's more "cool and chic" than "snooty and pretentious." Big difference!
The Rooms: Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
Okay, rooms. This is where it gets good. They're… well, I was *surprised*. I'm a budget traveler by nature, so I was mentally preparing for a shoebox. These rooms? Gorgeous. Think high ceilings (seriously, the sense of space is amazing), giant windows, and seriously comfy beds. Like, the kind you sink into and immediately forget all your problems (well, mostly). And the bathrooms? Luxury. Walk-in showers, those ridiculously fluffy (and maybe even too luxurious for me) robes. I almost *didn't* want to leave. Almost.
Is it pricey? Yeah, probably more than the Motel 6 (no offense, Motel 6). But honestly? For the quality and experience, I think it’s worth it. Especially if you find a good deal. Pro-tip: Check for deals! Always check for deals. I’m a cheapskate at heart.
Let's Talk Food! What's the Scene at Parker's?
Parker's… okay, so Parker's is the in-house restaurant, right? And it's… *good*. Really good. I got the burger. Because, again, I'm a simple person. But it was, seriously, one of the best burgers I've ever had. The fries? Crispy perfection. And the cocktails! They're… dangerous. In a good way, of course. The bartenders are seriously skilled, I watched them make a drink. And the ambiance is great, it’s all lit up at night. (I’m a sucker for atmosphere.) I think I spent far too long sitting at that bar. But hey, it's a vacation. No regrets. (Maybe a *few* regrets the next morning, when my head was pounding. Worth it though!) They also have their breakfast. Eggs Benedict was excellent.
Parking: The Eternal Question. How Do I Avoid the Cleveland Parking Nightmare?
Alright, parking is always a pain, isn't it? The Kimpton Schofield *does* have valet parking. And listen, it's worth it. I debated, and then, after driving around the block for 20 minutes in the rain, I gave in. Best decision ever. It's not cheap, but think of it as buying yourself sanity. There might be other options, cheaper ones, but honestly, coming from the city, it’s such a stress-saver to have the car taken care of. Also, you can utilize public transport depending on where you wanna go.
The Little Things: Freebies, Amenities, and Did They Actually Remember My Name?
Kimptons, as a general rule, are good at the little things. Like free morning coffee and tea in the lobby. Perfect for that pre-breakfast caffeine jolt. They also usually do a wine hour in the evenings. I missed the first one, which I’m still kicking myself about. (Travel tip #34: Don't miss the wine hour.) They have a gym (I didn't use it. I was too busy eating burgers and drinking cocktails). Oh, and the staff? They *did* seem to remember my name, which is a nice touch. Made me feel like a semi-important person. For a minute. (Then I went back to eating fries, so... the illusion faded.) In general, they are good at adding those little touches. Definitely a plus!
Okay, Spill. What's the *One* Thing You Absolutely LOVED? And, The One Thing You Didn't?
The Loved: Oh, that bed. Seriously, the bed. I honestly considered staying in that bed for the entire trip. I'd never experienced such utter comfort. The sheets… the pillows… I'm a simple person, and I want to be honest. To this day, I’m still looking for pillows exactly like theirs. And I can't find them. I think I might have, for a few hours, forgotten about life's problems. It was a mini-escape from reality. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I mean, aside from the fact that I was also probablyHotel For Travelers
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Kimpton Schofield Hotel: Cleveland's Hidden Gem!"