The Cleveland Hostel is the 8th hostel I've stayed at in the U.S. in the last year so I think I have a pretty good idea of what makes a good hostel. I was in town to attend a conference and I much prefer to stay a hostel instead of spending $100-$200 a night for a hotel when all I need is a place to sleep. I stayed in an 8-person dorm room and had 1-4 roommates depending on the night.
Here's what I liked about this hostel:
Only a few minutes away from the Red Line train - good for getting to the airport or downtown
Secure - need a key card to get into the building
Lots of power outlets in the room.
In Ohio City - close to lots of restaurants
Single user bathrooms - each with a shower, toilet, and sink
$5 breakfast deal with restaurant around the corner
The view from the roof-top patio
Here's why they don't get 5 stars:
No 24-hour staff working the desk. There is live-in staff but it's not obvious what you should do if you lock yourself out of your room. A ran into a guest in the lobby who locked himself out. He thought the desk would open at 7 and was surprised when I said it doesn't open 'til 9. I called the number on the front window and was able to reach the manager for him.
The mattress was somewhat uncomfortable - I've stayed in hostels with memory foam mattresses.
The table in the common room was always sticky.
Breakfast not included - this didn't bother me too much since I was in town for a conference, but it's something I look for in a hostel.
No reading lamps for each bunk.
The in-room lockers are like high school lockers. They're big enough for a regular backpack but you can't lock up all your stuff.