Having low expectations of a movie usually makes it more palatable, for me at any rate. Niagara Falls was a similar experience. I was dreading a cheesy and crass sort of vacation--I imagined Niagara Falls to be just a few steps up from the Poconos. But I was blown away. The Falls are famous for a reason. And staying at the Sheraton in a Canadian Falls Corner Suite meant the Falls were beautifully in view from every panoramic window, even from the bathroom. We were on the 21st floor, if I remember correctly. Friends of ours stayed in a Fallsview 2 queen room on the 18th floor, and their view was phenomenal as well.
The Sheraton was clean, the beds were comfortable, housekeeping was professional, and the rooms, though dated, still felt nice. For what we were paying, I did not feel gypped at all. It probably helped that the Corner Suite was huge with two separate seating areas and two huge walls of windows. It's not a new, sleek, hip place by any means. It's Niagara Falls, after all. But I was quite happy with the hotel and room. The view really blew me away. And being able to step out onto a small balcony to hear the roar was gravy.
The Sheraton is located close to the American Falls, so the Maid of the Mist is literally across the street (a must-do if you've come this far). But from our room, the Horseshoe Falls were also clearly visible. It's a panoramic sight -- both falls roaring endlessly away, shimmering in mist. The other hotel I considered was the Mariott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel because it is situated right next to the Horseshoe Falls. I hemmed and hawed over the decision, but after having visited, I am very glad I chose the Sheraton. I am sure the views from the Mariott must be spectacular, perhaps a hair more so than the Sheraton's. But the incrementally better view is not worth sacrificing the convenience of the Sheraton. The Mariott and the other hotels located by the Horseshoe Falls are on a cliff/hill so you have to walk down a steep incline or ride a funicular railway to get to Falls Avenue. At the Sheraton, you are on Falls Avenue. You literally cross the street, and the river and Falls are before you.
Also, because I traveled with our children, and I knew we were planning at least a day at the water park, it was definitely worth staying at the Sheraton. You never have to leave the building to access the water park. Walking or driving in our wet suits would not have been fun. It was so convenient to just walk back to our rooms.
The only problem I encountered was at check-in. I had specifically requested that my children (for whom we had gotten a separate room) be in a next door room. The corner suite did not have connecting rooms, so I was assured they would be next door. They actually initially tried to put the kids on a separate floor. I didn't budge until they were on the same floor as us, two doors down. It wasn't a very gratifying beginning to the trip, and I was annoyed that I had to squeak so loudly to get some grease, but when I walked into our room and saw the view (and the size and cleanliness of the room), I forgot about it.
I don't plan to return to Niagara -- too many other cool places to see -- so I am thankful for the positive experience at the Sheraton.
Room Tip: If you can afford it, go for the corner suite and request a high floor.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
