Thoughts on Niagara Falls on a budget?

[nilseks]

We are going to a wedding halfway between in our home (WI) and Niagara Falls next summer, so thought we would just keep on going and take our kids to see the Falls. I have been there twice, both times kind of just passing through. When looking for a place to stay, it seems like it's definitely subject to some major 'tourist trap' pricing.

Any suggestions on where to stay (I have heard Canada side) or things to do while there? And how long should one plan to stay there? It seems like maybe just a one night in a hotel kind of thing? As in get there mid day, do a little sightseeing, stay in a hotel that night, sightsee the next day and should be able to cover everything?

Thanks!

 

[stsomewhere]

Make sure you have passports to cross into Canada.

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

Canadian side has better and less expensive hotels.

What to see: Clifton Hill (tourist trap), Maid of the Mist, Butterfly Conservatory, Spanish Aerocar, Lots of gardens, lots of restaurants, etc

Check out www.niagarafallsvisitorcenter.com for more information

 

[Skye23]

The Canadian side was cheaper each of the 3 times we've visited and stayed there over the years. Although having said that one time we stayed on the US side because we wanted to be close to a concert venue. You can always try Priceline for hotels to get a reduced rate. There are a few places you can stay outside of Niagara too, along the Canadian "wine trail" area. One year hubby and I rented a motor home that was at an RV campsite a few miles away. It was basic, but we had tons of space and it was the same price for a week as most hotels were for only 3-4 days.

Consider going to the tourism website for both sides and "signing up" to get coupons and discount vouchers sent to you in advance.

 

[lovin'DVC]

The kids don't need passports.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html#entry_requirements

 

[lisaross]

COMFORT INN - Clifton Hills - Canadian side

we are staying this summer - got good reviews - good location - good price

We are going to a wedding halfway between in our home (WI) and Niagara Falls next summer, so thought we would just keep on going and take our kids to see the Falls. I have been there twice, both times kind of just passing through. When looking for a place to stay, it seems like it's definitely subject to some major 'tourist trap' pricing.

Any suggestions on where to stay (I have heard Canada side) or things to do while there? And how long should one plan to stay there? It seems like maybe just a one night in a hotel kind of thing? As in get there mid day, do a little sightseeing, stay in a hotel that night, sightsee the next day and should be able to cover everything?

Thanks!

 

[Stitch76]

Make sure to check into getting the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass. If you get them in advance and print them at home they are even cheaper than they are at the falls. We saved about $15 per person doing this.
If you want to do some really neat stuff this is your best bet. You can do 5 different attractions pretty inexpensively this way.
The attractions are Cave of the Winds (very neat), Maid of the Mist boat ride (must do), the Niagara movie (okay, learned a lot I didn't know), The Aquarium (small, but still nice, don't miss the seals), and the Discovery Center (it was closed when we were there, but we still saved a lot of money, even missing this attraction).
The site for the pass is http://niagarafallsstatepark.com/PassToTheFalls.aspx

We had never really planned on going, but DH had to attend a banquet in Buffalo this past Sept. for work, and I tagged along. We only got to spend one day in Niagara before we came home, but I'm glad I did. It was beautiful, and something everyone should see at least once.

Hope this info helps, and hope you all have a great time!!

 

[nikkistevej]

We will be heading there too, so any ideas on restaurants and all would be great also.

 

[beansmom]

we stayed at the Embassy Suites on the Canadian side a couple years ago. We had a falls view room and it was SPECTACULAR!!! We watched the fireworks and lights from our room...we'd definitely stay there again.

We feel like we 'did' the falls in just one overnight.

 

[DisneyForLife]

we stayed at the Embassy Suites on the Canadian side a couple years ago. We had a falls view room and it was SPECTACULAR!!! We watched the fireworks and lights from our room...we'd definitely stay there again.

We stayed here also. It was just as you say. Wonderful!!!!
You can't beat the view, and you got a full breakfast with the price. Having said that, it is pricey but well worth it.

 

[VAfamily1998]

We went last summer towards the end of August. We arrived mid day on a Sunday and stayed at the Embassy Suites. Since it was towards the end of August, we were able to get a good rate (I want to say it was somewhere around $130/night?). We are a family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids between the ages of 5-11) so we need to get a larger suite or 2 rooms when we travel.

We had already bought the Niagara Adventure pass online so we took our print outs to the ticket booth to exchange for the passes, then visited Journey Behind the Falls and then Niagara's Fury. Niagara's Fury wasn't really worth it, imo...

Then we went back to the hotel, and there were fireworks

The next day we went on Maid of the Mist and the White Water Walk...we also ended up paying separately to take the Spanish Aero Car, which we really liked.

I wish we had planned a bit better and brought along a picnic to have at the park/trails (I can't remember the exact name, maybe Niagara Glen?). We walked along the trail a bit but we were getting tired/hungry by that point and there were no concession stands nearby.

That night we went over to Clifton Hill, which was not our style at all. If you are into things like funhouses, haunted houses, Ripley's Believe it or Not museums, etc. you might like it...but that is not our thing at all. We got some ice cream and left.

We left the next morning. We didn't realize 'till we were driving home that you can walk over the Rainbow Bridge to visit the American side too. We had thought of going to the American side, but thought we would have to drive and didn't want to take our car out of valet parking at our hotel (one of my big complaints about the Embasssy Suites was their shady practices about things like the true cost of parking at their hotel!!!).

 

[antmaril]

we stayed at the Embassy Suites on the Canadian side a couple years ago. We had a falls view room and it was SPECTACULAR!!! We watched the fireworks and lights from our room...we'd definitely stay there again.

We feel like we 'did' the falls in just one overnight.

We stayed here too, and loved it. The view from our suite was fantastic. Nice breakfast buffet included and evening snacks and drinks. I can highly recommend.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Since a lot of people are mentioning the Embassy Suites, I just wanted to link to my post I made shortly after we stayed there this summer--with some warnings about their practices I found to be a bit deceptive...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42510438#post42510438
(post #3)

 

[VAfamily1998]

This restaurant was very close to the Embassy Suites so we ate there one day for a late lunch/early dinner.

http://www.vinnys.ca/

The restaurant was pretty empty at that time (Monday, around 3 or 4 pm?). I thought my food was really yummy in the same way places like Olive Garden can be yummy--not "fine cuisine", but add enough cheese and fat and it's satisfying comfort food type of way.

The portions were big enough that we brought a lot back to our hotel room for a small late dinnner later that night.

 

[DawnM]

Well, ours wasn't super budget, but since we were there 3 nights, and it was late October, I sprung for the water park a thttp://www.americananiagara.com/

The hotel part wasn't all that nice, but it looks ilk they have upgraded since we were there.

I think I got a buy 2 nights, get the 3rd free or something.

Dawn

 

[pigletto]

If you sign up for wagjag, (kind of like Groupon) watch their "jaunts" section. I have seen some fabulous deals lately for the Falls. There was one that included a dinner, a suite with jacuzzi, and a wine tour for less than any one of those things would have cost!

Tripadvisor is a good place to get reviews and recommendations, just take it with a grain of salt as some can be really picky. As far as location, anywhere near the Casinos is good and will have you in the heart of things.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Since a lot of people are mentioning the Embassy Suites, I just wanted to link to my post I made shortly after we stayed there this summer--with some warnings about their practices I found to be a bit deceptive...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42510438#post42510438
(post #3)

I was the one who started the referenced thread. We did stay at the Embassy Suites. While I do not discount the experience of the person who believed the hotel's practices were deceptive, my family had only positive things to say. There are two parking options - a full valet for $30 or for $20, you ride a hotel shuttle to the very secure parking lot. Since we walked and used the attraction pass shuttle, we chose the $20 option. We were also told at check in that there was free wi fi in the lounge area, but not in the rooms. In the rooms, all charges for mini bar or token usage was fully explained on the papers with the tokens and mini bar. Lastly, we were given a complimentary upgrade. We had booked rooms with a view of the horseshoe falls. We were given rooms with a view of both the horseshoe and American falls. We would definitely stay there again if we ever go back.

 

[Nettle]

I've grown up in the Buffalo/Niagara region and am still here. It's sad that we on the American side, and having one of the seven wonders of the world have nothing to boast of over here. Niagara Falls thought that putting a casino over here, on Native American sovereign territory, would somehow be a draw for all tourists. (shrugs) We are a town run by idiots...one right after the other.

We have no family oriented things to do. However, like mentioned before, Clifton Hill on the Canadian side is a really big tourist trap but does have some interesting experiences. Also good, is a little bit away from the falls, a place called Niagara on the Lake. Perfect for romantic honeymooners in my opinion. They have lovely trails to bike ride or rollerblade on, and quaint (pricey) places to eat.

We do have on the American side, in the village of Lewiston (about 10 min away) the Jetboat Tours. HIGHLY recommended for some great thrill adventures up the Niagara river. Niagara river and Lake Onterio also has some great fishing. There are also local farms that you can visit, and do u-pick and have some great fresh local produce.

I wish we could get our act together over here, and not have to send people to the Canadian side of the Falls, or to other towns and villages, or to our *one* attraction which is a casino...

 

[teCh0010]

If you can't stay at one of the hotels with a falls view an option may be to have lunch at the Keg on the 9th floor of the Embassy Suites.

When I am driving from Toronto to Buffalo I stop in there for lunch. They validate for free valet parking if you are eating, and the view from the restaurant is great.

 

[beansmom]

we went 4th of july week years ago and i think we paid $149 per night for the falls view room...was a great deal, imo. I would do it again in a heartbeat.