Great Stays: Smart Comfort in the Heart of Downtown - Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland

By Frank Macek

There’s something satisfying about finding a hotel that delivers comfort, convenience, and value without trying too hard to impress you. On my latest stay in downtown Cleveland when friends came to town, we checked into the Drury Plaza Hotel—an unassuming, budget-friendly spot tucked inside one of the city’s classic historic buildings. I wasn’t expecting luxury. What I found instead was a hotel that quietly gets just about everything right.

The moment you step inside, the lobby gives off an understated warmth. The restored architecture still hints at its past life as a former Cleveland Board of Education building, but the Drury brand has layered in modern touches that make the space feel fresh without losing its character. Check-in was quick—no fuss, no hunting for someone behind the desk—just a friendly welcome and a reminder that a free hot dinner buffet was waiting for guests in the evening. You don’t hear that often anymore.

The rooms were surprisingly spacious for a downtown property. Clean, uncluttered, and thoughtfully arranged, it had everything we needed for a comfortable stay: a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, a big TV, and a bed that struck the perfect balance between soft and supportive. I loved that the room stayed quiet at night, despite being in the heart of the city. The blackout curtains actually worked, something that matters when you're on the go and need real rest. All in all, it felt like the kind of room you settle into quickly, because nothing is confusing, nothing is missing, and nothing is trying too hard. It just works.

What sets the Drury Plaza apart is how far your dollar goes here. We started our mornings with a surprisingly hearty breakfast—eggs, sausage, potatoes, waffles, oatmeal, fruit, and plenty of hot coffee. Later in the day, the evening “Kickback” became a reliable ritual. Free hot food and drinks—enough to count as dinner if you want it to. As someone who travels a lot and watches hotel costs closely, I can tell you this is one of the few places where you truly save money without feeling like you're giving something up.

The location makes life easy too. Step outside and you’re within walking distance of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Playhouse Square, Public Square, the Guardians and Cavs arenas, and restaurants scattered in every direction. Whether you’re exploring for fun, catching a show, or grabbing a late-night bite, the Drury puts you at the center of it all without the headache of figuring out transportation.

The indoor pool and hot tub are exactly what you expect from a practical downtown hotel—not oversized, not flashy, but clean, relaxing, and never too crowded. The fitness center was a pleasant surprise, with enough equipment to keep your routine intact. The staff, from housekeeping to the front desk to the breakfast attendants, consistently delivered that low-key Midwestern friendliness that never feels forced. You get the sense that people here genuinely like their jobs, and it shows in the atmosphere of the whole property.

Now, it's worth noting that the Drury Plaza is valet-only, and the fee isn’t small. It adds up quickly, especially on multi-night stays. But valet service was fast and organized, and I rarely waited more than a minute or two for my car. If parking price is a deal-breaker, there are nearby garages, but the convenience of valet—especially in unpredictable Cleveland weather—won me over.

By the end of our stay, the Drury Plaza left me with the sense that this is one of Cleveland’s best overall hotel values. It isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it focuses on the things travelers actually appreciate: clean rooms, good food, a walkable location, dependable service, and true affordability. For a downtown stay that feels comfortable, safe, and easy, this hotel rises to the top of my list.

Visitor Information; Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland

• Address: 1380 E. 6th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114
• Phone: (216) 357-3100
• Website: https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/cleveland-oh/drury-plaza-hotel-cleveland-downtown
• Check-In: 3:00 PM
• Check-Out: 11:00 AM
• Parking: Valet only; typically $30–$40 per night (prices vary by season and demand).
• Pets: Up to two pets allowed (combined 80 lbs max). Additional nightly fee applies.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.
• Breakfast: Free hot breakfast daily, including eggs, sausage, potatoes, waffles, fruit, and coffee.
• Evening Kickback: Free nightly hot food + drinks, generally between 5:30–7:00 PM.
• Amenities: Indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, business center, laundry service.
• Room Features: Microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, flat-screen TV, ironing board, hairdryer.
• Typical Nightly Rate: $130–$150 (varies by season, events, and availability).
• Best For: Budget-savvy travelers, families, weekend explorers, downtown event-goers, and visitors who appreciate value without sacrificing comfort.

Nearby Attractions (Walkable):

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• Progressive Field
• Rocket Arena
• Playhouse Square
• Public Square
• East 4th Street dining district

Frank’s “3” Insider Tips

1. Skip dinner at least one night and take full advantage of the free “Kickback.” It’s surprisingly filling and can save you a solid chunk of your travel budget.

2. Ask for a room on a higher floor. They tend to be quieter and offer better views of downtown’s historic rooftops and skyline.

3. If you’re driving, factor valet fees into your budget—but check nearby garages before you arrive. Sometimes you’ll find cheaper overnight parking within a short walk.

Photos: Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland

The Truth About Resort Fees: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026 — And How to Avoid Them

By Frank Macek

If there’s one travel expense that continues to frustrate flyers, road-trippers, and frequent hotel guests alike, it’s the resort fee. These extra charges, once reserved for sprawling luxury properties with pools, cabanas, and a courtyard full of activities, have quietly made their way into mainstream hotels across the country. You expect a resort fee in Las Vegas or Hawaii. You don’t expect one at a mid-tier chain near the interstate. Yet here we are, entering 2026 with the fees not only sticking around, but becoming more complex — and in some cases, more expensive.

This past year pushed the issue into the national spotlight as lawmakers, consumer-rights groups, and even major hotel brands publicly sparred over what counts as a “mandatory fee,” how it should be displayed during booking, and whether it’s time for the industry to shift to all-in pricing. Travelers, of course, already know how they feel: they want transparency, not surprises popping up after clicking “book now.”

Resort fees first took off in cities like Las Vegas, where hotels justified the surcharge by bundling amenities into one line item. The pitch was simple: instead of paying separately for Wi-Fi, gym access, local phone calls, pool towels, boarding pass printing, and whatever else the hotel chose to include, you’d pay a daily fee for all of it. Over time, that idea morphed. The list of included amenities got thinner. The definition of “resort” got murkier. And the fees grew larger — now ranging from about $25 to $55 per night at many properties, and sometimes much more at high-end brands.

What’s catching travelers off guard heading into 2026 is how widespread these add-ons have become. You can now find them attached to hotels without a pool, without a gym, or even without the staff to support the amenities supposedly covered. In the most extreme examples, the fee includes nothing more than Wi-Fi and a bottle of water. For guests, it feels less like an amenity and more like a tax on the simple act of checking in.

Major changes may be coming. Several states are weighing new requirements that would force hotels to list all mandatory fees up front in the advertised price. Airlines already have strict disclosure rules, and legislators argue hotels should meet the same standard. A draft federal rule has also been floated, which would require a single, total price at the beginning of the booking process instead of revealing fees only at checkout. But even if these measures pass, enforcement will take time — and travelers still need to navigate the landscape right now.

That’s where strategy comes in. Resort fees are annoying, but they aren’t always unavoidable. Some brands waive them for elite loyalty members. Others quietly allow them to be removed if a guest isn’t using the included amenities — but this varies widely, and it’s never guaranteed. In Las Vegas, certain properties drop the fee for locals, military members, or on specific promotional offers. In Hawaii, some hotels include significant perks that genuinely add value, such as cultural classes or equipment rentals, making the fee a better deal than it appears.

A crucial point many travelers don’t realize is that resort fees are taxable. If a hotel charges a $40 nightly resort fee, you’ll pay taxes on that fee just like you would on the room rate. That pushes the actual nightly cost higher than expected. On a five-night stay, the difference can easily be $250 or more once the fee and taxes stack together. In an era where travelers are watching every dollar — especially during the winter holiday season — that’s more important than ever.

So what can you do to avoid or reduce these fees? First, always click through to the final booking page before committing. The first price you see is almost never the real one. Compare the total cost, not the base rate, across different properties. A hotel advertising a $129 room with a $40 resort fee is actually more expensive than a hotel advertising $159 with no extra charges.

Second, consider booking with points or free-night certificates. Some loyalty programs waive resort fees when you’re redeeming points, effectively saving you $40–$60 per night. This is one of the few times where using points can deliver outsized value.

Third, look for hotels that clearly state “no resort fees” on their website. These listings are becoming more common as brands recognize the marketing advantage. Boutique hotels and traditional business properties often advertise this upfront to differentiate themselves.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask. Politely asking at check-in whether the fee can be waived sometimes works, especially if you’re not using the gym or pool. You won’t win every time, but travelers report success often enough that it’s worth trying.

Resort fees aren’t disappearing anytime soon, but travelers heading into 2026 are armed with more information — and more leverage — than ever before. With new laws on the horizon, pressure from consumers, and competitive brands pushing for transparency, the tide may finally be turning. Until then, knowing how to navigate these fees is the best tool in your travel bag.

Frank’s “3” Insider Tips:

1. Always search the total price, not the nightly rate.
Hotels love to bury fees. Use booking engines that display full-stay pricing or click through to the final checkout screen before making any decision. It’s the only way to get a real number you can trust.

2. Call the hotel and negotiate — it still works.
Front-desk managers often waive or reduce resort fees for loyalty members, off-season travelers, or guests who simply ask. You’d be surprised how often a polite request saves $30–$60 a night.

3. Stay at properties that proudly advertise “No Resort Fees.”
Independent hotels, business-class brands, and newer boutique chains realize these add-ons frustrate travelers. They highlight fee-free stays as a competitive advantage — and those savings add up fast, especially on longer trips.