Cincinnatti..August...with a 2yr old!
 

We are heading out to Cincinnatti the first week of August - can you suggest a good (and reasonablly priced!)hotel for us to base ourselves at? We plan to spend the first few days in Cincinnatti (or Newport, KY looks a good place) and then perhaps do a few days driving (not quite sure where too yet) and then back to Cincinnatti before flying back here to the UK.
Thanks

Sorry, I don't have a hotel recommendation, but do take your little one to the acquarium in Newport. It's a good one.

What are your interests for a driving trip? Kentucky has lots to offer.

The only thing near the Aquarium in Newport is the Travelodge and it is dismal. There is a comfort Inn nearby but the more reasonable lodgings are probably a 10 minute drive away in Erlanger (Baymont Inn) or in Florence.

A drive down to Mammoth Caves Park might be nice, but it is about a 4 hours drive I think...so you may want to spend the night nearby.

The Cincinnati Zoo and the Aquarium in Newport are worth visiting.

Just about anywhere downtown should be a decent stay as far as lodging. You might consider a Cincinnati Reds baseball game -- you can get tix for less than $10 per person. There's also a zoo and a flower/plant conservatory. Newport is fun and somewhat historic, but they've recently built a huge mall that obscures the riverfront somewhat. The aquarium is a treat for adults and little ones. Dayton, Ohio, about 45 minutes north, would be worth a trip for aviation buffs -- it's the home of the U.S. Air Force Museum.

You could also stay in Covington. I'd pick that over Erlanger. For that age, find a hotel with a nice playground and kiddie pool! Downtown Cincinnati hotels are nice, but wouldn't offer much for your tot. Also, don't flame me, but Cincinnati hasn't done a lot with their downtown, IMO, and they have had racial tension and problems there. King's Island is north of Cinci- may not be much for the child and it will be HOT but they do have water rides. There's an IMAX theatre on the Newport Levee too.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Cincinnati. It was very clean, pleasant, and convenient. It's an easy walk to the waterfront, shopping, and restaurants. It was about a 15- or 20-minute walk from our hotel to the aquarium in Newport...it's hokey, but I get excited about walking across state lines. :)

By the way, can I ask why you picked Cincinnati?

As a child I loved the Cincinatti Zoo which was supposedly one of the best, but I don't think they still have the dinosaurs anymore, and I'm not sure how it stacks up these days with other zoos. It was one of the first to create "natural" environments for the animals.

look into the hannafordsuites.com site for an extended stay favorable rate and hotel in northern Kentucky

Embassy Suites in Covington, KY is a nice hotel - great with a little one (2 room suite and free breakfast). Cincinnati Zoo (one of the best in the US), Newport Acquarium and Children's Museum are all good for kids. Might even consider going to see the Red's baseball team play. Coney Island is also a good deal for the money if your little one likes to swim. Large outdoor pool with water rides and other small rides - plenty to do for a 2 yr old.

My kids (3&5) love Kings Island, The Children's Museum, Newport Aquarium, Coney Island and the zoo. I've been to other zoos and children's museums and I think the ones in Cincinnati compare well against even the best. I would second the recommendation for the Embassy Suites in Northern Kentucky as well - nice view and good location.

Thanks to everyone for their help with this one, your comments and advice is much appreciated! We are looking forward to seeing what Ohio/Kentucky have to offer!!