Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview or Marriott Gateway
#136
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SFB
Posts: 75
Renovation at the Gateway was hoped to finish by summer but is apparently behind, as evidenced by the fact that they are not honoring some upper-floor reservations. Exec lounge has been moved to inside the Milestones restaurant on the mezzanine while the construction is ongoing.
We could hear the work going on above us, from about 8am. It was considerably louder in the hallway, particularly on the north side of the floor, but it was still enough to keep us from lingering in the room to watch the falls on a cold morning.
We chose the Gateway specifically so that we could get a 2-bedroom suite, each with views of the falls. Had I known that these weren't available and additionally that there were noisy renovations going on, I would have booked the Fallsview.
We could hear the work going on above us, from about 8am. It was considerably louder in the hallway, particularly on the north side of the floor, but it was still enough to keep us from lingering in the room to watch the falls on a cold morning.
We chose the Gateway specifically so that we could get a 2-bedroom suite, each with views of the falls. Had I known that these weren't available and additionally that there were noisy renovations going on, I would have booked the Fallsview.
#137
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ES
Programs: BAEC GGL, IHG RA, Globalist, ALL Diamond
Posts: 110
I was just about to make a booking when I noticed a comment on the reservation form that there are 2 Marriotts and you are currently booking .....
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
#138
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
I was just about to make a booking when I noticed a comment on the reservation form that there are 2 Marriotts and you are currently booking .....
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
What's annoying for both properties is that unless you click on the presidential suite (or similar high end suite) you wouldn't know there is an exec lounge. Other rooms don't list it; just the high end suites. I think ohmark was the first one to give the heads up on that a few years ago, so I added exec lounge weekend info to the threads for the two properties, although we could use an update.
Cheers.
#139
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,973
On the Falls must still be charging a resort fee...is it required if you don't have a car?
#140
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
I was just about to make a booking when I noticed a comment on the reservation form that there are 2 Marriotts and you are currently booking .....
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
Indeed the Gateway would appear to have been renamed, for the choices are:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa or Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
#142
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
It had a great view, but I thought the hotel was overcrowded. The restaurant was basically a cafeteria that was worse than a Denny's or Big Boy buffet.
Elite desk was unstaffed both at check-in and check-out. Hotel didn't even provide a complimentary bottle of water in a suite that cost $497.46. No robe or slippers, either.
I complained to the general manager, who threw 9,000 points at me to make me go away.
I just checked out TripAdvisor's recent photos and it would seem that some rooms are still not renovated.
If I was visiting Niagara Falls again, I would stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is a much better experience than Niagara Falls, Ontario. Also, there are some very nice boutique hotels in and by Niagara-on-the-Lake.
There is also a Four Points by Sheraton property in Niagara Falls, New York. I see rooms for under $100, which is a much better value than the Marriott properties in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Other Marriott/SPG properties on the U.S. side are the Sheraton and a Courtyard. I also heard good things from a friend about The Giacomo, which is part of the Choice Ascend Collection.
Last edited by hockeyinsider; Jun 14, 2018 at 6:23 am
#143
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS 3 MM LT, Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 461
Marriott on the Falls Question
I am wondering the same thing. Is there a problem with Marriott on the Falls? It is much cheaper than Fallsview, and Fallsview is not available for points when I want to go there in August. Is Fallsview much better? Is there really no view of the falls except for rooms above 22nd floor of on the Falls?
#144
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: At the moment? ...
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 377
I am wondering the same thing. Is there a problem with Marriott on the Falls? It is much cheaper than Fallsview, and Fallsview is not available for points when I want to go there in August. Is Fallsview much better? Is there really no view of the falls except for rooms above 22nd floor of on the Falls?
I was not impressed with the Concierge Lounge which seemed to keep its own hours instead of those posted. Its food offerings were very under par and closed an hour early on our day of departure so no breakfast was had. We chose to have our dinner at a restaurant off property but none of the menu offerings tempted us much anyway. We also could not order cocktails from the bar and bring them to our room, but had to be escorted by the bartender who carried them. As was mentioned up thread we had to request a second set of robes/slippers. The room itself had the normal worn Full Service Marriott look so I don’t think it was updated.
#145
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Having been to Niagara Falls four or five times, I don't understand why anyone would spend the night in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I can't speak to Niagara Falls, New York.
The whole area in and around strip by the hotels is a cheap, down-market tourist trap that has seen much, much better days. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is much, much better and you can still visit to see the falls. The only thing you get staying there is the ability to wake up and, maybe just maybe, see the falls from your hotel room.
The whole area in and around strip by the hotels is a cheap, down-market tourist trap that has seen much, much better days. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is much, much better and you can still visit to see the falls. The only thing you get staying there is the ability to wake up and, maybe just maybe, see the falls from your hotel room.
#146
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 702
I am wondering the same thing. Is there a problem with Marriott on the Falls? It is much cheaper than Fallsview, and Fallsview is not available for points when I want to go there in August. Is Fallsview much better? Is there really no view of the falls except for rooms above 22nd floor of on the Falls?
I agree with hockeyinsider's post #142 .
#147
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
As mentioned, the Fallsview is right at the falls and the views are pretty spectacular. I have stayed there twice and couldn't ever find a points room. I was either told or read somewhere that the hotel does a big business in large tour groups. Last stay, the hotel was as complete zoo
I agree with hockeyinsider's post #142 .
I agree with hockeyinsider's post #142 .
#148
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,622
Having been to Niagara Falls four or five times, I don't understand why anyone would spend the night in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I can't speak to Niagara Falls, New York.
The whole area in and around strip by the hotels is a cheap, down-market tourist trap that has seen much, much better days. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is much, much better and you can still visit to see the falls. The only thing you get staying there is the ability to wake up and, maybe just maybe, see the falls from your hotel room.
The whole area in and around strip by the hotels is a cheap, down-market tourist trap that has seen much, much better days. Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is much, much better and you can still visit to see the falls. The only thing you get staying there is the ability to wake up and, maybe just maybe, see the falls from your hotel room.
Niagara Falls NY is a dump. The Clifton Hill area (north part of the strip near Rainbow Bridge) sucks and is a very trashy tourist trap. We didn't even enjoy driving through the area. BUT, the southern part of the strip, where the Fallsview Casino (not Casino Niagara) is located is much more serene and pleasant. Likewise, the Fallsview Casino is surprisingly nice. NO smoking allowed anywhere in the building, including the gaming floors. The clientele of this casino are several notches above the dregs of the trailer park that I'm used to seeing in US casinos. The gaming floor itself is quite large and also rather sedate, rather than the obnoxiously-loud and over-the-top feel I've seen in other casinos. I'm not a gambler, but I really enjoyed this place.
I do highly recommend visiting, if not staying, at Niagara on the Lake. Magical little town. Great restaurants & wineries to visit.
TIP: Fallsview's now charging 40 CAD/day for valet parking. (I thought it was a rip at 25CAD!) The casino garage is directly next door and has variable pricing, but can be as little as 5 CAD/day.
Tough to beat this view:
View from the bed:
#149
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Programs: MR LT Titanium, IHG Plat.,UA Premier Silver, & PA/OH Turnpike Million Miler
Posts: 2,320
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Normally we go on fairly active vacations (hiking, self-guided walking tours through cities, boating, etc.). The year my daughter was born we splurged on a room with a great view and stayed at The Fallsview instead. She was only a couple of months old and tiny due to being born a month premature. We had a spectacular view of The Falls from our room, like KRSW did in post 148. It was great way to still have some nice vacation time when we needed to be extra protective with my daughter. We gazed at The Falls for hours from our room and had a nice room service breakfast. We also went to Niagara on the Lake, which is indeed a nice town with good restaurants and Summer Stock Theater. It was just less suitable for a young infant.
My point in mentioning all of the above is different people have different needs/goals for their vacation. Yes the Canadian Niagara Falls town is very touristy with lots of tourist traps. Yes Niagara on the Lake has much nicer restaurants and a classier feel to it. What people want/need varies. Each to their own.... Fast forward to today which is 10+ years later and I'd love to go back and stay at Niagara on the Lake and take in some of the theater as a family. It would also be fun to see my daughter’s reaction to The Falls now.
--Jon
My point in mentioning all of the above is different people have different needs/goals for their vacation. Yes the Canadian Niagara Falls town is very touristy with lots of tourist traps. Yes Niagara on the Lake has much nicer restaurants and a classier feel to it. What people want/need varies. Each to their own.... Fast forward to today which is 10+ years later and I'd love to go back and stay at Niagara on the Lake and take in some of the theater as a family. It would also be fun to see my daughter’s reaction to The Falls now.
--Jon
Last edited by Jon Maiman; Jun 22, 2018 at 7:26 am
#150
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 625
We have been visiting the Marriott by the Falls for the past 4 years during the Christmas holidays. The first two years we had suites which had a separate bedroom with a narrow room by the window with one of the fireplaces mentioned above, but then they have been updating the rooms to the larger open floor plan style. I thought the room was nice, although while traveling with a 10 year old, it was nice to have those separate rooms. Visiting during the fireworks is fun, and I honestly sit for hours just watching the lights on the falls. Then again, it's only an hour drive for us to get here, and is a quick getaway versus an actual vacation.
The lounge was definitely a low-light for us. Breakfast in the morning was ok, maybe a slight step up from a Fairfield Inn breakfast, maybe not. It was the first location we had visited that charged for a 3rd guest, since matched by a few other locations. Evening appetizers were lame, other than the bags of chips provided. Yes, the highlight of the lounge in the evening were chips. I'm a notorious cheapskate who will have a large lunch out followed by a light meal in a lounge for dinner, but for this one, I rushed my family to a restaurant.
Service was fine - we have been given an upgraded room each visit (once as gold, 3 times as plat), although I have had to ask one of the platinum years.
As for whether or not to visit Niagara Falls - my son has half of his class who hasn't gone further than Toronto (from the Hamilton area), so going to see the power of the water going over the falls is pretty impressive. I worked in Yosemite for 3 years, have now travelled to some nice foreign locations, and am still in awe of Niagara Falls. We pair the visit with a trip to a museum or zoo in Buffalo, and really enjoy the visits. Each to their own, but I can't just dismiss Niagara Falls itself, especially if during the winter you want to pair it with a water park for the kids.
Oh, the destination fee recently added (last year or so) really ticks me off, and we won't be staying again this year due to that.
Here's a view from our room at night, sorry a bit blurry.
The lounge was definitely a low-light for us. Breakfast in the morning was ok, maybe a slight step up from a Fairfield Inn breakfast, maybe not. It was the first location we had visited that charged for a 3rd guest, since matched by a few other locations. Evening appetizers were lame, other than the bags of chips provided. Yes, the highlight of the lounge in the evening were chips. I'm a notorious cheapskate who will have a large lunch out followed by a light meal in a lounge for dinner, but for this one, I rushed my family to a restaurant.
Service was fine - we have been given an upgraded room each visit (once as gold, 3 times as plat), although I have had to ask one of the platinum years.
As for whether or not to visit Niagara Falls - my son has half of his class who hasn't gone further than Toronto (from the Hamilton area), so going to see the power of the water going over the falls is pretty impressive. I worked in Yosemite for 3 years, have now travelled to some nice foreign locations, and am still in awe of Niagara Falls. We pair the visit with a trip to a museum or zoo in Buffalo, and really enjoy the visits. Each to their own, but I can't just dismiss Niagara Falls itself, especially if during the winter you want to pair it with a water park for the kids.
Oh, the destination fee recently added (last year or so) really ticks me off, and we won't be staying again this year due to that.
Here's a view from our room at night, sorry a bit blurry.
Last edited by joeags; Jun 22, 2018 at 6:45 am