Niagara Falls has always been a fascination for us at Travel in USA. We’ve visited them, enjoyed them immensely, and for this reason, we’ve talked about them extensively, providing tips, advice, and guidance so that each of you can visit them in the best way possible. For instance, recently, we discussed an exceptional attraction, the Skylon Tower, an observation tower that stands tall and looms above the majestic natural wonder of Niagara Falls, offering a unique and unforgettable perspective. Niagara Falls is a marvel of nature that you want to enjoy from every possible angle: both the Canadian and American sides offer the opportunity to view the powerful cascade from every conceivable vantage point.
As we know, an excursion to Niagara Falls is quite common for travelers who have a few days to spare after visiting New York or as part of a New England tour. In the former case, we discussed it in the article “New York to Niagara Falls” (upcoming), emphasizing that a one-day visit without an overnight stay is not recommended unless you’re in a hurry with an organized tour or by plane/helicopter. In the latter case, we detailed a tour between New York, Niagara Falls and Boston that requires some attention to choosing accommodation near the falls.
For all these reasons, one of the questions that often arises is this: how to plan a visit to Niagara Falls? Where to stay? Niagara Falls is the primary city of reference, but what are the other cities in the vicinity (both Canadian and American) where you can find accommodation? Are there any truly exceptional hotels that can elevate the Niagara Falls experience, going beyond offering a simple bed for resting after a walk and a Maid of the Mist cruise?
Contents
Mappa
Places to Stay in Niagara Falls NY
Let’s start with the American side, considering the towns of Niagara Falls and Buffalo. In my opinion, Buffalo is the better choice if you prefer not to stay directly in the city.
As you may already know, the city of Niagara Falls is split in two by the falls and connected by the Rainbow Bridge. Essentially, there is the American Niagara Falls and the Canadian Niagara Falls. You’ll likely find a wider range of options on the Canadian side, which is not only the better side for viewing the falls but also the livelier and more fun side for spending an evening. However, staying on the American side has the significant advantage of avoiding the traffic queues on the bridge. Here are some recommended accommodations:
Red Coach Inn
This is a charming and traditional property. From its external appearance, this historic inn impresses with its antique and elegant style, which is reflected in the luxurious room furnishings and common areas. The falls are very close by, and the services and hospitality are top-notch. Plus, you can get a room with a view of the Niagara River!
More information about the hotel
Wingate by Wyndham Niagara Falls
This mid-range hotel is ideal for those who want to stay close to the falls on the American side. You can reach the boat for Niagara Falls and all the best viewpoints with a pleasant walk. The hotel is 3-star and offers excellent (some even luxurious) services at a reasonably fair price. It includes an indoor pool, fitness center, parking, and breakfast.
More information about the hotel
Aashram Hotel by Niagara River
To spend a bit less, you’ll need to move a little farther from the falls, but not too far! Just a 10-minute drive away is the Aashram Hotel, a property that’s more like a high-quality motel. It offers an enviable value for money. In this case, breakfast and parking are also included in the price, but you won’t find more exclusive services.
More information about the hotel
Below is a list of all the other hotels in Niagara Falls (American side) available at the link provided:
List of Hotels in Niagara Falls (American Side)
Places to Stay in Buffalo
On the northeastern shore of Lake Erie lies Buffalo, a city that, by population, is second only to New York in the state of New York. As we’ve mentioned in the article about visiting Niagara Falls, Buffalo is an enjoyable city and offers itself as an excellent place to stay not too far from the falls (approximately a 25-minute drive). Additionally, if you don’t have a car, keep in mind that there’s a very convenient public bus that connects Buffalo and the falls. While you can find many budget motels in the suburbs, in downtown Buffalo, you can spend a bit more and find higher-end hotels. Here are some recommended properties:
Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo/Downtown
This 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of downtown, not far from the financial district, in a lively area filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. It offers everything for a comfortable and convenient stay: newly renovated spacious rooms with all amenities, a pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and free parking included in the price.
More information about the hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites – Buffalo Airport
The same hotel chain also offers a slightly less sophisticated property near the airport, which is connected by a free shuttle service. This option is excellent for those who can’t stray too far from the airport but still want the comforts of a 3-star hotel. The location where the hotel is situated is called Cheektowaga.
More information about the hotel
Sleep Inn Amherst
Amherst is a suburb north of Buffalo, home to the State University of New York at Buffalo. Here, you can find the Sleep Inn Amherst, a strategic hotel for visiting both the Falls and the city, located not far from Buffalo Airport. Parking, breakfast, a pool, and a hot tub are just some of the amenities offered by the hotel. The falls are only a 30-minute drive away.
More information about the hotel
By clicking on the links below, you can search for all the other hotels in Buffalo Downtown and the surrounding suburbs. Be sure to calculate the distance from the falls and consider the option of finding accommodation near the airport, especially if you are traveling on a domestic flight.
List of All Hotels near the Airport
Places to Stay in Niagara Falls (Canada)
As mentioned earlier, the most strategic city for visiting the falls on the Canadian side is the city of Niagara Falls itself. It appears to be more well-maintained than the American side, with its parks and riverfront promenades. There’s no doubt that the nightly light show on the falls is much more enchanting on the Canadian side (though it’s true that the American side offers an equally captivating perspective).
Unfortunately, as is the case in tourist-heavy destinations, the area around the falls can sometimes seem more like a bustling tourist amusement park, with casinos, shopping centers, and indoor amusement parks. Here are some hotels in Niagara Falls (Canada) that we recommend:
Tower Hotel at Fallsview
What we mentioned at the beginning of the article holds true—there are indeed some hotels that can significantly enhance the quality of your visit to Niagara Falls. The best among them is undoubtedly the Tower Hotel at Fallsview: more than just a hotel, it’s a true experience!
As we’ve already mentioned in the article about the Skylon Tower, a stay at the Tower Hotel is exceptional, and not just for the sensational elevated view of the falls. This 4-star hotel is top-notch, offering excellent services, including a gourmet restaurant and… even a wedding chapel!
More information about the hotel
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
This hotel is renowned and perhaps the only one, along with the Hilton, on the Canadian side that can rival the Tower Hotel. Its imposing silhouette appears in many photos of Niagara Falls, and even from there, you can see that it’s quite eye-catching. However, the view of the falls from the large windows of the rooms is truly priceless. The services are top-notch, including a pool, spa, wellness center, and restaurant. Please note that parking is not included in the rate.
More information about the hotel
Quality Hotel Fallsview Cascade
While the view of the falls may not be the same, the Quality Hotel, although a bit older, offers an equally strategic (and somewhat more affordable) option. The falls are just a stone’s throw away, and there are numerous bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. One very positive factor is the free parking, which shouldn’t be underestimated when you’re on this side of the falls, where parking can be quite expensive!
More information about the hotel
Blue Moon Motel
On the outskirts of Niagara Falls, you’ll find one of the city’s best motels, the Blue Moon Motel. Its relative distance from the falls (a 10-minute drive…) significantly lowers the price. The pool and equipped barbecue area make it suitable for families who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s an economical option in a classic motel setting that generally meets expectations.
More information about the hotel
Before we provide a link to find all the hotels in Niagara Falls (Canadian side), we strongly discourage parking your car on the American side and walking across the bridge with your luggage—it’s an unnecessary hassle!
List of All Hotels in Niagara Falls (Canadian Side)
Nearby Towns in Canada
If you prefer not to stay in Niagara Falls itself, you can look for accommodation in two other nearby towns, each within a 20-minute drive: Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. However, if you’re planning a road trip between the United States and Canada, you might consider Toronto as a base for your overnight stay, as it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from the falls.
Niagara-on-the-lake
In particular, Niagara-on-the-Lake is truly a gem. This romantic village, aptly named “The Loveliest Town in Canada,” is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Niagara River. It boasts a fascinating local history and numerous wineries, as it’s situated in the Niagara region, a well-known and highly regarded wine region. The Niagara Falls are just a 12.5 miles drive away.
Accommodations available in Niagara-on-the-Lake
St. Catharines
St. Catharines is a less charming destination compared to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it’s consequently less touristy. However, it still offers places for wine tastings and peaceful city green areas. In fact, it’s often referred to as the “Garden City” because of its numerous green spaces. If you decide to stay here, we recommend taking a stroll at least once in Lakeside Park, right on Lake Ontario. The Niagara Falls are a 12.5 miles drive away.
Accommodations available in St. Catharines
Toronto
In the largest city in Canada, you’ll certainly find a wide range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to youth hostels, vacation rentals, and even the opportunity to sleep on boats moored on the shores of Lake Ontario, you’ll surely find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that compared to the smaller towns mentioned earlier, Toronto is a bit farther from the falls (a little over an hour’s drive), but the many things to see in the city make it an appealing destination for spending one or more nights during your trip. We’ve dedicated a separate article to provide recommendations on where to stay in Toronto.
