Where to Stay in Niagara Falls (Best Places, By a Local)

6 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Niagara Falls

Three famous waterfalls tumbling into the Niagara River make up the iconic Niagara Falls. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are the big draw while Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls complete the trio. Most of the top hotels are on the Canadian side, but there are also accommodation options on the US side.

In this section, we’ll cover the best areas to stay for travelers. On the Canadian side, these areas include Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Parkway, Silvertown, Lundy’s Lane, and Clifton Lane. On the American side, we’ll look at Niagara Falls, New York.

Fallsview Boulevard

👉 Best Area For World-Class View of Waterfalls | ✨ Best Fallsview Boulevard Hotels: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa • Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls • Fallsview Casino Resort

If you’re wondering where to stay for the most breathtaking views, The Fallsview Boulevard district hotels are your best bet as they are just a short walk to the falls. But do be aware — the stroll down Murray Street is easier than the hike back up!

Fallsview hotels are conveniently located in the heart of Niagara Falls. 

The Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls is the closest you can get. This property also claims the most direct Fallsview rooms and its indoor pool is popular with guests.

Our grandest Niagara Falls hotel is the Fallsview Casino Resort. This hotel features the Galleria Shops and Dining and is also home to one of Canada’s largest casinos. I’ve stayed in a Fallsview room on a few occasions. It’s unforgettable and worth the price! 

Not every Fallsview hotel room faces Niagara Falls. Still, you’re close to all the attractions.

Pros of Staying in the Falls View Neighborhood:

• Best place to stay for views of the falls
• Walking distance to the falls
• Nightly Falls Illumination and fireworks 
• Enjoy world-famous holiday decorations 

Cons of Staying in Falls View Neighborhood:

• Hotels here tend to be the priciest places to stay in Niagara Falls
• Expensive and difficult parking 

Niagara Parkway

👉 Best Area For Historic Inns | ✨ Best Niagara Parkway Accommodations: Redwood B&B • Butterfly Manor • Ellis House Bed & Breakfast

The Niagara Parkway is a scenic road from Fort Erie, Ontario, to Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the surrounding area, you’ll find affordable accommodations and small historic inns between downtown Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill. 

If you’re looking for a unique stay, this area overlooking the Niagara River is an excellent choice.

The bed and breakfasts in this area on the Canadian side are often more reasonably priced. They feature small inn amenities like private rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free parking. Check out Redwood B&B, Butterfly Manor, or Ellis House Bed & Breakfast.

Niagara Parkway is also a place to stay in Niagara Falls within walking distance of Casino Niagara, with easy access and a good view of the American Falls.

Pros of Staying in the Niagara Parkway Neighborhood:

• More affordable accommodations
• Unique historic inns
• Close to Casino Niagara
• Easy drive to other hotspots like Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Most inns cater to adults

Cons of Staying in the Niagara Parkway Neighborhood:

• Steep walk up the Niagara Parkway 
• Limited restaurant choices outside Clifton Hill
• No standard hotel amenities like a fitness center or indoor pool

Silvertown

👉 Best Area For Families and Outdoor Fun | ✨ Best Silvertown Hotels: Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort • River Rapids Inn

Located on the Canadian side, the Silvertown area is a good choice for families looking for a kid-friendly resort experience.

The Silvertown area hosts several family-friendly Niagara Falls attractions. For outdoor adventure, check out WildPlay Niagara or hike at Whirlpool Beach. Take a helicopter tour over the whole Niagara gorge for an unforgettable experience!

For families, I especially recommend Great Wolf Lodge Resort in Silvertown. This Niagara Falls hotel has the best indoor pool and waterpark for kids of all ages. 

Great Wolf Lodge has resort hotel features like multiple on-site dining options, family rooms, and a good fitness center. Great Wolf Lodge is popular across North America, but this is the only location on the Canadian side.

Pros of Staying in the Silvertown Neighborhood:

• Close to many family-friendly attractions 
• Close to Whirlpool public golf course 
• Good base for exploring the Niagara River

Cons of Staying in the Silvertown Neighborhood:

• Amenities are limited outside the resort area
• A car is needed to reach the falls

Lundy’s Lane

👉 Best Area to Stay on a Budget | ✨ Best Lundy’s Lane Hotels: Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel • Cadillac Motel Near the Falls • Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls

The Lundy’s Lane was a major battle scene during the War of 1812. But today, this is a busy commercial area in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Because it’s not quite walkable to the main attractions, Lundy’s Lane doesn’t top my list of where to stay in Niagara Falls. However, Lundy’s Lane can be a good choice if you are on a budget. Consider booking the Cadillac Motel Near the Falls for an affordable yet comfortable stay.

Plus, it’s close to the Rainbow Bridge with conveniently located Niagara Falls hotels. I live in a residential neighborhood a few blocks off Lundy’s Lane and often jog to the Falls. 

While this isn’t the best area for walking, the excellent public transportation is a big plus for staying in Lundy’s Lane. If you’re planning to drive in Canada, then you can save money by parking the car for less and grabbing a bus or a ride-share anywhere you want.

You’ll also find better dining options and a good outlet mall in this commercial area.

Pros of Staying in the Lundy’s Lane Neighborhood:

• Good highway access and public transportation
• Many economical dining options 
• More accessible parking and check-in at lowrise hotels

Cons of Staying in Lundy’s Lane Neighborhood:

• Not as walkable to the main attractions
• Public transportation or ride-hailing needed to reach Falls
• Basic residential area
• Busier at rush hours

Clifton Hill

👉 Best Area For a Fun Atmosphere | ✨ Best Clifton Hill Hotels: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Niagara Falls • Vittoria Hotel & Suites • Sterling Inn and Spa

Clifton Hill is like the Atlantic City Boardwalk of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

This famous “street of fun” includes some noteworthy attractions like the Niagara Skywheel, a gigantic Ferris wheel with a stunning view of the Falls. The multi-deck Niagara Speedway go-karts run within the Great Canadian Midway. In a nutshell, Clifton Hill is cheesy fun for all ages!

The Vittoria Hotel is a popular place to stay in Clifton Hill that gets high marks from travelers. It’s close to the fun without getting too noisy. I’ve also heard that the free breakfast at the Country Inn & Suites is pretty satisfying!

Some families prefer to visit the Fallsview indoor waterpark in Clifton Hill for a day trip. This attraction is more reasonably priced than an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Silvertown.

Of course, there are plenty of restaurant bars like The Beer Garden for grown-ups. The best boutique hotel on the Canadian side, the Sterling Inn and Spa, is a few short blocks from Clifton Hill. This inn is an excellent hotel for honeymooners. Their spa facility is renowned, and you can enjoy continental breakfast in your room.

Pros of Staying in the Clifton Hill Neighborhood:

• Best location to access local tours and attractions
• An entertaining atmosphere with rides, snacks, fun houses, and souvenir shopping
• Packages available for significant savings on Clifton Hill attractions

Cons of Staying in Clifton Hill Neighborhood:

• Hectic during high seasons
• Long lineups cause frustration
• Walking up Clifton Hill is steep
• Expensive to dine and play without purchasing a package

Niagara Falls, New York

👉 Best Area For Niagara Falls State Park | ✨ Best Niagara Falls, NY Hotels: Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino • Hampton Inn Niagara Falls • Red Coach Inn

Although more visitors opt to stay on the Canadian side, the New York side of the Falls gets over half a million visitors annually. 

Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino is a good choice for couples and friends. You can experience the best entertainment in Niagara Falls, New York, and visit the Falls, too. The historic Red Coach Inn is another popular option. It’s a quick drive to the incredible views at the state park. 

Families visiting the state park enjoy the hiking trails and a new attraction, Cave of the Winds. While no Niagara Falls hotel in New York has a direct Falls view, you’ll get up close here.

Note that when driving through Niagara Falls, New York, you may notice neighborhoods in disrepair. But Niagara Falls, New York tourism recently received a big boost. New York State is building a new $46 million Visitor Center within Niagara Falls State Park!

Pros of Staying in the Niagara Falls, New York Neighborhood:

• Niagara Falls hotel area with the most affordable. recognized chains 
• Good amenities like free parking, free breakfast, and a fitness center
• Niagara Falls State Park is open 24 hours a day, all year

Cons of Staying in Niagara Falls, New York Neighborhood:

• Parking fee at the state park
• Some attractions close in off-seasons
• Limited dining options in the area

Tips for Staying in Niagara Falls

Visit in Late Fall for Great Value 

Autumn in Niagara Falls is a feast for the eyes! Niagara Falls blazes with fall colors from late September to mid-November.

However, avoid Thanksgiving weekend in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. This holiday is the second weekend in October, and hotel room prices generally rise. Otherwise, late fall offers great value, especially midweek.

Do the Boat Cruise in the Fall

The Maid of the Mist is a world-famous boat tour in Niagara Falls, New York. On the Canadian side, the boat tour is Niagara City Cruises. 

As with many Niagara Falls attractions during the summer, there can be lineups for the boat cruise. I recommend this experience — especially on weekdays in-season and off-season on any day.

Take Rainbow Photos on Fallsview Blvd

The Fallsview Boulevard district ends at Livingstone Street. There’s a pedestrian overlook in front of Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls.

The view here is gorgeous and more private when it’s too crowded on the Niagara Falls walkway. It’s the best place to see rainbows and take pictures!

Catch the Fireworks

Niagara Falls will continue to stun you after sunset. From the third weekend in May to the second weekend in October, there is a spectacular nightly fireworks display at 10 pm.

Don’t Miss the Nightly Falls Lights

For families with small kids, staying up late to see noisy fireworks might be challenging. But you don’t have to miss out on seeing the Falls lit up any time of the year.

American Falls, Horseshoe Fall, and Bridal Veil Falls get lit in glowing colors every night. Check out Niagara Falls illumination for details.

Don’t Discount Winter

Niagara Falls is stunning in winter. When the snow falls, Niagara Falls looks incredibly romantic. Sometimes, ice logs even form around the tumbling waters. 

As a bonus, you’ll find few crowds at Niagara Falls in the winter. In fact, on some winter days, especially weekdays, you might have Niagara Falls all to yourself.

Have a Plan for Rainy Day Adventures in Niagara Falls

When it rains in Niagara Falls, head inside. Check out the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory or Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse. Tour the Niagara Falls power station. For a unique adventure, go indoor skydiving at Niagara Freefall and Interactive Center.

FAQs

How many days do you need in Niagara Falls?

At least 2 to 3 days are needed to visit Niagara Falls. This gives you time to see the main attractions, but many travelers choose to spend more time in Niagara Falls for a fuller experience. 

Which side is best to stay on at Niagara Falls?

It is better to stay on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This is where you will find the best hotels and the most famous main attractions.

Do you need a passport to go back and forth to Niagara Falls?

You need a passport anytime you cross the border between the United States and Canada in Niagara Falls.

Is US currency accepted in Niagara Falls, Canada?

Many attractions, shops, and restaurants in Niagara Falls accept US currency at a decent exchange rate. Your Niagara Falls hotel may also take US dollars.

Do you need to pay to see the Falls outside?

There’s no charge to view Niagara Falls on the ground. The parkway is publicly owned, including the walkways and main road. 

What’s the best hotel for a premium view of Niagara Falls?

The best hotel room, closest to Horseshoe Falls, is at the Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls. This Marriott property also features the most hotel rooms facing the Falls.

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Thanks for reading! Now you’ve got a good idea about where to stay when you visit Niagara Falls. Up next, check out this great list of Canada travel tips.