Family of 4 first trip. Where to stay? Hotel recommendations -Staying Thanksgiving weekend.

Kids are 2 and 4? 12 and 17?

Regardless, take the Maid of the Mist boat trip to the bottom of the falls.

Otherwise...it depends.

Sophisticated hotel with fancy dining room? Indoor pool for the kids? Niagara on the Lake because you are too sophisticated for the garishness of Niagara Falls?

American thanksgiving or Canadian thanksgiving? That makes a difference in hiking, etc.

BAK

My family of 4 stayed at Quality Inn on Clifton Hill. Highly recommended. It is but a nothing walk to Clifton Hill amusements, the people mover ticket booth, and the people mover bus stop. Therefore you are basically covered. The only thing that did not simply fall into our lap so to speak was Skylon tower/IMAX/daredevil museum. I searched every option and no price range was eliminated. I selected this for the above reason and it was even easier and better than I figured. Price was a package deal and fair. But the tax refunders only refund room portion. The only problem was that the ice mach. ran out in my wing (very hot out but we walked to another wing). I requested 900 wing (closest to Hill amusements) and view of the woods (black squirrels did not disappoint) p.s. Search the web for aerial photos of NF and help see the topographical pros and cons. Thanksgiving? Cold? yes do the wet attractions but wear water proof or provide for change of clothes. PS can be long wait for Journey behind the falls. And you can get as wet as you want. (Good when hot outside)

p.s. I never went in Nov. so research what is still operating then.

May 2004 stayed with the family at the Embassy Suites and really liked it. It is close to everything, large suites suitable for 4 with refrigerator for your drinks, etc. and a Starbucks in the lobby. !