livitup

Coming to NYC the week of the 4th of July, planning to stay at the Carlton on Madison. Anyone familiar with the Carlton? We are going to a Yankees game on July 3, looking for a neat activity on the day of the 4th. Is it true Coney Island area is to be "changed"? If so, we would want to go there--need to know the best way to get there, etc. What about Hudson River cruises? Also, what about any closings on the 4th? Would really like to visit the Arthur Avenue vicinity.

emcash

MANY years ago, i stumbled upon the Carlton when they used to have rates like 129 per night! It was definitely a 3 star hotel back then, but with great service. I got my brother, who is very very picky to start staying there with his kids. He loved to tell the story of how his youngest son used the empire state building as his nightlight! Since then, it's been renovated and the prices have gone up. It may be considered a 4 star now. I think it is probably a lovely boutique hotel.

nytraveler

Coney Island on July 4 - will be an incredible madhouse - think the beach being nothing but blankets - never mind Nathan's hot dog eating contest.

And yes - they are redoing it after this year - but not before time -at the moment it is very 1940's.

The only way to get there from Manhattan - unless you have a car - is subway - figure 1.25 to 1.5 hours - it's obviously the end of the line - depending on exactly where you're coming from.

Many restaurants will be closed on the 4th - I would call to be sure they're open on Arthru Ave.

River and harbor cruises will be running but you should check the Circle Line web site to get details for the 4th - which may well be different - esp for anything at night near the fireworks.

travelbuff

To get to Coney Island take the D train at 34th and 6th Ave, to Brooklyn, and to Yankee Stadium again the D to the Bronx and get off at the Stadium.

The walk from 28th and Madison is probably 15 minutes.

On the forth there are celebrations all over Manhattan, there are concerts in Central Park and a street fair on Water St, near the Staten Island Ferry 11am to 6pm.

The fireworks start about 9pm.

Have a GREAT time while you are here.

Rhea58

I too stayed @ the Carlton before the refurb & what a dramatic change!
If you have extra dough to spend their restaurant, Country (w/a prix fixe menu) has been touted. See
opentable.com for resv. Also a
smaller venue, the Cafe.

travelbuff

Having lived in the area before the Carlton was completely gutted and redone, the place always gave me the "willies". It used to be an SRO which in NY language meant flea bag hotel, and the undesirables in the area made the whole area feel unsafe. I used to go out of my way to aviod the hotel.

I walked by it the other day and the rennovations are amazing, the lobby is really pretty and the front door of the hotel is now on Madison Ave and it is now adding to the area.

Another hotel to check out close by would be the Roger Williams, also completely redone not long ago.