Hi guys.

Having loved New York so much in 2007 we couldn't wait to go back in 2008 - this time we are combining 6 nights in New York with an 8 night cruise from NYC and back again on Carnival Miracle. The way timings have worked out we shall be staying 3 nights before and 3 nights after cruise at the Millenium Hotel United Nations Plaza and Embassy Suites respectively.

What do you think of these hotels ?

Also considering a day trip to Coney Island - is this worthwhile ?

Look forward to some feedback

When are you coming? Coney Island is distinctly seasonal - amusements open daily only a few months and weekends a few more. And The Cyclone roller coaster has been closed for good.

The aquarium is moderately interesting - but if it's a day at the breach you want, there are others much better than Coney Island.

Hi NYTraveller

Unfortunately we are not visitng NYC again until August 08 - can't believe we have booked so early but really excited despite the long wait.

We did all the big touristy things like ESB/Statue of Liberty this year so thought we would go a little bit further afield next time - Coney Island is a well known landmark so thought it would be nice to visit it to see for ourselves.

Kevey, look for a thread on this board about Brooklyn-it has some mouth watering and intriguing suggestions for Coney Island and the out of Midtown area to explore-made me want to go!

The Cyclone is not part of the Astroland purchase and has Landmark status. In fact Astroland has been given a one year reprive and will be open in 2008. Thus the Cyclone will be open in 2008 starting sometime in March until early September.

Additionally the Coney Island Museum on the other side of Astroland ahs been given a sizeable grant to expand.

That said, Coney Island is very honky tonk and there are very few rides of distinction reamaining. The Caurosell is closed and the old horses will be displayed at the foot of the parachute jumo in the near future. The Boardwalk itself is in disrepair. With all that, on a hot July or August Saturday or Sunday there could be upwards of one million on the beach.

Thanks Aduchamp for the information - may be worth visiting just to see the beach with its 1 million inhabitants - should be some interesting sights there.

How about the hotels I have mentioned - any one have any opinions ?

If you are going to Coney Island, go a little bit further to Brighton Beach aka "Little Odessa." It is a vibrant Russian ethnic neighborhood. The food shops are unbelievable, great street food, and the best Russian food this side of the Atlantic - try Restaurant Arbat for a Russian dining experience that won't break the bank. There are also interesting clubs at night with shows unlike you will find elsewhere. The National is one that comes to mind.

Coney Island can be good for a lark. There's a Brooklyn pizza tour that goes there. It's called "A Slice of Brooklyn". I saw something about it on the Today Show, and it looked fun. The tour leaves from Manhattan, which saves you the 1 hour+ subway ride to Coney Island.

Nothing wrong with your hotel choices. Which Embassy Suites? There's more than one in Manhattan.

Hi Doug

Staying at the Embassy Suites downtown close to Ground Zero/Hudson River.

I like the idea of that Slice Of Brooklyn tour - may well look into that.

The Embassy Suites downtown is a good hotel in a rather inconvenient location. But if you use the subway you can easily get around. My advice would be to save anything you want to see from downtown (walking the Brooklyn Bridge, seeing Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, the wonderful Museum of Jewish Heritage, shopping at Century 21, riding the Staten Island Ferry) for that part of your trip. Everything will be a rather long walk from your hotel. That way you'll maximize your time in NYC.