At Tower City Center, filling a stately, E-shaped landmark of 14 stories, this regularly maintained, well-staffed hotel provides the only serious competition to the Ritz-Carlton. And some prefer it over the R-C, thanks to its plush updated contemporary style. Built in 1918, this classic gray brick structure displays the exquisite workmanship and architectural detail of an earlier era. In fact, the regal public spaces are some of the most noteworthy in the Midwest.
Gold leaf, plush carpeting, angular marble columns and grand chandeliers hanging from cross-vaulted ceilings create a high degree of elegance. Billowing fountains, fancy window treatments and a sweeping staircase provides
entry to the lobby, where a pianist fills the air with melody most evenings. The adjoining bar has a floor of varied marbles, and the paneling lends additional elegance. Muraled walls and knotty-pine columns strike yet another chic note in Sans Souci, where delicious Mediterranean fare is served for lunch and dinner. Down on street level is a quasi-Victorian brasserie for casual Continental dining.
The pool and fitness facilities are in the courtyard on the fifth and sixth floors. Up to 3,000 people can assemble in the carefully restored bi-level ballroom, the largest between New York and Chicago. Motorists are well-served by a garage with direct hotel access.
The lodgings (of various sizes), all of which have been renovated over the past four years, display high standards, and many prove more evocative than those at the Ritz-Carlton. All display beautiful detailing, such as mahogany accents and bordered ceilings. Standard accoutrements include spacious sitting areas, upholstered chairs with ottomans, three phones, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), TVs, minibars, safes, one queen or two double beds, and mirrored closets. Web TVs and coffeemakers are nice perks. The baths supply tile and marble vanities, second TVs, phones and hair dryers. Patio suites have private patios that blend in with the room design, but open to the often noisy interior courtyard. Premium-level rooms offer superior furniture and breakfast, refreshments, evening hors d'oeuvres and dessert. The bi-level private lounge with hand-rubbed walls is the most ornate in Ohio. Room service is offered at almost all times, and pets are not allowed.
The hotel may have lower rates than the Ritz-Carlton, but standards here are nearly as high. Businesspeople and conventioneers crowd the halls on weekdays, and romantics favor the hotel on weekends. Its combination of central location and pleasant interiors makes this a Cleveland favorite.
