Niagara Falls is one of those must-visit vacation spots that everyone should check out at least once. It’s not just about the Falls either; there’s so much more to do in the area that it’s worth staying for a night or two.
But when it comes to finding a place to stay in Niagara Falls, it can get a bit overwhelming. Should you go for the New York side or the Canadian side? There are tons of options to choose from in both countries.
In this post, I’ve teamed up with some fellow travel bloggers to give you the lowdown on the best places to stay in Niagara Falls. Additionally, I’ve included some valuable money-saving tips to enhance your Niagara Falls experience.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
Contents
- How Long Should You Stay In Niagara Falls?
- How to Save Money on Niagara Falls Accommodation
- Should You Stay on the Canadian Side or the US Side?
- Best Hotels in Niagara Falls Canada
- Best Hotels in Niagara Fall New York
- Are AirBnbs legal in Niagara Falls?
- Is it Worth it to Upgrade to a Falls View Hotel Room?
- Where to Stay Near Niagara Falls
- Expert Tips for Niagara Falls Lodging
How Long Should You Stay In Niagara Falls?
I was surprised by how much there is to do in the Niagara Falls area. You will want to spend some time on both sides of the falls. A day trip to Niagara Falls does not do it justice.
To get the full experience, I think you need at least two days. If you enjoy wine, then add another day so that you can also visit nearby Niagara on the Lake. Those that have more time can also add on day trips to Toronto or Buffalo, NY.
You might also find my practical tips for visiting Niagara Falls and my Niagara Falls packing list helpful when planning your trip.
How to Save Money on Niagara Falls Accommodation
Don’t let the price of Niagara Falls hotels stop you from coming. If you are worried about the cost of the hotels in Niagara Falls, there are a few things you can do:
Visit during the offseason. Niagara Falls is extremely popular in the summer, so hotel prices are going to be higher. If you visit Niagara Falls during the winter, there is still plenty to do and you will save money on your hotel room – just come prepared for the cold weather.
Join Wayaway Plus. Wayaway Plus is a new membership program from Travelpayouts that shares the commission it receives from airlines and travel agencies through a cashback program. As a member you can earn cashback on hotels, airfare, tours, and more that is paid to your paypal account. Click here to learn more and get 10% off.
Use points. Since there are several American-based chain hotels in Niagara Falls, you can use your frequent traveler points to save money. We used points to book our hotel room at the Marriott.
Check Groupon. I have seen some Niagara hotels offer deals here especially during the winter when there are not as many visitors. Click here to see current offers on Groupon.
If you can avoid having a car, you can save money on parking. Most attractions are walkable and there are also tours that will pick you up at your hotel. There is also the option to take the WeGo bus.
Find a hotel further from the Falls. While the hotels on this list are very close to Niagara Falls, there are options that are a bit further. You could use the WeGo bus or the city buses to get to the main attractions.
Watch out for the Niagara Tourism Tax/Fee. Some hotels (and other businesses) will add a tourist improvement fee (TIF) or something similar. In some cases, travelers have had luck asking for it to be removed. Unfortunately, I didn’t try myself because I didn’t know about the fee before my trip.
Remember the hotels on the Canadian side are priced in Canadian Dollars. Make sure to use a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee.
Should You Stay on the Canadian Side or the US Side?
I always recommend experiencing both the Canadian and US sides of Niagara Falls, but you might be wondering if it makes a difference which side you choose to stay on.
Many folks claim that the view from the Canadian side is superior. It’s where you’ll find most of the larger hotels, but don’t overlook the charming boutique hotels in Niagara Falls, New York. Moreover, the Canadian side offers a wider array of attractions and dining options to explore.
In the end, whether you opt for the Canadian or US side, your visit to Niagara Falls is bound to be a memorable one. Each side has its unique charm and attractions, so you can’t go wrong.
Best Hotels in Niagara Falls Canada
Marriott Fallsview
Recommended by Anisa
We stayed at the Marriott Fallsview during our romantic trip to Niagara Falls. It is technically the closest hotel to the Horseshoe Falls, so perhaps it is the hotel with the best view of Niagara Falls? We splurged on an upgraded room with a view of the Falls and whirlpool bathtub, and we weren’t disappointed.
Our room was stylish with a seating area next to the huge windows overlooking the Falls. Our bed was comfortable and the oversized bathtub felt relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing. High-speed internet was included.
From the hotel, we could walk to most attractions in the area and even to the American side. So for the most part, our car was parked in the valet lot at the hotel which was expensive. It took a bit of time to get the car when we needed it.
We didn’t have time to enjoy the amenities at the hotel, but they do have an indoor pool, an outdoor sundeck, an award-winning spa, an upscale restaurant (Morton’s), a fitness center, and Starbucks in the lobby.
Click here to check other reviews for the Marriott Fallsview on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Marriott Fallsview
Note: There are two Marriott properties in Niagara Falls right by each other.
Marriott on the Falls
Recommended by Lora from Explore with Lora
Visiting Niagara falls is one of the best getaways from Toronto, and staying overnight at a hotel with a view of the falls makes it even better.
I recommend staying at Marriott on the Falls. This 32-story hotel has over 400 guestrooms and suites to choose from, many of which have breathtaking views overlooking the magnificent waterfall. The hotel has all the amenities you need, including two on-site restaurants, indoor pool, and spa services.
Marriott is on the Canadian side of the falls, in the heart of the Fallsview Boulevard district. All the area’s main attractions and casinos are just a few minutes walk away. But with a view like this, you probably won’t want to leave the room.
Marriott on the falls is an upper mid-range hotel and the price depends on the time of year and room choice. During my stay last winter (low season), I was able to get a king guest room with a few of the falls for $170 CAD.
Click here to check other reviews for the Marriott on the Falls on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Marriott on the Falls
Hilton Niagara Falls
Recommended by Carol from Wandering Carol
Location, location, location. Overlooking the Falls, the Hilton Niagara Falls is ideally situated for panoramic views of the majestic Niagara Falls. Located on the Canadian side of the Falls, the Hilton is also handy for exploring the town and is directly connected to both the Fallsview Casino and the boutiques and restaurants of the Galleria Mall.
Tip: the buffet in the casino is one of the best restaurant deals in town.
The hotel has 374 rooms and suites, which are positioned to make the most of the views. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool, and the resort has a CAA/AAA Four-Diamond rating, putting it in the luxury category for hotels in Niagara Falls.
Click here to check other reviews for the Hilton Niagara Fallsview Hotel
Click here to check price and availability at the Hilton Niagara Fallsview Hotel.
Sheraton on the Falls
Recommended by Laura from The Travelling Stomach
Not usually one to recommend a larger chain hotel, the views from Sheraton on the Falls room are unparalleled and at a very reasonable price for such an amazing experience. With all the amenities you’ve come to expect from a Sheraton Hotel, the selling point here is definitely the views from the window.
Pick from city view rooms or views of the spectacular falls and you don’t even need to leave your room to watch the amazing illuminations and firework displays that take place over Niagara Falls. There’s nowhere better to lay your head after a night of exploring Niagara and what a view to wake up to!
It’s not just the hotel rooms at the Sheraton that have views of the Falls. You can enjoy the views from an indoor pool, which is open all year, and the outdoor pool and patio on the roof of the conference center. The hotel’s spa has Fallsview Treatment Areas and a Fallsview Relaxation Lounge.
Click here to check other reviews for the Sheraton on the Falls on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Sheraton on the Falls
Sterling Inn & Spa
Recommended by Danielle from Wanderlust on a Budget
On a recent trip to Niagara Falls, my husband and I stayed at the Sterling Inn & Spa on the Canadian side of the border. Located around the corner from the Sky Wheel, there aren’t any views of the falls from the hotel, but you’re only a short walk from seeing them up close. The rooms are spacious and feel more high-class than most hotels I’m used to booking.
My favorite part? Breakfast in bed. Included in our stay was breakfast – delivered right to us. Served on a large tray, it consisted of French press coffee, croissants, fruit, eggs, granola, and yogurt. It was definitely a great way to start the day in Niagara Falls!
Since the hotel is both an inn and a spa, they offer the full range of spa services. You can choose from massages, body wraps, facials, body scrubs, and more. Then, once you’re fully relaxed, you can enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at the in-house restaurant, AG Inspired Cuisine.
Sterling is a moderately priced hotel, in the mid-$100s, but it definitely feels more luxurious than its price. Even better, Sterling is an Expedia VIP Access hotel. That means if you are an Expedia+ silver or gold member (and book through Expedia here), you’ll get access to special perks or upgrades, and your Expedia rewards points are worth double!
Click here to check other reviews for the Sterling Inn & Spa on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Sterling Inn and Spa on Expedia
Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls
Recommended by Ruby from A Journey We Love
We stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls. This hotel was reasonably priced, with views of the falls on the top floors (but expect to pay a premium for it). Bella Vista Ristorante, inside the hotel, also has a glorious view of the Niagara River.
The hotel is also conveniently located near the Journey to the Falls (a quick walk) and has amazing views of the waterfalls as you walk down the street. There’s an arcade on the bottom floor in case you wanted to entertain little ones traveling with you, and is within walking distance to restaurants and other entertainment areas.
The downside is that you’ll have to pay extra for the fallsview room, or if you were bringing a car. Self and valet parking fees apply. Self-parking is not even located in the same building as the hotel, but rather a block away.
If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can use points to make your stay free (this hotel is part of the Marriott group), then this definitely is a great spot to use them.
Click here to check other reviews for the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls
Best Hotels in Niagara Fall New York
Giacomo Hotel
Recommend by Mary from the Calculated Traveller
The Giacomo Hotel is in Niagara Falls, New York, USA within walking distance (approximately 10-minute walk) to Niagara Falls, the Cave of the Winds, and Casino Niagara.
Many of the suites offer a view of Niagara Falls but not to worry if your suite faces the city. Giacomo’s 19th floor Skye View Room provides a full falls-view as well as complimentary sunset toasts on the weekend.
A luxury boutique hotel with only 41 suites, it was built as an office building in 1929 in the art deco style, Mayan Revival period. The elegant interior features vibrant colors, plush furnishings, and Italian linens with some suites including fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Features that make this hotel fabulous are complimentary valet parking, concierge service, fitness center, turn down, WiFi, and a complimentary full European breakfast. They even offer custom chocolates and fresh cookies in your room at night.
Click here to check other reviews for the Giacomo Hotel on Tripadvisor.
Click here to check price and availability for the Giacomo Hotel.
More Hotel Options in Niagara Falls New York
You can find more options for places to stay on the US side of Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor here.
Are AirBnbs legal in Niagara Falls?
Yes and No. Like many other major tourist destinations (i.e New York City), local authorities are making it harder for short-term vacation rentals. Just because a property is listed on Airbnb does not mean it is legal.
The Airbnb rules vary depending on what side of the falls you are on but include restrictions on areas and license requirements. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these regulations become even more strict in the future. Please exercise caution and do your research before booking any Airbnb near Niagara Falls.
Is it Worth it to Upgrade to a Falls View Hotel Room?
Most hotels overlooking Niagara Falls charge a premium for rooms with a view. If you can find room in your budget, then I think it is worth it to upgrade when you are visiting Niagara Falls. It is amazing to be able to sit in your hotel room and see the Falls especially during the nightly illuminations and when the weather is bad.
We spent the early mornings and evenings staring at the Falls from the couch in our room. I don’t think I quite realized the magnitude of the waterfalls until I realized that the mist almost reached the same level as our hotel room at times. Our hotel was on the hill and our room was on a high floor.
Where to Stay Near Niagara Falls
As you can see there are many fabulous options for places to stay near Niagara Falls. I don’t think I will ever forget the amazing view we had from our hotel room. It was definitely one of the factors that helped make our trip to Niagara Falls special.
Which hotel in Niagara Falls would you choose? Do you have another hotel that should be included in this list?
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for Niagara Falls Lodging
- There are many hotels that offer Fallsview rooms. If the budget allows, it is worth splurging for one.
- You can find deals at even the top hotels in Niagara Falls during the off season.
- Consider getting a Wayaway Plus membership so you can get cashback on your hotel booking. Get 10% off a one-year membership here.
- It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance. Learn more about the options here.
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Last Updated on September 22, 2023