Can anyone give me some info on Independence and Beachwood areas of Cleveland?
I understand that Beachwood is a sort of upscale suburb, but know nothing about Independence.
Any ideas welcomed, but we have to stay in one of these two areas. Thanks

Both are very nice areas with easy access. Beachwood is more residential. Independence is residential but also has an upscale business area. Both have nice hotels.

Anything in particular you're looking for or wondering? If you can be more specific, I'll be happy to help.

You will love Cleveland, by the way. It rocks.

ttt

Kaycee:

I agree with Clevelander . . . both suburbs are perfectly nice, although I think you'll find Beachwood to be somewhat more upscale. I think it boils down to what you're looking to do. If you have/want to go to downtown, I'd stay in Independence. It's much easier to get to the downtown area from there. If you want to shop, I'd stay in Beachwood, as they have a very nice upscale mall there (Saks, Neiman-Marcus Galleries, etc.).

Even though I don't live there anymore, I still miss and LOVE Cleveland!

Enjoy!

Thanks for the responses.

We won't have to be in the city per se, but will be visiting the Zoo etc.
Don't mind a short drive, 20 mins. or so.

We are looking at the Sheraton Four Points, or the Hilton in Beachwood.
Both have an indoor/outdoor pool. A necessity with a 7 yr. old, and being from the NE, we know how fickle the weather can be, even in the summer.

What are the restaurants like in both areas? Keep in mind we are traveling with a child, so we won't be able to sample your really upscale restaurants. But, as long as they have a kid-friendly menu, we can go above the usual chain type places.

Thanks again.

There are tons of places in downtown Clveland plus all the burbs.

However, I would go to The Flats entertainment complex downtown! Its similar to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, but more hip and happening at night AND many more choices to eat, too.

If you go early enough for dinner (or even for lunch) a 7 yr. old will be just fine and love it. Its a cool place to eat, right on the river, where you can watch everything from yachts to freighters to Navy Ships go by.

You'll have several choices, from the upscale to family types like Shooters, Fridays, etc

The east side of the river can get wild later at night, with the west side remaining more calm, but you're certain to have a good meal AND a good time.

I wanna go back, too!