I would like to introduce myself as a member of the Cleveland International Fund (CiF) management team.  We at CiF feel compelled to correct the false information recently posted here about the Westin project, and our involvement with its funding.  The Westin is indeed progressing and is anticipated to open in 2013.  We also want to clarify that Optima has no objection to CiF funds, and both we and Optima are disappointed that information indicating otherwise has been circulated.  We all look forward to the opening of the Westin, as it will be a great addition to downtown Cleveland and further evidence of Cleveland's remarkable renaissance.

^Thanks for taking the time to post and clear things up, CLLEB5.  Great to hear that the Westin project was not in doubt and more generally that CIF is now clear of its dark clouds.  I definitely look forward to reading about more deals you help finance in the city.

I would like to introduce myself as a member of the Cleveland International Fund (CiF) management team.  We at CiF feel compelled to correct the false information recently posted here about the Westin project, and our involvement with its funding.  The Westin is indeed progressing and is anticipated to open in 2013.  We also want to clarify that Optima has no objection to CiF funds, and both we and Optima are disappointed that information indicating otherwise has been circulated.  We all look forward to the opening of the Westin, as it will be a great addition to downtown Cleveland and further evidence of Cleveland's remarkable renaissance.

 

CLEEB5 - I apologize for providing incorrect information; apparently my source was incorrect also. Thank you for clarifying and glad to hear this is moving forward.

 

I agree with Strap when I say that I feel the CiF is very important and beneficial to this region's future projects and look forward to what is to come. Thanks again for the clarification.

i realize its a standard aloft, but did they have to go with the institutional brown and cream? its giving me bgsu campus flashbacks lol. ah well, that just a quibble.

^ THAT building reminds you of BGSU?  :wtf: lol, that would be the best building on their campus!

^ THAT building reminds you of BGSU?  :wtf: lol, that would be the best building on their campus!

 

huh? who said anything about the building? its a standard aloft hotel building. i was referring to the facade. the last thing ohio needs is more of that bland brick. i would have preferred a sleeker and more modern color scheme, like the gray scale version in msp. or anything but that overused brown again.

 

 

This morning a group of people came out from the Westin with vests and hardhats and then walked around the Penton building. Seemed almost like a tour or something, but the first activity I've seen in a while!

It's coming along nicely in UC.

Thanks for the picture. Its really far along compared to last time I saw it

^Really loving this development.  I really believe this is exactly what the entertainment area of UC really needed.  In addition, this will be a great place for out of town folks attending weddings, or visiting their kids at Case to stay. 

Wow -- where in the hell did that come from?? Last I saw that was just a hole in the ground!

^well it's cinder block with limited interior steel skeleton. I've become a huge fan of how it fills out the block, the renderings didn't really show it in relation to it's neighbors.

The photo shows how the one story building on the corner (many years ago it was a Cunningham's Drug Store) under-utilizes that lot. Can that can be the spot for the next apartment building? or isn't it big enough?

The photo shows how the one story building on the corner (many years ago it was a Cunningham's Drug Store) under-utilizes that lot. Can that can be the spot for the next apartment building? or isn't it big enough?

 

Good point. That corner would be great for a multi-story apt building.  This would mesh nicely with the handsome, curved, mixed-use University East apt building next door.

 

I'm thrilled with the Marriott, it's a great location and, yes, I too am a little (pleasantly) surprised by it's bulk and power viz it's neighbors.  I'm no construction expert, but it appears that the Marriott is using a pre-fab, modular construction approach (essentially stacking each guest room as though it's a separate pre-built box) which may account for why the building is rising so fast...  It's a brilliant use of space; keep in mind, it's rising from a very narrow strip of land.  And yes, even though this one isn't open yet, I believe this immediate area could absorb another hotel.  The UH/CWRU/CIA/CIM/museums/orchestra/VA hosp complex is within a few blocks walk.  This, on top of the fact that the Euclid/Mayfield/Little Italy complex is mushrooming in growth and popularity.

^ Across the street is where the highrise show go.  Recently, the Cleveland Diocese is put thefairly prime piece of property in between the Church of the Covenant and Commodore Place building up for sale -- 11303 Euclid Ave. 

 

But I digress as this is no longer hotel-based conversation...

 

Knew the Clarion at 271/Chagrin was being remodeled - but had not realized it is staying one part Clarion and becoming (the first in the area) a Hotel Indigo in the other wing... Interesting split personality hotel...

 

http://beachwood.patch.com/articles/beachwood-hotel-to-revamp-wing-as-business-hotel

 

 

a split hotel, that is interesting. but i take no new construction?

 

we just stayed in an all new indigo in athens, ga last week.

it was oriented toward the same crowd aloft goes for, cool design, even a revolving art gallery inside and an art display cube in the exterior corner.

i would rather see something like this in the flats than that utterly generic aloft design.

 

http://www.dogwonderful.com/2011/10/1-hotel-in-athens-georgia-is-dog-friendly/

 

 

Wow, so Columbus scored a new-build Le Meridien-affiliated boutique hotel in Short North (rendering here: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/08/08/business/Columbus1/Columbus1-articleInline.jpg).  Man oh man do I hope the Kimpton or something at the JHB bldg comes through.

^ now thats what im talking about! nothing off the shelf about that one.

 

Bit of an update on Westin. Last week contractor Marous has finally been paid for the work they've completed. However, there is nothing firm about when they'll be able to continue with the additional work.

I've been wondering. I walk by it everyday and absolutely no sign of life... :( really disappointing but hopefully work will start up again soon

I've been wondering. I walk by it everyday and absolutely no sign of life... :( really disappointing but hopefully work will start up again soon

Even worse, my office windows look directly at this project, opposite side of St. Clair.  I look over once a day for any signs of activity.  All I see is where the sidewalk trees were cut down in the early Summer and are now starting to grow again.  Pretty sad.  I'll just shut up now...

I may be wrong (I have been on this topic before!) but every morning around 7am when I drive by the project to go to work, I swear that there are construction workers parking in the garage. This morning I saw two men in hard hats in there and the gate into the garage was open. I had to do a double take just to make sure. Is it possible there's some work going on inside??

I may be wrong (I have been on this topic before!) but every morning around 7am when I drive by the project to go to work, I swear that there are construction workers parking in the garage. This morning I saw two men in hard hats in there and the gate into the garage was open. I had to do a double take just to make sure. Is it possible there's some work going on inside??

 

Possibly.  A lot of times, on this very forum, there have been reports of "nothing" happening on a site, when really work is being done.  Could it be a situation where interior, foundation, connectivity work is going on, yet there is no work on the exterior physical structure?

Speaking of hotels, every hotel in downtown Cleveland is booked solid this weekend.

^for the Air Show? Dropping kids off at CSU/CIA/CIM/Case?

From some of the feedback i received from the hotels, It's  a combination of the long weekend, Indians at home, the Browns game, the casino etc. combined with the usual attractions (rock hall, aquarium, science museum)The person I spoke to at the Hyatt said that people are taking the opportunity to see a bunch of different things all in one weekend and Most of their reservations are for three nights or more.

 

It's a holiday weekend. I would expect no less.

Major NCAA event cancels on Cleveland citing not enough hotels close together downtown

CLEVELAND - There are 3,700 hotel rooms in greater downtown Cleveland and there will be 4,500 hotel rooms when several hotels are renovated or built in the next two years.

 

But in order to host some large national events, that’s apparently still not enough hotel rooms.

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/major-ncaa-event-cancels-on-cleveland-citing-not-enough-hotels-close-together-downtown

Oh boy the Marriott is being turned into a Westin?? Lol somebody needs to get their facts straight. How does this stuff make it to the news???

Even worse, it's the "Mariott." Lordy ...

Guys it sounds to me like the Westin project is starting up again soon. Yay!

Guys it sounds to me like the Westin project is starting up again soon. Yay!

 

Thank God. I was getting worried for a second. We absolutely need this hotel, and more... What was the hold up? I had heard reasons for the possible stoppage of work but was apparently wrong.

You mean the "Mariott" project?

Speaking of hotels, every hotel in downtown Cleveland is booked solid this weekend.

 

this is not unusual.  CLE is a regional and becoming a national tourist draw.  Aloy of people do not recognize this fact.  Summer weekends are always solidily booked-up.  The addition of the casino adds to the now adds to the draw, especially regionally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l

You mean the "Mariott" project?

 

Mariott, Westin, Motel 6...it's all the same ha ha.

 

http://www.marousbrothers.com/WIP/Westin_Cleveland_lg.htm

Major NCAA event cancels on Cleveland citing not enough hotels close together downtown

CLEVELAND - There are 3,700 hotel rooms in greater downtown Cleveland and there will be 4,500 hotel rooms when several hotels are renovated or built in the next two years.

 

But in order to host some large national events, that’s apparently still not enough hotel rooms.

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/major-ncaa-event-cancels-on-cleveland-citing-not-enough-hotels-close-together-downtown

 

This very disheartening. Not having at least 1 500-room hotel is an embarrassment for a City of Cleveland's caliber. I find it amazing that we're building a huge, expanded convention center with no large convention center-level hotel being built connected to it.  The boutique-style 100-150 room hotels we are developing (many from empty office buildings) are nice, but they don't fit the bill.  We really need at least 1 600-room hotel downtown; something most every city in our market size (and smaller) has; from Cincy, to Indy to Detroit to even Milwaukee.  To lose this NCAA event to Birmingham, AL because of a lack of downtown hotel space should serve as both a slap in the face as well as a wake up call; we're going to continue to dwell in the minor leagues in terms of major conventions and events until this problem is addressed.  It also has negative implications towards attracting major businesses to downtown as well.

That's true as has been said before Cleveland needs a convention sized hotel property. That said I find it kind of absurd the NCAA thought a 50 mile drive between the host facility and hotel was acceptable.

But they said the Renaissance is 490 or something. Do those 10 extra rooms really mean much? And the Renaissance, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Residence Inn are all fairly close to each other.

Wow, I can't believe they were going to have the thing in Geneva.  That's a crazy long drive to any large hotels.  What a dumb place to build that kind of a facility.

That's true as has been said before Cleveland needs a convention sized hotel property. That said I find it kind of absurd the NCAA thought a 50 mile drive between the host facility and hotel was acceptable.

Excuse to go somewhere with better weather?

The 50 mile drive would have been here (downtown Cleveland to Geneva).

Regarding the NCAA - a different article I read seemed to make it clear that it had less to do with the total # of hotel rooms in CLE downtown overall and more to do with the fact that during the particular time frame in question, too many hotel rooms were already booked for other events to leave the required # for the NCAA, hence the move to Birmingham.

"It proved to be a double-edged sword for us," Pacini said. "The downtown hotels were already booked ahead of time, which is great for the hotels. But for us, we couldn't get enough hotel rooms for all of the athletes.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/08/ncaa_moves_division_ii_winter.html

 

spire has already hosted NCAA and USA sporting competitions with no problems, also in a future phase plans to build a hotel on site...

 

http://www.spireinstitute.org/facilities

But they said the Renaissance is 490 or something. Do those 10 extra rooms really mean much? And the Renaissance, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Residence Inn are all fairly close to each other.

 

No, in the practical scheme of things, 10 more rooms don't meant that much.  But 500 rooms, as a hotel measuring stick for a major-city downtown, does.  And as I noted, I feel we really need at least 1 600 room hotel (or preferably 700 room hotel) to make an impact.  490 rooms is simply not a convention-level hotel.  And the Ren’s size, room-wise, isn’t the whole issue.  Let's be honest, as much as we all love the history and beauty of the Renaissance, it is just not up to snuff as a modern convention-level hotel.  I read and hear the comments from travelers: while everyone loves the classic old lobby (to me it’s as cozy, beautiful and near-perfect as I could imagine), I constantly hear that the rooms are too small, as are the elevators.  It is barely handicap accessible, with weird back wheelchair entrances and lots of stairs.  Many rooms are not updated, old and dank. The parking lot is cramped, expensive and just plain awful (scan some reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor if you're skeptical).  And, of course, it's not directly connected to the convention center or even that near it, as a practical matter (yeah, for we Clevelanders who know downtown backward and forward and walk block after block often with few bags or empty-handed, often during the summer and non-snow fall/spring days, it’s a snap).  And in Cleveland's uber harsh winters (well, at least before Global Warming), that means something.  The Renaissance is great for the casino, sporting events and general sightseeing.  It’s also very attractive if one's traveling light, using the Rapid and wants to grab a meal, go to a sports bar or do a little hopping, all under 1 roof, but not as much for the hard core business traveler. 

 

The Marriott on the other side of the Square is much more of a contemporary business-style hotel (and biz travelers seem to like it better for its more modern feel and amenities) and, of course, it's right at the convention center's doorstep... it's just not big enough.

 

With the extreme growth in interest in downtown both as a residential neighborhood and as a entertainment and business area, it's imperative that we finally get off the schnide and build a large size, downtown, convention style hotel that practically every major (and even not so major) midsize to giant metro city has.  To somehow think we can happily muddle through with our new boutiques and current old and/or refurbished hotels coupled with suburban clusters in places like Beachwood, Strongsville or independence, is simply kidding ourselves.

 

I'm sure if someone on UO had $200 million to build a convention hotel they would.  :-D

 

That said, who's going to make the investment/risk and bring one here?

But they said the Renaissance is 490 or something. Do those 10 extra rooms really mean much? And the Renaissance, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Residence Inn are all fairly close to each other.

 

A "convention" hotel is generally 600/700 rooms or more with mutli level/ transitional banquet and conference facilities.  Yes you can find smaller properties with these amenities, but they aren't truly a convention size property where all delegates/attendees can be housed under one roof.

 

No property in Cleveland can "host" a large convention or special event.

 

In addition, we don't have a full array of brands so that people may take advantage of loyalty programs.  Especially in the heart of the city compared to other cities, such as Philly, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Denver & Seattle.

 

Cleveland is devoid of SPG/Starwood, Loews, Sofitel, Ommi, Morgans & Klimpton.   

Starwood/SPG - No St. Regis, W, Le Meridien, Westin or Sheraton (in downtown).  Not even a cheap Four Points.  There is a Sheraton at the airport.

Hilton - We only have mid tier &  low end brands.  No Hilton, Conrad or Waldorf=Astoria properties in Ohio.

Hyatt - Again a mid tier property.  No Park Hyatt, No Andaz, No Grand Hyatt.

Marriott - We have a Ritz-Carlton, but how long will it be around?  We don't have a Edition or Autograph Collection.  Although, our Renaissance property is historic & very nice, it's still a mid tier property in the big picture.

Inter-Continental/Priority Club.  We're unique for being a city with to Inter-Continental properties.s, but they can't build upon brand influence due to location.  We have no mid tier property.

 

We have no fun chains, like the Gansevort or Setai.

 

We have no luxury chains (not including the R-C).  These tend to be hotels with 350/400 rooms or less, but in the heart of the city.

Four Season

Peninsula

Swissotel

Fairmount

Mondrian

 

Nor do we have an old school Cleveland hotel like "The Plaza", The Grant (it is a Starwood property, but a historic San Diego hotel) or "The Drake (note the Drake is a hilton property, but more associated with being a grand Chicago hotel)"

 

We have a lot of catching up to do.  The MM/CC is just the first step, and a small first step.

 

What's happening in DT cleveland reminds me of that took place in Downtown Philly.  They renovated their CC and chains have popped up over night.  in recent years they have a Ritz-Carlton, A four Season, A Le Meridien, Sofitel plus convention oriented properties.  I'm hoping for the best, but it won't be fast or easy.

 

I'm sure if someone on UO had $200 million to build a convention hotel they would.  ;D

 

That said, who's going to make the investment/risk and bring one here?

If I had the money I would build a W, Andaz, Le Meridien and Park Hyatt on those lots in the Warehouse District, mixed in with some mid level/upscale apartments.  I'd reuse the Halles building and turn Huron between Prospect and Euclid into a hotel row and build a Conrad, St. Regis & JW Marriot in that strip.  A Four Seasons on Euclid and 8th

 

I'd Build a Hilton on Lakeside and Ninth.  A Westin on Prospect and E. 4th and a Sheraton on Chester and 12.

In addition, we don't have a full array of brands so that people may take advantage of loyalty programs.  Especially in the heart of the city compared to other cities, such as Philly, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Denver & Seattle.

 

All those cities except Denver are close to or more than twice the size of Greater Cleveland.  Can we realistically expect Cleveland to support a similar range of hotels? (honest question)

In addition, we don't have a full array of brands so that people may take advantage of loyalty programs.  Especially in the heart of the city compared to other cities, such as Philly, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Denver & Seattle.

 

All those cities except Denver are close to or more than twice the size of Greater Cleveland.  Can we realistically expect Cleveland to support a similar range of hotels? (honest question)

 

I'm speaking the metro area.  Not just the city.  And no Cleveland would never support the hotel, tourist would.  Hotels is a build it they will come situation, because of brand recognition. 

 

Look at our hotel portfolio now.  We have big events coming up, I know I wouldn't want to stay in any of our current properties.  We don't have enough rooms or properties that people are loyal too.  So tourist are unable to book or redeem points in Cleveland.  If I'm loyal to Starwood, Hilton or Loews, why would I come to Cleveland.  It wouldn't even be in my plans.

 

Also, people talk about low occupancy, but look at the brands we have.  Outside of Marriott, we have no brands, with multiple3 star  properties in downtown.  As a leisure traveler, I'm turned off by Cleveland or I'm going to by pass it and look elsewhere vacation.  As a convention and conference booker I'm not going to even look because I know you don't have enough room to accommodate my event under one roof.  12-17k rooms in your downtown is usually the average.  I'm not even using cities like NYC, DC, Miami, LA, Orlando.

 

Having those brands is good on a global basis and a domestic basis.  Shows the city is moving forward. 

 

We're booking future event now, hotels should be under construction.