Remember too that there are two casinos in NF, the old (temporary!!??) Casino Niagara, and the newer and larger Fallsview Casino Resort which is directly across the street and connected by the walkway to the Hilton. The old casino is about a mile or so away from the Fallsview and the first you'll see as you cross the bridge onto the Niagara Falls, Ontario side.

Also since the OP is HH Diamond, be sure to request an upgrade to the king suite with the fallsview (if available), as I've found the hotel to be very accomodating with upgrades if it's not too busy. North tower suites also have jetted tubs although not they're heart-shaped. The Watermark restaurant on the 33 floor of the hotel has super views of both falls, and a good buffet style breakfast which should be complimentary with your Diamond status.

bj-21.

Can I borrow this thread to ask which hotel offers the best view of the falls?

I can't decide between Marriott Fallsview, Sheraton FallsView (not to be confused with Sheraton on the Falls), Embassy Suites FallsView and Crowne Plaza FallsView. I intentionally picked one from each major hotel groups. But that's beyond the point.

So, is there any concensus about which one offers the best view? TIA.

Thanks, I booked a 2BDR DELUXE SUITE US VIEW, and hopefully at check-in I can instead get a king suite with premium view

I did put in the comments "north tower please and would love an upgrade thanks". So we'll see!

Thanks. I am going on a Thursday, but then I'd have to change hotels for the remainder of my stay. The hilton where I am staying, seems nice enough, around the same prices and benefits sans the dinner credit.

I've never been, obviously, but I think I've read a few times that the Embassy Suites has a great view.

Here is a map showing the hotels:

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/map_...lls_region.htm

There is another map too that might even be better but I don't remember where I saw it. Hopefully the Hilton has a decent view!

I love the interactive map on this site. I can click on buildings and find out who they are. It does look like Embassy Suites is at a location that would have great views. Being taller then the rest probably doesn't hurt. It's also cheaper than Sheraton and Marriott. The only thing is I don't have any status with Hilton, while I am PLT with Marriott and Gold with SPG. But in this case I'd rather book the room I want, instead of praying for a upgrade. So status doesn't matter too much I guess.

If you have stayed in Embassy Suite Fallsview keep your eyes on your creditcard statement for future charges from them.

I openly question the integrity of their room staff when I got unexplained charges a month later, not only on my first getaway package but also my second.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, cruse on you!

I spent a lot of time researching on this for my trip last month.

I think amongst the hotel chains, the Embassy Suites were the best. You would be able to get really good views of the Canadian Falls from the Embassy suites. Some of the more expensive rooms would also give you both the American and Canadian Falls.

I stayed in the building to the right of the Embassy Suites - The Minolta Tower hotel. (I came across this hotel through a search on FT - it was recommended by two FTers)
http://www.niagaratower.com/
It is slightly cheaper than the Embassy Suites. I chose this hotel over the Embassy Suites because of the cheaper rate, free internet and also because I wanted free access to the viewing galley 24/7.

Can't comment on the Marriott, Sheraton, or CP as we've never stayed at them. The Embassy has excellent views of the falls if you've gotten a fallsview room on a mid or higher floor. We had stayed at the ES frequently since it opened, but on our last stay in Nov., 2009 after a comped night at the Hilton, we found the ES room started to look a bit tired compared to the rooms we had gotten in the north tower of the Hilton and we preferred the Hilton's buffet breakfast to that of the ES. But the ES definately has the better views, as the Hilton towers are partially blocked by the casino's hotel tower directly accross the street (BTW, the Fallsview Casino Hotel also has excellent rooms and suites with great views of the falls if you're above the eighth floor with a fallsview room, but no FF points or stay credits there!). All the hotels mentioned are within a block or so walk down the hill to the viewing areas across from both falls.

Tentseller, what kind of delayed charges did you get from the ES, as that hasn't happened to us in the past. Other then the high parking charges, and the "tourist fee" of a few dollars that have may appeared on the folio at checkout, what else did they try to bill you for and were you able to get those charges removed on contacting the hotel?

bj-21.

I was billed for $26 which the hotel claim was out of the minibar/snack and $400 for two missing bedspread. Hotel claim the these were missing from the room when housekeeping cleanup the room afterward. They refuse the reverse the charges and I had to take it up with my Mastercard at BMO. Bank reversed the charges due to unsubstantiated claims by the merchants.

We are going next Tuesday! I changed the dates, so now it's Tuesday-Friday. I'm definitely going to go to Niagara on the Lake, sounds nice. And I'm also realizing that it's going to be hard to fill three days and nights of Niagara Falls alone!

Back to the hotels. I emailed the Hilton and they confirmed I am in the north tower, so that's good! I'll park in the casino garage with players card as advised. But from the Hilton how do I get to the falls? How do I get to Clifton Hill? Are most of all the attractions down by Clifton Hill - ie would a hotel thats down by Clifton Hill be better, or is it only the Clifton Hill stuff that's down there?

I don't know what sort of attractions you're interested in. I find Clifton Hill tacky and it seems geared towards children.

Looking at link you provided, http://www.niagarafallslive.com/map_...lls_region.htm,
I walked down Murray St to the Skylon Tower, American Falls and Maid of the Mist.

I got to the other two attractions on the pass - Niagara's Fury and Behind the Falls, including the Canadian Falls using the incline (free with the pass) near the Embassy Suites.

You can get to all the attractions with the frequent bus service (free with the pass) but I preferred walking.

Some of the night illumination photos I took:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2108357...7625063757454/

I was there for two days and one night, and I found it quite rushed. I did not get to do all the sightseeing and take all the pictures/videos I wanted.

Thanks phaleesy! Those are some awesome shots. Can't wait to go now

Re clifton hill - definitely agreed. Just wasn't sure if the "fallsview" hotels were in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do around them. But after posting, I see there's a few restaurants around and with your info I see I can get to the attractions easily.

Some other things:
1. The US side is actually very nice. Go to Goat Island (NY State Park). You can park for free on the street opposite the bridge to the island. Then walk to Luna Island and you'll be able to look straight down the falls. The Cave of the Winds is on Goat island. The Canadian side seems much more built up while the US side seems more traditional and park-like. The falls are not entertaining after a few minutes on either side.
2. My favorite place on the Canada side is the Niagara Glen. It's on the Niagara Parkway across from the golf course and north of the Spanish Aero Car. There is a parking lot and a picnic area. You can get a map at the restaurant/shop on the river side. Then walk down the big step of stairs to the paths in the Glen. It is beautiful in there and at the bottom you are right up against the Niagara River Rapids. It is the most dangerous natural white water class and you get a real feeling for the river and its power.The fall colors will be at their peak.

I am no fan of Niagara on the Lake but everyone else is so here's my two cents. Try the restaurant at the Strewn Winery, which is outside of town to the west. Also, try to catch a play at the Shaw Festival.

These are some of the things I would have liked to do if I had more time!

Is the Niagara Parkway open during winter? Or are the stairs too icy and are shut?

Thanks, that sounds like another great place to check out!

Ok I'm leaving tomorrow AM! When I first arrive to the hotel with my luggage and such, should I just valet and then from then on park in the garage, or is it close enough to park there from the start?