Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites {CAN}
Aug 23, 2004, 10:05 pm
#46
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 276
Hilton Niagara Falls Trip Report
Just completed a 2 night award stay. Had no problem getting the room availability, even for a weekend (Sat - Mon). I would highly recommend this hotel.
They put me in the south tower on the 25th floor, king jacuzzi room with a view of the American Falls. Room was clean, large, and comfortable. No coffee maker, minibar, or bathrobes. Turndown service with bottled water and Hilton chocolates. As mentioned in other posts, there are translucent and partially transparent windows which open from the Jacuzzi bath into the bedroom. So if you the type who needs total privacy in the bath - whether visual or auditory - you might want to consider another hotel.
Breakfast was full buffet on the 33rd floor. I presume this was a gold benefit. Ample, tasty food and wonderful (outstanding) views. Omlet station was good. 5 minute wait for seating each day.
Pool area was full of kids and was not available for lap swimming as a result. But it was fun with a waterslide, indoor waterfall, spa, steam, and sauna, and stayed open until 11:00pm. The kids in the pool area all seemed to be having a great time. Small workout room with typical cardio equipment overlooking the pool area.
Parking was $20.00 a day (Canadian currency), self or valet. But as of when I checked out, there was only one night of the parking fee on my bill. Of course, the bill also didn't have the gratuity from breakfast incurred over an hour earlier, so probably it was simply incomplete and the charges will appear on my credit card. I didn't try to negotiate the parking fees even though previous posters have indicated success in doing so.
Property did not seem to have an executive lounge, and the business center was part of a minor renovation taking place on the meeting room level. Renovation was completely unnoticeable and did not detract from the hotel at all.
Since "falls views" seem to be the biggest question the I saw in other posts, here are my unproven and random observations:
1) Many of the hotels in NF only had rooms on 1 side of the hotel - the side with the view. Those properties probably have 100% falls views on the higher floors and possibly on the lower levels as well.
2) The Canadian Falls are considerably larger and more dramatic than the American Falls, but both are impressive. The hotels near the Rainbow Bridge only have good views of the American falls. Most of the hotels are closer to the "Canadian" falls.
3) The ES appeared to have rooms on both sides of the building (NOTE - I was not at this property, and I could be wrong about this. If anyone cares to correct me I will edit this post). Further, the Embassy seems to have breakfast in the TGIF's on the ground level. The Hilton had breakfast on the top floor, providing stunning views of both falls. But the ES is certainly newer and taller. Plus it had a Keg (steakhouse) on property. So I can see good reasons for picking either hotel.
4) The Hampton did not appear to have any falls views whatsoever.
5) The DT was one of the furthest properties from the falls. It might have had views, but certainly set back further.
6) There are 2 Sheratons, one right near the Rainbow bridge, and another in the cluster of hotel by the Canadian Falls. If you book a Sheraton, be certain you know which one you want.
7) Based on its location, the relatively new casino probably has the absoluty best rooms for views of the falls of any of the hotels. It also has rooms on the opposite side (we could look into some of them from the Hilton) which wouldn't have any view at all.
BJfly
They put me in the south tower on the 25th floor, king jacuzzi room with a view of the American Falls. Room was clean, large, and comfortable. No coffee maker, minibar, or bathrobes. Turndown service with bottled water and Hilton chocolates. As mentioned in other posts, there are translucent and partially transparent windows which open from the Jacuzzi bath into the bedroom. So if you the type who needs total privacy in the bath - whether visual or auditory - you might want to consider another hotel.
Breakfast was full buffet on the 33rd floor. I presume this was a gold benefit. Ample, tasty food and wonderful (outstanding) views. Omlet station was good. 5 minute wait for seating each day.
Pool area was full of kids and was not available for lap swimming as a result. But it was fun with a waterslide, indoor waterfall, spa, steam, and sauna, and stayed open until 11:00pm. The kids in the pool area all seemed to be having a great time. Small workout room with typical cardio equipment overlooking the pool area.
Parking was $20.00 a day (Canadian currency), self or valet. But as of when I checked out, there was only one night of the parking fee on my bill. Of course, the bill also didn't have the gratuity from breakfast incurred over an hour earlier, so probably it was simply incomplete and the charges will appear on my credit card. I didn't try to negotiate the parking fees even though previous posters have indicated success in doing so.
Property did not seem to have an executive lounge, and the business center was part of a minor renovation taking place on the meeting room level. Renovation was completely unnoticeable and did not detract from the hotel at all.
Since "falls views" seem to be the biggest question the I saw in other posts, here are my unproven and random observations:
1) Many of the hotels in NF only had rooms on 1 side of the hotel - the side with the view. Those properties probably have 100% falls views on the higher floors and possibly on the lower levels as well.
2) The Canadian Falls are considerably larger and more dramatic than the American Falls, but both are impressive. The hotels near the Rainbow Bridge only have good views of the American falls. Most of the hotels are closer to the "Canadian" falls.
3) The ES appeared to have rooms on both sides of the building (NOTE - I was not at this property, and I could be wrong about this. If anyone cares to correct me I will edit this post). Further, the Embassy seems to have breakfast in the TGIF's on the ground level. The Hilton had breakfast on the top floor, providing stunning views of both falls. But the ES is certainly newer and taller. Plus it had a Keg (steakhouse) on property. So I can see good reasons for picking either hotel.
4) The Hampton did not appear to have any falls views whatsoever.
5) The DT was one of the furthest properties from the falls. It might have had views, but certainly set back further.
6) There are 2 Sheratons, one right near the Rainbow bridge, and another in the cluster of hotel by the Canadian Falls. If you book a Sheraton, be certain you know which one you want.
7) Based on its location, the relatively new casino probably has the absoluty best rooms for views of the falls of any of the hotels. It also has rooms on the opposite side (we could look into some of them from the Hilton) which wouldn't have any view at all.
BJfly
Last edited by BJfly; Aug 23, 2004 at 10:20 pm
Aug 24, 2004, 12:41 am
#47
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, AA, UA, BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,907
The ES
The Embassy Suites Niagara Falls does have "cityview rooms" (ie, no view of the Falls) but is newer then most of the nearby hotels, as it opened in June '03. The new DT Fallsview just opened last month, and I'd be interested in hearing reports from anyone who's stayed there. The ES hasn't failed to upgrade us to a Fallsview room, even from their lowest rates (HHonors Gold), and we've been pleased with their staff and the rooms, always getting a jacuzzi room (also with the jacuzzi windows facing the bedroom) on a high floor. Breakfast buffets have been served in both TGIF, or on the ninth floor, where the manager's reception is held in the afternoon, and have spilled over into the KEG area on the 9th floor when the hotel is really busy. We've stayed at the ES six times since it opened last year, with no problems. Same $20 CAD parking fees for both self or valet parking, and I've been able to have them remove some of those "municipal resort fees" when asked. While the Hilton is directly across from the new casino, the ES is only half a block away, and the views of the Horseshoe Falls are fabulous.
bj-21.
bj-21.
Aug 24, 2004, 11:55 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA MM, Hilton-Dia
Posts: 1,480
The ES has "spot dead-on" (i.e. falls directly in front of your window) from only their corner rooms. If you have a lot of pull with HH (or think that you do 
) then these are the rooms I would try to get. The ES had a slight problem with elevator traffic the last time I was there and was quite the zoo.
I agree that the Casino hotel has probably the best views as the entire falls-side of the hotel is directly opposite the Canadian Falls
) then these are the rooms I would try to get. The ES had a slight problem with elevator traffic the last time I was there and was quite the zoo.I agree that the Casino hotel has probably the best views as the entire falls-side of the hotel is directly opposite the Canadian Falls
Aug 24, 2004, 12:30 pm
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Hi,
Thanks for the comments.
I will be at the Hilton this Friday ( 27th) and the doubletree on Saturday(28th) and will report when I return to the UK
Regards
TBS
Thanks for the comments.
I will be at the Hilton this Friday ( 27th) and the doubletree on Saturday(28th) and will report when I return to the UK
Regards
TBS
Aug 25, 2004, 1:52 am
#50
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, AA, UA, BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,907
TBS,
We might (emphasis on MIGHT) be at the new casino this Saturday night into Sunday morning, if you can't sleep, and are in the mood for some casino fun.
Usually get there around 2-3 AM. Will you be awake? I'm the guy looking for the blackjack tables without the CSM's.
bj-21.
We might (emphasis on MIGHT) be at the new casino this Saturday night into Sunday morning, if you can't sleep, and are in the mood for some casino fun.
Usually get there around 2-3 AM. Will you be awake? I'm the guy looking for the blackjack tables without the CSM's.
bj-21.
Aug 25, 2004, 12:20 pm
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Hi,
sorry blackjack-21, I will definately be sleeping at 2-3am on Sunday morning!!
good luck on the tables if you do go to NF!!
Regards
TBS
sorry blackjack-21, I will definately be sleeping at 2-3am on Sunday morning!!
good luck on the tables if you do go to NF!!
Regards
TBS
Mar 14, 2005, 12:47 am
#52
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SJC
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,117
No Upgrade at Niagara Falls Hilton for HH Gold
My brother, who is HH Gold, just completed a stay at the Niagara Falls Hilton. He booked the lowest HiltonSavers rate for a cityview room on hilton.com. When he checked in, he was denied an upgrade to a better/higher floor room, even though hilton.com shows tons of availability of better rooms. He was given breakfast buffet coupons though. Is this common practice at this property? Shouldn't a HH Gold member get an upgrade?
Mar 14, 2005, 6:48 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2001
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Originally Posted by flyingstudent
My brother, who is HH Gold, just completed a stay at the Niagara Falls Hilton. He booked the lowest HiltonSavers rate for a cityview room on hilton.com. When he checked in, he was denied an upgrade to a better/higher floor room, even though hilton.com shows tons of availability of better rooms. He was given breakfast buffet coupons though. Is this common practice at this property? Shouldn't a HH Gold member get an upgrade?
The views were nice, but maybe worth 15-20 minutes or so. We did not pull chairs over and stare out, like say in the Rainbow tower at HHV. Still I paid the higher rate to guarantee one room would have a good view and that would be the party room. Received breakfast certs for all members of party, 10 guests total in the three rooms two days each. The breakfast certs were wonderful as were the views from the restaurant.
Mar 14, 2005, 7:49 am
#54
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,839
Originally Posted by flyingstudent
My brother, who is HH Gold, just completed a stay at the Niagara Falls Hilton. He booked the lowest HiltonSavers rate for a cityview room on hilton.com. When he checked in, he was denied an upgrade to a better/higher floor room, even though hilton.com shows tons of availability of better rooms. He was given breakfast buffet coupons though. Is this common practice at this property? Shouldn't a HH Gold member get an upgrade?
from HH's website:
...with Towers or Executive Levels, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Towers or Executive Level floor, whenever possible. In cases when Towers or Executive Level accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered either (1) the use of the Towers or Executive Level lounge, including complimentary continental breakfast each morning for the member and one additional person or (2) personalized certificates for each day of the stay for the member and one additional person valid for complimentary continental breakfast in the hotel coffee shop or all-purpose restaurant. At hotels without a Towers or Executive Level, Gold VIP members will be offered complimentary continental breakfast each morning for the member and one additional person. And when in hotels or when paying a rate where a complimentary breakfast is a benefit for all guests, Gold VIPs will be offered a special amenity as an expression of our appreciation.
...with Towers or Executive Levels, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Towers or Executive Level floor, whenever possible. In cases when Towers or Executive Level accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered either (1) the use of the Towers or Executive Level lounge, including complimentary continental breakfast each morning for the member and one additional person or (2) personalized certificates for each day of the stay for the member and one additional person valid for complimentary continental breakfast in the hotel coffee shop or all-purpose restaurant. At hotels without a Towers or Executive Level, Gold VIP members will be offered complimentary continental breakfast each morning for the member and one additional person. And when in hotels or when paying a rate where a complimentary breakfast is a benefit for all guests, Gold VIPs will be offered a special amenity as an expression of our appreciation.
Jun 15, 2005, 3:11 pm
#56
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Theres a link to search on each page. Search all FT from the top bar to the right of big FT logo - select help menu, search is near the bottom and also the middle bar below the big FT logo just over half way across. Also when viewing a forum, search this forum the lower bar and at far right. When viewing a thread, search this thread is in the similar place.
In this case the easiest way to search would be search this forum on keyword "Niagara"
In this case the easiest way to search would be search this forum on keyword "Niagara"
Jun 15, 2005, 6:02 pm
#58
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I stayed there..it was a nice hotel...nice view of both falls from restaurant and my guestroom...very cool indoor waterslide & pool...
but then again all Canadian hotels at Niagara seemed better than US Properties...
but then again all Canadian hotels at Niagara seemed better than US Properties...
Jun 15, 2005, 11:30 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2005
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Diamond, NW SE, WN, Hertz 5*
Posts: 93
I stayed there several years ago when it was just opening. I have not stayed in any other hotels in Niagara Falls and when I go back I will stay at the Hilton again. Was very nice and restaurant on the top floors was also nice with good view of the American Falls. After being there I would definately stay on the Canadian side regardless.
Jun 16, 2005, 1:24 am
#60
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NF Hilton is directly across the street from the new casino, and gets very busy on weekends, so if you're planning a trip, think about booking as early as possible. We prefer the Embassy Suites Hotel, which is just 1/2 a block from the casino, is newer then the Hilton, with better views of the falls. Hilton elites usually get upgraded rooms, with great views of either the Horseshoe Falls, or both sets of falls. You may want to use the search here also to see comments about the ESNF. Just a suggestion for an alternative.
bj-21.
bj-21.