You ever walk into a building and feel like you've accidentally stepped onto a movie set? That's the vibe at the Metropolitan at the Nine Cleveland Ohio. It’s not just a place to crash after a Cavs game. Honestly, it’s one of the few spots in the Midwest that feels genuinely cool without trying too hard. Located right at the corner of East 9th and Euclid, it’s a massive, swanky playground carved out of a bunch of historic bank buildings.
The first thing you’ll notice isn't the lobby. It’s the sheer scale of the place. It's a mixed-use monster. We’re talking 156 hotel rooms, luxury apartments, an indoor dog park (yes, really), and one of the most beautiful grocery stores in the United States.
The hotel itself is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. If you’re a points nerd, you know that means it’s got character. This isn't a cookie-cutter Marriott where every room looks like a corporate cubicle. It’s edgy. It’s loud. It’s got a lot of black marble and glass.
The Vault: Drinking Under Tons of Steel
If you visit the Metropolitan at the Nine Cleveland Ohio and don’t go to the basement, did you even visit?
The Vault is basically a legend in Cleveland. It’s a cocktail lounge built inside the actual century-old bank vaults of the Cleveland Trust Company. You walk through these massive, circular steel doors that weigh tons. Inside, it’s dim, moody, and perfect for a date or a secret meeting. They have over 30 craft cocktails, but people mostly go for the atmosphere. You’re literally sitting in a room where millions of dollars used to sit.
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One thing people get wrong: they think it's just one room. It’s actually a series of smaller, interconnected vault spaces. Each one feels like its own private club. If you're looking for a quiet conversation, avoid Friday nights. It gets packed. Like, "shoulder-to-shoulder with people in fancy suits" packed.
- The Rotunda & Heinen's: Just across from the hotel entrance is the Heinen’s grocery store. It’s under the Tiffany stained-glass rotunda. Even if you don't need milk, go inside. It’s a cathedral for food. They have a wine and beer tasting floor upstairs where you can get a glass and just stare at the ceiling.
- Azure Rooftop: This is the seasonal spot. From April to September, this is where the city comes to see and be seen. The views of the Cleveland skyline are elite.
- The Centro: This is the main restaurant. It’s an Italian-inspired steakhouse. Think 900-year-old sourdough starters for their pizzas and hand-cut steaks. It’s fancy, but Cleveland-fancy, so you won't feel out of place in nice jeans.
What it's like staying at the Metropolitan at the Nine Cleveland Ohio
Let’s talk rooms. They aren't huge, but they're smart. A standard King Suite usually has a fireplace, which is a godsend during a Lake Erie blizzard in January. The bathrooms feel like a spa—lots of glass, zippy rainfall showerheads, and high-end robes.
If you’re traveling with a squad, the Marcel Breuer Suite is the play. It’s 800 square feet. It's named after the famous architect who designed the brutalist tower that makes up part of the complex. It feels more like a high-end apartment than a hotel room.
The Dog Park Situation
Clevelanders love their dogs. The Nine knows this. They have an indoor dog park called "The Bark." It’s a weirdly brilliant touch for a luxury hotel. If you’re traveling with your pup, you don't have to worry about the slushy Cleveland streets at 11 PM. You just take the elevator down.
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Location is basically unbeatable
You're three blocks from the House of Blues. You’re a five-minute walk from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (Go Cavs) and Progressive Field (Go Guards). If you're here for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it’s a quick 15-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber down 9th Street.
Basically, you’re in the "Gateway District." It’s the heart of everything. You can walk to East 4th Street in two minutes to grab BBQ at Mabel’s (Michael Symon’s spot) or hit up the JACK Casino if you're feeling lucky.
Is it worth the price tag?
Look, it’s not the cheapest stay in the 216. You're paying for the "cool factor." Sometimes the service can be a bit busy because the place is such a magnet for locals, not just tourists. It’s a high-energy environment. If you want a silent, boring stay, go to a suburban Hilton.
If you want to feel the energy of a city that’s actually making a comeback, this is the spot. You've got the history of the old banks clashing with the modern, brutalist architecture of the tower. It’s a weird mix that somehow works.
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Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Book the Vault Early: They don't take reservations. If you're there on a weekend, get there by 6:00 PM or prepare to wait in a line.
- The Heinen’s Hack: Don't pay $15 for a hotel breakfast every morning. Walk into Heinen’s. They have a massive prepared food section and a coffee bar that’s way cheaper and honestly better.
- Park Strategically: Valet is pricey (typical for downtown). There are several public garages within a block that can save you $20 a night if you don't mind a 2-minute walk.
- Check the Alex Theater: There’s a tiny, 58-seat theater inside the hotel. They often have live music or "Live at the Nine" sessions. Check the schedule when you check in; it’s an intimate way to see local talent.
The Metropolitan at the Nine Cleveland Ohio represents the new version of the city. It's bold, a little flashy, and deeply rooted in the history of the "North Coast." Whether you're there for the rooftop views or the subterranean cocktails, it's a guaranteed way to see the best side of Cleveland.
When you're ready to head out, make sure to walk through the rotunda at least once during "Golden Hour" when the sun hits the Tiffany glass. It’s the best free show in the city. Afterward, grab a "Peach Heist" cocktail at the Vault to round out the experience. It’s the quintessential Cleveland night.
To make the most of your trip, download the Marriott Bonvoy app before you arrive. This allows you to handle your check-in and room key digitally, which is a lifesaver when the lobby gets crowded during event weekends. If you're planning on dining at The Centro, try to grab a reservation at least 48 hours in advance, especially during the basketball or baseball seasons when the Gateway District is flooded with fans. Lastly, if you’re a fan of architecture, take five minutes to stand on the corner of E. 9th and Euclid and just look up—the contrast between the 1908 Citizens Building and the 1971 Breuer Tower is one of the most unique urban views in the country.