Budget Friendly Eats in Niagara Falls, NY??

[luckyfin]

We also prefer the American side of the falls. You don't get the panoramic view of both the Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls, but you can literally stand feet away from where the falls go over. It is amazing and such a nice park to walk around in. We find the Canadian side cheesy, although we live close enough that it got old quick. Maybe we would feel differently if we had not been so many times. We like the falls for the falls. Save the money for the passports and use a much smaller amount for a trip on the Maid of the Mist.

 

[buffalogirl]

We also prefer the American side of the falls. You don't get the panoramic view of both the Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls, but you can literally stand feet away from where the falls go over. It is amazing and such a nice park to walk around in. We find the Canadian side cheesy, although we live close enough that it got old quick. Maybe we would feel differently if we had not been so many times. We like the falls for the falls. Save the money for the passports and use a much smaller amount for a trip on the Maid of the Mist.

I agree!

Here is a link for Goat Island Niagara Falls, NY:

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/goat_island_in_niagara_falls_new_york.htm

It is a really beautiful place to visit.

 

[strmtroopr96]

OP here...I forgot all about this thread until I had an email that were new posts. LOL

We ended up having a great time in Niagara Falls back in August. We stayed at the Quality Hotel and Suites at the Falls after getting a great rate from a friend who works for the hotel chain. Our room faced the Falls with a great view of the mist and the Canadian skyline. If we had been across the hall, we would have a nice view of the Casino which was about 2 blocks up. The falls was basically one block away. We were within walking distance of the different attractions and touristy areas.

We were there from Tuesday until Thursday. We had about a 3 1/2 hour drive (we live just off the Thruway exit 30...1/2 way between Syracuse and Albany) which seemed to go quickly. I had promised our girls we would stop at Build a Bear so we ended up going to the one in Buffalo and then hitting a McD's for lunch to eat while driving into Niagara Falls.

The weather was great and we ended up choosing to just spend our time at the Falls rather than doing Fantasy Island. We bought the Discovery Pass which was $33 per adult and $26 per kid age 6-12. This gave us admission to the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the Aquarium of Niagara, the Discovery Center, the Observation Tower, an Imax movie in the Niagara Theater, and all day use of the scenic trolley.

On Tuesday, after checking in to the hotel, we headed to the Maid of the Mist. Both girls (ages 10 and 4) loved this. It was a warm day so it felt nice to get wet. We also did the Imax movie on this day and found it actually be very interesting. Both girls, especially my oldest, really enjoyed it and would have seen it a second time. We also found that they sold refillable sipper type cups in the snack bars. They were only about $7 and have a nice picture of the Falls on them. That night we had dinner at the Top of the Falls restaurant, overlooking the Horseshoe Falls (I guess our meals didn't end up being quite as budget friendly as I planned LOL).

On Wednesday, we headed to the Aquarium first. It wasn't very far from our hotel, so we chose to walk. Although it really wasn't too far, we were told a roundabout way of getting there that took longer than it could have had we noticed that we could have just walked straight ahead and hit it instead of going way up and then over. Although small and not in the best shape, the girls loved seeing the sea lions and penguins and other animals. They even got to feed tiny fish to the seals outside. We then took the bridge over to the Discovery Center and spent some time there as well before taking the trolley down nearer the Falls. The trolley was nice because it went all throughout the park and hit all of the attractions on our pass. After getting some lunch, we did the Cave of the Winds tour. I missed the old thick rubber rain coats they used to give back years and years ago but the sandals are actually pretty cute that you get to keep. This was the first time that DH and our 2 DD's have ever done this and they thought it was fun, especially the Hurricane Deck. They even had Photopass type photographers there as well. LOL That night we headed to the Seneca Casino for dinner at the buffet and then headed back over to watch the Fireworks over the Falls. That was nice!

On Thursday, headed back over to the Discovery Center so DH and DD10 could do the rock climbing wall and then walked around the Park and the Falls and some of the gift shops just outside the Park before heading home. We stopped at our more local Turning Stone Casino for dinner at their buffet on the way.

We had a great time on the American side. In the past we would stay on the Canadian side but always did the American attractions as far as Niagara Falls went. We would just walk around the Canadian side or stay there for the views from the hotel. Then once the Seneca Casino opened, my family started staying at the hotel just across the street from it for the past few trips and until a passport was needed to cross into Canada, we would just visit the Canadian side for the day.

I didn't feel that we were missing out on anything by being on the American side of the Falls only. We had plenty to do and see and had a wonderful time!

 

[disneybound31]

So how long a stay would you recommend to do the major things? We would be driving from very far- TN- and would want to stay at least 4 nights I think...the one price Discovery Pass seems like a very good deal...

 

[disneybound31]

OP here...I forgot all about this thread until I had an email that were new posts. LOL

We ended up having a great time in Niagara Falls back in August. We stayed at the Quality Hotel and Suites at the Falls after getting a great rate from a friend who works for the hotel chain. Our room faced the Falls with a great view of the mist and the Canadian skyline. If we had been across the hall, we would have a nice view of the Casino which was about 2 blocks up. The falls was basically one block away. We were within walking distance of the different attractions and touristy areas.

We were there from Tuesday until Thursday. We had about a 3 1/2 hour drive (we live just off the Thruway exit 30...1/2 way between Syracuse and Albany) which seemed to go quickly. I had promised our girls we would stop at Build a Bear so we ended up going to the one in Buffalo and then hitting a McD's for lunch to eat while driving into Niagara Falls.

The weather was great and we ended up choosing to just spend our time at the Falls rather than doing Fantasy Island. We bought the Discovery Pass which was $33 per adult and $26 per kid age 6-12. This gave us admission to the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the Aquarium of Niagara, the Discovery Center, the Observation Tower, an Imax movie in the Niagara Theater, and all day use of the scenic trolley.

On Tuesday, after checking in to the hotel, we headed to the Maid of the Mist. Both girls (ages 10 and 4) loved this. It was a warm day so it felt nice to get wet. We also did the Imax movie on this day and found it actually be very interesting. Both girls, especially my oldest, really enjoyed it and would have seen it a second time. We also found that they sold refillable sipper type cups in the snack bars. They were only about $7 and have a nice picture of the Falls on them. That night we had dinner at the Top of the Falls restaurant, overlooking the Horseshoe Falls (I guess our meals didn't end up being quite as budget friendly as I planned LOL).

On Wednesday, we headed to the Aquarium first. It wasn't very far from our hotel, so we chose to walk. Although it really wasn't too far, we were told a roundabout way of getting there that took longer than it could have had we noticed that we could have just walked straight ahead and hit it instead of going way up and then over. Although small and not in the best shape, the girls loved seeing the sea lions and penguins and other animals. They even got to feed tiny fish to the seals outside. We then took the bridge over to the Discovery Center and spent some time there as well before taking the trolley down nearer the Falls. The trolley was nice because it went all throughout the park and hit all of the attractions on our pass. After getting some lunch, we did the Cave of the Winds tour. I missed the old thick rubber rain coats they used to give back years and years ago but the sandals are actually pretty cute that you get to keep. This was the first time that DH and our 2 DD's have ever done this and they thought it was fun, especially the Hurricane Deck. They even had Photopass type photographers there as well. LOL That night we headed to the Seneca Casino for dinner at the buffet and then headed back over to watch the Fireworks over the Falls. That was nice!

On Thursday, headed back over to the Discovery Center so DH and DD10 could do the rock climbing wall and then walked around the Park and the Falls and some of the gift shops just outside the Park before heading home. We stopped at our more local Turning Stone Casino for dinner at their buffet on the way.

We had a great time on the American side. In the past we would stay on the Canadian side but always did the American attractions as far as Niagara Falls went. We would just walk around the Canadian side or stay there for the views from the hotel. Then once the Seneca Casino opened, my family started staying at the hotel just across the street from it for the past few trips and until a passport was needed to cross into Canada, we would just visit the Canadian side for the day.

I didn't feel that we were missing out on anything by being on the American side of the Falls only. We had plenty to do and see and had a wonderful time!

I wanted to ask you about your hotel room and if you have any pics you could post? I looked this hotel up online and it seems to have very bland decor, but that may just be dated pics- did you enjoy the hotel itself? TIA!!

 

[mrsklamc]

That pass is exactly what I was thinking of doing so I'm glad you enjoyed it! How was the buffet at the casino?

 

[kimkoz]

You will definantly see some beautiful falls and scenery on the US side as well. Of course if you had a passport I'd say do both but if you can't you'll still see alot. The US is just as nice. Goat Island is a nice walk. I lived there 4 years while in college, we never went on the Maid of the Mist but I'm thinking if you go on that you get even more of a view.

Time frame - Honeslty I think NF is a weekend trip only. Not much else to do that was already listed but if you are in the area you can always stop in Buffalo. I hear there is a nice Science Musuem. Buffalo is only 20-25 minutes away and all highway, easy. We're actually going to the musuem the day we fly out to Disney. Hopeing the kids will get extra tired for the evening flight.

NF is nice to see, and to me something everyone should see but the area has really gone down hill. Got alittle nicer with the casino but really nothing great. If your coming for the falls you will not be disappointed but good dinner and shows no way. However. Lewiston NY and Buffalo are great and close. Enjoy.

 

[kimkoz]

I'm not sure about the Discover Center - I've been gone for 6 years. If its the location I'm thinking off it took them all 4 years I was at college to build and still wasn't done Sound fun, wish they had when we where there then.

 

[disneybound31]

1000% not worth the cost of passports just to see the view.

If you only want the view get a room at the Marriot on Fallsview....be at least on the 12th floor. Stunning view of the falls from there plus a really nice hotel with a great pool area.

There are a couple of other hotels right there as well and I'm sure they also have great views but I've been in the Marriot and it was fab.

I am trying to find reviews on the Marriott on Fallsview and can find nothing- is this on American side or Canadian?

 

[buffalogirl]

I am trying to find reviews on the Marriott on Fallsview and can find nothing- is this on American side or Canadian?

The Marriott Fallsview is on the Canadian side on Fallsview Blvd. The hotels in this area have an amazing view of the falls.

There is also a Courtyard Marriott located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, that is near Clifton Hill (where lots of the touristy stuff is).

There isn't a Marriott in NF, NY. I think the closest one would be in Amherst, NY near the Buffalo airport. Probably a 20-30 minute drive to the falls.

 

[santa's surpriz]

We ate this place not too far from Top of the Falls for breakfast..,I wish I could remember the name of it for you! It's a little place kinda grandma tea type of place. It was decorated with ice shop tables and very frilly like tea at grandma's. The food was affordable and incredible. We had breakfast there.

 

[santa's surpriz]

Well, if people said we would really miss out then we would consider getting passports.

There is a new pass available that is half the price of a passport. It's good for Canada and Mexico.

 

[strmtroopr96]

I wanted to ask you about your hotel room and if you have any pics you could post? I looked this hotel up online and it seems to have very bland decor, but that may just be dated pics- did you enjoy the hotel itself? TIA!!

We enjoyed the hotel. It wasn't anything super fancy but seemed to be in good condition. The lobby area was newer looking with coffee and hot chocolate and tea. I didn't use the indoor pool but DH took the kids and they enjoyed it. Our room was clean and and had a flat screen tv. There was a restaurant/bar on site but we didn't go in those. There were like 3 wings of the building going in 3 different directions. I'm not sure if the rooms varied on newness. I think I remember the rooms that faced the Casino having newer looking (or at least different) windows compared to our window which faced the Falls. Then the 3rd side of rooms looked not as refurbished.

We really had a hard time picking a hotel because we only had online reviews to go by. Of course there was a mix of negative and positive reviews and I just could not make a decision. But in the end, we made a good choice! The hotel we usually stayed at (was a Holiday Inn right across from the Casino but has a new name now) was much pricier for those nights. So we were looking for a good price with an indoor pool and within walking distance to the Falls. Then I had a friend who was able to offer us a discount for Choice Hotels and so we took a chance.

The other one we were really looking into but would have cost 2x as much because no discount plus no indoor pool was the Comfort Inn at the Falls. This one advertises that you can walk out and feel the mist. Well, they ended up being right across the street from us. We also looked at the Hampton Inn because it was much newer and had free breakfast and the indoor pool but once we were there, it was a few blocks further away from the Falls and wouldn't have been as convenient. Plus it was pricey.

The parking on site is very limited though so once you find a spot, don't move your car! LOL We could just walk everywhere for the 3 days we were there so we never had to hunt for another spot or pay for parking in one of the lots around the area.

Overall though, we didn't have any complaints about the hotel and would definitely stay there again.

 

[strmtroopr96]

That pass is exactly what I was thinking of doing so I'm glad you enjoyed it! How was the buffet at the casino?

We have always enjoyed the buffet at the Casino. There is a good selection of things for all of us and a nicer dessert selection than other buffets. the people working the food stations were very nice as well. My oldest tried Snow Crab Legs here for the first time (something we have to pay extra for a our local Casino) and loved them. Of course she and DH had no idea how to open them and get the meat out. But what they could scrounge up, she liked. LOL

 

[strmtroopr96]

Hoping this link works!


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300251&id=695414609&l=251e8860a9

 

[buffalogirl]

Great pictures!

 

[disneybound31]

We enjoyed the hotel. It wasn't anything super fancy but seemed to be in good condition. The lobby area was newer looking with coffee and hot chocolate and tea. I didn't use the indoor pool but DH took the kids and they enjoyed it. Our room was clean and and had a flat screen tv. There was a restaurant/bar on site but we didn't go in those. There were like 3 wings of the building going in 3 different directions. I'm not sure if the rooms varied on newness. I think I remember the rooms that faced the Casino having newer looking (or at least different) windows compared to our window which faced the Falls. Then the 3rd side of rooms looked not as refurbished.

We really had a hard time picking a hotel because we only had online reviews to go by. Of course there was a mix of negative and positive reviews and I just could not make a decision. But in the end, we made a good choice! The hotel we usually stayed at (was a Holiday Inn right across from the Casino but has a new name now) was much pricier for those nights. So we were looking for a good price with an indoor pool and within walking distance to the Falls. Then I had a friend who was able to offer us a discount for Choice Hotels and so we took a chance.

The other one we were really looking into but would have cost 2x as much because no discount plus no indoor pool was the Comfort Inn at the Falls. This one advertises that you can walk out and feel the mist. Well, they ended up being right across the street from us. We also looked at the Hampton Inn because it was much newer and had free breakfast and the indoor pool but once we were there, it was a few blocks further away from the Falls and wouldn't have been as convenient. Plus it was pricey.

The parking on site is very limited though so once you find a spot, don't move your car! LOL We could just walk everywhere for the 3 days we were there so we never had to hunt for another spot or pay for parking in one of the lots around the area.

Overall though, we didn't have any complaints about the hotel and would definitely stay there again.

Okay, you've convinved me- this is where we will stay for sure unless the rest of family wants to splurge for passports and try CDN side. But I would rather just save that hassle....and stay where u did. So there ARE Fallsview rooms? Could you actually see any part of them from those rooms or were the rooms just facing that direction instead of the casino, etc...

Thanks so much for all your info- it has been so very helpful!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I am trying to find reviews on the Marriott on Fallsview and can find nothing- is this on American side or Canadian?

Ditto to what Buffalogirl said.

Do not confuse the Courtyard Marriot with the Marriot Fallsview. The Marriot Fallsview is a very nice 4* hotel. You should be able to book a fallsview room for around $130-$145 on a weekend. Less on a weeknight. The rooms are modern and well worth the money. They have many onsite amenities as well.

There several really nice hotels on Fallsview Blvd.....Embassy, Oaks, Sheraton.

 

[disneymarie]

Thanks everybody for all of the suggestions! I'm sure we'll be able to find something with all of the suggestions. I think it's been about 5 years since we've been to Niagara Falls. My brother went to school in Buffalo and lived out there for a few years so we went every few months. Now that he has moved back home, we haven't been back. Every other trip, my parents or brother chose the meals and we just went with the flow. LOL Now it's up to me to find a few places.

My step dd lives in N. Tonawanda, there is a Walmart and other shops near there, but on the way back from the Falls we ate at Mighty Taco and LOVED it. Very inexpensive and extremely tasty. Between Buffalo and N. Tonawanda, by 990, 290 area there are many fast foods places right across the street from each other.

If you have a GPS , put in the zip and then do a search for types of food nearby and should be set.
A little pricey but fantastic is the Olympia, I am not sure in what town, but it was about 5 miles from the river along the falls and downtown Falls area.

 

[disneymarie]

There is a new pass available that is half the price of a passport. It's good for Canada and Mexico.

I gpt our family pass cards, it took about 2 weeks to receive. I took the pictures using software on the internet to make a passport photo. It cost .39 to print, then I went to the post office for them to take the fee and documents. I received the birth certificates back in about 8 days.
The card is good for cruises, the CA and Mx by car. everything but air travel.

Simple to do, I am not sure but about $25.or $35