You're standing under the world's largest outdoor chandelier—a massive, glittering structure with 25,000 crystals—and you realize the Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square is literally the only place to stay if you want that "front row" energy. Honestly, most people just see it as another downtown hotel. They’re wrong. It’s the unofficial living room of Cleveland’s theater district.
If you've ever tried to park in downtown Cleveland on a Saturday night when a Broadway tour is in town, you know it's basically a nightmare. Staying here changes the game. You're not just near the theaters; you're part of the infrastructure.
The Weird History of the "Point Building" Site
Before this was the Crowne Plaza, it was the Wyndham. And before it was the Wyndham, the site was home to the Euclid Point Building, a triangle-shaped structure from 1907. When they tore that down in the late 80s, it left a giant, windowless gap in the side of the Halle Building.
Local developers had a wild idea in 1987. They wanted a luxury hotel with a massive round tower and a literal "beacon" spire to draw people to the then-struggling theater district.
The spire never happened.
Instead, architects RTKL Associates and Herman Galvin Gibans scaled it back. They made the hotel mimic the Halle Building’s look so it wouldn't stand out like a sore thumb. It opened in 1995 and immediately became the "economic anchor" for the neighborhood. It didn't just house tourists; it funded the Playhouse Square Foundation. Basically, every night you spend here helps keep those historic stages alive.
Why the Location is Kinda Unbeatable
Let’s be real: Cleveland is a "walking city" only if you stay in the right spot. The Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square is that spot.
You are within 500 feet of the Connor Palace and the State Theatre. If you’re here for a Cavs game or a Guardians game, Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are a ten-minute walk. You don't need an Uber. You definitely don't need to move your car once you’ve valet-parked.
- The Chandelier: You can see the GE Chandelier from the ballroom windows.
- The Ghost Light: The hotel’s restaurant, Brel’s at Playhouse Square, is named after the theater tradition of the "ghost light"—the single bulb left burning on stage when everyone leaves.
- The "Upper East Side" Vibe: Some guests describe the lobby as having a boutique, Manhattan-style feel. It’s intimate, not a sprawling, cold convention hall.
The Amenities (and the Reality Check)
Look, no hotel is perfect. Most people love the fact that there’s a newly remodeled indoor heated pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. It’s a literal lifesaver during a Cleveland January.
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But here’s the thing you need to know about parking: it’s pricey. Expect to pay around $50 for valet. Some travelers get sticker shock because they see "parking available" on booking sites and assume it's free. It’s not. If you want to save a few bucks, there are lots like the US Bank Garage or the Hanna Garage nearby, but you’ll be hauling your own bags.
The rooms are built for what IHG calls the "WorkLife" experience. You’ve got the Sleep Advantage program—basically better bedding and aromatherapy kits—and enough outlets to charge a small Tesla.
What You'll Actually Eat
Brel’s is the main spot. It’s classic American stuff. Good for a pre-show burger or a breakfast buffet before you hit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (which is exactly one mile away).
If you want something different, you’re steps from:
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- Ghost Light Lounge: The hotel’s own bar with a solid happy hour.
- Yours Truly: A Cleveland staple for casual diner-style food across the street.
- The Fruit Stand: For when you need a smoothie to offset the theater popcorn.
Is it Worth It?
If you are a theater nerd, yes. 100%.
There is something incredibly cool about walking out of the lobby and seeing the marquees of the Allen, Hanna, and Mimi Ohio theaters lit up. The hotel even names its meeting rooms after these theaters—the Palace Ballroom, the Roxy, the Hippodrome.
A lot of couples choose this place for weddings because the ballroom overlooks the district. They often display wedding photos on the big digital screens outside in the square. It’s a vibe you just can't get at the Hilton or the Hyatt down the street.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: If you want a view of the lake or the city lights, ask for the top three floors. The "city view" rooms looking toward Euclid Avenue are the ones that capture the theater energy.
- Check the Show Schedule: If a major show like Wicked or Hamilton is in town, the elevators and valet will be slammed. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you don't stay at Crowne Plazas often, the free Wi-Fi is faster for members, and they sometimes do late check-outs which is huge if you were out late at a jazz club.
- The "Secret" Walkway: If you’re attending a show, ask the concierge about the best way to avoid the wind. Cleveland weather is no joke, and they know the shortcuts.
Don't just treat the Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square as a bed. Treat it as your backstage pass to the city. Use the fitness center, hit the sauna, and then walk across the street for a late-night drink at one of the lounges. You’re in the heart of the second-largest performing arts center in the country—act like it.