Cleveland Charm: The Glidden House

Posted on 11/26/19 in Greater Circle Business Alliance

When I first interviewed at UCI, I was asked: “How would you convince someone to visit University Circle?” While I didn’t have a cut and dry answer, I began to talk about one of Cleveland’s biggest assets that often goes unnoticed by those that live here; what I like to call the Cleveland Charm. The Charm is the infectious loyalty, understanding, humor, and spirit that is infused in the culture of both the city and Clevelanders alike.

One place within University Circle that exudes this Charm is the Glidden House hotel on Ford Drive. I will admit that not even I, a proud Clevelander, knew it was there until a few years back. However, when I first saw it, I was immediately intrigued. The elegance and Gothic appearance of the building are striking. There’s also the name Glidden, which is bound to make anyone’s ears perk up from the familiarity with the popular paint company. My ears definitely did. My grandfather worked for Glidden for ten years, and never fails to ask my family members what brand of paint we use when we renovate.

I am relatively new here in University Circle, and through my work, and the kindness of a Glidden House employee, I was able to go behind the scenes, and experience everything the hotel has to offer.

Built in 1910, it was originally the home of Frank Glidden, the eldest son of the founder of Glidden Paint. Today, the Glidden House perfectly blends the original home with newer construction. It is a magnificent piece of Cleveland history, that doesn’t require guests to sacrifice comfort be a part of it. The newly renovated suites and rooms are clean and comfortable, and the shared and event spaces are truly impressive.

In the older part of the home guests can lounge and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning. Throughout the day, these same spaces can be used for small meetings. Many guests also enjoy the patio that was enclosed by windows in the 1930s that connects to the Juniper Room - a beautiful space for large events.

The Glidden House isn’t just a hotel, it’s also a part of the University Circle community. Towards the end of my tour I asked, “What is the music playing throughout the hotel?” I found out that the Glidden House opens its doors to students from the Cleveland Institute of Music to use their spaces for practice and to warm up before auditions.

Not only does the Glidden House exude the Cleveland Charm because it invites you to be a guest, but it welcomes you to become a part of the neighborhood.

Learn more and book your stay:

www.gliddenhouse.com