Where to stay? Niagara Falls or NOTL??
Jan 1st, 2010, 12:17 PM
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Where to stay? Niagara Falls or NOTL??
My husband and I will be travelling to the Niagara Falls area in early May with our son who will be 17 mos. old. We will be there for 2 nights. We would like to stay somewhere that we can walk to restaurants and sights, rather than have to get in and out of a car with the baby. We aren't sure if it would be better for us to stay in Niagara Falls, ON or Niagara on the Lake, and then exactly what area of town in either of those two places. Also, if anyone has restaurant recommendations, preferably non-chain restaurants, that would be great. Please help.... I am a little lost. Thanks!!
Jan 2nd, 2010, 04:42 AM
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I think either areas would work for you, I've done both. Although, NOTL is mostly B&Bs, and I don't know their policies about children. If staying there, I'd want walking distance to their charming downtown area.
Niagara Falls, we just stayed at the Marriott on Fallsview BLVD. in Sept and loved it. I prefer this end of Niagara Falls, vs. the area closer to Clifton Hill.
I love both areas and I struggle with where to stay. We go every Sept. and I think next year we will stay two nights at the Falls and one night at NOTL, or vice versa.
Niagara Falls, we just stayed at the Marriott on Fallsview BLVD. in Sept and loved it. I prefer this end of Niagara Falls, vs. the area closer to Clifton Hill.
I love both areas and I struggle with where to stay. We go every Sept. and I think next year we will stay two nights at the Falls and one night at NOTL, or vice versa.
Jan 2nd, 2010, 10:49 AM
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While NOTL does have B & B's, I wld not describe it as "mostly B & B's". There are numerous hotels: Queen's Landing, Prince of Wales, The Pillar & Post and The Oban Inn, among others.
With a 17 mo old, I wld opt to stay in NOTL (probably Queen's Landing). You can drive to NF for an afternoon or morning visit. It's a short drive. NOTL is great for strolling around especially in early May b/f it gets "crazy busy" w/ tourists. On the main street of NOTL there is a nice little park w/ some playground equipment like swings & things. Your son will love it. You can also stroll down by the water where there is another park & a cute little gazebo.
Restaurants are numerous in NOTL. The only one I don't like is the one located @ The Prince of Wales Hotel. It may have improved since we were last there (May 2009). But at that time the salmon was overcooked, the service was pretentious & generally it was a very bad dining experience. Afterward we expressed our disappointment & dissatisfaction to the Manager by letter & never heard back from the Manager.
With a 17 mo old, I wld opt to stay in NOTL (probably Queen's Landing). You can drive to NF for an afternoon or morning visit. It's a short drive. NOTL is great for strolling around especially in early May b/f it gets "crazy busy" w/ tourists. On the main street of NOTL there is a nice little park w/ some playground equipment like swings & things. Your son will love it. You can also stroll down by the water where there is another park & a cute little gazebo.
Restaurants are numerous in NOTL. The only one I don't like is the one located @ The Prince of Wales Hotel. It may have improved since we were last there (May 2009). But at that time the salmon was overcooked, the service was pretentious & generally it was a very bad dining experience. Afterward we expressed our disappointment & dissatisfaction to the Manager by letter & never heard back from the Manager.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 04:08 AM
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Yes, but OceanBreeze1, are those hotels you speak of within walking distance of downtown NOTL? I mostly thought it was B&Bs within walking distance, that is what I've found when I've been there. I don't know where Queen's Landing is though.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 04:09 AM
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The OP asked for somewhere within walking distance, and I totally understand wanting that. We stayed at a B&B that was kind of within walking distance, but it was a long walk to be doing numerous times a day. Parking isn't that great in NOTL, although, we've always lucked out with the main parking lot by the Angel Inn.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 03:05 PM
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amelie, all of the hotels I have mentioned are w/in walkng distance of "downtown NOTL". Prince of Wales is right on the main street in NOTL. Queen's Landing is not far from The Prince of Wales. The Oban Inn is down the other end of the main street but still only a stone's throw from the main street. The Pillar & Post is the farthest from the main street in NOTL.
Which B & B's would you recommend?
Which B & B's would you recommend?
Jan 3rd, 2010, 04:15 PM
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I agree , all the hotels mentioned by OceanBreeze1 are within walking distance, of not right in the downtown area.
What are your reasons for coming to this area? If it is to see the Falls, then I just don't understand staying in NOTL. Yes, it's a charming town, but it's not near the FALLS at all.
If your reason for coming to the area is to have a getaway in a quaint town, then by all means stay in NOTL.
Most tourists want to make the most of their time at the Falls.
There is a very good transport system called the People Mover, that takes you to all the sites near the Falls.
It's very convenient.
I would take tovarich's advice.
What are your reasons for coming to this area? If it is to see the Falls, then I just don't understand staying in NOTL. Yes, it's a charming town, but it's not near the FALLS at all.
If your reason for coming to the area is to have a getaway in a quaint town, then by all means stay in NOTL.
Most tourists want to make the most of their time at the Falls.
There is a very good transport system called the People Mover, that takes you to all the sites near the Falls.
It's very convenient.
I would take tovarich's advice.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 04:41 PM
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kodi makes a very good point: If your main purpose is The Falls & other NF attractions then you shd probably stay in NF given that you only have 2 nights. Or, you cld stay in NF the first night, explore NF the next day. Then head over to NOTL in the evening & stay in NOTL that night.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 05:25 PM
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Make it a point to visit the Butterfly conservatory and possibly the Bird museum on your trip for your son... both are minutes away from NOTL and are great kid experiences...
With a 17 month old, stay in NOTL and pack the stroller for a half day walk around the falls... he is too young for many of the NF attractions, so you will be limited to sightseeing... In NOTL there are parks along the Lake as well as the Village itself... there are at least a dozen outdoor bistro restaurants, two diners/ family eats, and Ice Cream shops, bakeries, and 30 shops to wander through... the village has at least a dozen inns and hotels that are not B&B... besides the Vintage Inn properties, there is Harbour House, St Charles Inn, Shaw Club Inn, and and Angel Inn...
Staying at the Falls puts you in a tacky tourist area... good luck and have fun!
With a 17 month old, stay in NOTL and pack the stroller for a half day walk around the falls... he is too young for many of the NF attractions, so you will be limited to sightseeing... In NOTL there are parks along the Lake as well as the Village itself... there are at least a dozen outdoor bistro restaurants, two diners/ family eats, and Ice Cream shops, bakeries, and 30 shops to wander through... the village has at least a dozen inns and hotels that are not B&B... besides the Vintage Inn properties, there is Harbour House, St Charles Inn, Shaw Club Inn, and and Angel Inn...
Staying at the Falls puts you in a tacky tourist area... good luck and have fun!
Jan 3rd, 2010, 07:34 PM
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I agree,, the Butterfly conservatory is beautiful. The Bird Aviary is right in Niagara Falls...and the Butterfly Conservatory is on the last stop of the People Mover.
Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls is extremely tacky, but I do not think all the parklands along the Niagara Parkway, and the Falls themselves are tacky. After all, that is the attraction. That is why people come. I think the the Niagara Parks dept are making the area more beautiful all the time.
The falls are indeed wonderful to see. I think it's worth it to stay in Niagara Falls.
Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls is extremely tacky, but I do not think all the parklands along the Niagara Parkway, and the Falls themselves are tacky. After all, that is the attraction. That is why people come. I think the the Niagara Parks dept are making the area more beautiful all the time.
The falls are indeed wonderful to see. I think it's worth it to stay in Niagara Falls.
Jan 4th, 2010, 05:00 AM
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We love the Falls. It is important for us to have a window view of the Falls... to see them lighted at night from our window and to wake to their beauty in the morning. For us we will drive to NOTL for a lunch and a walk in the quaint little town but we will always stay in NF unless going to the Shaw theater. The Embassy Suites always has packages available and always offers complimentary breakfasts and has the kitchette that is so handy with a little one. http://www.embassysuitesniagara.com/ The Marriot next door is also a good choice. This area is not a tacky area at all.
Jan 6th, 2010, 06:40 AM
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Thank you all so much for the information. You have given us a lot to think about. Our main reason for going is two-fold... we have never seen Niagara Falls, nor have we been to Canada. We were hoping to enjoy two different experiences in one trip, with not a lot of time to do it. We really appreciate all of the great advice and recommendations!
Jan 6th, 2010, 07:28 AM
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We are actually flying into Ohio for a wedding and then renting a car to drive to NY/Canada. We will be flying out of Buffalo.
Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in Niagara Falls?? Preferably non-chain. Thanks!!
Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in Niagara Falls?? Preferably non-chain. Thanks!!
Jan 6th, 2010, 07:46 AM
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www.carpacciorestaurant.com
I have not eaten @ Carpaccio's but have frineds who love it. They went there for New Years Eve. It's in NF.
Other than that, I really can't recommend any restaurants in NF but I am sure that others here will be able to help you out.
I am more familiar w/ NOTL restaurants.
Take a look @
www.stoneroadgrille.com
We also like the patio/sunroom @ The Oban Inn especially in May which is when you will be there. Tulips will be in bloom. Their gardens are lovely.
www.obaninn.ca
I have not eaten @ Carpaccio's but have frineds who love it. They went there for New Years Eve. It's in NF.
Other than that, I really can't recommend any restaurants in NF but I am sure that others here will be able to help you out.
I am more familiar w/ NOTL restaurants.
Take a look @
www.stoneroadgrille.com
We also like the patio/sunroom @ The Oban Inn especially in May which is when you will be there. Tulips will be in bloom. Their gardens are lovely.
www.obaninn.ca
Jan 6th, 2010, 10:41 AM
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Sorry, it is a chain, but The Keg restaurant in the Embassy Suites has good food and an excellent view overlooking the Falls. http://www.fallsviewrestaurant.com/
