Niagara 2013

The place to talk about the world famous waterfall attraction, the tourism, and the condition of each side of the border.

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Matt
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I'm back. I went because I needed to use vacation time from work... and I also have been wanting to redo the Niagara Falls gallery for years. I first shot it on a compact camera.

I arrived Monday around noon. There is always a wait going into Canada. Even at night. But it's easy. Correct documents and you are good to go.

I stayed at the Sheraton 4 Points. I wanted to stay at the sheraton overlooking the falls (on Clifton Hill) which is probably one of the best locations (and views if you can get it). The 4 Points was average. I wouldn't stay again. A place that clearly has parking, but still tacks on a $15 per night parking fee (to use their lot across the street). $25! to use their lot on premises. What a way to street a guest. Especially an SPG Gold member. This hotel is located near the casino, which is where you want to stay if you want to be kind of within walking distance of the falls - AND near the Casino or Casino restaurants -- the Casino eateries, especially the food court and my favorite of those in that area are the best values in food you are going to find so close to the falls. Shoeless Joe's sports bar is like any other sports bar, with excellent food, service, and prices.

Walking... There is a lot of walking. Plan for this no matter where you stay. If you are staying in the Casino Area, you are near the falls, but you have to climb the hill to get back to the hotel. It's rough at the end of the day if you are tired. And there's no direct way from the falls up down murray st to Fallsview Blvd. The scenic lift (which you pay to ride) is being rebuilt this season.

If you stay on the Clifton Hill side, you don't really have to do much walking up/down hills to get to things, but you are a bit farther away. The sheraton on the falls is the best hotel in that area. Right on the hill, with the Secret Garden just below, Hard Rock on premises, Hershey Store next door, and Victoria park across the street. Problem is that parking is extra. Place is busy. Rooms are small (pretty much the case for all the hotels on that street).

Where would I say, if i go again? Since I'm considering another overnight in the falls. Since I travel alone and am a ICG platinum elite, the Holiday Inn on Fallsview and Murray. It's mathematically the closest to the Falls. It's not large and doesn't have a Fallsview Room. But the place seemed like a blast with restaurants it has. Hilton near the casino would also be a nice choice. I stayed there before, in a fallsview room. For a romantic dinner, I highly recommend making dinner reservations in their dinning hall, the watermark. View is AMAZING. I went there years ago.

If I had a date, I hear the Sterling Inn & Spa is fantastic. The most modern hotel you will find. The trend out of asia is refurbishing old factories into designer hotels. I stayed at several in China. This like those. Very stylus and spacious. Each room is laid out and designed differently. Nothing like the chain hotels.

More on attractions later...
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Kelly
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Matt wrote:I stayed at the Sheraton 4 Points.
You're never gonna get good bedbug pictures for the challenge, staying in places like that! :P
I am strong, because I've been weak.
I am fearless, because I've been afraid.
I am wise, because I've been foolish.

- Unknown

My NYFalls.com Team Page
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Des219
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Hi Matt,

Thank you for the detailed hotel recommendations. The only time we were to Niagara we stayed at the Sheraton Clifton Hill on the 21st floor and loved the room and the view (good to know that we picked the best view). We slept with the door open and listened to the falls all night. The Sterling Inn & Spa sounds right up my wife's alley.

At the moment it looks like Lake Placid will probably be our destination though, since we have never been there. But I am anxious to hear all of the details from your vacation. We will definitely be going back to Niagara sometime soon. And it will be great to see your updated pictures.
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Matt
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A quick note on the WeGo bus system they have servicing tourists.
I admit, I did go in peak season, but also monday-wednesday, not on a weekend.

I was enticed by the prospect of leaving my car at the hotel and not having to worry about driving, parking, traffic.

The Wego Bus lines cover all the major hotels and attractions from Marineland to Queenston, and westward up Lundy's Lane to some campground.

You can't just pay a fare as you get on the bus, you need to buy a pass at a station. There are maybe 3 stations of the 40 or so stops.
A one day pass is $7
Two days for $11.50
Children are a few bucks less.

In peak season the buses run anywhere from 15 to 20 minute cycles.

This was a complete lie my first 24 hours.

Pass cards, which use overrated NFC, where so unreliable, all the busy lines had drivers or attendants covering the machines and waving people on anyways. They were just slowing down the buses.

I don't think I waited less than 30 minutes for a bus. They were all late or just never came. I gave up and walked half the time. I wanted my money back.

Second day was better, but it basically is like herding cattle. every bus was packed and late. Buss drivers constantly mumbling over the intercom for people to move to the back and make more room for new people to stand.

Would I again? Nope. Less of a hassle to drive and pay for parking. The buses have actually done a decent job of clearing up traffic on clifton and fallsview. If I really go out of my way, I'll take the car. If I am within the vicinity, it's faster to walk.
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Des219
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I do not remember the busses. We just walked and drove.
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