Cleveland, OHIO
Embassy Suites Cleveland Rockside
5800 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Independence, Ohio, United States 44131
TripAdvisor
Complimentary parking . no pets . Internet 12.95 . Pool . Fitness Center . Pool tables in the lobby
5800 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Independence, Ohio, United States 44131
TripAdvisor
Complimentary parking . no pets . Internet 12.95 . Pool . Fitness Center . Pool tables in the lobby
My first trip to OHIO.
First stop, Independence Ohio for a hair class taught by my husband, staying at the Embassy Suites there. (my first time at an Embassy Suites) Part of the Hilton chain of properties. Being Hilton Honors members (for over a decade now) we got the gold membership complementary internet code, and bottled water. (no upgrade since all the rooms are suites)
Being an all suites hotel the room was large to be expected, but in desperate need of an upgrade ! Outdated and dull. They did have flat screens so they don't have far to go, mostly new bedding and window treatments would do them some good.
We were sure to take advantage of the Managers Reception (as seen in their new commercials) light appetizers and free drinks ! Wine, beer selection and well drinks. Upon checking in on FourSquare I came across an offer for a free desert with purchase of a meal. Boy did we make out on this evenings meal. 12 drinks and 3 desserts for free ! Total dinner bill for 3 people = 44.00 ! There mac and cheese was pretty good too ! (pine nuts and chicken in a white cheese sauce) and the desserts were all worth the calories ! Vanilla bean cheese cake drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce, tarimesu and apple pie :)
In the a.m. they serve up complimentary breakfast as well... (all part of their new campaign) and we're not talking bagels and crossoints. This is a full breakfast bar, cook-to-order omelets (the only hotels that do this), bacon, bread, yogurt, fruit, hot oatmeal... While enjoying mine in room, I decided to peruse their website for goodies to post on my Di by the Sea Facebook page, on their I found contests and sweepstakes to enter, a double point offer and an their app to download for my iphone.
Once the work obligations are done we are set to play for a day and half in Cleveland. First and foremost, a stop at the ROLL HALL OF FAME, duh ! ...
First stop, Independence Ohio for a hair class taught by my husband, staying at the Embassy Suites there. (my first time at an Embassy Suites) Part of the Hilton chain of properties. Being Hilton Honors members (for over a decade now) we got the gold membership complementary internet code, and bottled water. (no upgrade since all the rooms are suites)
Being an all suites hotel the room was large to be expected, but in desperate need of an upgrade ! Outdated and dull. They did have flat screens so they don't have far to go, mostly new bedding and window treatments would do them some good.
We were sure to take advantage of the Managers Reception (as seen in their new commercials) light appetizers and free drinks ! Wine, beer selection and well drinks. Upon checking in on FourSquare I came across an offer for a free desert with purchase of a meal. Boy did we make out on this evenings meal. 12 drinks and 3 desserts for free ! Total dinner bill for 3 people = 44.00 ! There mac and cheese was pretty good too ! (pine nuts and chicken in a white cheese sauce) and the desserts were all worth the calories ! Vanilla bean cheese cake drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce, tarimesu and apple pie :)
In the a.m. they serve up complimentary breakfast as well... (all part of their new campaign) and we're not talking bagels and crossoints. This is a full breakfast bar, cook-to-order omelets (the only hotels that do this), bacon, bread, yogurt, fruit, hot oatmeal... While enjoying mine in room, I decided to peruse their website for goodies to post on my Di by the Sea Facebook page, on their I found contests and sweepstakes to enter, a double point offer and an their app to download for my iphone.
Once the work obligations are done we are set to play for a day and half in Cleveland. First and foremost, a stop at the ROLL HALL OF FAME, duh ! ...
Sheraton Cleaveland Airport Hotel
5300 Riverside Drive Cleveland,Ohio 44135 United States
Map Phone: (216) 267-1500
Indoor heated pool / whirlpool
5300 Riverside Drive Cleveland,Ohio 44135 United States
Map Phone: (216) 267-1500
Indoor heated pool / whirlpool
We switched hotels to extend our stay, over to a Sheraton, shuttled over by the Embassy Suites complimentary of course. This hotel has a much nicer vibe, modern, cool, hip, very W hotel like. We like :) Very friendly staff. Quick check in. Our room was clean, but not as modern and fresh as the lobby and community areas. This hotel is literally a rocks throw from the airport, you can walk to it, so there was noise all night long, not terrible.
Picked up a cool Jeep Wrangler at Enterprise rent a car, boy have they come a long way from when we owned one in the 80's. Very Urban designed, rivets, big hefty combat type accessories. This one had 4 doors. Hard top convertible. (see photos)
The Rock and Roll hall of fame, sits waterside, a very cool 4 story architectural structure. No photos aloud in the exhibits themselves on each floor, just on the entry promenade outer areas. We snuck in a few anyway of course :)
22.00 for an adult ticket/bracelet. VIP tickets (includes a tshirt) and other group rates are available. (check em on the website)
Upon entry displays of old english mini cars from the U2, Zoo Tour, a giant Michael Jackson glitter glove and guitar. A Pink Floyd, the WALL display...
Exhibits included the Roots of rock with photos, sheet music, memorabilia of all the greats, ....
A montage video of Elvis, one of his cars... (I could have sat there all day long !)
Window vinettes in timeline form showing memorabilia from guitars, clothing, concert posters and historical data.
Movie theatres showing the inductees to the hall of fame thru the years...
A movie of the 25 Years Anniversary concert including Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band in concert, with Billy Joel, and other artists, that was really AMAZING !
An exhibit called Video Killed the Radio Star, with cyclone of TV screens showing a montage of MTV clips, that was cool to sit and watch.
They had a big specialty exhibit running in May for DEAD HEADS...
-The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will unveil a special exhibit devoted to the Grateful Dead on April 12, 2012. FEATURED: Grateful Dead: The Long Strange Trip (those were located on the top floor tower levels) The coolest thing to me was the scalper fraudulent concert tickets people made and the crazy psychedelic acid trippin' artwork on envelops sent by fans to get free tickets.
ZZ top car from the Legs video... Joan Jetts Jaguar...
The actual Michael Glitter Glove, Kiss clothing, Jimmy Hendrix, Parliment Funk Railroad...
There was a 3D U2 -2 hour concert movie for an extra 3.00 which we didn't see.
A blacked out hallway with glowing inductee signatures...
Upon exit you go through the gift shop with everything rock and roll... t-shirts, key chains, knick-knacks, mugs and the like, CD bins (like an old Tower Records)
Just like the website says, "You can spend five hours here, or two days" (and yes, a two day pass is available)!
Picked up a cool Jeep Wrangler at Enterprise rent a car, boy have they come a long way from when we owned one in the 80's. Very Urban designed, rivets, big hefty combat type accessories. This one had 4 doors. Hard top convertible. (see photos)
The Rock and Roll hall of fame, sits waterside, a very cool 4 story architectural structure. No photos aloud in the exhibits themselves on each floor, just on the entry promenade outer areas. We snuck in a few anyway of course :)
22.00 for an adult ticket/bracelet. VIP tickets (includes a tshirt) and other group rates are available. (check em on the website)
Upon entry displays of old english mini cars from the U2, Zoo Tour, a giant Michael Jackson glitter glove and guitar. A Pink Floyd, the WALL display...
Exhibits included the Roots of rock with photos, sheet music, memorabilia of all the greats, ....
A montage video of Elvis, one of his cars... (I could have sat there all day long !)
Window vinettes in timeline form showing memorabilia from guitars, clothing, concert posters and historical data.
Movie theatres showing the inductees to the hall of fame thru the years...
A movie of the 25 Years Anniversary concert including Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band in concert, with Billy Joel, and other artists, that was really AMAZING !
An exhibit called Video Killed the Radio Star, with cyclone of TV screens showing a montage of MTV clips, that was cool to sit and watch.
They had a big specialty exhibit running in May for DEAD HEADS...
-The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will unveil a special exhibit devoted to the Grateful Dead on April 12, 2012. FEATURED: Grateful Dead: The Long Strange Trip (those were located on the top floor tower levels) The coolest thing to me was the scalper fraudulent concert tickets people made and the crazy psychedelic acid trippin' artwork on envelops sent by fans to get free tickets.
ZZ top car from the Legs video... Joan Jetts Jaguar...
The actual Michael Glitter Glove, Kiss clothing, Jimmy Hendrix, Parliment Funk Railroad...
There was a 3D U2 -2 hour concert movie for an extra 3.00 which we didn't see.
A blacked out hallway with glowing inductee signatures...
Upon exit you go through the gift shop with everything rock and roll... t-shirts, key chains, knick-knacks, mugs and the like, CD bins (like an old Tower Records)
Just like the website says, "You can spend five hours here, or two days" (and yes, a two day pass is available)!
Next, we were off to cruise around Cleveland... (the streets are clean, not crowded at all) we saw bridges, lots of them, old and new. This city is an ecclectic mix of modern and old, the blend working well together.
We checked out the different areas on the map like the Wharehouse District...
Downtown East 4th Street (blocked off from cars, only foot traffic allowed, strands of lights strung overhead)
We decided to hang here for the evening, at first it felt like a ghost town, empty restaurants and outdoor seating, we found out that most things don't open till 5:00p. Our first stop was a place called the Wonderbar for pre dinner drinks and a surprise by my husband ! So glad we stopped in there ! THE best PIEROGEES I HAVE EVER EATEN !!! and at $4.00 a pop I would sure hope so! "Purple Pierogis", cheese and potato stuffed, on a bed of caramelized onions with chipotle sour creme... [menu] I REALLY NEED THE RECIPE ! :) ~ Compliments to the Chef ! This Slovak girl KNOWS !!!
Dinner was a few doors down at Lolas Bistro, (American Cuisines, Lola is the crown jewel of Cleveland's vibrant culinary scene) Michael Symon chef/owner ... (we had such a great dinner in NYC at Mario B's Osteria) ... we knew we were in for a good meal !... upon entry, soooo fancy pancy.
Over done personality by our waiter. Ipad for ordering wines and ales. The service was impecable, the wait staff is like 3 to every table or so it seems. You are not left waiting.
I quickly checked out all the FourSquare tips. Sees as thought the Beef cheek pierogees were a hit... we ordered them up... (definately not as good as the ones at the bar next door !, at $7.50 per. We were underwelmed.)
Can't say we were impressed at all with the food. My husbands Beef Hanger Steak:
salsa verde, chiles, lola fries 27, was served cold ! (but it may have been our fault for ordering the pierogee ap after we put in our dinner order. I had the Heirloom Lettuce Salad: feta, olives, oregano vinaigrette 7 and the Smoked Berkshire Pork Chop chiles, cheesy polenta, bbq onions 28. Our waiter suggested a local beer to us, the Great Lakes D.......d Gold, not a fan.
One last stop at Green House Tavern for a Hefe beer to share. :) (planning to get back for a burger for lunch the next day if we have time, FourSquare tip leavers were crazy for the --- Burger, we didn't have time !) I thought the card tray with all the chefs business cards, sitting in the bar/reception area was a great idea ! I really would like to come back to this restaurant, the menu looked so different, they had a 44.00 chefs special, and on FourSquare they really talked up the Chef's table.
Then back to the hotel and up to the Club lounge (we love CLUB LOUNGES !!) for some free desert and after dinner coffee (starbucks, not my fave)... picked up some bottled water, a can of gingerale, some bar mix and for the afternoon flight home, some granola bars.
Back up again the next morning for some complimentary breakfast.. then out the door to catch our flight on the complimentary shuttle provided by the hotel. I love trips like this...
Side note: We missed out on the chance to ride the Lolly the Trolley, for a tour of Cleveland. There are really only a few things to do in Cleveland and this was one of them.
You really don't need a day and a half to see all that there is to see in Cleveland, just a day would have sufficed.
We checked out the different areas on the map like the Wharehouse District...
Downtown East 4th Street (blocked off from cars, only foot traffic allowed, strands of lights strung overhead)
We decided to hang here for the evening, at first it felt like a ghost town, empty restaurants and outdoor seating, we found out that most things don't open till 5:00p. Our first stop was a place called the Wonderbar for pre dinner drinks and a surprise by my husband ! So glad we stopped in there ! THE best PIEROGEES I HAVE EVER EATEN !!! and at $4.00 a pop I would sure hope so! "Purple Pierogis", cheese and potato stuffed, on a bed of caramelized onions with chipotle sour creme... [menu] I REALLY NEED THE RECIPE ! :) ~ Compliments to the Chef ! This Slovak girl KNOWS !!!
Dinner was a few doors down at Lolas Bistro, (American Cuisines, Lola is the crown jewel of Cleveland's vibrant culinary scene) Michael Symon chef/owner ... (we had such a great dinner in NYC at Mario B's Osteria) ... we knew we were in for a good meal !... upon entry, soooo fancy pancy.
Over done personality by our waiter. Ipad for ordering wines and ales. The service was impecable, the wait staff is like 3 to every table or so it seems. You are not left waiting.
I quickly checked out all the FourSquare tips. Sees as thought the Beef cheek pierogees were a hit... we ordered them up... (definately not as good as the ones at the bar next door !, at $7.50 per. We were underwelmed.)
Can't say we were impressed at all with the food. My husbands Beef Hanger Steak:
salsa verde, chiles, lola fries 27, was served cold ! (but it may have been our fault for ordering the pierogee ap after we put in our dinner order. I had the Heirloom Lettuce Salad: feta, olives, oregano vinaigrette 7 and the Smoked Berkshire Pork Chop chiles, cheesy polenta, bbq onions 28. Our waiter suggested a local beer to us, the Great Lakes D.......d Gold, not a fan.
One last stop at Green House Tavern for a Hefe beer to share. :) (planning to get back for a burger for lunch the next day if we have time, FourSquare tip leavers were crazy for the --- Burger, we didn't have time !) I thought the card tray with all the chefs business cards, sitting in the bar/reception area was a great idea ! I really would like to come back to this restaurant, the menu looked so different, they had a 44.00 chefs special, and on FourSquare they really talked up the Chef's table.
Then back to the hotel and up to the Club lounge (we love CLUB LOUNGES !!) for some free desert and after dinner coffee (starbucks, not my fave)... picked up some bottled water, a can of gingerale, some bar mix and for the afternoon flight home, some granola bars.
Back up again the next morning for some complimentary breakfast.. then out the door to catch our flight on the complimentary shuttle provided by the hotel. I love trips like this...
Side note: We missed out on the chance to ride the Lolly the Trolley, for a tour of Cleveland. There are really only a few things to do in Cleveland and this was one of them.
You really don't need a day and a half to see all that there is to see in Cleveland, just a day would have sufficed.
Our ride home from the airport, LAX was the Super Shuttle. We've had to use this service a few times over the years. They are reliable, but sometimes the vans are not clean. The worst part is the ride sharing, having to stop at all the different cities, can take a long, long time to get home ! But if you are in a bind, this is a safe way to get home.
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