The Alcazar

Pros

• The room was very nice and clean.
• The location of the place was very quiet and had lots to eat near by.
• Only 5 minutes from the Akron Zoo.
• Stayed here for about 3 months. Very warm and cozy place.
• The building was lovely and full of charm, and the staff were great to work with.
• This is a clean and historic gem!
• The sound was superb.
• The architecture in the building is gorgeous!
• Tracy is really helpful.
• The architecture is the only high point of this hotel.

Cons

• The bathroom is very small.
• Parking in the Airbnb parking spot is frequently blocked by others.
• The place is a mess.
• New management has torn out the beautiful gardens.
• Some apartments have no heat or water.
• Residents may encounter mice, cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs.
• The leasing office is rarely available and hard to reach.
• Management allegedly overcharges guests and refuses refunds.
• The property is strongly advised to be avoided.
• The furniture feels cheap and the complimentary breakfast is atrocious.
• The neighborhood lacks nearby things to do within walking distance.
• The rooms are outdated and have questionable cleanliness, with some units lacking wifi.

Review

The Alcazar stands as a building with a story. A former hotel now operating as apartments, it sits in a quiet neighborhood and is framed by architecture that many reviewers describe as the building's most notable feature. Several visitors point out the calm surroundings and the convenience of nearby dining options, with the Akron Zoo just a short five-minute drive away. The mix of old-world charm, a serene setting, and a central location makes it attractive to guests who appreciate a historic look and a peaceful base for a getaway.

Within the reviews there are strong spins in both directions about the experience inside. Some guests recount warm, cozy stays and speak fondly of the lobby, the private courtyard, and the overall atmosphere. One reviewer even calls the place a "historic gem" and notes that the sound and ambiance of a community band concert there were superb. Others describe the architecture as the high point - beautiful and charming - while acknowledging that the rest of the stay may not live up to the building's exterior. There are mentions of helpful staff and positive interactions with team members, including a specific nod to "Tracy" as a particularly helpful person, which adds a human dimension to the stay's memorable moments.

Contrasting sharply with these warmer memories are a sizable number of complaints that paint a more troubling picture. Several reviews recount serious management and maintenance issues, including torn-out gardens after new management, and reports of no heat or water in some apartments. The leasing office is described as frequently unavailable, leaving guests unable to secure refunds or address overcharges. A recurring, deeply troubling theme is pest problems - mice, cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs - paired with claims that the property is more of a residence than a hotel, with unresponsive front-desk contact. Some guests also note outdated interiors, questionable cleanliness, and uncomfortable beds, along with sporadic or nonexistent internet access.

The experiences also vary from month to month and person to person, illustrating a spectrum rather than a single narrative. A guest who stayed for about three months recalls warmth and coziness, while another emphasizes that the building's historical appeal sits alongside a dated, sometimes neglected, interior and inconsistent service. Some entries acknowledge that the property's quiet location and architectural appeal can make it appealing, yet warn that without renovations or improved management, those positives may be offset by practical shortcomings like heat, water, or reliable connectivity. In one remark, the place is described as not meeting expectations for a modern hotel stay, with a sense that the property's former glory requires upkeep to realize its potential.

Interspersed with the criticisms are notes of positive moments tied to events and memories. One reviewer reports that attending a memorial service there was accompanied by wonderful accommodations, while another describes the building as lovely and full of charm during a past visit. There are also reminiscences about restored aspects of the property - the lobby, the courtyard, and the sense of history - that evoke nostalgia for long-time residents and visitors who remember the place before major changes. A few reviewers highlight pleasant interactions with staff during events and gatherings, painting a picture of a venue that can be gracious and hospitable when things are running smoothly.

Among the more idiosyncratic lines in the collection is a brief, out-of-context remark about climate - "Algerians will enjoy the summer and the winter is harsh" - which stands apart from the rest of the property-focused commentary. It adds to the mosaic of impressions, underscoring how diverse and unpredictable guest experiences can be, and reminding readers that a single visit can evoke a broad range of associations about a place.

Taken together, the reviews present a complex portrait: a historic building with architectural grandeur, quiet charm, and the potential for memorable moments; yet hampered by management instability, maintenance gaps, and significant complaints about heat, water, pest control, and responsiveness. Parking for social events is noted as challenging, while overnight stays may vary in quality depending on the unit and the current state of renovations. The Alcazar clearly has character and appeal for some guests, but for others it remains a source of frustration unless and until improvements align with the building's storied elegance.

If you're considering a stay, this collection suggests you should weigh the current management and condition carefully. Verify heating and water reliability, pest control measures, and how responsive the leasing office is today. Read the latest reviews to understand what the experience might be like now, and consider whether you're drawn more to the building's historic charm and location or to the practical assurances and modern comforts you expect from a hotel-like stay. The Alcazar can be a quiet, architecturally inspiring base, but your experience will likely hinge on the particular unit you choose and how well the property is being cared for at the moment.

Located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With a range of restaurants within close proximity, including bd's Mongolian Grill and Academy Tavern, residents can enjoy diverse dining options. Nearby parks such as Coventry PEACE Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to pharmacies like Marc's Stores and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenient access to healthcare essentials. The area is also home to reputable hospitals like Cleveland Clinic - W.O. Walker Center and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, offering quality medical care. Additionally, there are several renowned physicians' offices nearby, including the Cleveland Clinic - Taussig Cancer Center and Senders Pediatrics. For those who prefer cafes for socializing or grabbing a coffee, Starbucks and Lekko Coffee are easily accessible. Places of worship such as South Euclid United Church of Christ cater to the spiritual needs of residents in the community. Transportation options include the Greyhound Station and Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport for convenient travel arrangements. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive community in which to reside.

Restaurants

• bd's Mongolian Grill (0.8 miles)
• Academy Tavern (1 miles)
• New Heights Grill (1.4 miles)
• Boss Dog Brewing Co. (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Burger King (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Coventry PEACE Park (0.8 miles)
• Anderson Field (5.2 miles)
• Willard Park (5.2 miles)
• The Cleveland Mall (5.2 miles)
• Voinovich Bicentennial Park (5.4 miles)
• Desan Park (5.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Marc's Stores (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Cleveland Clinic - W.O. Walker Center (1.1 miles)
• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (1.3 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center (1.5 miles)
• St Vincent Charity Medical Center (4.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital (6 miles)
• Trauma ICU (6.1 miles)
• University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Cleveland Clinic - Taussig Cancer Center (1.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Cole Eye Institute (1.2 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic R Building - Cleveland Clinic Children's Outpatient Center (1.6 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Mellen Center (1.7 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic Severance Medical Arts (2.5 miles)
• Senders Pediatrics (3.8 miles)
• University Suburban Health Center (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Lekko Coffee (6 miles)
• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• South Euclid United Church of Christ (4 miles)
• Messiah Luth Church of Lyndhurst (5.3 miles)
• St Clare's Church (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Greyhound Station (4.6 miles)
• Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (5.1 miles)