Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Niagara Falls or Niagara on the lake

Search

Niagara Falls or Niagara on the lake

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:13 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Niagara Falls or Niagara on the lake

I know that I can post this on the Canadian site, however, I seem to get better results on this site.

My husband and I are looking to go away this weekend to eitehr Niagara Falls or Niagara on the Lake. We live in teh Detroit area and want a quick and fairly close getaway.

I have been to Niagara Falls a long time ago, and wondered if someone could suggest where to stay in both places.

Where do you think we shoudl stay...Niagara on the Lake or the Falls?

Restaruant suggestions would be helpful too.
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:27 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We stayed in Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side, about three or four years ago. It was the first time we'd been there in over twenty years. We were astonished by how tacky the town had gotten. The falls themselves are, of course, still amazing. And the parks right along the river are still very nice. But, besides being tacky, the town was very expensive. I haven't been to Niagara on the Lake. But, judging from what I've heard, I'm guessing that it's probably nicer than Niagara Falls.
CAPH52 is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:43 AM
  #3  
Slw
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We stayed in Niagara on the Lake 2 years ago at a B&B. Can't think of the name right now. It is a charming little town. About 20-30 minutes drive from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. I much prefered it. We enjoyed strolling around the village and the drive to/from Falls is lovely.
Slw is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:57 AM
  #4  
cd
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We stayed in Niagara Falls for a weekend a month ago. It was our third time there but first in a good number of years. Yes, the town is tacky but the Falls are amazing and we loved our fallsview room, going to town with the sound and lights of the Falls and waking up and having breakfast while we viewed their wonder. The (Canadian side) Sheraton Fallsview is not cheap but the location is great. The Brock is an older hotel and the rooms are small but again their Fallsview rooms are wonderful location wise and not as expensive. Both of these hotels give you a view of both American and Canadian Falls. Can recommend the Table Rock restaurant which is right on top of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Get a table by the window! And go before it gets dark for the best views. If not too cold, go to
Goat Island on the American side and walk right up close and personnal to the water. It is awesome.
We also drove to Niagara On The Lake for a day and do agree it is a treat to walk the town and drive around to their wineries. (They have 16 all close together, we made about 6) Have fun!
cd is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:59 AM
  #5  
cd
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Opps, thats supposed to be, "going to SLEEP with the sound, etc...."
cd is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 07:24 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I absolutely recommend staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake which is an absolutely charming town with lots of nice shops and restaurants. It's located right where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. There's a nice lake front park. From there, you can drive to the Falls in 20-30 minutes (depending on traffic) along a scenic drive along the river gorge
Cher is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 10:14 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Where do you recommend staying in Niagara on teh Lake?
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 10:23 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would also stay in NOTL rather than Niagara Falls (unless you love to gamble in which case I would stay at the new Niagara Fallsview Casino). Look into the Prince of Wales hotel in NOTL - it made Conde Nast Traveler's gold list.
kcapuani is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 10:37 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i think that we are going to stay at the lakeview. it sound nice
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 10:46 AM
  #10  
Slw
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BTW, I remembered - we stayed at The Bank House. It is directly across from the park at the Ontario's edge and about 5 min. walk to the main town. Very nice.
Slw is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 10:56 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stay at Niagara-on-the-Lake. When are you going? There are many wonderful lodging options there, but rates go up and rooms get scarce during the almost year round Shaw Festival. We've noted that our little Moffit Inn (which has delightful fireplace rooms) charges about half on the nights there are no performances at the Festival. But if you're into theatre -- do try to see a show or two there.
Patrick is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 03:00 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We are going this weekend for only one night. We have booked the Harbour house. It looks really nice. We are going sat, and leaving Sunday. We are having dinner at the Charles Inn, then taking a carriage ride after dinner.

Hope I made a nice choice.
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 06:35 PM
  #13  
wow
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi, Tina! I know this area very well but I am drawing a blank on The Harbour House (is it a B & B??) & The Charles Inn. Where are they? NOTL? "After dinner carriage ride" sounds like NOTL...
wow is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2005, 11:29 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Having recently stayed at the Prince of Wales, I can honestly say, don't stay there. Overpriced rooms, small, and the food is mediocre at best. They've stopped trying, and they don't belong on the Conde Nast list. We live close to NOTL, and I have spoken to numerous friends who do a gettaway weekend, they are all saying the Pillor and Post is much better. I'm not sure if it is the same owner, but they seem to have a monopoly on the hotels in that town.

I was really disappointed with our room, which was tiny, and cost a lot. Over three hundred dollars. There are lots of Bed and Breakfast Inns in the town, unfortunately, I can't recommend one because I've never stayed. The Moffat Inn is a sweet little Inn as well.

The Sheraton is a four star hotel in Niagara Falls at the Casino, and there have been good reviews of that one, it's just really crowded and busy.
Martah007 is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 12:41 AM
  #15  
jtp
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
While in Canada last week I came across a wonderful article re: White Oaks Conference Center and Spa @ Niagara on the Lake -- did a google search and it looks beautiful. The Shaw programs run until November -- keep us updated!
jtp is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 04:31 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Harbour House is an Inn. However, there are only 20 rooms and it comes with a special European breakfast and afternoon wine.

The rooms are superior, down comfortors, pillows, multi-head showers, fireplaces in all the rooms, and on and on.

It looks real nice!!! I will report back
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 04:37 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
JTP; White Oaks does, indeed, look and sound like a wonderful place. But be warned, it is not located right in NOTL but on the outskirts, and right next to the QEW highway! I thought of spending a weekend there until I saw it right next to the highway on my way to Toronto a few months ago!
BuffaloGirl is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 06:17 AM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the harbour House is around the corner from the main drag, just a 5 minute walk.
tinathetoad is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 06:32 AM
  #19  
wow
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In NOTL??
wow is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2005, 07:03 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Butterfly Conservatory is also worth a visit.
It sounded a bit cheesey to me at first but we were pleasantly surprised with its quality and interest.
Rated a 'gem' by AAA, it's a warm, intriquing place to spend an hour or so.
wanderluster is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Your Privacy Choices -