Courtyard by Marriott in Cleveland's University Circle: A Hub of Growth and Innovation

University Circle, Cleveland's rapidly expanding neighborhood, has long been recognized as a nexus of healthcare, education, arts, and culture. To meet the growing demand for lodging in this vibrant district, a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel was developed. This article delves into the history of this development, its significance for University Circle, and the amenities it offers to visitors.

The Need for a Family-Friendly Hotel

Chris Ronayne, president of University Circle Inc. (UCI), emphasized the need for a large, reasonably priced, family-friendly hotel to complement the existing lodging options in the area. The Courtyard by Marriott - University Circle fulfills this need by providing a welcoming and convenient place to stay for families, patients, and visitors alike.

Strategic Location and Development

The Courtyard by Marriott - University Circle is strategically located on Cornell Drive, directly across from University Hospitals’ main campus and new Cancer Center. Its proximity to the Uptown and MOCA developments, as well as the Circle’s renowned arts, cultural, and educational institutions, makes it an ideal base for exploring the area.

The complex is an infill project built entirely on two surface parking lots owned by UCI and University Hospitals. This demonstrates a commitment to maximizing land use and creating a walkable, urban environment. Visitors will find a hotel with an urban design respectful of the density, walkable nature, and architectural heritage of University Circle.

A Collaborative Effort

The development of the Courtyard by Marriott - University Circle was a collaborative effort between several key organizations:

University Circle Inc. (UCI): As the development, service, and advocacy organization responsible for guiding the growth of University Circle, UCI played a crucial role in attracting investment and ensuring the project aligned with the neighborhood's vision. UCI has been fortunate to work with a locally headquartered, but nationally renowned and experienced developer in Snavely.
University Hospitals: Recognizing the benefit of the hotel for patients' families and visitors, University Hospitals supported the project and contributed land for its development. Steven Standley, Chief Administrative Officer of University Hospitals, noted that "This new hotel should be of great benefit to the families of our patients and to other visitors to University Circle."
Snavely Development Company: A locally headquartered developer with national experience, Snavely Development Company oversaw the construction of the hotel, ensuring it met the highest standards of quality and design. “We are very proud to be a part of the growth being experienced in University Circle and are looking forward to opening a new Courtyard by Marriott.
Concord Hospitality Enterprises: As a hotel management company, Concord Hospitality Enterprises brought its expertise to the project, ensuring the Courtyard by Marriott - University Circle would provide exceptional service and a comfortable guest experience. Mark Laport, President and CEO of Concord Hospitality Enterprises, said, “We are very pleased to be able to bring the Courtyard brand to University Circle."

Financial Support and Investment

The new hotel is one of UCI’s four Strategic Investment Projects, and it benefited from $12-$15 million of the New Markets Tax Credits that UCI sought and was awarded last year. The estimated cost is approximately $27 million.

Amenities and Features

The Courtyard Cleveland University Circle hotel offers a range of amenities and features designed to enhance the guest experience:

Rooms: The hotel features 150 rooms, each equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and cable channels, as well as essentials such as an ironing set. Guests are welcome to use a handy kitchenette with a fridge and a washing machine in an apartment.
Dining: The hotel includes an American restaurant with a variety of American specialties, as well as a pool bar and lounge for guests to relax and enjoy a snack or beverage. The accommodation serves a great vegetarian breakfast. While staying at the Cleveland hotel, guests can choose from dining options nearby, such as L'Albatros Brasserie + Bar, located merely 8 minutes' walk away, or Jolly Scholar at a 5-minute walking distance.
Recreation: Guests can take a dip in the indoor pool or work out in the expanded fitness center.
Meeting and Event Space: The hotel offers enhanced meeting facilities and a banquet hall suited for a range of needs.

Convenient Location and Accessibility

The Courtyard Cleveland University Circle is located about 4 miles from Progressive Home Field and approximately 5 minutes by car from Lake View Cemetery. It is also fairly close to Severance Hall and 1.5 miles from Italian Cultural Garden. The smoke-free Courtyard Cleveland University Circle stands in the vicinity of Little Italy-University Circle metro station. Wade Lagoon is around 10 minutes by foot from the property. The hotel was within walking distance severance hall. great location really close to the amtrak - cleveland train station.

Acquisition and Continued Growth

In a testament to the hotel's value and potential, Apple Hospitality REIT acquired the Courtyard Cleveland University Circle. Nelson Knight, President, Real Estate and Investments of Apple Hospitality, stated, "We are pleased to grow our portfolio with the acquisition of this custom-designed, recently renovated Courtyard by Marriott in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle district." He further noted Cleveland's favorable business climate, wealth of amenities, and premier healthcare facilities as drivers of continued growth.

The 154-room Courtyard Cleveland University Circle is located at 2021 Cornell Road, Cleveland, Ohio. The Hotel opened in April 2013 and recently underwent a complete renovation of its guest rooms and interior public spaces, including new signage, an elevated bar experience, enhanced meeting facilities, an expanded fitness center and the addition of one guest room.

University Circle: A Thriving District

University Circle is a premier educational, medical and social district on the east side of Cleveland, home to Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and numerous cultural attractions and performing arts venues. The Hotel is also convenient to Cleveland’s major league sports stadiums, including Progressive Field, Cleveland Browns Stadium and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Numerous corporations across multiple industries, including aerospace and aviation, health care and bio health, manufacturing, automotive, information technology, and polymers and materials, drive additional demand to the Cleveland area.

Guest Reviews and Satisfaction

Guest reviews of the Courtyard Cleveland University Circle are generally positive, with many praising the hotel's location, amenities, and service. Some reviewers have noted the comfortable beds and good lighting in the rooms.

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