Questions about Cleveland

[Skip Eberhart]

We will arrive in Cleveland on the 14th of August. The 16th of August will be my pre surgery testing. The 21st will be the surgery. With all of that being said I have a few questions about hotels and transportation. We will be staying at the Clevelad Clinic Guest House. Is this the best choice for the dollar. What is the surrounding area like? Does Cleveland have a good public transportation system or would we be better off renting a car?

Skip Eberhart

[blazinspirit]

I've stayed in the guest house a few times, for the money it is very nice and quite comfortable. Plus it is within walking distance to the clinic right there, they also have shuttles that run around the clinic. How ever last trip there I stayed at The Comfort Inn, on Euclid, I think. It is very nice also, and not far from the clinic. Right now there is a lot of roads torn up and being worked on. I seen that there is cabs and whatnot? But I do not know the cost and ease of getting around, I have always drove myself from where we live.
Personally, I would go to the guest house the first time there, its as I said very nice and right there at the clinic.

[Dawn-C]

Let me be the first to say welcome to Cleveland! (A month early!) I live just outside of Cleveland in Lakewood. From what I hear, the Guest House is the best place to stay. The area you'll be in; the hospital grounds are safe but outside of there, no. When my mom had her myectomy, I came and went at all hours and always felt safe on the hospital grounds.

Public transportation here isn't out of towner friendly, not unsafe just not convinent. We take it to go to Indian's games and other downtown events. But if YOU want to go somewhere for dinner (for example), I think a rental car would be better. I think it's easy to drive in the area, but I grew up here. Ask some of the other people on the board if they thought it was easy. And, I think the west side is easier than the east side.

There's lots of stuff to do in Cleveland if you want to keep busy during your down time. I'm sure the staff at the Clinic will give you their favorite. Mine is the Metro parks, west side is better than east side! It's in a valley and the road and trails follow a river. Walk it, drive it, sit and enjoy the sunshine. Watch the boats and look for some deer. Not sure how your health is, but the metro parks have some nice (cheap) golf course.

Who are your doc's? From what I hear, they ALL are nice. Living in the area, we were able to space out testing, doc appointments, and such. But I hear the all day testing, it's a very long day. Might want to ask for help on how to manage your day.

Dawn

[mtlieb]

Hi Skip,

I stayed at the guesthouse myself when I had my myectomy and feel that it really is your best deal for the money. I was there without a vehicle and got around just fine. Also, be sure to ask about the weekly rate since you will be there for a full week prior to your surgery. It is even lower than the regular discounted rate for patients.

Jim

[gfox42]

I'd recommend a rental car, or (if you or your family expect to go out only a few times) taxis. There are busses, but Cleveland's like most US cities -- busses are few and far between. Cleveland has a rapid transit system, but the station closest to CCF isn't very close at all.

University Circle is within walking distance for most people -- had it not been absurdly cold when I was there for my myectomy I'd have been willing and able to walk there. Lots of museums and other things to do there.

Had it not been closed when we were there for my myectomy, we'd have stayed in the Guest House. As it was, we stayed in the Intercontinental -- somewhat closer to the heart center but quite a bit pricier. Since you'll be there in August, the couple of extra blocks to the Guest House shouldn't be prohibitive.

And I'll second Dawn's comment: there's a lot to do in Cleveland.

Gordon

[Skip Eberhart]

Dawn

My Dr. is Dr. Lever. Who would you recomend that we talk to about managing our day?

[Sarah]

Contact the Cleveland Clinic's concierge for help with your stay:

http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/body.cfm?id=141

Convenient Comprehensive Service
Just like the concierge at a fine hotel, your Cleveland Clinic Medical Concierge will help facilitate and coordinate your Cleveland Clinic experience and your visit to Cleveland, Ohio.

Here are the services we provide:

Assist with coordinating multiple appointments.
*Schedule or confirm airline reservations and provide access to discounted airline fares for patients, when available.
*Assist with hotel and housing reservations; provide discounts when available.
*Arrange taxi or car service between the airport and hotel.
* Provide information about leisure activities for family members.

A Medical Concierge will meet and accompany you to your appointments, upon request. If your visit includes a hospital stay, our Medical Concierge also can make arrangements for private nursing, if desired. Our Medical Concierge is available every weekday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST), or you can e-mail any questions to us.

800/223-2273 Ext. 55580
medicalconcierge@ccf.org

[Skip Eberhart]

Sarah

Thanks for the info. We already have reservations at the Guest House and airline tickets. Assistance with the 16th would be great I will give them a call.

[Sarah]

Im sure they can answer questions about the area and general transportation. When I was there three years ago, the surrounding area was kinda sketchy and not anywhere you would wander around in.

[Skip Eberhart]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the feedback.