DrRodneyMcKay

I'm planning a trip for myself and a friend of mine in December; we don't want to go too far from where either of us lives, but want something special to celebrate the end of a busy year. Yes, I'm aware that it's going to be incredibly cold in Ontario in the winter, but neither of us minds; I've also seen the falls in summer, and would love to see them in winter - I hear they're beautiful. Plus, off-season rates and fewer tourists are tempting.

So, I'm trying to decide on a few things, and would love advice. Firstly, the hotel. I originally considered booking with points, but looking at the off-season rates, it seems that paying cash will be pretty affordable at almost any hotel I pick, especially with the CAD to USD exchange rate. I've read through the previous threads regarding hotels in the area, but it seems that they're constantly in flux, so I'd love the most up to date information.
-the obvious: which hotel has the "best" Fallsview? (we are willing to pay a bit more to get a fallsview room rather than, say, a city view) I've looked through all the "room view" photos on tripadvisor, but I'm not the best at judging the "best" view based on photos.
-I have silver status with Marriott and Hilton, Platinum with IHG, and no status with Starwood - which hotel has the best recognition for status/upgrade possibilities? We're less interested in, say, free breakfast than a room upgrade or free drinks, as it will be a special occasion. I've heard the Crowne Plaza is very generous with upgrades in the off season for Platinum members - what about the others?

Activities - We're looking forward to the light festival and fireworks, as well as spending some time relaxing and enjoying some nice spas and restaurants. We'll probably be skipping any winery tours, as that's not our thing.
-any other activity recommendations for the winter?
-restaurant recommendations?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

lo2e

What sorts of activities do you like to do? You listed a few "sit and watch" type of things, but not sure if there's anything else active (or inactive) that you like doing. That might help get you some more pertinent recommendations. Definitely catch a sunrise on the shore of Lake Ontario, either in Saint Catharines or Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Not sure what your time frame is, but do you have enough time to make a day trip to Toronto? It would be really easy to drive to maybe Burlington and hop on a GO train from there. Numerous great options for things to do and places to eat. And if you like good views (it appears you do), you can go up in the CN tower.

DrRodneyMcKay

We're definitely up for very "active" activities - we love hiking and the like, but aren't big fans of more "relaxed" activities like, say, indoor mini golf (it bores us to death a bit). Sunrise sounds amazing (though very, very cold).

I considered Toronto as our destination at first, but my friend lives near it and I've been there before, so we wanted somewhere more unique and laid back. I love big cities, but for this trip we decided to get out of the city for once.

tentseller

Doc: There are some interesting hikes like the gorge or escarpment but not recommended in winter.

lo2e

I realized something after I posted this. During the winter, I believe the sunrise is in a more southeasterly direction, which means it would actually be more-or-less behind you when you're in Saint Catharines or Niagara-on-the-Lake. Can anyone in the area confirm this?

If I'm correct, it might be a better view to go to one of the towns on the western shore of the lake, like Oakville or Burlington. And yes, it would probably be very cold, but IMO 100% worth it.

KDS777

I was there for a week on business during May and December of 2016.

The Crowne Plaza at the falls is my hotel of choice. Great location, decent restaurant and bar access by foot, and cool hotel architecture that is kept in spectacular condition. I'm an IHG plat as well.

DrRodneyMcKay

The history/architecture is definitely one of the things that draws me to that hotel. Can I ask if you got an upgrade or anything special as a Plat in December? I've heard good things on that score.

KDS777

Well..........as I have spent an extraordinary amount of time in the IHG product (60-70 days a year for 5 years straight so far) I have this canned but well written email I created in year one asking for an upgrade that I send to the hotel GM by name. Works about 99% of the time unless capacity is an issue. Got a falls view upper floor room both weeks.....10th floor.

Whatever you do, as an IHG member, DO NOT STAY AT THE HOLIDAY INN on top of the hill a short walk from the falls in the middle of the tourist area. They don't even have functioning AC in the common areas or wi-fi. Ugghhh.

*****And if you haven't been there before, they have a DMF of 5-10% that they add to every bill at most Niagara Falls merchants*****

It's the usual BS fee that is not a legal tax, just a cash grab called a "Destination Marketing Fee" LOL, so, just tell them to remove it before you reserve, purchase, or order something, or go somewhere else. Most places comply. The Crowne Plaza will try to nick you for it too, just make sure they understand at booking that you are not paying it, and if there is an issue on the bill, know who to talk to.

Enjoy the trip !!

laidback71

If you really want to relax, you could stay at a B&B in Niagara on the Lake instead. Supply is limited for the season, but there are some Inns too. There is a nice selection of restaurants and spas in that area. (Unfortunately my favourite restaurant in the area, The Stone Road Grille, closed a few years ago. )

If you are set on the Falls, you can always drive up as its less than half hour away.

The Shaw Festival in NOTL is putting on A Christmas Carol until December 23. I have been to the Shaw for many shows (but not this one - yet), and have never been disappointed. It's being shown at the Royal George Theatre, so an intimate experience.

In terms of dining, I would advise to do some research and you will have to get outside of the core tourist area of the Falls to get a good meal at a reasonable price. You'll find eating to be overpriced in the tourist zone. I have had some good dinners outside the core, but it's been a while and my trips are not as frequent. Having said that, I did enjoy my dinner at the steakhouse at the Fallsview Casino resort a couple of years ago.

DrRodneyMcKay

Thanks everyone for the advice. I ended up staying at the Marriott on the Falls, which is definitely closest to the falls, but rather a lackluster hotel all around. Unfortunately I got pretty sick just before we arrived so we ended up doing zero activities whatsoever. But I'll put everything that's been suggested on the list for next time! Might have to try out the Crowne Plaza - it might be farther from the falls, but sounds like a nice place. I opted not to argue with them about the destination amenity fee because the staff seemed so poorly trained that I don't think they'd know how to take it off if they tried, but perhaps I'll attempt it next time.

KDS777

Made me LOL !!

Hope you're feeling better.

Haven't been to that Marriot before, so I went online and looked at their gallery of pics. Seems OK to me, but, one of their catalogue pics inducing me to book a room was this.........ROFL.........proof they change the linen perhaps ?