I’ve eyed the Glidden House in Cleveland, Ohio, for years, waiting for the perfect time to stay the night. A proper stay should include time to savor the hotel’s loveliness and the cultural icons of the city’s University Circle.
The first floor has other gathering spaces in addition to the original parlor, library, and loggia, which are now the dining areas. The Palette Lounge has a small bar where art and classic furniture create aesthetically pleasing, mellow spots to hang out.
After my husband and I strolled around University Circle at night, enjoying the ambiance of the lighting of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the surroundings, we hung out at the bar. This is the place to chat with hotel guests and catch up on Cleveland stories with the bartender. You can’t go wrong with a Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold Lager if you want a local beer. I’m always up for a good glass of red wine. The Pinot Noir was perfect.
The bathroom reflected the same elegance as the rest of the room. The tiles, fixtures, and elevated bath amenities give a sense of time to relax. The rubber duck on the counter was a fun surprise I had not seen before. It’s meant to be used as a social media prompt. I smiled when I saw it. Of course, I did take it but have yet to leave it somewhere for a person to find. I can imagine it would make a person’s day. When I leave it somewhere, I plan to write a note for whoever might find it. What a cool idea to spread good cheer.
I booked our room through Hotels.com. Our rate was $242, which included parking, a buffet breakfast that was quite good, and a $12 drink voucher. Other rooms are Traditional King, Deluxe King, Traditional Two Double, and Mansion Suite. Mansion Suites are the original bedrooms of Glidden House. From the Glidden House website, you can book a special package that includes University Circle’s attractions.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

Glidden House Location
University Circle is the neighborhood of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the Western Reserve Historical Society Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and Severance Hall. Severance Hall is the home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Case Western University is also a neighbor in this real estate powerhouse near what was known as Millionaire’s Row. Think John D. Rockefeller, one of Cleveland‘s more prominent part-time residents.
History of Glidden House
Built in 1910, Glidden House, a French Gothic Eclectic style beauty, remains a stunner. Frank and Mary Glidden called it home. When Frank, the son of the founder of the Glidden Paint Compan,y and his wife passed away, the house became their daughter Ida’s property. Case Western Reserve University bought it from her. After Ida passed away, it was used for the university’s psychology department. Opened in 1989 as a hotel, Glidden House is a wedding hotspot and a perfect overnight for people visiting Case Western University. Because it’s within walking distance to much of Cleveland’s cultural bounty and reflects Cleveland’s period as an economic giant, I see it as an urban getaway destination.
Hotel Details
As soon as I stepped into the hotel, I was so pleased we finally had time to savor such loveliness. The reception area with its mix of modern art, classic American furniture, and antiques is one example of what makes the Glidden House a special stay. It feels more like a stately home of someone with an artistic eye than a hotel. The original fireplace has been converted to gas and was on when we arrived as a welcoming touch.Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
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Glidden House Hospitality
Many of the building’s original features remain from when the Glidden family lived here. Rich wood paneling with carved details, fireplace mantels, and carpeting reflect the manor’s time period. There is a stately feel, but the gourmet teas and coffee station in the dining area creates a “make yourself at home” comfort. While I was helping myself to tea with another guest, we gushed at Glidden House gorgeousness. She was as pleased as I was with the attention to details in the architecture and decor. Every space in the hotel has the same level of aesthetics.


Our Room
Our Traditional Queen Room incorporates the stately, classic ambiance of the rest of Glidden House. Crown molding, bolster pillows, rich colors, patterned wallpaper, and well-placed lighting create an elegant hominess. The small refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, and well-placed outlets are the practicality. The armchair, workspace desk, and chair provide places to comfortably work or relax.

Savor the Art at Glidden House
One can’t help but notice the wonderful art throughout the hotel. Hallways, common areas, and guest rooms have pieces in a variety of modern styles that act as a showcase of Cleveland’s art scene. Browse the hotel’s website for information about the art to see what you’ll find in person. If you go, do take time to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum is free except for the special exhibition. We also went to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on this trip.