Hi ! I could really use some advice on where to stay in Cinci or KY..we have 3 kids ranging 13-3, price isnt really an issue for a hotel however we would like one nearby riverfront and with a pool. I am getting mixed messages between expeida and hotels.com so hopefully one of y'all can help. ALso is it too much to try and fit in the Newport Aquarium and a Riverboat cruise in one day and maybe COney Island and some shopping (for moms sanity lol) the second day? Any tips gladly grateful for!

You might consider staying on the KY side of the river in Newport/Covington. The river area has been redoing and there are several newer hotel chains that have built there in recent years. Check out http://www.newportonthelevee.com/ for things to do. The Cincinnati zoo isn't far from downtown/river, if that would interest your kids. I'm sure they would love a day at King's Island. www.pki.com

I second the suggestion of staying on the Kentucky side of the River. You can spend as much time as you want (or as little) at the Aquarium or Coney Island, so I don't see any problem in fitting in what you have planned. Same with the Zoo. If you decide to go to Kings Island, it is about a half hour drive from the Riverfront and you would want to spend the whole day there. Where were you planning on shopping?

There is an Embassy Suites in NKY right on the river, but I don't know if they have a pool. Coney Island & Kings Island both have pools & waterpark features, so maybe having one at the hotel won't be all that important. The aquarium & a riverboat cruise in one day should work out fine. Plan on having some time to walk around the Newport on the Levee complex which houses the aquarium - there are some good restaurants here (Mitchell's Fish Mkt, Cafe Istanbul).

For shopping, I would definitely recommend Kenwood Towne Center (it is north of the city but south of Kings Island) - definitely the best mall in town by a long shot. Rookwood Commons is a nice outdoor shopping venue if it isn't too hot and is a bit closer to the city (though you don't have dept stores there - the Macy's at Kenwood was recently rennovated and it quite good).

I just noticed you mentioned Coney in your post but not Kings Island. Coney is nice but Kings Island has a lot more to do and offer - it is a full fledged big time amusement park whereas Coney has a more laid back local feel. Not sure which you prefer so just fyi.

I know the Millenium on maybe 5th St (?) has a pool & is fairly inexpensive. (it used to be a Sheraton property). If you wish to stay downtown the Newport area is a short drive/taxi away. You might also have a good time @ the Haufbrau Haus in Newport. My favorite restaurant over there though is the Tropicana. If the Reds are in town a baseball game is also a good time for the family + the restaurant on the 3rd base side of the stadium is servicable.

Yeah! The Tropicana, although not really kid friendly. But the Hoffbrau is a gas and they play the oompah German music which is fun. Not to worry, they have a varied menu and you don't have to do the sauerkraut stuff. I prefer the Newport/Covington area to downtown Cinci. No parking fees. I stay there a lot, as my husband's company is there, and I love the area, but don't ever feel very comfortable alone in downtown. The city isn't really tourist friendly, IMO. I love the area around Mount Adams and the kids like Kings Island. There's also an IMAX at the Newport Levee and the aquarium is a blast.

OOOOO thanks bunches!! The reason we arent doing Kings Island is because we are going to Cedar point in 2 weeks, so I was looking for some different type things! OK, so the Covington/Newport area of KY , right? I will look there for some hotels. YUM you guys are making me hungry lol Thanks for all the restaruant suggestions! Also was wondering if anyone out there has ever used an online bidding site for cheaper hotel rooms and if so which sites are the best? THANKS soooooooooo much! I was handed this trip yesterday and then my husband tells me its got to be This weekend ..( grrr lol) I will keep checking back and thanks again!

For shopping, you can do Kenwood and Rookwood Commons in one day-stores like Pottery Barn, Gap, Macy's Dillard's at Kenwood. Rookwood has smaller stores like Anthropology, Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer, Z gallerie, TJ Maxx.

Pompillo's is also in Newport-very good, reasonable priced old-fashioned Italian food. It's not at the Levee-it's on Washington and Sixth. It's kid friendly

I've used priceline and bid 3 star for downtown, 70 dollars, and got the Radisson. That's on the Ky side.

You definitely won't have a problem with finding a place to eat in any of those areas. There is a Cheesecake Factory in Kenwood Mall and plenty of variety in Rookwood if you end up eating in those areas. Another new outdoor mall is Crestview Hills in Kentucky. You might try First Watch restaurant for breakfast (they are only open for breakfast and lunch). There is one in Covington and also at Rookwood and Crestview Hills, but you sometimes have to wait for a while for a table. (usually the one in Covington doesn't seem to be as crowded) Also, the kids like Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream at the Levy, although if you have never had Graeter's ice cream be sure and try it while you are here. There should be plenty for you to do and the weather is supposed to be great this weekend. I can't help you with hotels, but there is a shuttle that goes between them and the activity areas, so if you don't want to drive that may be an option for you.

Thanks for the Priceline info...bit scary as it doesnt give you an option once you agree to price but , hey how bad could a 3 star be? ((hmmm lol)) I got the Millenium Hotel for $40...has anyone been there? Lol its too late now if its foul but Im hoping I will hear good things..I look forward to lending u all my own opinions once back Thanks again!

Since you are staying in downtown Cincinnati, there is shopping right by you. Saks, Macy's and Tiffany as well as Tower Place. http://www.towerplace.com/index.php?level2=stores

Another thing to do if you like to walk is to walk across the Purple People bridge which will take you right to Newport on the Levy (where the aquarium is).

mhicks, we stayed at the Millenium for the Cinci Wine Fest this year and we were VERY happy. You can read my review here under LLindaC. If you're not happy with your room, ask them to move you to the "newer" wing. Have a great time!

I'm sorry, I meant you can read my review at www.tripadvisor.com
We had an excellent stay at the Milli

We stay at the Millenium for business nearly every month. Their pool area is nice & seldom used. It is also in a good location.

ttt for artman