My hubby and I are starting to plan our summer vacation (started off as a weekend ;o)) to Niagra Falls (from NYC). So far, I think we'll be stopping at Cooperstown (BHOF) for the day then up to (don't remember the name)the state park that starts with an "L" - supposed to be like the Grand Canyon of the Northeast - and then up to Niagra Falls/NOTL we go ...and then possibly further into Canada.

Now, I've read other posts re: Niagra and hotels but they seem above our budget (& even if we wanted to spend the $$$, I don't particularly like Marriotts/Sheratons/Hiltons, etc. - the seem to be too "businessie", we like hotels with a little character) Can anyone recommend a nice but less expensive place to stay either in Niagra, Cooperstown or the L place?

Any other recommended "stop offs" would also be appreciated!

Thank You.
Happy (& Safe) Travels!

While not exactly a hotel with a lot of character, I love the Fallsway Quality Inn.
It is right on Clifton Hill, you can walk to everything. It is set back off the street, it is like and oasis, you would not even know the crowds are a hundred yard away.
It has a great pool and playground. It has a bar and restaurant. And if you make plans soon enough, ask for the family size room with a patio. From these rooms you can hear the roar of the falls and peak through the trees to see them. 150-175 per night CD
You will not believe

Ei - the L word is Letchworth State Park. I do not think that there are wonderful hotels there. It is in the souther tier of New York State and to my knowledge other than the Park there is not too much to do in the area. You will however, enjoy Letchworth. Lot of campint there.

If I were you I would stay at any hotel on the US side. You will get (as they say) more bang for your buck in the US. The is a great casino on the Canadian side of the Niagra Falls. If I were you, I would stay in Buffalo. Things are much cheaper there.

It sounds like a nice plan. cooperstown is really nice. Best Hall of Fame Musuem of all the sports ones. Letchworth State Park is beautiful. See if the Glen Iris Inn still has rooms. It is a restaurant and I think and inn. It's a coin toss whether to stay in Canada, where the rates may seem high but if quoted in Canadian $$, remember the exchange rate is very favorable to the US $$. Buffalo isn't a bad option- or Amherst, NY which is a large suburb between NF and Buffalo. There is a Marriott, Residence Inn, Hampton Inn all near a major hwy entrance and you will be 15 minutes from areas of interest in buffalo, and NF. Niagara On the Lake is really nice, but hotels tend to be on the high side in the summer since it's theatre season. If I had my drothers and the $$, I would stay at NOTL and just drive to NF.

I stayed in a very reasonably priced family home B&B in NOTL in May 2000 - maybe $40 US per night. I found it in the booklet they send out about the Shaw Festival. I really liked NOTL and thought my dollars went a long way there. The hotels were proportionately much more expensive than the B&Bs.

ttt

We did a similar trip several years ago. Make Cooperstown reservations ASAP. We didn't and ended up staying in Utica. At the risk of offending those from that area, it is the worst city I have ever been to, and I grew up in NJ! As far as Niagara Falls, while the actual Falls is a natural wonder, the rest of the immediate area is tacky beyond belief - my kids loved it, but after Ripley's Museum, etc., I was ready for something else. The state park will be a nice contrast. Since the "weekend" is already growing, what about Toronto, a great city, and then return on the northern route above the Great Lakes.

I'm not sure how long you plan to be in the Niagara Falls area, but I would stay either in Niagara on the Lake (it's in Canada but may be above your budget) or in Buffalo. Both Niagara Falls USA and Canada are rather tacky. Make sure you take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. You'll be surprised that Buffalo has alot to offer. There are several hotels downtown with a new Hampton on the Chippewa strip which is a neat bar/restaurant/entertainment area. If you're lucky there may be something showing at Shea's Buffalo theatre. Buffalo offers great architecture and wonderful restaurants. The Glen Iris Inn is in Letchworth State Park and although I've never stayed there I've heard great things about it. E-mail me if you want other suggestions.