The self-proclaimed “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” Niagara Falls (Ontario side) is a must for most Canadians (and Americans, too). When you’re not poking around Clifton Hill or gambling away the day at one of the city’s casinos, it all comes back to the falls, and it’s a pretty spectacular sight to wake up and go to bed to. The awe inspired by the Falls, year in and year out, draws hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Canadian side, and the hotel scene has been built up accordingly, from the truly luxe to more budget-friendly options. The most desirable rooms, of course, come with that million dollar view, but trying to narrow down your options in accordance with your wallet can seem more daunting than crossing a tight rope over 202,000 cubic feet of rushing water.
So which hotels give you unobstructed views plus the most bang for your buck (whatever your budget may be)? Your mental lifesaving vest is here to keep you afloat in rough waters!
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
This is one resort hotel where traveling in the autumn can net you discounts during your stay, a great bonus despite missing the high tourist season that normally occurs during the summer. Not every room in the hotel has a view, but the ones that do deliver, in more ways than one. Rooms come in three types: Deluxe, Diplomat Suites and Parlor Suites, and all are elegant and comfortable. The attached resort spa offers massages, manicures, facials and other natural, relaxing services for the world-weary, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool. Dining is available on-site, with steak and seafood options, Italian, Asian, buffets and bars and lounges found throughout. The gaming is a fun and exciting way to while away a few afternoons, as the casino comes complete with slots, table games, a poker room, tournaments and VIP services through the VIP Desk. If you’re looking for a hotel experience to give a view of the Falls a run for its money, this might be the place.
The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls
The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls comes with perks of its own, like a fitness center, indoor heated pool, hot tub and even an observation lounge on the 14th floor to show off its extraordinary view. If you’re taking your family along for a trip, consider that the Oakes Hotel even has an on-site arcade, perfect for the kids (just be sure to bring quarters!). Applebee’s and Perkins restaurants are also enclosed within the hotel, making dinnertime affordable and unpretentious, while the Remington’s of Niagara offers guests a more upscale environment with excellent steak and seafood. The hotel is also conveniently located for some of the city’s best attractions, like the Skylon Tower and the Imax Theater Niagara Falls.
Since you’re obviously there for the view, though, what could be more apt than the Oakes Hotel’s three high-speed glass elevators? It will take your breath away!
Radisson Fallsview
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Niagara Falls and hotels with more budget-friendly prices aren’t jumping out at you right away, don’t despair. The Radisson Fallsview recently underwent significant modernization and renovations, and it offers guests both an excellent view and lower room rates, especially in this off-season. The Raddison Fallsview has also been honored with the TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellent for 2012, and it’s easy to see why. The updated rooms come with all-new beds, flat screen TVs, work desks and Wi-Fi, the bathrooms have been outfitted with marble countertops, and there are two on-site restaurants for convenient dining.
Four Points by Sheraton Fallsview
Four Points by Sheraton Fallsview is another reasonably-priced hotel where the amenities are numerous and the views are spectacular (as you would expect). The interior is clean and quiet, and the rooms are all spacious and comfortable, with modern touches like flat screen TVs and free high-speed internet. Four Points is also connected to the Fallsview Casino by a covered walkway, which makes it easy for you to take advantage of lower room rates and still have access to of all the gaming, dining and entertainment options next door.
Jeff Reed is a contributing writer and outdoor enthusiast who has visited Niagara Falls 12 times in the last 20 years, starting when he was just six years old on a family vacation. He recently proposed to his fiancée, Beth, before the Horseshoe Falls.