Cleveland Getaway: Richfield's BEST Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express Review!)
Cleveland Getaway: Richfield's BEST Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express Review! – Okay, Maybe) – Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Alright, alright, settle in folks. You’re thinking about a little Cleveland getaway? Good on ya! Been there, done that (and ate a pierogi bigger than my head – more on that later). And the question, the burning question, is this Holiday Inn Express in Richfield really "Cleveland Getaway: Richfield's BEST Hotel?" Well… that's a loaded question. Let’s unpack this like a suitcase overflowing with questionable souvenirs.
First, the good stuff. Because let's be honest, a decent Holiday Inn Express is a comfort blanket in the wild, wild world of travel, especially when you're road-tripping through Ohio.
Accessibility: They've got the basics covered here. The website says wheelchair accessible, and I saw ramps and an elevator. That’s a good starting point, but I didn’t personally need to test it out hardcore. (Accessibility, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests). Call ahead and confirm your specific needs, because sometimes "accessible" can mean different things to different people. My overall rating here is cautiously optimistic.
The Room Situation – My Sanctuary, My Slightly Scuffed Sanctuary:
Okay, let's dive right into the heart of the matter: the rooms. Mine was…fine. Decent size, clean enough, with all the expected stuff. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) The bed? Comfy enough to pass out after a long day of exploring (and possibly overindulging in Cleveland’s culinary delights). The blackout curtains were a GODSEND. Seriously, I sleep like a vampire in the daytime, so those get major points.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Saga! Now, here's where things get a little dicey. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Available in all rooms). The website promised free Wi-Fi, naturally. And it mostly delivered. In my room, the Wi-Fi was… serviceable. Let's say that. I could stream Netflix (barely) and check emails. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds if you're planning on anything requiring serious bandwidth. The LAN option existed, but who uses that anymore? The public areas felt a little stronger.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where the Holiday Inn Express really shines, especially lately. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) The place felt clean. I saw staff constantly cleaning, lots of hand sanitizer stations, and everyone was wearing masks (this was pre-mask mandates being lifted in Ohio, so your experience might differ.) The room looked properly sanitized. Made me feel a lot better about, you know, surviving my trip.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Burrito Blues… and a Poolside Dream (Sort Of):
Okay, the free breakfast. The infamous free breakfast. (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). Don’t get your hopes up too high. We're talking about the usual Holiday Inn Express spread. The usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs, questionable sausage links, sad little pastries. But, hey, it’s free! And there was toast. AND COFFEE. Glorious, life-giving coffee. (I’m a caffeine addict, what can I say?)
The "poolside bar" was an interesting concept. It's more of a coffee/snack area adjacent to the pool. The pool itself wasn't a "Pool with a View," a real let down, instead, it was a fairly standard indoor pool. (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with a view).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Mostly Self-Directed):
This isn’t a resort, folks. Don't expect a full-service spa or a packed activities schedule. (Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath). There's a fitness center (I peeked in, it looked…like a fitness center. Standard equipment.) and the pool area. (Swimming pool). You're pretty much on your own for relaxing. I spent a lot of time in my room, catching up on some much-needed sleep, which was just fine by me.
Getting Around and the Rest:
Getting around is easy: (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking). Free parking! A huge plus. It's convenient if you're exploring the area by car. I saw some charging stations, too. If you can get yourself here, great. Getting around after you arrive is fairly straightforward. (Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center). The staff were friendly and helpful, though again, nothing extraordinary. (Front desk [24-hour], Staff trained in safety protocol,).
For the Kids For the kidsThere's isn't anything particularly exciting, but it's suitable. (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal).
The Verdict: Richfield's BEST? Hmm…
So, is this Holiday Inn Express "Cleveland Getaway: Richfield's BEST Hotel?" Well, it depends. If you're looking for a no-frills, clean, and reasonably priced place to crash while you explore Cleveland and the surrounding area, then yes, it's a solid choice. It's reliable, predictable, and ticks most of the necessary boxes.
If you're expecting a luxurious, pampering experience with a ton of on-site amenities, you'll be disappointed. This isn't the place for that.
My Takeaway: It's a good basecamp. It's a comfortable launching pad for adventures. It’s perfect for a work trip because it has everything you need. But "best" might be a slight exaggeration.
Now, Let's Talk About Your Cleveland Getaway!
Here's the REAL DEAL: Book your room at the Holiday Inn Express in Richfield and get ready for an awesome adventure! But here's the kicker, I'm offering a deal.
Book Today!
Use code: "CLEVENTURE" and mention this review to receive:
- 10% off your room rate!
- Complimentary late check-out (if available - because sleep is golden!)
- A free Cleveland-themed souvenir item (because you're awesome).
- AND an insiders' tip on the best pierogi spot in town… (trust me, you NEED this)
Book your Cleveland adventure NOW! Don't delay, Ohio awaits! Just remember… pack your stretchy pants. You'll need them.
JTOUR Inn: Your Luxury Guigang High-Speed Rail Haven!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaos of a weekend in Cleveland, with the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Richfield as our (hopefully) comforting anchor. Pray for me, because honestly, I'm just winging it.
The "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" Cleveland Adventure: A Surprisingly Messy Guide
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Eternal Struggle With the Hotel TV
1:00 PM - Arrival at Hopkins Airport (CLE): Okay, first hurdle: getting out of the airport. I’m hoping the rental car I'm about to pick up is as "economical" as they claimed. Seriously, the thought of a tiny, tin-can of a car is giving me the shivers. Quick lay of the land - the airport looks surprisingly… normal. Maybe Cleveland isn’t going to be as weird as I've built it up to be in my head. Famous last words.
2:00 PM - Car Rental Disaster (Maybe?): Okay, okay. The car's not terrible. It's… a car. The only excitement so far has been the guy at the rental counter trying to upsell me on every single possible protection plan. "Sir, you have to protect yourself against rogue squirrels!" I almost blurted. I didn't, because I'm (mostly) a functioning adult.
3:00 PM - Check-in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Richfield: Okay, the hotel lobby is your standard bland beige. The front desk guy seems nice enough, although I swear he blinked a lot. Quick check-in. I'm praying the room doesn't smell like chlorine or, God forbid, must.
3:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Phew! The room is… acceptable. The bedspread is that familiar, institutional-looking pattern. The TV is one of those old-school ones that takes approximately 15 minutes to get any channel. This is a sign. This is the universe telling me to disconnect. I should. But I'm going to spend at least an hour wrestling with it, I can feel it.
4:30 PM - Hotel Ramblings (and Snack Acquisition): I need snacks. I forgot snacks. The vending machine is calling to me. I head down for the all-important reconnaissance of the vending machine. Are there any slightly-stale-but-still-satisfying Doritos? Are M&Ms available? And, the most important question of all: Will the machine eat my dollar and give me nothing in return? Wish me luck. This is the most important part of the trip.
5:00 PM - The Vending Machine Gods Have Spoken (Maybe): Success! Found the Doritos. But, the M&Ms were a total bust. The machine ate my money. Ugh. Should I go down to the front desk? Or just accept my loss and the injustice of the world? I think I'll have a very slow, sad, and very noisy Dorito-eating moment in my room while I mull over this. This may lead to a full meltdown. Stay tuned!
6:00 PM - Dinner Search and the Great Burger Quest: Okay, time to venture out. I'm thinking burger. Classic, easy, comforting. I consulted the internet. Let's see. "Best Burgers in Cleveland." Oh, so many options. I'm overwhelmed. I'm tempted to just order room service, but I need out. Maybe a bit of Cleveland air will do me good, despite my initial apprehension.
7:00 PM - Burger Down (or Up): This is where the itinerary might get flexible. I'm off to, whatever the heck the best burger joint will be. I'll fill you in later…
8:00 PM - Maybe a Movie? …Or Just TV and Doritos: Depending on my burger satisfaction level, I may or may not have the energy for entertainment. I'm mentally preparing myself for the TV battle. Wish me luck. The Doritos await…
9:00 PM - Bedtime Brawl: I am defeated. The TV has won. (But I did read a book!)
Day 2: Culture, Chaos, and the Eternal Search for Good Coffee
8:00 AM - Breakfast Bar Bonanza (or Disaster): The dreaded free breakfast. I'm setting my expectations low. Scrambled eggs that are either rubbery or watery. Maybe a sad-looking waffle. The coffee is the real test. Is it actually coffee? Or some sort of brown-colored water? This is important.
9:00 AM - Coffee Crisis Averted (Maybe): Surprise! The coffee is… palatable! The eggs are… edible. The waffle may be a bit pale, but I can eat it. Small victories.
10:00 AM - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Place to Be (Supposedly): Okay, I have to go. It's Cleveland, after all. I'm not a hardcore rock music fan – more of a casual listener. But I'm willing to be converted. I'm expecting a sensory overload. Should I actually prepare myself? Maybe look up some bands beforehand? Nah. That's too much effort. Spontaneous learning is the best learning!
11:00 AM - At The Rock Hall!: Okay, it's already a lot. Shiny guitars! Loud music! The sheer volume of iconic outfits is both impressive and overwhelming. I'm taking it all in. I think I need a break already.
12:00 PM - Rock Hall Ramblings (and a Serious Plea for Caffeine): Okay, I've wandered around the Rock Hall for about an hour. Lots of guitar solos, stage outfits, and more. I need a serious caffeine hit. Is there a decent coffee shop nearby? Or am I doomed to more hotel coffee?
1:00 PM - Downtown Dash (and Lunch Dilemma): Found a decent coffee shop! And I'm famished. I'm on the hunt for lunch. No idea what I'll eat but I do know I don't want yet another burger.
2:00 PM - The City of Cleveland is Calling (Maybe): Let's see what I can find in Cleveland. I'm flying without a net here, people. We shall see! I'll let you know.
4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel, and Sweet, Sweet Rest: I'll take a nap. And maybe watch TV. I may order pizza.
6:00 PM - Dinner (and the Ongoing Quest for Ambiance): Dinner. The question is: where? I want something different. Maybe Italian? Maybe some kind of ethnic food that I have to go out of my comfort zone to try?
7:00 PM - A Decent Dinner: The journey to find dinner was worth it! Another good night!
8:00 PM - I give up on the TV. It's Just Not Possible: No matter. I'll read a book.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the lingering taste of Doritos.
8:00 AM - Another Breakfast Bar Battle: Again, the ritual begins. I'm strangely getting used to the rubbery eggs.
9:00 AM - Hotel Check-out: Smooth, thankfully. And the front desk guy didn't try to sell me anything. Progress!
9:30 AM - Final Moments In Cleveland: Time to soak in the memories.
11:00 AM - Airport Departure: Arghh. Back to the airport. I'm kind of sad to say goodbye to my hotel room, if I'm honest. (Especially after the TV battle.)
12:00 PM - The Journey Home: The Cleveland "adventure" is concluding. I had some good times and some bad. All in all, I'd say it was successful.
2:00 PM - Post-Trip Analysis: I'll probably spend the next few days unpacking (both literally and emotionally). I'll reflect on the Doritos, the TV, the coffee, the Rock Hall. I'll probably have a newfound appreciation for my own bed, my own TV, and the utter predictability of life. But hopefully, I'll also carry a few quirky Cleveland memories tucked away in my heart, ready to resurface at the next inconvenient moment.
So there you have it. The messy, honest, and wonderfully imperfect story of my Cleveland weekend. I hope you enjoyed the story. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some good, strong coffee to wash down the image of those hotel bedspreads. Wish me luck!
Rome's Most Stunning Penthouse: Piazza Navona Views Await!
Cleveland Getaway: Richfield's BEST Hotel? (Holiday Inn Express Review!) - Ugh, Let's See...
Okay, is this Holiday Inn Express REALLY the best Richfield has to offer, or is that just marketing puffery?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the answer's... complicated. "Best" is subjective, right? If your metric is cheapest, then maybe. If your metric is "cleanest room I've ever seen," then… probably not. I mean, it's a *Holiday Inn Express*. You're not exactly booking into The Ritz here.
Look, I went with some HUGE expectations after seeing all the glowing reviews. And let me tell you, I was ready to *love* this place. I needed some serious R&R, ya know? The photos looked slick, the location seemed convenient, perfect for my Cleveland adventure.
Here's the thing: it's decent. Solid. Gets the job done. But "best"? Let's just say my emotional reaction was closer to "meh" than "OMG, this is paradise!"
The free breakfast? Standard. Waffles? Present. But the coffee... oh, the coffee. It's like they brewed it in a sock puppet. Seriously, I'm a coffee snob, and I'm still having nightmares. My soul is not ready for that coffee.
Verdict: "Best" is pushing it. "Perfectly acceptable for a short trip" is more accurate.
What's the deal with the location? Is it a good base for exploring Cleveland and surrounding areas?
Okay, this is where the Holiday Inn Express Richfield *actually* shines. Location, location, location! It's pretty darn good. You're close to I-77, which is key for getting around. And I mean really *close!* You can practically *hear* the truckers rumbling through at night. (More on that later...)
Getting into Cleveland? Not a problem. Museums, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (a must-do, even if you're not that into music, trust me!), the Flats… all within a reasonable drive. Plus, you're also near Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Biking trails, hiking trails... the whole shebang. Now that’s where my R&R came in.
However. Let me tell you, during my visit, I made the terrible mistake of *ignoring* that little note on the website warning about rush hour. *Do not* underestimate Cleveland traffic! It can get brutal. Just... don't even try to be cute and think you can dodge it. You can’t.
Verdict: Convenient location, BUT be prepared for the interstate noise and city traffic. Especially if you are planning on driving at rush hour, or if you get stuck in traffic like I did, then you might want to think twice.
The rooms! What about the rooms? Are they clean? Modern? Comfy? (Be Honest!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. This is the make-or-break, right? The place can be a disaster, but the room has to be comfy. Well…
Cleanliness? *Mostly* clean. I mean, I didn't find any suspicious stains or anything. But, let's just say I wouldn't eat off the floor. (Though, I wouldn't eat off any hotel floor, to be honest.)
Modern? Nah. More like "Holiday Inn Express circa 2008-ish." Functional, not fancy. The furniture was, shall we say, *practical*. The bed? Fine. The pillows? Fine. I slept. That's about as good as it gets.
I'm not going to lie I was a bit disappointed. After the amazing pictures on the website, my expectations were set for something more… let’s say “pristine.” I’m used to more modern hotels with all the bells and whistles. However, even with my disappointment, the room was still good.
Verdict: Clean enough. Functional. Don't expect a design award. And honestly, after a long day exploring the city, the lack of exciting furniture was not necessarily a bad thing.
Let's talk about the noise situation. Are the walls thin? Can you hear your neighbors? The highway?
Oh, the noise. This is where things get real. I mentioned the trucks earlier, right? Yeah… they're your new best friends.
The walls? Let's just say my neighbor's snoring was a *little* too intimate. I'm pretty sure I knew their entire life story by the end of the trip. And yes, you can hear the highway. It's constant. It lulls you to sleep. It wakes you up. It's like a soundtrack to your stay.
I brought earplugs. Thank heavens. They are absolutely essential. And even with earplugs, I still woke up. (I may or may not have considered leaving a strongly-worded note under my neighbor's door regarding the snoring situation. I didn't… but I *thought* about it.)
Verdict: Pack earplugs. Seriously. Don't even think about it. Just pack them. And if you are a light sleeper like me, stay somewhere else if possible. Unless you are deaf, then it's perfect for you.
The breakfast! (You mentioned the sock puppet coffee). Is it really THAT bad? What else is on offer?
Look, the breakfast is a *Holiday Inn Express* breakfast. It’s the kind of breakfast that reminds you that you're on a budget. It’s not gourmet. It's not artisan. It's... breakfast.
Waffles? Yes. (And, hey, you get to *make* the waffles! That's fun, right? Right?!) Cereal? Yep. Eggs? Probably. (I didn't trust them enough to find out). Yogurt? Pre-packaged, of course. Fruit? Well, they were… fruit-shaped. (Just kidding… mostly).
The coffee. Oh, the coffee. It tasted like it had been sitting in a pot since the dawn of time. I went back for seconds (because I’m a glutton for punishment, apparently), and it wasn't any better. Maybe it was just a bad day. Maybe the coffee machine was possessed by a coffee-hating demon. Either way, it was a tragedy.
Verdict: Expect standard, pre-packaged, and frankly, somewhat underwhelming. The waffles are decent, and that’s saying something. Bring your own coffee, or else you’ll be just as miserable as I was.
Would you stay here again? Be honest!
Honestly, probably not. Not because it was *terrible* (it wasn't terrible), but because I know there are other Richfield hotels to try, and I am a creature of habit. Now I’m not trying to be a hotel snob, but I do value a good night's sleep more than the location, which I have to admit it's perfect.
If I were onGlobe Stay Finder
