OT- Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls

[FayeW]

We were considering going to Niagara Falls for a couple of days during March Break. The cheapest I can find GWL is $658. for 2 days (2A/2C) through their website. I have signed up for email specials, but I wondered if anyone knows where I can find cheaper rates for this hotel.

Also looking at the Americana Niagara (also and indoor waterpark). Prices are much cheaper ($528.76) and include, at minimum, $25 dinner voucher and $25 breakfast voucher. Can anyone compare the two?

Thanks.

 

[Tess'smom]

Question- Are they both on the same side of the border? If not, is the exchange rate factored in? I have found sometimes that the more expensive Canadian price may be cheaper than a lower US price.

 

[A&CsMom]

I have heard a lot of very positive things about GWL, but I don't know anyone who has gone to the Americana. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but I thought I'd pass that on. Also, apparently the best rates for GWL are on the internet and I also heard they advertise specials in the Sunday Sun, trying to get the Toronto crowd out there, I guess.

 

[jtdl]

Did you price the family suite? It is the cheapest - 2 queen beds and a double pull-out couch. If you get "balc" it is cheaper again than "park". The only difference being that the "park" rooms are on the same level as the waterpark but not in the waterpark or facing it. I booked the Grub and Cub deal (includes buffet breakfast and crafts for the kids) for February at $242 a night for the family suite and the family suite alone was $194 (2 adults, 2 kids) . I had orginally wanted to get one of the kid suites but figured it really wasn't worth it since we are planning on spending most of our time in the waterpark and not in the room. I figure the only time we'll be in the room is at night. Weeknights, including Friday night, are much cheaper than Saturday night.

 

[michelle1]

We were there at the beginning of Dec..we paid $124/night but that was a corporate rate. I don't know if you will find any good bargains because March break is pretty expensive anywhere although maybe because this one will be their first one that they are open you might come across something on the web site. There is another waterpark that is indoor and has several hotels that offer specials including and the waterpark is actually bigger than GWL and the Americana (one of the hotels has a connecting indoor walkway to the park). The prices vary depending on which hotel you choose but a 2 night stay during March break starts around $320 I believe and the location is actually much better than GWL which is not even near the falls. The web site is www.fallsviewwaterpark.com.

 

[FayeW]

Question- Are they both on the same side of the border? If not, is the exchange rate factored in? I have found sometimes that the more expensive Canadian price may be cheaper than a lower US price.

Yes, they are both on the Canadian side. I have found a rate of $390. USD for 2 nights through undercovertourist, of all places! We may stay elsewhere the first night (Hampton Inn has a rate of $65. including breakfast), and then check in early to GWL for one night. I understand that you have full use of the waterpark for both check in and check out days.

 

[misslissa]

Hi there,

I haven't stayed at GWL but did visit and the inside is amazing. I would compare the theming to Fort Wilderness, they really did an amazing job. I would definitely consider doing the one stay elsewhere. GWL seems to be very expensive unless you do get the corporate rate.

As for Americana... it is very far from the falls, I would guess about 5 miles, kind of out in the country. It is comparable to a Comfort Inn with a waterpark.

Good luck!!!

 

[FayeW]

We were there at the beginning of Dec..we paid $124/night but that was a corporate rate. I don't know if you will find any good bargains because March break is pretty expensive anywhere although maybe because this one will be their first one that they are open you might come across something on the web site. There is another waterpark that is indoor and has several hotels that offer specials including and the waterpark is actually bigger than GWL and the Americana (one of the hotels has a connecting indoor walkway to the park). The prices vary depending on which hotel you choose but a 2 night stay during March break starts around $320 I believe and the location is actually much better than GWL which is not even near the falls. The web site is www.fallsviewwaterpark.com.

Thanks Michelle! I am checking it out now, I think we have winner! The Hampton Inn is coming up at $443.60, including all taxes (and breakfast each morning). I may book a one night "package", and then one night direct with the hotel, and save some $$$ that way.

 

[cabmom]

Hi Faye,

If you are military you probably get a corporate rate. We have never paid more then $200/night for 5 of us. Dean doesn't count as he's under 2. There are some blackout dates, which could be March Break. You can call the hotel and ask them what your rate is.

Hope this helps. Most hotel will give a Corporate rate.

Marilynn

 

[branmack]

I live in the Niagara Falls area and I can tell you, the Great Wolf Lodge is beautiful but it is also expensive. March Break especially.

The Americana is not as big and only had 2 tube rides, 2 body slides and a wave pool.

The Fallsview water park is great. There are 4 tube slides, 4 body slides, a wave pool and a great wet playground for the kids. There are 3 hotels connected to it and since you are right off Clifton Hill there are lots of other things to do. The falls is within walking distance. This one maybe less expensive than GWL.

 

[otoole]

We just returned from staying at the Brock Plaza for one night between Christmas and New Years. We had wanted to visit GWL but couldn't accept the price. There are four hotels connected to Niagara Fallsview waterpark but the Borck Plaza is the best because you simply have to go up an elevator, the Sheraton and Skyline have walkways that connect to the Brock Plaza and the Hampton requires you to cross the street (not ideal). The waterpark was amazing and we had use of it from opening on the day we checked in until 3:00 on the day of cehck out - we were water-logged by the second day. The air and water is warm and they have many waterslides, a wave pool, a huge splash area with smaller water slides and an outdoor rooftop pool with basketball hoops. I would definitely recommend this - we will be returning this winter and yes you are right downtown so lots of dining options within walking distance - GWL is out of town so you have to eat there or dirve elsewhere.

 

[minniemomof3]

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in October for $199 (Saturday Stay) through Travelocity. We booked a family suite which was plenty of room for our family of 5. The same room would of cost me almost double if I had booked it through their website. Compare prices with Travelocity and Expedia before booking directly with GWL.

I also just found out the my company has a corporate code for this resort, so you may want to check that option out also.

By the way, we thought the resort was awesome, the decor was Disney quality in my opinion.

 

[FayeW]

We just returned from staying at the Brock Plaza for one night between Christmas and New Years. We had wanted to visit GWL but couldn't accept the price. There are four hotels connected to Niagara Fallsview waterpark but the Borck Plaza is the best because you simply have to go up an elevator, the Sheraton and Skyline have walkways that connect to the Brock Plaza and the Hampton requires you to cross the street (not ideal). The waterpark was amazing and we had use of it from opening on the day we checked in until 3:00 on the day of cehck out - we were water-logged by the second day. The air and water is warm and they have many waterslides, a wave pool, a huge splash area with smaller water slides and an outdoor rooftop pool with basketball hoops. I would definitely recommend this - we will be returning this winter and yes you are right downtown so lots of dining options within walking distance - GWL is out of town so you have to eat there or dirve elsewhere.

Thanks so much for this great review! I think we will probably go with Hampton Inn because of the free hot/cold continental breakfast. If we book the package for the first night, and make a separate room only reservation for the 2nd night, it will only cost $368.; about half of the cost of GWL! I don't mind walking across the street, and having access to the waterpark check in day, and until 3 pm the second day should be plenty.

 

[mtmbyck]

we have now stayed at GWL in Niagara twicve and LOVE IT! It is VERY DISNEY. If you are travelling with kids, find a corporate rate that you can use (get a friend to book for you if you have to) and book it. We stayed one night there and then moved over yto the more affordable hotels and regretted it. GWL is very clean, lots to do on the property and the waterpark can ONLY be used by giests so the line-ups are never too bad and it is very clean. And for one night's saty uyou can use the waterpark for 2 full days (8am the morning you check in and until close the day you check out!). The rooms all have little fridges and microwaves and there is a Pizza Pizza so you can do some affordalble dining (we brought ;lunch and breakfgast stuff and ate out for dinner). How old are your kids. There is a pajama party in the lobby every PM with story time. I can only say great things about this resort. Find a way to go!!!

 

[misslissa]

How do you find out if your company has a corporate rate or can get a corporate rate???

 

[cabmom]

Contact your benefits department at work or call the hotel directly.

 

[SandraC]

Americana Fan here!

My family stayed at the Americana several times....even before the waterpark! They are big on upgrades. We have stayed in the two room suite fireplace room 4 times on free upgrades....the manager was a great guy. The waterpark is lovely....not huge, but perfect for us....and it never seems busy. It is far up Lundy's Lane...you'll need a car to get to the falls.

Blessings, Sandra

 

[jtdl]

Just a warning to anyone who may be thinking of booking a room at the GWL. BOOK EARLY! I have been watching the rates for a particular day for about 2 months now. I noticed that the price increased by $20 about a month ago. I booked our room last week and got the Grub and Club deal for a Friday night in mid February. I just went on to check the rates again - thinking that the closer we get to the date, they will drop - but to my surprise the regular rate, as well as the Grub and Cub rate has increased by $150 per night!!! I sure am glad I booked it when I did, but I was hoping the rate would drop and we would spend the second night there as well - but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen!

 

[Rubbertops]

I booked at Great Wolf Lodge for one night during March Break. $349 for a family suite w/o balcony. I am going to book a cheap hotel for the second night so I can take advantage of having access to the waterpark for the whole next day. Any suggestions? I was thinking of booking the Hampton North of the Falls for $60. It seems close by the GWL.

Also: wanted to take the kids somewhere fun for lunch the next day. Any recommendations? Rainforest? Anything else?

Actually...
If I end up taking the kids to Rainforest Cafe the next day - maybe I should stay at the Quality Inn the second night to save on parking (walk across). It comes up at $70. (I may be over-thinking things...)

 

[jtdl]

Also: wanted to take the kids somewhere fun for lunch the next day. Any recommendations? Rainforest? Anything else?

We went to the Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls last winter and I would not recommend it at all. I had spareribs which were ok and my husband had steak and was not impressed. My son had chicken fingers and he didn't like them, yet he always eats chicken fingers. Can't remember what my daughter had. It cost us over $100 for the 2 adult and 2 kids meals. That wouldn't have been a problem had we liked the food!

We had previously been to the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom and the food quality was much more superior.