Embassy Suites Niagara Falls - Fallsview {CAN}
Jun 16, 2004, 12:17 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, AA, UA, BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,907
We've stayed at the ES NF six times now since it opened last June. As an HHonors Gold, we've been upgraded to a fallsview jacuzzi room every stay, at no additional charge, even with the bookings being through the casino, or the lowest available on the website (actually found lower rates by calling the hotel directly). Most recent stay was three weeks ago, for two nights midweek. Best upgrade was to the 38th floor overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, with jacuzzi and fireplace in the room. And yes, all the jacuzzi suites have the window from the bathroom to the bedroom. Actually, there are six elevators in the hotel, with the two against the wall closest to the check-in desks only going up to the ninth floor, and the main bank of four going all the way to 42. We've only had to wait at the busiest time of day, being when everyone is going down for breakfast, or during check-in times, but it was a short wait for the next elevator.
If you got the parking fee comped, consider yourself lucky!! As of three weeks ago, it was still $20.00 per night Canadian, plus taxes, and we've never been able to get that comped. However, I did complain about the $5.70 (on earlier stays) and recently $3.00 (plus PST and GST) "Municipal Resorts Improvement Fees" (or something to that effect) per day, and they've always taken it off the bill at check-out.
Can't comment on your not getting an upgrade on a reward stay, my guess is you should've gotten it, but I'm just guessing, as we've never used a reward stay for this property.
But other than the parking fees (all the hotels in NF charge a fee for parking), we have no complaints about this property. Service is courteous and prompt, the breakfast and managers' reception are typical ES, and the rooms and corridors are kept in good condition. The views, if you get a fallsview room, are fabulous.
We're going down this weekend to check out the newly opened casino, less than a block away from the ES, but this is just an overnight casino trip, no hotel stay this time, as it's only an hour's drive from where we live. But we enjoy our stays at the ES NF for a few days of R & R whenever possible.
bj-21.
If you got the parking fee comped, consider yourself lucky!! As of three weeks ago, it was still $20.00 per night Canadian, plus taxes, and we've never been able to get that comped. However, I did complain about the $5.70 (on earlier stays) and recently $3.00 (plus PST and GST) "Municipal Resorts Improvement Fees" (or something to that effect) per day, and they've always taken it off the bill at check-out.
Can't comment on your not getting an upgrade on a reward stay, my guess is you should've gotten it, but I'm just guessing, as we've never used a reward stay for this property.
But other than the parking fees (all the hotels in NF charge a fee for parking), we have no complaints about this property. Service is courteous and prompt, the breakfast and managers' reception are typical ES, and the rooms and corridors are kept in good condition. The views, if you get a fallsview room, are fabulous.
We're going down this weekend to check out the newly opened casino, less than a block away from the ES, but this is just an overnight casino trip, no hotel stay this time, as it's only an hour's drive from where we live. But we enjoy our stays at the ES NF for a few days of R & R whenever possible.
bj-21.
Jun 16, 2004, 4:12 am
#17
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
2 relevant items for OP
First, HHonors Central Command has assured me in writing that hotels are supposed to provide the same benefits on award stays as they do on paid stays. However, the last time I checked the T&C ES properties were not required by the program to try to upgrade us to a better room. Some very nicely do, of course.
I'm not sure which of these 2 issues trumps the other in your case. I think if an upgrade at an ES were important to me, I'd call ahead of time to see what they say their practice is with regards to award stays. I've been surprised that some hotels will tell you on the phone that they don't provide the same benefits on award stays. Then I can decide whether I want to proactively educate them regarding their own program. But this, unfortunately, doesn't help you now.
I'm not sure which of these 2 issues trumps the other in your case. I think if an upgrade at an ES were important to me, I'd call ahead of time to see what they say their practice is with regards to award stays. I've been surprised that some hotels will tell you on the phone that they don't provide the same benefits on award stays. Then I can decide whether I want to proactively educate them regarding their own program. But this, unfortunately, doesn't help you now.
Jun 16, 2004, 11:30 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Worcester, MA, BOS, PVD, BDL, MHT, ??ORH??
Programs: Delta Platinum, HHonors Diamond, PC Platinum
Posts: 11,928
"Sir, all of our suites are upgrades."
I don't know how often I have heard the above response to an upgrade question at an ES. Sometimes you get lucky, usually not. My blood pressure certainly no longer rises. fwiw, I have booked a falls views room at this hotel for later this summer. Looking at the city view, might as well stay at the Hampton. Now the Hilton Niagara Falls should be different, but still you may just get executive floor with no view. reading other posts, seems likes the view is worth paying for if it is important. In hotels that do provide upgrades, you should be upgraded no matter if it is a reward or paid stay. For instance, I have been upgraded on award stays at both Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak and Hilton Hawaiiam Village.
Upgraded Accommodations/Amenities: HHonors Gold VIP members are offered upgraded accommodations or amenities at HHonors hotels. The type of upgraded accommodation or amenity varies by type of hotel, as follows:
At US Hilton hotels, and at Conrad and Doubletree hotels 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.
At Hilton hotels outside the U.S. with Executive Floors, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Executive Floor, whenever possible. In cases when there are no Executive Floors or where Executive Floor accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered a complimentary continental breakfast each morning or an alternative special amenity.
At Embassy Suites Hotels, Gold VIP members will be offered "The Embassy Touch", including a light snack on night of arrival.
Upgraded Accommodations/Amenities: HHonors Gold VIP members are offered upgraded accommodations or amenities at HHonors hotels. The type of upgraded accommodation or amenity varies by type of hotel, as follows:
At US Hilton hotels, and at Conrad and Doubletree hotels 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.
At Hilton hotels outside the U.S. with Executive Floors, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Executive Floor, whenever possible. In cases when there are no Executive Floors or where Executive Floor accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered a complimentary continental breakfast each morning or an alternative special amenity.
At Embassy Suites Hotels, Gold VIP members will be offered "The Embassy Touch", including a light snack on night of arrival.
Last edited by OB one; Jun 16, 2004 at 11:35 am
Jun 17, 2004, 12:00 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, AA, UA, BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,907
"At Embassy Suites Hotels, Gold VIP members will be offered "The Embassy Touch", including a light snack on night of arrival."
I think you'll find that the Embassy Touch is a thing of the past (other earlier threads have confirmed this in many properties), which now consists of two bottles of water and a couple of packaged cookies, at least at the ES NF. But the buffet breakfast is good, with made-to-order eggs, and many other hot and cold breakfast items, including yogourt, fresh fruit, cereals, and pastries.
There's a microwave and mini-bar in the room, along with a coffeemaker and small fridge.
They had a free shuttle to the "old" casino, but with the new casino open less than a block away, don't know if they'll keep the shuttle service to the original casino as long as it's open.
bj-21.
I think you'll find that the Embassy Touch is a thing of the past (other earlier threads have confirmed this in many properties), which now consists of two bottles of water and a couple of packaged cookies, at least at the ES NF. But the buffet breakfast is good, with made-to-order eggs, and many other hot and cold breakfast items, including yogourt, fresh fruit, cereals, and pastries.
There's a microwave and mini-bar in the room, along with a coffeemaker and small fridge.
They had a free shuttle to the "old" casino, but with the new casino open less than a block away, don't know if they'll keep the shuttle service to the original casino as long as it's open.
bj-21.
Jun 17, 2004, 6:52 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Worcester, MA, BOS, PVD, BDL, MHT, ??ORH??
Programs: Delta Platinum, HHonors Diamond, PC Platinum
Posts: 11,928
Originally Posted by blackjack-21
I think you'll find that the Embassy Touch is a thing of the past (other earlier threads have confirmed this in many properties), which now consists of two bottles of water and a couple of packaged cookies, at least at the ES NF.
bj-21.
bj-21.
Blackjack, any good restaurants in the area?? From what I hear, everything is rather pricey and touristy too.
Jun 17, 2004, 12:58 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA Plat MM
Posts: 3,582
Originally Posted by OB one
any good restaurants in the area?? From what I hear, everything is rather pricey and touristy too.
Jun 17, 2004, 1:39 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Belton, TX
Programs: Southwest A+, SW Companion Pass, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 90
Originally Posted by OB one
I agree that the touch isn't worth much, the package of oreos and two waters and the lovely welcome note, but my point was that HHonors elite does not get you an uprade at ES (unless you are lucky).
Blackjack, any good restaurants in the area?? From what I hear, everything is rather pricey and touristy too.
Blackjack, any good restaurants in the area?? From what I hear, everything is rather pricey and touristy too.
On a funny note, we did stop by the local Dairy Queen on Stanley. We have a slight addiction to vanilla Cokes! They didn't have Coke, so we got a vanilla Pepsi. The price was between $2 and $3 - American!
The funny thing was the sign out front. It said, "TAKING RESUMES". At a Dairy Queen!?!?!
Jun 18, 2004, 1:21 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, AA, UA, BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,907
Agree about the Beef Baron having good meals. We spend most of our time in the casino (having done the tourist bit many moons ago), so I wouldn't be able to recommend any other restaurants in the area. We usually eat at the casino (when I can tear Mrs. bj-21 away from her slot machines, or she comes looking for me at the blackjack table, just when I'm into a good shoe), as there are three restaurants, and snack bars there--at the old casino. We'll check out the newly opened casino's restaurants this weekend.
There are the usual family style restaurants in many areas of NF. Dennys, Applebees, and others, but they are pricey (for a family style, with not great food), and as expected, touristy. There's a Hooters on Stanley Avenue, and a Tony Robino's across from the Marriot, plus a TGIF at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
OT--Try the Tim Horton's for coffee and a donut, if you can find one nearby. I think you'll enjoy it. There's several along the QEW on the way to St. Catherines and Toronto, but I don't know where they're located at the Falls.
bj-21.
There are the usual family style restaurants in many areas of NF. Dennys, Applebees, and others, but they are pricey (for a family style, with not great food), and as expected, touristy. There's a Hooters on Stanley Avenue, and a Tony Robino's across from the Marriot, plus a TGIF at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
OT--Try the Tim Horton's for coffee and a donut, if you can find one nearby. I think you'll enjoy it. There's several along the QEW on the way to St. Catherines and Toronto, but I don't know where they're located at the Falls.
bj-21.
Jun 21, 2004, 7:13 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 15
I loved the ES Niagara - Beautiful view, great service, slow elevators
Everything worked as it should have on our visit even though we arrived in the middle of a snowstorm. Unlike american hotels that let their employees go at night, this hotel seemed fully staffed at 2am. There were 4 valet drivers, and 3 desk clerks seemingly waiting for us to arrive. Quick checkin and upgrade to higher level dual-falls view jacuzzi rooom. Ameneties were waiting in room. Nightly chocolates on pillows. Personalized letter. We had a wonderful stay.
Jul 2, 2004, 6:55 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Augusta, GA, USA
Programs: DL FC, NW
Posts: 3,522
Embassy Suites at Niagara Fall Ontario...
has some great views of the falls. Stayed on floor 39 for 3 nights. Returned after 3 days and stayed on floor 22. Would say floors 30-42 are the best. It is a little crowded during the summer and, with only 4 elevators, there can be some waiting. However, it is a great hotel for the $$$ with a spectacular view.
Jul 26, 2004, 2:54 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA MM, Hilton-Dia
Posts: 1,480
I wanted to add another datapoint for this ES.
1-night reward stay on weekend. Initially was not upgraded to a fallsview room but I persisted very nicely and politely (since upgrades are not an ES-benefit). This resulted in a level 36 room that you could see the the falls itself albeit only from the corner of the window=good enough for me.
But the rest of the hotel was like a zoo when I got there, loads of people decamped in the lobby. The elevators definitely had a problem coping with traffic and the breakfast in the morning (now 6-9am), while good, had an amazing line of people. Rooms were furnished in low-quality furniture. Valet and lift operators were very nice to guests. Check-in attitude was efficient but cold and there was no (apart from the finagled upgrade which I was thankful to receive) other special recognition for this HH Diamond guest.
1-night reward stay on weekend. Initially was not upgraded to a fallsview room but I persisted very nicely and politely (since upgrades are not an ES-benefit). This resulted in a level 36 room that you could see the the falls itself albeit only from the corner of the window=good enough for me.
But the rest of the hotel was like a zoo when I got there, loads of people decamped in the lobby. The elevators definitely had a problem coping with traffic and the breakfast in the morning (now 6-9am), while good, had an amazing line of people. Rooms were furnished in low-quality furniture. Valet and lift operators were very nice to guests. Check-in attitude was efficient but cold and there was no (apart from the finagled upgrade which I was thankful to receive) other special recognition for this HH Diamond guest.
Aug 11, 2004, 3:21 am
#27
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Tübingen, Germany
Posts: 2,732
General Question,
to get a room with a good view - should I booked a particular type of room or can any do and then bank on that as Diamond, something good will come.
My apologies - this sounds cheap - but I am curious - would be for the Sunday night Sep 12 to 13.
Is this location better or should I go for the Hilton ?
Cheers
Thomas
to get a room with a good view - should I booked a particular type of room or can any do and then bank on that as Diamond, something good will come.
My apologies - this sounds cheap - but I am curious - would be for the Sunday night Sep 12 to 13.
Is this location better or should I go for the Hilton ?
Cheers
Thomas
Last edited by tcswede; Aug 11, 2004 at 3:22 am Reason: To add Q about Hilton vs Embassy
Aug 11, 2004, 12:16 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,915
Hi tcswede,
My personal thoughts would be to book the lowest category of room that you would be happy with ( as the T&Cs say upgrades are subject to availabilty) so if the hotel was full you might not get an upgrade.
However Ssunday in Niagara should be beginning to quieten down ( Fri/Sat appear to the busiest days) so your chances of am upgrade should be better.
Regards
TBS
My personal thoughts would be to book the lowest category of room that you would be happy with ( as the T&Cs say upgrades are subject to availabilty) so if the hotel was full you might not get an upgrade.
However Ssunday in Niagara should be beginning to quieten down ( Fri/Sat appear to the busiest days) so your chances of am upgrade should be better.
Regards
TBS
Sep 14, 2004, 1:44 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Dirt USair, Gold Hilton, Gold Marriott, Platinum Hyatt
Posts: 258
Sorry that I missed you tcswede!
I stayed at the Embassy Suites on Sunday night the 12th.
Booked a city view room for under US$100.00 and received an upgrade to the 30th floor Jaccuzzi suite with an incredible view of both falls. It was an automatic upgrade since there was a personalized welcome letter waiting in the room for me. I booked the room directly through the Niagara Falls Embassy Suites website.
There was also a complementary package of Milano's and a couple of bottles of water. I checked in around 8:30 pm so I did not get a chance to attend the managers reception, but I did have a great breakfast the next day. It's on the 9th floor and was a bit crowded Monday morning.
I would absolutely stay here again. I didn't spend a lot of time in Niagara Falls, but the location seemed really good and the staff was very, very friendly. The view was unbelievable at night but I can't say what it looked like during the day. There was a heavy, heavy, fog on Monday morning. Looking out the window of the room was like looking at a wall painted solid white.
The new casino is a block or two down the street and an easy walk. Nice place.
I had the "promo fee" on my bill and asked about it during checkout. The very nice front person frowned and said that it was a newer tax on tourists.
All in all, a great stay.
I stayed at the Embassy Suites on Sunday night the 12th.
Booked a city view room for under US$100.00 and received an upgrade to the 30th floor Jaccuzzi suite with an incredible view of both falls. It was an automatic upgrade since there was a personalized welcome letter waiting in the room for me. I booked the room directly through the Niagara Falls Embassy Suites website.
There was also a complementary package of Milano's and a couple of bottles of water. I checked in around 8:30 pm so I did not get a chance to attend the managers reception, but I did have a great breakfast the next day. It's on the 9th floor and was a bit crowded Monday morning.
I would absolutely stay here again. I didn't spend a lot of time in Niagara Falls, but the location seemed really good and the staff was very, very friendly. The view was unbelievable at night but I can't say what it looked like during the day. There was a heavy, heavy, fog on Monday morning. Looking out the window of the room was like looking at a wall painted solid white.
The new casino is a block or two down the street and an easy walk. Nice place.
I had the "promo fee" on my bill and asked about it during checkout. The very nice front person frowned and said that it was a newer tax on tourists.
All in all, a great stay.
Sep 14, 2004, 3:43 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,915
Hi,
I also had the Destination Fee charged on my stay at the Hilton NF ( 3% appox as it amounted to $9 on the $300 room rate?). -I do not think it got charged on my Doubletree stay though.
It was also charged on my Hiltin Toronto stay in June.
Regards
TBS
I also had the Destination Fee charged on my stay at the Hilton NF ( 3% appox as it amounted to $9 on the $300 room rate?). -I do not think it got charged on my Doubletree stay though.
It was also charged on my Hiltin Toronto stay in June.
Regards
TBS