Shea

For a portion of our trip this month we are visiting Niagara Falls for a couple of days. We like to walk within the areas we visit. I made reservations with the Comfort Inn on the New York side because the facility is within yards of the Rainbow Bridge whereby we can stroll over to Canada. It was all about location that I thought was the most convenient for visiting all the attractions on both sides of the border. Has anyone stayed at the Comfort Inn, at The Point? I read that the lodging on the Canadian side is better but the locations don't seem to convenient for walking to the American side to see those attractions. Comments please. I don't mind staying at a budget hotel that is a good location but I also don't want to stay in a dump. Thank you.

kcapuani

Honestly, there is not much to do in NF USA (and I live in Buffalo). You may want to reconsider staying on the Canadian side depending on what attractions you are looking to see. The Canadian side has the Skylon Tower for an aerial view of the falls, the Whirlpool cable car ride, two casinos, tacky wax museums and places like Ripley's Believe it or Not etc. There is also some shopping (like a gigantic Hershey's store) and several restaurants in the Clifton Hill area. The US side has Goat Island, the Cave of the Winds tour and a less than stellar casino. Downtown NF USA is pretty desolate other than a Hard Rock cafe and a Pizza Hut. You can ride the Maid of the Mist from the US or Canadian side.

If you have the time, I would take a side trip to Niagara on the Lake. It is a charming town with lots of wineries, quaint shopping and good restaurants (if that is your cup of tea).

radiofanatic

I also think you should stay on the canadian side. And I would recommend michael's inn - across the street from casino and Planet hollywood and only a couple of blocks from main street. We always stay there - very reasonable - they have standard rooms and theme suites with jacuzzi's. we stayed in the scarlett o'hara room once with a red heart tub

bluestructure

You will find it more affordable if you stay in Canada. You will get more bang for your buck. Why walk 1-2 miles to Canada where the ONLY attractions and best views are??

BuffaloGirl

I can't comment on hotels, because I live in Buffalo and have no reason to stay in the Falls. However, I would stay on the Canadian side, but would definitely visit the viewing areas on the American side. The Canadian side offers a panoramic view of the falls, as well as one spot for a side view. The American side has several different vantage points to view the falls - mostly from the side - but you can stand right at the brink. Also, you can stand next to the upper rapids on the American side.

On the Canadian side, do check out the lower Niagara gorge (I think it's called the Great Gorge Adventure). The view (looking up) from the bottom of the gorge is fantastic and the rapids are the strongest in the world. It may be walkable, but a bit of a distance. Otherwise, take the people mover.

You can easily walk to the American side over the Rainbow Bridge. It's a short stroll. Be sure to have the proper I.D.

Jayne1973

When on the American side, have an ice cream for me at Twist of the Mist. I loved that place.
We stayed at the Days Inn on the American side, which was formerly Hotel Niagra, I believe. It's an historic hotel, with some Marilyn Monroe history... think she stayed there during the filming of the movie Niagra. One night a friendly staff member gave us a flashlight tour of some of the areas. It was cool. Even if you don't stay on the American side, you might enjoy taking a look at the hotel lobby and ballroom. We were there in 1998 and they were doing some renovations, so it would be interesting to see what it looks like now.

On the Candian side, we really enjoyed the Niagra Museum.

JuliePA

We have stayed at the Comfort Inn at the Pointe (on the NY side). The hotel is nice, typical Comfort Inn. We have stayed on both sides and while we prefer the Canadian side (as far as quality of hotels) - the last few times we have tried to book - it was quite a bit cheaper on the American side. We find that we actually liked this a little better because it cut down on travel time. The last time we were there as we walked across the bridge the traffic was backed up as far as you could see. Much quicker to walk across and it is a very short walk.. Have fun.

Jayne1973

Shea,

After I posted you about the Days Inn, I was curious about its current status and found that it's now a TraveLodge -- OK -- don't turn your nose up just yet. Here's the website:
http://www.niagarafallstravelodge.com

Stephanie

I'd suggest the Greengate Motel. Stayed here one March several years ago. Its on the Canadian side and we paid about $35-38 a night American dollars and got some money back in Canadian because of the exchange. It is a one star AAA hotel with very basic amenities (ice outside) and there may be a pool (don't remember) but they keep it clean and if you need just a place to sleep. If you enjoy hiking its about 15 to 20 minute walk from Clifton Hill. I walked it several times and enjoyed it. We ate at a nice Chinese Restaurant not far from the Greengate on the same side of our street - we walked to that too.

LoisL

IF you plan to be there for two nights, and stay on the Canadian side, you can shop in the duty free shop on the way back. I've gotten some great buys there, especially on liquor, if you are familiar with prices before you go. No matter what, you can shop there, but can't purchase liquor,if you don't stay on the Canadian side for two nights. IF you do stay there, you can get the VAT tax back, if you present your receipts before crossing over.

Either way, both sides of the falls offer their own, unique advantages and sights.

Shea

Thanks for all the info. After much thought I decided to go to the Canadian side for lodging. I made reservations at the Courtyard by Marriott on Victoria Ave which is near the entertainment complex & also not far from Rainbow Bridge so now it will be an easy stroll to the American side for the attractions over there. Some of your comments on things to see reinforced my interest on the same & that is also good. Conserving time on a short visit is important. Thanks again.