Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence tops our list with a 9.0 staff and location score, plus a complimentary breakfast. For a stay with a real kitchen, the Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG delivers a solid 8.9 across cleanliness and comfort. Both offer strong value just south of Cleveland.
Forget the generic chain reviews — these Independence hotels get a real scrub down, from guest scores to hidden fees.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 7 properties across Independence and nearby Richfield using 1,200+ total verified guest reviews, focusing on properties with an 8.0/10 average guest score or higher to cut through the noise.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Top Overall: #4 Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence→ Rates
- Best for Extended Stays: #7 Candlewood Suites Cleveland South→ Rates
- Best Wi-Fi (10/10): #6 Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence→ Rates
#7 Candlewood Suites Cleveland South→ Rates - Staff Were Exceptional: #4 Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence→ Rates
- Pets Allowed: #6 Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence→ Rates
- Budget-Friendly: #1 Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Holiday Inn Cleveland – South Independence by IHG | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland-Richfield by IHG | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 5. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cleveland Independence | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG | (40+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews of Hotels in Independence, OH
1. Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland
The Vibe
This is the no-surprises pick. Guests consistently call out friendly staff and a clean room for the price point. With an 8.5 location score, it’s a quick hop to the highway for downtown Cleveland or the airport. The breakfast is pre-wrapped right now, but it’s included.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with the basics done right — guests mention comfortable beds (7.9 comfort score) and reliable value (7.9). The outdoor pool is closed for summer 2020 per the fine print, so check before planning a dip. Continental breakfast is served from 6 AM to 10 PM. A $100 deposit is required at check-in. They accept debit cards with the Visa/Mastercard logo, but you need to be over 21 with matching ID.
Choose this if: Your priority is keeping the nightly rate low while still getting a free breakfast and a solid 8.5 location score.
Check Tonight’s Price for Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland →
2. Holiday Inn Cleveland – South Independence by IHG
The Vibe
Guests praise the cleanliness from the moment they walk in (8.0 score) and the convenience of being directly off the highway. The Wi-Fi clocks in at a 9.0, which is rare for this price bracket. Staff is friendly, and the indoor pool is a solid backup when Ohio weather turns.
What You Actually Get
The hotel has a restaurant on-site and a fitness center alongside that indoor swimming pool. Breakfast is good ($11.95 extra). The hotel offers free on-site parking. Guests adoring the “King Leisure” room layout — one king bed, a sitting chair, and a desk area. Adjoining rooms are available upon request but not guaranteed. Note: the airport shuttle is currently suspended, so you’ll need to drive or ride-share the 11 miles from CLE.
Choose this if: You want an indoor pool and a restaurant without leaving the hotel, plus the best Wi-Fi at 9.0.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Cleveland – South Independence by IHG →
3. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland-Richfield by IHG
The Vibe
This Richfield property sits a bit farther from Independence proper, but it pulls the highest staff score on the list at 8.8. Guests rave about the very comfortable beds (8.6) and the complimentary breakfast — described repeatedly as “great.” Cleanliness hits 8.5, and the whole place feels well-managed.
What You Actually Get
The hotel offers a fitness center and free parking. The “Very Good Breakfast” tag is justified by guest quotes calling it great. There’s no pool here — but the staff score suggests they’ll steer you to local options. Comfort score is 8.6, one of the higher marks for bedding on this list. Note: booking more than 2 rooms triggers group policies, so coordinate if you’re traveling with a big crew.
Choose this if: Friendly, attentive staff and a very good included breakfast matter more than being right in Independence.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland-Richfield by IHG →
4. Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence
The Vibe
This is the top-rated property on the list for a reason. Guests describe it as “very clean” with a “great breakfast selection” and staff who are both friendly and helpful. The 9.0 location score matches its 9.0 staff and Wi-Fi scores. It’s within 20 minutes of both the Cleveland Clinic and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are comfortable (8.7) and clean (8.6). The “Very Good Breakfast” is included, which guests consistently praise. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking. A $100 damage deposit is required at check-in. Free Wi-Fi hits 9.0. The hotel doesn’t allow pets, and if you’re booking 10 or more rooms, different group policies kick in.
Choose this if: You want the highest overall guest score on the list, free parking, and a breakfast that guests actually rave about.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence →
5. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cleveland Independence
The Vibe
Guests call the cleanliness “top tier” and the staff — especially front desk rep Yolanda — “exceptional.” The 8.9 staff score backs that up. It’s a solid pick for Marriott loyalists who want a consistent experience near the highway. The 8.8 location score means you’re central to Independence attractions.
What You Actually Get
This property offers a continental breakfast, fitness center, and free parking. Notably, it has truck parking — a rare find in this list. The indoor pool was closed at last guest report, so confirm before booking if that’s a priority. Comfort is rated 8.7, one of the higher marks on this list. Children 12 and up are charged as adults, so factor that in for family bookings.
Choose this if: You drive a large vehicle, or you value staff friendliness above all else — Yolanda alone has 55 years of service perspective.
Check Tonight’s Price for SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cleveland Independence →
6. Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence
The Vibe
This is the only pet-friendly option on this list — a massive differentiator for travelers with dogs or cats. Guests consistently mention the “clean and comfortable” rooms and the “great breakfast.” The 9.0 location and 8.9 staff scores place it right behind the top picks in terms of guest satisfaction.
What You Actually Get
The suites come with separate living areas — the one-bedroom suite has a TV in both the bedroom and sitting area. There’s an indoor pool (currently closed, so verify), fitness center, and free parking. The Wi-Fi is a perfect 10.0, tied with the Candlewood Suites. Pets are allowed with a nonrefundable fee charged per pet, per stay — max 2 pets per room. Breakfast is rated “Excellent” and included.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with pets and need a clean, comfortable suite with included breakfast and perfect Wi-Fi.
Check Tonight’s Price for Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence →
7. Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG
The Vibe
Guests describe the rooms as “immaculately clean” with “outstanding” amenities and setup. The facilities score (8.9), cleanliness (8.9), and comfort (8.9) are the highest in any single category on the list. This is the stay-for-a-week property — the kitchen and spacious layout make it feel like an apartment.
What You Actually Get
Each room comes with a full kitchen — cook your own meals and save on dining out. There’s an indoor swimming pool (reservation required, with limited capacity), fitness center, free on-site parking, and barbecue facilities. Elevators serve upper floors. A $250 damage deposit is required. The Wi-Fi is perfect at 10.0. Unlike the Home2 Suites, pets aren’t allowed here.
Choose this if: You’re staying 3+ nights and want a kitchen, top-tier cleanliness, and hotels in Independence, OH with the highest sub-scores for facilities and comfort.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#4 Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence
Triple 9.0 scores for staff, location, and Wi-Fi, plus a free breakfast guests actually like — the most balanced pick on the list.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence →
💰 Best Value
#1 Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland
Lowest nightly rate, free breakfast, and an 8.5 location score — you get the essentials without the premium price tag.
Check Tonight’s Price for Comfort Inn Independence – Cleveland →
🏠 Best for Long Stays
#7 Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG
Full kitchen, 8.9 across facilities/cleanliness/comfort, and perfect Wi-Fi — built for a week or more.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites – Cleveland South – Independence by IHG →
How We Ranked These Independence Hotels
I evaluated 7 properties across Independence and Richfield, filtering for 8.0+ average guest scores from 1,200+ verified reviews. The focus was on real guest feedback, not marketing language.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value — the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to I-480/I-77 interchange and drive times to downtown Cleveland attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at any of these Independence hotels?
Only one property on this list allows pets: Home2 Suites by Hilton Cleveland Independence (#6). They charge a nonrefundable fee per pet, per stay, and allow a maximum of 2 pets per room. All other hotels — including the top-rated Hampton Inn & Suites and Candlewood Suites — do not allow pets.
Which hotels offer the best breakfast?
The Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Independence (#4) and the Holiday Inn Express Cleveland-Richfield (#3) both include “Very Good Breakfast” that guests consistently praise in reviews. The Home2 Suites (#6) offers an “Excellent Breakfast” included with your stay. The Comfort Inn (#1) provides a continental breakfast, though it’s currently pre-wrapped.
What’s the most walkable area in Independence, OH?
Independence isn’t a walkable downtown destination — it’s designed around highway access. Most hotels sit along Rockside Road and Jefferson, near the I-77 and I-480 interchange. You’ll need a car for restaurants and attractions. The highest location scores go to the Hampton Inn & Suites (#4) and Home2 Suites (#6), both at 9.0, reflecting convenience for drivers, not pedestrians.
How do I get from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to these hotels?
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is about 11 miles from most Independence hotels — roughly a 15-20 minute drive without traffic. The Holiday Inn Cleveland South (#2) used to offer a shuttle, but it’s currently suspended. Your best bet is a rideshare, taxi, or rental car. All properties offer free on-site parking.
Can I check in late at any of these properties?
All hotels have standard check-in windows starting between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Late arrivals are generally accommodated as long as you hold the reservation with a credit card. For early check-in, only the Home2 Suites (#6) explicitly offers to check same-day availability if you call the morning of arrival. The Candlewood Suites (#7) notes early arrival is based on availability.
Which hotels have pools that are actually open?
It’s a mixed bag. The Candlewood Suites (#7) has an indoor pool open by reservation only. The Holiday Inn Cleveland South (#2) has an indoor pool that appears operational. The SpringHill Suites (#5) pool was reported closed. The Comfort Inn’s outdoor pool is closed for summer 2020 per the fine print. Always call ahead to confirm pool status before booking.