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Cleveland’s New Hospitality Gem: Fidelity Hotel

Renowned for its historic landmarks, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland has often been overshadowed as a travel destination in the Midwest. However, the recent opening of a new hotel is shining a spotlight on this vibrant city.

The Fidelity Hotel has officially opened in the heart of downtown Cleveland, set within the 103-year-old Fidelity Mortgage Building, also known as the Baker Building. Marking the city’s first new hotel in over a decade, the establishment boasts 97 rooms and suites across 11 stories. An impressive feature of the hotel is the exclusive Club Room, which includes a lounge, bar, and a full-service restaurant, as well as a 2,300-square-foot meeting space designed for business travelers and events like weddings.

Despite being home to attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland’s nightlife has remained relatively muted in recent years. Historically, however, the area surrounding the hotel thrived as a center for nightlife from the 1920s to the 1960s. The infamous Short Vincent block was once a bustling hub for socializing and entertainment, and while it has seen better days, the launch of the Fidelity Hotel aims to reinvigorate the neighborhood’s lively spirit, aided by the Austin-based management company, New Waterloo.

A Thoughtful Restoration

“The location of The Fidelity truly appealed to me,” said Bart Knagg, CEO of New Waterloo, in a statement. “[It’s] slightly removed from the main avenue, creating a sense of intimacy. The understated nature of the building gave us the chance to create something fresh while maintaining a timeless quality.”

New Waterloo is recognized for its unique approach to independent hospitality, managing a portfolio that includes notable properties such as the stylish South Congress Hotel in Austin and the retro-inspired Hotel Revival in Baltimore. The company’s culinary ventures, including La Condesa and Maie Day, both received Michelin recommendations in 2024. The renovation of the Fidelity Hotel commenced in 2021; the design team, Curioso and Looney & Associates, aimed to create a warm atmosphere with elements such as unlacquered brass, antique mirrors, and hardwood finishes.

Luxurious Accommodations

Accommodations at the Fidelity Hotel vary, with options ranging from the cozy 210-square-foot Queen Room to the spacious 695-square-foot Fidelity Suite, which features a generous wet bar, separate dining, and sitting areas. Guests can expect luxurious amenities including twice-daily housekeeping, artisanal pour-over coffee, fine Italian linens, plush robes, and high-quality soaps from Allegrini.

A Nostalgic Experience

“I want guests to feel as though they have been transported when they enter the Fidelity Hotel,” Knagg explained. “The rich colors in the guest rooms and the meticulous attention to design are evident throughout. I hope visitors encounter a wave of nostalgia and find inspiration during their stay, as I do when I explore the hotel’s cozy corners.”

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www.travelandleisure.com