Cheered out! We spent the first sunny weekend of 2014 in the touristy Niagara Falls. The reason for our visit was the “Nationals”, the Cheer Competition that sees more than 400 of Canada’s Top Cheer Teams go head to head to fight for the title of National Cheer Champion. As it seems every single weekend for the next two months is dedicated to Dance, Cheer or Volleyball, SassyHubby and I made decision; instead of making this entire weekend just about Cheer, we would also try and make it into a mini family vacation. How does one do this? By picking the perfect hotel and making the most of it, cramming in as much good old fashioned fun as possible.
After much research I settled on the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls.
6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Situated in the very heart of Niagara Falls, the 53 story Hilton overlooks both the Canadian and US Falls. We choose this hotel based on it’s location to the conference centre holding the Cheer Event, and that it offered a fantastic two room family suite. The suite consisted of two complete rooms all laid out in a line. One with a King Size Bed and pull out couch, Television and fireplace, the second with a King Size Bed and Television. The rooms were separated by a large bathroom, and bar/vanity area. Perfect for our family of four; two adults, a tween and teen. This room could comfortably sleep a family of six.
Things I loved about this hotel:
*Location. As mentioned, walkable to the conference centre, central to many restaurants, a longer walk to Clifton Hill, and an enclosed skywalk to the Casino should that be of interest.
*Valet Parking with in and out privileges.
*Room size and configuration.
*Variety of quick snacks/restaurants available right in the Lobby.
*Yogurty’s, Starbucks and Pizza all in one place!
*A huge, yet warm and inviting lobby.
*The Pool area. The three-storey waterslide and 10,000 sq. ft. pool was a hit with the younger set.
*The View. We are blessed to live just three hours from one of the true wonders of the world. The Falls never disappoint and in my humble opinion it is worth the upgrade to a “fallsview” to enjoy the incredible view of those falls.
What I didn’t like:
*The noise: The wind whistled under our room door to such a degree that we were forced to take a bathroom towel and block the sound. When doors closed down the hall, across the hall, above us? We heard it. SLAM. The doors were not particularly heavy but for some reason each and every door slammed shut, every single time. The air conditioner was exceptionally loud. Each time it kicked in, it woke my children. I do understand two of the three towers of this hotel have been recently renovated. We were in the North Tower, floor 19. Perhaps the South and West towers were quieter. As with all hotels, my advice, pack earplugs!
Would I stay again:
Yes. You can’t beat the layout of this family room, or the location. My advice if booking this hotel for your family, request a room on a quiet floor and to be on the safe side, don’t forget those earplugs. All in all, a clean, safe, family friendly hotel. We are already looking forward to our next vacation to the Falls!
It certainly looks like a lovely place to stay minus the noise!