Where to Book a Stay in Niagara Falls for a Local Experience

Get to know a more intimate, quiet side of Niagara Falls at this charming property on the Canadian side. Housed in a historic dairy factory, the calming jewel tones and elegant aesthetic of the inn offer a welcome refuge from the casinos and often crowded falls, which are a surprisingly short walk away. The fine-dining AG Inspired Cuisine restaurant highlights the abundance of the region’s local farms and wineries.

This lovely boutique hotel is where to stay in Niagara Falls, New York, for thoughtful amenities such as custom chocolate and fresh cookies – plus proximity to all the watery action. You can easily walk to the falls, as well as the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls State Park. The hotel is also just a short drive to the Canadian side, where you can shop and enjoy attractions such as casinos, wineries, the famous Butterfly Conservatory and more.

If you’re looking for a less touristy, more relaxed way to experience Niagara Falls, look no further than this small, quaint inn. Just a 10-minute walk from the falls and other popular attractions, the five-room guesthouse is set in a century-old renovated Victorian home. The thoughtfully decorated rooms and interactions with the friendly homeowner will give you the impression of staying with family. Be sure to save time for a stroll along the nearby bucolic Niagara River Gorge.

This unique lodge offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience the family-friendly offerings of Niagara Falls. It’s under a 10-minute drive to the area’s star attraction, but you may find yourself hard-pressed to leave the lodge. Activities within the property include an indoor water park, interactive water treehouse and the legendary Canada Vortex slide. If you still have energy, then grab the kids and check out the indoor bowling alley, mini-golf range or huge, 24-hour arcade.

In Lewiston, New York, this property is a great spot from which to explore the American side of Niagara Falls. The historic town said to be the last US stop on the Underground Railroad is just a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls and has a treasure trove of activities. Visit the nearly 300-year-old Old Fort Niagara to learn more about some of North America’s most significant colonial battles, or relax with a round of golf at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course.

What could be a better way to experience Niagara Falls like a local than by staying in the cozy confines of a B&B? This European-style guesthouse features individually styled rooms and a complimentary breakfast. The friendly host may join you by the fireplace in the comfortable common room to offer advice on under-the-radar dining and attraction options. Plan your itinerary from the outdoor gazebo overlooking the garden.

If you like your Niagara Falls experience with a side of Old English charm, you’ll enjoy a stay at this picturesque inn on the New York side. The Red Coach Inn overlooks the Upper Rapids, just 500yd (457m) from the edge of the waterfall. Modeled after the famous Bell Inn in England, the property has a distinctive English Tudor exterior and a welcoming British ambience. With its authentic wooden roof beams and roaring stone fireplace, the atmospheric restaurant is a favorite destination for locals looking for traditional fish and chips.

This beautiful historic inn is within a 30-minute drive of Niagara Falls; where to stay, too, if you’d enjoy being in the middle of one of Canada’s most prestigious wine regions. The property has been in operation since 1827, providing a perfect base to discover the enchanting village of Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Book a show at the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre, enjoy fine dining at nearby vineyards and try to leave time for a wine tour.