The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Niagara Falls

A perennial favorite on the US side, the newly renovated Wyndham Garden rooms have been decorated in luxe neutral tones and with ultra-comfy beds. Families will enjoy the oversized pool and the adjoining IHOP for morning pancakes. Located within walking distance of most attractions, including the Skylon Tower, with its views of both the US and Canadian Falls. Friendly staff have discount coupons for restaurants and activities at the ready.

Watch out, or you might find yourself on a movie set. With its classic ‘50s neon decor, this retro-chic 23-room boutique motel has been the scene of music videos and trailers. Recently renovated under new management, you’ll find coffee and granola bars all day long in the lobby and a barbecue for guests at the back. Massive Cadillac murals match the rooms with Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Ghostbuster themes, among others. The motel is also dog-friendly, and free parking is available.

Superb value awaits at the Giacomo, a 44-room property that appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1929 in the Mayan Revival style, the decor is distinctly Old World, with lavish splashes of velvet, sumptuous draperies, and italian linens in every room. Prepare to be pampered, from the complimentary breakfast to the chocolate-on-the-pillow turndown service, for an astonishingly low price.

Tired of the same old grind? Relax at the Old Stone Inn, a historic former flour mill. No cookie-cutter rooms in this inn – each of the antique-filled rooms has a different layout. Enjoy lobster benedicts and endless mimosas at the Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, then tour the nearby local attractions. Resort and dog-lodging fees can be offset by parking across the street instead of on the property.

A tip-top hotel at rock-bottom prices, the Tower Hotel is stacked with surprises. The lantern-shaped building is all about the views, with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. The 25th-floor lounge offers a bird’s-eye vantage point over both falls. What could top that? The 26th-floor IHOP. Dinner options abound in the area around the hotel, from Italian restaurants to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and everything in between.

The low prices at this hostel will have you smiling. In addition to dorms, the private rooms with dedicated ensuites and kitchenettes are perfect for couples or families. Gorge View is located within walking distance of the Aquarium of Niagara, Cave of the Winds and Canada. Clean up at the onsite laundry or nearby casinos. Alternatively, shop at one of the 250 stores at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

A short walk to the Scotiabank Convention Centre, this business-friendly hotel also appeals to budget travelers. Rooms are spotless and modern, and breakfast is included. Several room types overlook Horseshoe Falls. The Journey Behind the Falls, via a 13-story elevator ride plus rain gear, is close by. For a dry run, choose the IMAX Theatre, featuring a thundering feature film of the real thing.

The cream of the crop among affordable hotels, this former creamery has garnered four-diamond status from CAA/AAA. Ultra-modern design elements blend with original 1929 features – note the oversized milk bottle above the entrance and the original wooden beams. Making the most of the local wine-growing region, AG restaurant offers farm-to-table dining, while couples can choose from a variety of wraps at the full-service spa.

It’s all about the view at the Hilton Niagara Falls. There are several different room and suite options, some with fireplaces and jetted tubs. Although not all rooms offer views of the falls, the 33rd-floor Watermark Restaurant is tiered to allow for maximum viewing pleasure. A covered walkway leads to the Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre and Galleria Shops.

A superb choice for families, the Cairn Croft has a plethora of kid-centric amenities. The indoor water park and pool have a two-storey Kids Zone with slides, a tower to climb and a giant screen tuned to the Disney Channel. Parents can keep an eye on little ones from patio tables in the courtyard, surrounded by towering tropical plants. The recently renovated rooms have mini-kitchens, and there are coin-operated laundry facilities for wet bathing suits.