Where to Stay in Niagara Falls: US and Canada Sides +Hotels

Welcome to one of the world’s biggest attractions! The beautiful Niagara Falls is an incredibly popular travel destination, attracting millions of people from all over the world each year. And when you see how stunning they are, you won’t wonder why people like to visit; instead, you’ll start wondering where to stay in Niagara Falls!

I absolutely loved my time at the falls and would come back in a heartbeat! In short, I would choose Fallsview in Canada as the ultimate spot for your stay near the falls – it’s extremely close to the falls and has hotels with the most stunning views!If you’re an experienced traveler, you know the dangers of traveling to such a popular place – hotels tend to sell out super fast! This means you’ll have to book in advance if you want those Fallsview rooms!

NOTE: Remember that whichever side you choose to stay on, you can always take a day trip to the alternative country (if you don’t need a visa/have a visa). Most people simply need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada or an ESTA permit (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to check out the USA – you can apply for both online.

If you are in a hurry

If you want to book now, here are the best places in Fallsview, Niagara Falls:

Understanding the area

Lying on the border between the USA and Canada, you’ll find the amazing Niagara Falls. The  Falls are located on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. 

Niagara Falls is actually made up of 3 waterfalls – the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and last but not least, the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), which is also the largest one of the three!

Every second, 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls, i.e., 75,750 gallons of water per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls.

Below, we will discuss where to stay in Niagara Falls in each of the countries, and I am even suggesting 4 different areas for Canada as it offers a variety of options. 

Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Where to stay in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side

The waterfalls on the Canadian side are located 75 miles (121 km) south of the city of Toronto, Ontario. Access to see the falls is free from both sides; however, if you want to go on an organized tour of the waterfalls, you’ll have to pay full price for the tour (we have a detailed post about boat tours here). 

On the Canadian side, you’ll get to enjoy the great views of both the US Falls and Horseshoe, the biggest of the three waterfalls, as well as see the light show on the waterfalls. So, if you want to enjoy the absolute best views – you’ll have a direct view of the waterfalls – you need to stay on the Canadian Side.

Besides the better views, Canada has other perks as well – there are more accommodation options and more attractions. During your stay on the Canadian side, you’ll find plenty of other things to do besides visiting the falls, and I believe it’s the overall better choice. 

So, without further ado, let’s look into all the 4 best spots for a stay in Niagara Falls, Canada. 

1.1 Fallsview

If you want to be super close to the falls and enjoy the most spectacular views, then look no further than Fallsview. This part of Niagara Falls, CA, is probably the most popular tourist destination around the falls because of its fantastic views, so be prepared for the crowds before you embark on your trip. 

This is where you will find a great number of popular hotel chains like The Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview, Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel or Embassy Suites Fallsview (they have fantastic views to both sides!). Most of these hotels also provide really cool facilities like spas, dining (with a view), etc. When booking your place, make sure to request a room with a view! 

One of the reasons for Fallsview’s popularity is the Skylon Tower, an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the falls and the city of Niagara Falls. An amazing restaurant is also located in the tower, so you can make a reservation and have dinner with the most incredible view. 

My absolute favorite attraction was the Journey Behind the Falls, where, guess what, you get to see a glimpse of how it is to be behind the massive falls (spoiler alert: – it is SO powerful!). 

If you’re staying in the area, there are a couple of other things I’d like to recommend. First, you have to watch the Niagara Falls Fireworks show – it’s an absolute must! My second recommendation is to visit the Fallsview Casino Resort; even if you’re not staying in the hotel (which can be pricey), you should at least check out the casino or one of the live shows. 

PRO TIP: if your hotel doesn’t have parking or you are just visiting for a day, here is a lesser-known spot – Floral Showhouse – Lot B (map). Here, you can park for as little as CA$5/hour or CA$20 per day (24 hours), which is $10 cheaper than other parking lots in the area. Just note that this spot is ~10-minute walking from the falls! 

Below, you’ll find my recommendations for the best hotels in Fallsview:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa – this 4-star hotel offers panoramic views of the falls, the river, or the city. Besides stunning views, the hotel also has an on-site spa center, a restaurant, a bar, as well as an on-site Starbucks. Wi-Fi is free of charge, and private parking is available for a daily surcharge. 
• Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls – this upscale hotel features a terrace and an observation deck overlooking the falls and has modern rooms with large windows that overlook the city. The on-site restaurant also offers views of the falls and serves delicious international dishes.

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$150)

• Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls – guests at this hotel can use both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service business center, as well as enjoy a meal in the hotel’s restaurant. Each of the rooms has free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and coffee-making facilities. 
• Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls – the non-smoking rooms at this hotel are bright and spacious, and each is equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, and cable TV. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the price, and you can also use the hotel’s indoor pool and gym free of charge.

Budget (up to US$80)

NOTE: Fallsview is an extremely popular destination due to its proximity to the falls, but of course, there is a catch – it’s not very budget-friendly. However, if you venture a little outside Fallsview, you can find some lovely B&Bs that will meet any budget – I recommend 2 great options below!

• A Night to Remember B & B – this adults-only B&B is set in a historic Victorian home, and it’s only a 10-minute walk away from the main attractions, i.e., Niagara Falls. The accommodation offers a hot breakfast, free on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi, while all guestrooms have a spa bath and a fireplace. 
• A Moment in Time Bed & Breakfast – this lovely B&B is in a great location, just a short 20-minute walk to Niagara Falls. Placed in a restored Victorian building, this house has suites with private bathrooms (TIP: make sure you get a room with a spa bath), and it offers free Wi-Fi and free parking.

1.2 Clifton Hill & Niagara Falls Centre

The Niagara Falls Centre and the neighboring area of Clifton Hill are a great choice for your stay in Niagara Falls if you want easy access to many fun activities besides visiting the falls. It is also super kids-friendly too! 

The first stop on your itinerary should be the Niagara SkyWheel, a large Ferris wheel that provides great panoramic views of the falls. 

Yet another mustn’t-miss is the Great Canadian Midway, an entertainment center that has plenty of cool simulated rides and arcade games that will be a lot of fun for the whole family. Both the entertainment center and the Niagara SkyWheel are operated by Clifton Hill: Fun by the Falls, and you can purchase online tickets for both!

But the fun doesn’t stop there in Clifton Hill! If you’re looking for cool attractions, I recommend checking out the Bird Kingdom; here, you can see various birds and reptiles, and you’ll find the biggest free-flying indoor aviary. Yet another cool spot you can visit is the Nightmares Fear Factory, a haunted house that will probably give you a good scare. 

Other great spots that warrant a visit in these two areas are Ripley’s Believe It or Not! odditorium, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, which will be fun for the whole family, and there’s also the Greg Frewin Theatre, which hosts a variety of fun live shows. 

From Clifton Hill, you can easily access the Rainbow International Bridge (map) – it’s a great idea to go on a walk and see the falls, and you can even cross the border from Canada into the US!

Since I suggested plenty of things to do in these two areas, I’ll move on to the best accommodation options. 

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Sterling Inn & Spa – located within walking distance of the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour spot, this hotel is an oasis of silence and tranquility. It has many amenities, including a fitness center and a full-service spa. They also offer breakfast and have a restaurant on site.
• Sheraton Fallsview Hotel – this upscale hotel offers breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and is connected to Casino Niagara and Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. The rooms at the Sheraton boast a contemporary design, with floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. 

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$150)

• Vittoria Hotel & Suites – this affordable hotel is a few minutes away from Horseshoe Falls, the largest Niagara waterfall. There’s an indoor heated pool on-site, the rooms are spacious, and the hotel’s tour desk is always ready to provide assistance with planning your outdoor activities. 
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the falls and offers a spacious indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym, and a lovely library. Wi-Fi is free of charge and there’s also a complimentary breakfast served daily. 

Budget (up to US$80)

NOTE: the hotels I recommend below are slightly lower rated than what I usually recommend. However, despite their lower rating, I decided to recommend them anyway because, frankly, they are the best in the budget price category. 

• Scottish Inn Near the Falls – the inn is a 5-minute walk away from Clifton Hill and offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking free of charge – even after you’ve checked out. Family rooms are available at the accommodation, and the front desk is open 24/7. 
• Glengate Hotel & Suites – each of the rooms at this hotel has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. On-site parking and a good breakfast are included in the price.

1.3 Niagara Parkway & Silvertown

The Niagara Parkway is a scenic road along the Niagara River that stretches across 34 miles (55 km). Since this is such a long road, for this post, I decided to talk about the portion of the road that goes along the Silvertown area and upwards to Queenston Heights Park (map). 

If you decide to stay in Silvertown or somewhere along the Niagara Parkway, there are a few fun things you shouldn’t miss out on! To make things easier on you, I’ll start by telling you the top Silvertown attraction. The Maple Leaf Place is a maple syrup factory and tasting room where you can try authentic Canadian maple syrup and the traditional ice maple taffy!

After you’re done with your tasting, you can move on to explore the top sights along the Niagara Parkway. Whirlpool Beach (map) is one of the most popular hiking areas in Niagara Falls, so if you’re looking for an outdoor activity, this is the ultimate choice. 

If you want to get the most amazing view of the falls, you can go on a helicopter tour with Niagara Helicopters Limited. This is a short, 12-minute tour that allows you to marvel at the waterfalls from above and capture some great photos – but keep in mind that it needs to be a clear day to get a good view. 

The next stop on your route along the parkway should be Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, where you can see a wide variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. A bit further along, you’ll find the Butterfly Conservatory, home to over 2,000 butterflies that live in a rainforest environment. 

Lastly, I have to recommend the WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course, where you can try a variety of activities, from zip lining and climbing ladders to walking across tightropes and balancing on wobbly bridges. However, I have to let you know that the adventure park is open only during the summer months – June, July, and August.

Luxury (US$180 and up)

• Niagara Grandview Boutique Hotel – an upscale boutique hotel situated in a 19th-century building, where all of the rooms have an en suite bathroom with free toiletries, a seating area, and a TV. All rooms are air-conditioned, while the rooms with an upper balcony offer a view of the Niagara Gorge. 
• Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort – this resort provides access to both an indoor and an outdoor water park, a spa, and mini golf. At the resort, you’ll also find several restaurants, 3 hot tubs, a gym, as well as meeting rooms. All suites are comfy and spacious and feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels. 

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$180)

• Butterfly Manor – each of the rooms at this accommodation is tastefully decorated, and all have wooden flooring and en suite bathrooms, while some of them have a view of the gorge. Guests that arrive by plane can commission the free airport shuttle to get to the accommodation, where they can enjoy a homemade breakfast every morning. 
• Redwood Bed and Breakfast – this quaint B&B offers Victorian-style rooms, recognizable for the wood floors and soft colors. The atmosphere is very romantic, and this is the perfect spot for a couples’ retreat. Free parking is provided by the property, and a hot breakfast is served daily. 

Budget (up to US$80)

• Planet M Hostel – conveniently located near the Niagara Falls train station, this hostel provides accommodation in shared dormitories. All guests get access to shared spaces – a bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. Wi-Fi is available free of charge, while parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Bike hire is also available at the hostel. 
• Your Oasis in Niagara Falls – this budget-friendly apartment has a private entrance and allows guests to enjoy the outdoor patio and the river from the apartment windows. Private parking is provided on the property, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks.

1.4 Lundy’s Lane

Lundy’s Lane is an excellent choice if you’re after a more laid-back stay in Niagara Falls. Here, you’ll find many cool restaurants and shops and a few historical landmarks – perfect for a relaxing vacation. 

While you’re here, you have to stop by Lundy’s Lane Battlefield (map), one of the best spots to learn more about the eponymous 1812 battle and Canadian history in general. If you’re into history, you cannot miss the Niagara Falls History Museum, a great spot to learn more about Niagara Falls and get some cool souvenirs from the gift shop. 

In case you’re after more fun activities, then you’ll certainly want to pay a visit to the Waves Indoor Waterpark and enjoy the several wave pools and water slides. Further down Lundy’s Lane, you’ll find Haunt Manor, a haunted attraction that consists of hayrides and a haunted house. 

As I already mentioned, there are quite a few restaurants along Lundy’s Lane; I’d recommend Wind Japanese & Thai for delicious Asian food in a contemporary setting and the Flying Saucer Restaurant for traditional American diner food, a UFO-shaped restaurant. 

Although there are plenty of things to do in Lundy’s Lane, I have to tell you that there are no luxury accommodations along the lane, which makes Lundy’s Lane a great choice for budget travelers. Below, you’ll find my top recommendations for mid-range and budget hotels. 

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$160)

• Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel – this resort-style hotel is home to Doc Magilligan’s, Niagara’s only Irish pub, as well as 2 other restaurants. There’s also a two-story park and an arcade – perfect for the kids – an indoor heated pool, 2 hot tubs, and a tropical indoor courtyard. 
• Comfort Inn Lundy’s Lane – the rooms at this inn are spacious and have Wi-Fi access, and guests are also welcome to use the indoor pool, hot tub, and gym. You can also relax by the fireplace in the lobby or grab a quick bite at the on-site IHOP restaurant.

Budget (up to US$80)

• Blue Moon Motel – all guest rooms at this motel are air-conditioned and equipped with a coffee maker and a telephone, while some even have kitchens or kitchenettes. During your stay here, you can use a seasonal outdoor pool, a picnic area with barbecues, and the children’s play area. 
• Star Inn by Elevate Rooms – even though the motel is rated a bit lower than my other recommendations in this category, it’s a good choice if you’re on a limited budget. Wi-Fi, parking, and local calls are free of charge for all guests, and the front desk is open and available to help 24/7.

2. Where to stay in Niagara Falls, USA

The US side is located in Western Upstate New York, just 20 miles (30 km) away from Buffalo City (NY). While it might not offer you a front-on view of the beautiful attraction, there’s a saying that “in Canada, you can see the falls, but in New York, you can feel the waterfalls.” 

Basically, in the US, you can get super close to the water! Visit the Observation Tower and enjoy the most magnificent view from above. Of course, you have to venture out to Goat Island and the Cave of the Winds walkaways that offer close-up views of the Bridal Veil waterfall. 

While on Goat Island, make sure to stop by the Nikola Tesla Monument (map). This is also a good spot to take a break from your explorations – you can sit on one of the benches in the park and just soak in nature!

When you get back from the island, I suggest you plan a trip to the Aquarium of Niagara; here, you’ll see many sea animals and participate in various fun activities. In Niagara Falls, NY, you can also take the Maid of the Mist boat tour! Similar to the Canadian tour, this will take you right to the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls – get your camera ready! 

If you’re into hiking, the Niagara Gorge hiking trail (map) presents a great opportunity for a hiking trip. Alternatively, you can explore Devil’s Hole State Park (map) – it offers many pleasant hikes, fishing spots, and picnic areas. 

And if you need help with planning any aspects of your trip, there are 2 visitor centers you can turn to for assistance. The One Niagara Welcome Center and Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center provide various resources for planning an unforgettable trip. 

Luxury (US$180 and up)

• voco the Cadence – this luxurious hotel is conveniently located near the main attractions in Niagara Falls, NY. The hotel rooms are comfortable, each with a private bathroom stocked with toiletries, a TV with cable channels, and other appliances. The reception desk is always available to help with planning the details of your trip.
• Red Coach Inn – an upscale inn that overlooks the Niagara River and is just 0.6 miles (1 km) away from the falls. Some of the suites have a built-in fireplace, but the on-site restaurant also has a fireplace, so you can have a romantic dinner by the fire. 
• Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino – this is one of the most well-known and luxurious hotels in Niagara Falls. Here, you can enjoy a variety of lux amenities – an indoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and an on-site casino. You can also purchase drinks 24/7 at the quick-service cafe.

Mid-range (from US$120 to US$180)

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – a lovely hotel with an indoor heated pool, gym, high-speed internet, and a TV in every room with cable channels. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available at an extra charge, while a buffet breakfast is included in the price. 
• Holiday Inn Express – Grand Island – guests at this hotel can benefit from using the free private parking, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, and an on-site ATM. You can also use the shared lounge and get assistance from the concierge services with any details of your trip. 
• The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection – this luxury boutique hotel is a short walk away from Niagara Falls and features a full lounge, a gym, and 19th-floor Skye View Room. The rooms are modern, and each has free Wi-Fi access, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. 

Budget (up to US$120)

• Wanderfalls Guesthouse & Hostel – the hostel offers accommodation in private rooms with either private or shared bathrooms. Guests can also use shared spaces – kitchen, living room, porch, and garden. There’s also self-service tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage. 
• Comfort Inn The Pointe – with a super convenient location, right at the Niagara Falls State Park entrance and close to many attractions like the Niagara Fallsview Casino, this budget hotel offers comfort with many amenities. They have family rooms with en-suite bathrooms and delicious breakfast if you want to grab a quick bite before heading out!
• Super 8 by Wyndham – all rooms at this motel have an en suite bathroom, a work desk, a fridge, a cable TV, and a coffee maker. Guests are also free to use the business center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and the free parking spots, and turn to the 24-hour front desk for anything else you may need.

🎡 High season:	April – mid to late October
🛎️ Best luxury hotel in Canada:	DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa
👛 Best budget stay in Canada:	A Night to Remember B&B
👑 Best luxury hotel in USA:	voco the Cadence
💵 Best budget stay in USA:	Comfort Inn The Pointe

BONUS: Where to stay near Niagara Falls

I already talked about the immense popularity of Niagara Falls. Of course, this means that hotels are booked months in advance and also that the available accommodations can be quite pricey. 

So, if you need to plan a trip on short notice or you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a good idea to consider staying in one of the towns near Niagara Falls. In the following sections, I’ll be talking about 2 Canadian towns and one US town that are a short drive away from the falls and have more affordable accommodations. 

NOTE: In case you don’t manage to find suitable accommodation in any of these towns (they’re all quite popular), you can look into accommodations in the towns of Chippawa and Welland in Canada. I have to tell you that you won’t find too many options here either, but it’s a good idea to keep them in mind as a last resort. 

1. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a Canadian town in the Ontario province that’s situated right where the Niagara River meets Ontario Lake. It’s a quaint little town renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history and is just 20 miles (32 km) from Niagara Falls. 

In case you don’t want to make the 35-minute drive to Niagara Falls, you can stay and explore the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stroll around the historic Old Town, catch a show at the Shaw Festival Theatre, and pay a visit to the Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site (map).

The best hotels for your own stay in Niagara-on-a-Lake are:

• 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa ($$$)
• Finlay House Bed and Breakfast ($$)
• WeatherPine Inn ($)

2. St. Catharines

The Canadian town of St. Catharines is 12 miles (20 km) away from Niagara Falls or a short, 20-minute drive away from the falls. The official nickname of St. Catherines is ‘The Garden City’ because of the many green surfaces, such as hiking trails, parks, and gardens. 

Since St. Catherines is primarily an industrial town, there aren’t that many attractions and fun activities in the area; the main reason people come to town is to see Niagara Falls. However, the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre is definitely worth a visit. And if you’re traveling with kids, you have to stop by Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm – a fun and free activity!

Another thing I have to mention about St. Catharines – there aren’t any upscale hotels, but there are a couple of great mid-range hotels and a good budget option, too. 

My top recommendations for your stay in St. Catharines are: 

• Hampton Inn St. Catharines ($$)
• Capri Inn ($)
• The Juniper Inn ($)

3. Buffalo

Buffalo is the city that’s closest to Niagara Falls on the US side, in the state of New York. If you’re staying in Buffalo and want to see the waterfalls, you’ll need to drive 20 miles (32 km), but you’ll also find a lot of more affordable accommodations.

Besides your trip to the falls at Niagara, you’ll find plenty to do in Buffalo. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo Naval Park (closed during winter), and the Buffalo Museum of Science are the 3 museums you should take the time to visit. And if you’re on a family trip, The Buffalo Zoo is a must!

If you decide to stay in Buffalo, you should either arrive there by car or rent a car and drive down to the falls. One thing you need to keep in mind when going to the falls by car is parking; if you want to find secure and cheap parking, use this link to help you find a parking lot within your budget – you can even find a spot for US$10/day!

Other noteworthy stops in Buffalo are the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (map) and the Canalside, Buffalo’s liveliest district. As for hotels, there are quite a few to choose from. 

My top picks for a Buffalo stay are:

• The Westin Buffalo ($$$)
• The Edward Buffalo ($$)
• Wyndham Garden ($)

FAQs about where to stay in Niagara Falls

Conclusion

That’s it from me, my dear readers! I hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Niagara Falls and which hotel to book. 

There are tons of amazing hotels around the falls, but these are my 2 favorites, both located in Fallsview, CA!

• DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa – the hotel offers amazing panoramic views of the falls and has a great on-site restaurant
• Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls – this hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a fitness center

I did my part! Now, you should do yours and book these hotels in advance – you don’t want to miss those stunning views of Niagara Falls. 

I’ll let you be the judge of which view of Niagara Falls is the best! Canada or the US? Leave me a comment and tell me your opinion; I want to hear all about it!

Safe Travels, 

Yulia

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