Best hotels in Akron
Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown
42 Furnace Street, OH, 44308
Location is key for this Marriott hotel. You’ll be close to the live music scene at Jilly’s Music Room and plenty more in the Northside District. Rooms are comfy and modern, while the indoor pool and fitness center are perfect for keeping in shape on the road.
BLU-Tique Hotel
1 S Main Street, OH, 44308
Perfectly placed in the historic arts district, BLU-Tique also occupies a wonderful, atmospheric building. Guests can leave the comfort of their rooms and cross over to the hotel’s sister nightclub and restaurant. Groups will love the ‘Double Double’ rooms, featuring two double beds.
Hilton Garden Inn Akron
1307 E Market Street, OH, 43305
Close to I-76, this hotel not only benefits from great transport links if you want to get out and explore Akron, but you’re also just over the street from the Goodyear Theater. Rooms are spacious, there’s an indoor pool and good food options at Garden Grille & Bar.
Best restaurants in Akron
Crave
57 E Market Street, OH, 44308
Head to the Arts District for wonderful food, playfully presented. Combinations can be unusual but make sense on the plate – scallops with a goat cheese crumble, or filet mignon with a lobster beurre blanc. Sometimes it pays to go off-piste – the buttermilk fried alligator tail is a left-field winner.
Diamond Grille
77 W Market Street, OH, 44308
Open since 1935, Diamond Grille is an Akron classic that offers assured dining in a refined yet unstuffy atmosphere. Seafood is perfect to start with, whether it’s their trademark shrimp cocktail, oysters or delicate Dungeness crab. After that, try and choose between prime steak, vegan stir fry and fresh fish.
Beppe Swenson’s Drive-In
Various locations
This local chain is more than just for food on the go. While there’s a retro thrill from ordering takeout and shakes right to your car window, Swenson’s have also perfected the burger over the last 85 years. Their ‘galley boy’, with two secret sauces, is an award winner and a favorite of LeBron James.
What to do in Akron
Jilly’s Music Room
111 N Main Street, OH, 44308
Live music is the lifeblood of Akron – this is home of The Black Keys – and Jilly’s one of the best spots in town. Music from local and touring groups leads to a fantastic and friendly atmosphere, so join the locals on the dancefloor.
Blue Hen Falls
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH, 44141
This wonderful park north of Akron is packed with natural splendor. The small but perfectly formed Blue Hen Falls are one of the highlights. It’s full of winding walking trails and from here, it’s just a mile to the equally lovely Buttermilk Falls. Elsewhere in the park, you’ll encounter local wildlife, and kids can be a junior ranger for the day.
Akron Art Museum
1 S High Street, OH, 44308
The Akron Art Museum houses an eclectic and surprising collection that finds inspiration both locally and globally. Homegrown artists get their time to shine, while the painting and sculpture are particularly strong areas of this museum. The striking modern building is also home to a host of events and family-friendly learning experiences.