Rental vs Hotel: Choose a Hotel for a Hassle Free Vacation

When you go on vacation, where you stay plays a big role in your overall experience. You want a clean room to Family Checking in at a Hotelcome “home” to, a comfortable bed to sleep in so you can rest, and guaranteed safety for your family and your belongings.

Maybe you’re considering a hotel or a rental and are wondering where the best place to stay is in Niagara Falls.  A visit to Niagara Falls Ontario should be memorable, but not because of bad accommodations. Don’t let a poor experience spoil the enjoyment you’ll have at Niagara Falls attractions, here are five reasons why you should choose a Niagara Falls hotel over a rental or Airbnb property. 

1. Your Belongings & Safety Are Protected

When you rent a home or a space, the landlord has the same access to the space that you do. Not to mention, anyone they might have been given a copy of their key to in the past can also invade your space without warning. That’s a scary thought!

While it’s true that hotel staff also have master keys for rooms, that’s to protect your safety and to clean your room. Hotel staff undergo thorough background checks and training to avoid any guest safety issues.

Rentals, on the other hand, are full of scary stories. One Airbnb renter reports when she and her sister arrived at their rental in Toronto, the renter demanded they forfeit their passports. After they refused, they were reluctantly shown the space, which did not match the booking. The pair left freely but expressed their fears of the situation.

Hotel rooms also have safe places for your most precious belongings, like safes where you get to choose your own lock code. Rentals aren’t guaranteed to have the same safeguards.

2. Your Accommodations Will Be Clean

With rentals, the only way to determine whether or not a place will be clean is to read all the reviews and make a judgment yourself.  In hotels, housekeeping staff are trained on best practices in cleaning and disinfecting spaces. You can rest assured that your room has been professionally cleaned every day, which cannot be said of all rentals.

3. You’ll Have Access to Concierge & Room Services

One major perk to booking a hotel is that you can always call downstairs and get help with whatever you need. Want to order a snack? No problem, it’ll be delivered to your room. Need help booking a car? You’re covered. Want a local’s advice on the best sights to check out in Niagara Falls? A concierge will plan a custom itinerary for you and your family and take care of all the bookings.

With a rental, you may never meet your host face-to-face (in many cases, that’s actually a good thing.) You won’t have the luxury of calling 24/7 to get help. If you’re new to Niagara Falls, having a professional who’s there to serve you can make your trip a whole lot better.

4. You Get What You Book

With NiagaraFallsHotels.com, you can click on a hotel and see what it’s like room by room. When you enter the Fallsview Guestroom at Marriott on the Fallsroom you’ve booked, it will look like the photography on the site. It will feature all the amenities listed. You can judge for yourself what you need and the price you’re willing to pay before you book.

With rentals, there’s always the issue of paying more for what you don’t need. The bigger risk is that you won’t get the accommodations you thought you were booking.

Another renter in the U.S. found that the master bedroom had been blocked off by a pool table. When the couple moved the pool table to get to their room, the renter later charged them $500 for “balancing services” to correct the pool table. Luckily, the renter’s credit card company finally deemed the charge as fraud, even though Airbnb had sided with the renter and charged the couple.

With a hotel, you won’t have to worry about spaces not appearing as they do in the photos, or encountering hassle-filled situations like a giant pool table blocking your room.

5. Your Space Is Private

Another frightening situation that might happen when you book a rental? You might be filmed. Forget a guarantee of privacy. There are stories about rental hosts setting up hard-to-detect web cameras throughout their space. While their intentions could be to protect their property, it is obviously intrusive, and you should be aware that your intimate activities could be broadcast online or used to blackmail you.

Plus, when you’re at a rental, there might be other people who pop in without notice. Anyone who has a key that the host forgot to tell your rental about may come in. Even the host could show up unannounced.

With a hotel, you’ll always hear a knock and a verbal announcement before someone, like a housekeeping staff member, attempts to enter the room. Also, you can use a deadbolt or a “do not disturb” sign to prevent unwanted staff from coming into your room. That’s usually not an option with a rental.

Don’t Risk Bad Accommodations – Book a Niagara Falls Hotel You Can Trust

There are thousands of stories when it comes to rentals. Airbnb’s Better Business Bureau listing alone has thousands of complaints. Even with the best reviews, a rental’s quality is never guaranteed when no one is holding them accountable. And you don’t know if the reviews are legitimate, or if they were provided by friends the renter let book with them to scheme to get better reviews.

The only accommodations you can truly trust are well-reviewed hotels in Niagara Falls. With professionally trained staff and regulated, legal operations, you always know you have a safe place to stay with Niagara Falls hotels. Book your hotel stay today. 


When Is the Best Time for a Niagara Falls Trip?

Niagara Falls is a fantastic vacation destination, offering year-round activities perfect for a solo adventure, family trip, romantic getaway or outing with friends. On top of the landmark falls that draw more than 8 million tourists each year from all over the world, the region is also known for its numerous vineyards, parks, casinos, tours and a never-ending series of local events.

But now comes the tricky part: when should you plan your Niagara Falls trip? What season offers the least hustle and bustle from fellow visitors? When are the best events and things to do in Niagara Falls? What’s the weather like?

The good news is that there is never really a bad time to visit Niagara, depending on what you want to get out of your trip. To help potential vacationers plan their trip, following is a rundown of what each season offers. Use Niagara Falls Hotels when you’re looking for the best place to stay in Niagara Falls.

WinterNiagara Falls in the Winter

The Niagara region gets chilly in the winter, though not as cold as most of Canada. That means that a blanket of snow is not uncommon, nor are sheets of ice forming on the 750,000 gallons of water that flow over the falls every second of every day. If you’re looking to enjoy a winter wonderland for the holidays, Niagara is a solid destination.

The snow-kissed trees and icy waters make for amazing photographs and give the falls a unique look visitors during other seasons miss out on. Through the holidays, the surrounding area sparkles with lights and decorations, as well as weekend fireworks displays. Winter festivals are common including the annual Winter Festival of Lights which runs from mid-November-January,  as well as celebrations that focus on the region’s unique icewine. Icewine grapes are harvested in freezing temperatures, which produces a sweeter taste that has become distinct for Niagara wineries. If you’re interested in the Niagara Icewine Festival, it has become a staple for the winter months.

If you happen to be in the area the weekend of February 14-17, you’ll even be able to take part in Family Day, an annual holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February designed as a day to enjoy quality family time. Many families mark this long weekend with a getaway and Niagara Falls has become a popular choice with special activities geared toward visitors of all ages.

A winter visit to Niagara is going to be cold, so it’s probably not ideal timing for people who don’t like bundling up. That chilly weather comes with some benefits, though, including the region’s lowest tourist rate and discounted travel and hotel prices.

Spring

Niagara Falls in the SpringAs you might have guessed, spring is one of the best seasons if you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls. The temperatures have started warming, but the region has not yet returned to peak vacation status. Snow can continue into April, but temperatures frequently reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit by the time May rolls around.

If you’re looking to take in plenty of nature, spring is a time when the region returns to full bloom. Niagara is home to plenty of botanical gardens, as well as a Centennial Lilac Garden and landmark Floral Clock. The region explodes with new life each spring, including more active waterfalls now that the ice has melted away.

Spring is a busy time for the Niagara community, with local plays taking centre stage thanks to the annual Shaw Festival hosted out of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Spring is also home to the Sip & Sizzle festival, which takes place throughout weekends of May and boasts special activities hosted by many of the region’s wineries.

If you’re visiting between March 16-20 this year, you’ll be just in time for Niagara Falls’ annual March Break . Kids are out of school this week, which means even more family-friendly activities and promotions are available.

SummerNiagara Falls fireworks

If you want to experience perfect weather at Niagara Falls, then summer is your time to shine. Temperatures inch higher throughout June, usually reaching their peak of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit come July. The falls are rushing, wildlife is out exploring and the whole region becomes a perfect vacation destination.

Most consider this the best time to visit the falls, with tours in full swing alongside countless community events. Of course, that also means you’ll have the highest concentration of tourists to compete with, which also means travel and hotel stays are typically at their highest during the busy summer months.

If you’re comfortable with bigger crowds, you’ll be rewarded with everything from longer business hours to more festivals, events and activities at the falls than you can possibly cram into one trip.

The Niagara Integrated Film Festival is scheduled each summer, as well as the Niagara New Vintage Festival , a perfect destination for those who enjoy wine. Fireworks displays are a big draw in the evenings and can be seen every night at the peak of the tourist season. To make a stay extra magical reserve a Fallsview guestroom or suite and watch the display from your room!   Summer is also when you can enjoy activities like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival.

Fall

Red leaves in front of Niagara FallsFall is basically the reverse of spring for Niagara. Temperatures start to cool heading into winter but, much like the spring, you can expect a comfortable 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit heading through September and October. Rain becomes more common through the fall months, leading into the early snows of November.

Whereas tourism increases the deeper you head into spring, visitors are on a decline throughout the fall months, making it another ideal timeframe to visit Niagara if you don’t mind chillier temperatures in exchange for fewer people. Now that the summer crowd has departed, room rates and travel fare start to inch down, though not as low as you’ll find during the winter.

Each fall, Niagara is home to numerous community activities including the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in September. Niagara Falls celebrates its Oktoberfest in October, with November kicking off the Winter Festival of Lights.

The big difference from spring is that nature moves the opposite direction in fall, which offers its own brand of beauty as the rains settle in and the colours shift to bright oranges, yellows and reds.

Book a Trip

Depending on what kind of vacation you’re looking to experience, Niagara Falls offers something unique throughout all four seasons. The only thing left to do is read up on more seasonal activities, events and promotions and find the best place to stay in Niagara Falls. To put the final touches on your vacation plans, visit Niagara Falls Hotels.


Romantic Restaurants for Valentines in Niagara Falls

Some of the most romantic restaurants in the world can be found in Niagara Falls.  The combination of stunning views of Niagara Falls, delicious cuisine, and renowned wine lists create a warm and affectionate setting.

Here is our list of the top restaurants in Niagara Falls to share with someone special, and what they have planned to mark Valentines Day.

Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls

Prime Steakhouse Niagara FallsThis contemporary steakhouse features fallsview flair. Rated the #1 Restaurant and Steakhouse in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor, Prime Steakhouse offers premium steaks grilled to perfection, decadent wine pairings and showcases some of the most breathtaking views of Niagara Falls in the City.  Each of these attributes result in Prime being recognized by diners on OpenTable as a Diners Choice Award Winner as the most scenic, most romantic and among the Best Restaurants for Dates. Located on the 10th floor of the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, Prime has created a special 3-course Prix Fixe Valentines Menu for $65.00 per person, that is available on February 14 & 15, 2020.

View the Valentines Menu or Reserve a Table

Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant

Massimo's Italian Fallsview RestaurantLook no further for authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist than Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant! This Fallsview Restaurant located at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel is home to great food, great wine and spectacular views.  Featuring a menu inspired by Chef Massimo Capra’s bond with his native Italy and Niagara, the restaurant’s recipes combine new with old, prepared using the finest ingredients.  To enhance the dining experience, an extensive menu of wines from around the globe create playful pairings, and views of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders sets a romantic scene.   Enjoy a 3-course dinner for Valentine’s, This curated menu is offered February 14 & 15.

View the Menu Here

Milestones on the FallsMilestones on the Falls Fallsviews

Make a weekend of it! Located at the Marriott on the Falls Hotel, Milestones on the Falls brings globally inspired, often time house-made flavours to Niagara Falls.  Situated in one of the closest hotels to Niagara Falls, this restaurant’s unobstructed views put you at the brink of the mighty Falls, while the decadent menu teases your palate. Milestones’ 3-course Valentine Menu is available for $45.00 per person and is available from February 14-17, 2020.

View the 3-Course Menu

Morton’s Grille Niagara Falls

Morton's Grille located in Marriott FallsveiwThe casual elegance, and a relaxed but refined menu at Morton’s Grille Niagara Falls, satisfies the desire for romance in February.  Canada’s first Morton’s Grille, the Fallsview Restaurant provides exemplary service and a superb menu overlooking Niagara Falls. Situated at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, the restaurant’s special “Romancing the Falls” menu is $100 per couple, and is available for the entire month of February!

Explore the Menu

Make this your moment with a special Valentines Dinner in Niagara Falls.

Enhance your Valentines with a romantic escape, reserve a Fallsview Room or Suite at one of our first rate Niagara Falls Hotels!


Niagara Falls at Night: Casino Getaway

While it’s easy to fill your days with sightseeing around Niagara Falls, photography excursions and tours, the fun can continue all night long as local casinos stay buzzing with entertainment even when the sun goes down.

If you’re in the mood to roll some dice, take in a show, enjoy drinks with friends or grab dinner with that special someone, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are perfect destinations. Head to a Niagara Falls casino if you’re looking to spice up your Niagara Falls nightlife.

Whether you’re in the mood for food and fun or music, somewhere to cheer on your team or an evening of drinks and laughter, here’s a rundown to help plan that perfect casino getaway and have fun in Niagara Falls at night (and during the day).

Gaming

If you’re planning a trip to a Niagara Falls casino, you might want to make a few trips to the gaming floor. Both Young couples at the CasinoFallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara offer full suites of gaming options, no matter what type of entertainment you’re in the mood for.

At Fallsview Casino Resort, the casino offers more than 3,000 slot machines and 130 tables, including everything from craps and blackjack to roulette and baccarat. Salon Privé is the ideal destination for those looking for high-limit gaming, while the Sapphire Room boasts slots ranging from $5 to $100.

Over at Casino Niagara, you can expect two floors filled with 1,300 slots, ranging from penny slots on up to $5 machines. The floor is also home to 40 table games, including everything from blackjack to Mississippi Stud. Regularly scheduled slots and poker tournaments are also a big draw, whether you’re a seasoned professional or are just looking to try your luck and have a little fun.

Entertainment

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Niagara Falls, live entertainment is right around the corner. Casino Niagara offers live music every Friday and Saturday evening at LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment, while Fallsview Casino Resort provides a never-ending roster of bands, comedians and more.  Whether you’re into the musical styling of 98 Degrees and Scotty McCreery, or you prefer the comedic antics of Chris Tucker and Nick Offerman, the on-site theatre at Fallsview Casino Resort hosts more than 250 shows per year.  To get the most out of your time, three Niagara Falls Hotels now offer exciting Casino Entertainment Packages that include hotel accommodations, show tickets, a Casino voucher and a Fallsview Dining Gift Card to turn a night out into a getaway!

Dining

Young men at dinnerIf you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a round of drinks and appetizers or a more intimate meal, there are plenty of options while exploring Niagara Falls casinos at night.

The R5 Patio & Bar located in Fallsview Casino Resort boasts a thoughtfully curated tapas and cocktails menu alongside a phenomenal view of the legendary falls. The drinks menu includes sangria, craft beers and plenty of local wines, while those looking to nibble can enjoy an artisan charcuterie, calamari, fondues and a variety of flatbreads. If you’re looking to settle in, a patio full of Malibu fire tables is the perfect setting for conversation, while a live DJ keeps everyone dancing every Friday and Saturday night.

Those looking for an all-you-can-eat extravaganza should check out the Market Buffet in Casino Niagara. Or, if you want to make sure to catch the big game, LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment is the perfect spot to meet up with friends or make new ones. LEV2L offers more than 50 screens to catch all of the sports action, alongside a menu that boasts sports bar mainstays like handmade pizzas, juicy wings and delectable salads.

Transportation

Rather than having to choose between Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara, Niagara Casinos and Falls Avenue Resort offer a convenient shuttle service between the two locations, making it easy to check out everything casino life in Niagara Falls has to offer.

The shuttle runs daily, Sunday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. To accommodate those later nights during the weekend, Friday and Saturday shuttles run between the two casinos from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Pickups take place every 30 minutes. Show your partnering hotel key card or Players Advantage Member Card to ride for free. Partner hotels include Skyline Hotel & Waterpark, Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview and the Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls.

Plan Your Casino Vacation

Niagara Falls is a great vacation destination, but it doesn’t have to be all about the waterworks. Anyone looking to spend some time soaking in that casino lifestyle can do so in view of the falls, with both Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort providing everything you need to enjoy a week away or an exciting night out with friends.

If you’re looking to plan a casino adventure, be sure to check out the Niagara Falls Casino Hotel Package, which blends everything these two venues have to offer into one cost-savings bundle. It includes a one-night stay at a selection of hotels, a $50 casino voucher for play at either Casino Niagara or Fallsview Casino Resort, gift cards to various restaurants, a credit at the Christienne Fallsview Spa, Niagara Falls winery tastings and more. Book your Niagara Falls casino getaway now.


Visiting Niagara Falls? What to Pack for Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

There’s plenty of wet and wild exhilaration to experience when visiting Niagara Falls. You don’t even need to climb into a barrel near the legendary falls to start your adventure (in fact, we’d suggest that you don’t go to that extreme). Instead, visitors flock to the Instead, visitors flock to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark from one of the connected Niagara Falls hotels, which promises aquatic antics for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking to splash about with friends or need a place to let the kids cut loose and have a blast, there’s something for everyone at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, no matter your age.

All About Fallsview Indoor WaterparkMom and Child at Waterpark

While the Niagara area is great for sightseeing, taking tours and going on photography excursions, sometimes you just want to throw on a bathing suit and dive into some excitement at a waterpark. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark offers dozens of ways to do that, with thrilling attractions guaranteed to entertain kids and adults alike.

This massive indoor waterpark is built on 3 acres, conveniently settled between 3 area hotels with indoor walkways to the waterpark. These hotels are Sheraton Fallsview, the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallview and the Skyline Hotel & Waterpark Niagara Falls.

If you’re expecting a couple of water slides, a big pool and maybe a hot tub, you’re in for a surprise when you check out this massive indoor attraction. Fallsview boasts a whopping 16 waterslides and a full-size wave pool with waves up to 3 ft high! There are 2 large hot tubs for adults, and plenty of age-appropriate attractions for the kids, including a jungle beach play area, a splash park for the younger visitors and a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket that splashes everyone nearby when it gets full. There’s also an outdoor pool and sundeck that operates year-round.   No matter how you spend your time splashing around, Fallsview has you covered.

Good Times, No Matter the Season

Fallsview is an indoor aquatic wonderland, meaning it is a perfectly suited attraction, no matter when you’re visiting Niagara. It is the ideal balance to cold weather that can descend on Niagara Falls. The facility is designed so visitors can enjoy those summer feels even in the dead of winter by offering 84 degree temperatures year-round.

Neither rain nor snow can keep you away from splashing around in the park thanks to indoor connections from the three connecting hotels.  It’s easy to throw on your trunks and head out for an afternoon of enjoyment, no matter the weather outside.

What to Pack for Niagara Falls Fallsview Waterpark

Family packing for a tripIf you’re simply visiting Fallsview Indoor Waterpark or want to plan for a day of waterpark activities, you’ll probably want to bring along a small bag with all of the necessities. This is an especially great tip when visiting the waterpark as a Hotel Waterpark Package Guest.  Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, and if your room is not yet available, you can still receive your wristbands to access to the waterpark while the Hotel stores your luggage. A small secondary bag with waterpark essentials allows to head to the park with ease without having to unpack a suitcase in the lobby or pull it to the waterpark.

There are men’s and women’s changing rooms available at the park, as well as changing rooms for families. It’s a great idea to pack a change of clothes (for example shorts and a shirt) so you can travel through the indoor walkways comfortably and not just be in your swimsuit.  You’ll also want to pack flip-flops or easy slip on shoes as outdoor shoes are not permitted in the waterpark play area but should be worn when moving throughout the adjoining areas. Park rules state you can wear water shoes on the slides, so be sure to include those, too. As a side note, Crocs are not permitted.

If you want to bring your own towel, be sure to toss one or two into the bag. It’s important to remember that towels from the hotel are not permitted, and that Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has a fresh supply available at no charge.

While you may not bring your own inflatables into the waterpark, beach balls, life jackets, as well as mats and tubes for the slides, are available at no extra charge.

In case you get to Fallsview and realize you’ve forgotten something, Guest Services is on hand with all sorts of items for purchase, including personal towels, water shoes, cameras, goggles and swim diapers for the youngsters.

Speaking of which, you’ll also want to pack some cash or a card, in case you want to rent a locker for the day. The Waterpark has 160 digital lockers to hold your belongings while trying to head down the water slides.

To truly kick back and relax, you can also spring for a private cabana which offers views of either the park or Niagara Falls which is located directly across the street from the Waterpark. Each Cabana provides a private space with seating/dining area for up to 6 guests, lounge chairs, wicker style cabinet with a lock, and complimentary bottled water.

Book Your Fallsview Getaway

The only thing left to do now is book your Fallsview Indoor Waterpark getaway, which is easy thanks to the vacation package offered through Niagara Falls Hotels.

The Waterpark Getaway Package can be booked for one or two nights at five hotels, including the adjoining Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview and Skyline Hotel & Waterpark Niagara Falls, as well as nearby Niagara Falls hotels, Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls or Marriott on the Falls.

This package includes up to four, two-day Fallsview Indoor Waterpark passes, perfect for the family or a group of friends looking for some adventure. These passes include exclusive early access to the park (on select dates), giving you more time to experience the amazing water thrills with a smaller crowd.

Book your Niagara Falls Hotels package today.


Best Niagara Falls Events at Wineries in 2020

The Niagara region is home to dozens of Niagara Falls wineries, offering plenty of wines both familiar and unique to the region. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of fun or are planning a trip down the Niagara wine route, Couple with Winethese picturesque landscapes make for an exciting visit with most opening their doors to the public and taking part in special events throughout the year. Equal parts entertaining and educational, anyone looking for things to do in Niagara Falls should make sure a winery visit is on the calendar.

Looking ahead to 2020, Niagara wineries have plenty of signature events planned, as well as festivals and celebrations emphasizing the region’s wines. Here’s a rundown of some of the best events and locales those visiting the Niagara region this year won’t want to miss.

Snow Globe Soiree

One of the best ways to learn about wines of the region is to experience a variety of offerings during one of the many festive Niagara Falls events. The Snow Globe Soiree will let you do exactly that, all while enjoying a memorable night in view of the falls from inside your very own snow globe. You heard right – your very own snow globe.

Hosted by Niagara Grape & Wine, the Snow Globe Soiree runs across eight weekends, with food provided by top chefs and restaurants from the area. On top of the three-course meals, visitors will sample a variety of Niagara VQA wines, which means they were all made from grapes grown in the region.

The Soiree begins and concludes with a toasty visit to the Snow Globe Lounge, where plenty of wines will be available for visitors. The 90-minute, 3-course dinner follows, which guests will enjoy from within their very own snow globes overlooking Niagara Falls. Each globe seats six and comes with its own concierge, who will be happy to answer any of your wine-related questions throughout the event.

 The Snow Globe Soiree offers two dining sessions per night, Friday through Sunday, from the weekends of January 16 through February 13.

Group of friends doing cheersDays of Wine & Chocolate

Heading into February, it’s hard to pass up an event that boasts both wine and chocolate. Niagara on the Lake hosts Days of Wine & Chocolate across four weekends, beginning the weekend of January 31 and concluding with the weekend of February 21. 

Similar to the Snow Globe Soiree, one of the biggest advantages of visiting Days of Wine & Chocolate is that it will allow you to sample a number of wines from Niagara, with the added bonus of being paired with chocolate-infused meals and treats.

This event includes the wineries of Niagara on the Lake, about two dozen establishments ranging from Reif Estate Winery and Southbrook Vineyards to Strewn and Riverview Cellars Estate Winery. There are a lot of wineries to get through, which is why organizers recommend visitors stay for a full weekend or plan more than one trip to the event.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with friends or a romantic weekend for two, Days of Wine & Chocolate allows visitors to learn more about their passions through this mouthwatering event.

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

Wayne Gretzky is known for more than his prestigious hockey career these days. Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery has become a fan favorite for Niagara wine aficionados over the years, with its staff of expert winemakers producing multiple award-winning beverages. As an added bonus, proceeds from the winery support Gretzky’s foundation, which introduces youngsters to hockey. If you’re looking for even more reasons to visit Gretzky Estates, this winery has got you covered.

First up is Saturday DJ Night, where resident DJ Dave Stiles will keep everyone moving from 6 to 9 p.m. Drink wine, grab some snacks and enjoy groovin’ music every weekend. Don’t forget to lace up your skates and hit the rink located right there on the property. It’s Wayne Gretzky we’re talking about, so of course his winery has an ice rink.

 If you’d prefer a more intimate evening, that’s where Friday Date & Skate comes in. This weekly package includes skate rentals for two, a pair of craft cocktails from The Whisky Bar, a large warm pretzel to share and a wine tasting flight for two.

Dig Our Roots

If you’re planning a trip to the Niagara region this spring, the Dig Our Roots event hosted the weekend of April 17 promises to be a great way to sample wines and learn all about the wineries of Niagara on the Lake.

As the name implies, Dig Our Roots is just as much about sampling wine as it is learning about the birthplace of Canadian winemaking and the various wineries responsible for that storied history. Throughout the event, visitors are invited to drop by the many wineries of Niagara on the Lake and get a firsthand education on what makes the region so special.

Book Your Niagara Falls Winery Vacation Now

Whether you’re in the mood to sample tasty wines or want to know more about the process and wineries that make them, Niagara is a top destination. You can learn about many of the wineries of Niagara and upcoming events by visiting Niagara Falls Hotels.


[Infographic] Cheers to the Chill: Your Guide to Icewine

[Infographic] Cheers to the Chill: Your Guide to Icewine

From the frozen harvest to the signature slim bottle, here’s your guide to Niagara Falls’ go-to icy infusion.

What is Icewine?

Icewine is one of the best mistakes that nature has ever produced. In the early 1800’s, vintners in Germany predicted one of the harshest winters of the decade. To prepare, they left grapes in the vineyards for the animals to field during the harsh temperatures.

Some of the vintners harvested a few bunches of grapes to bring inside for fruit. They noticed that the juice inside of the grapes had become much sweeter than usual.

Curious minds dreamt up a sweeter wine variety developed from the icy grapes, and the rest is history.

An early version of icewine was produced and called Eiswein. The high, sweet flavor was a hit and thus began the trend of the late harvest.

Today, icewine is a puckering sweet delicacy that is beloved by many. Grapes are intentionally left for winter harvest to produce sweeter versions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, and more.

Where is Icewine Made?

To make the best possible icewine, the grapes need to reach freezing temperatures. Because of this, most icewine is harvest and produced in very cold, Northern Hemisphere countries like Canada and Germany.

One of the most common places that icewine is harvested and enjoyed is Niagara Falls. The frosty winters make for the perfect breeding ground for sweet, tasty grapes. There are sprawling vineyards that are dedicated to the late harvest, producing some of the most renowned bottles of icewine in the world.

If you’re a wine aficionado, this is the perfect winter destination for you. There are wine tours running year round.

How Icewine is Made

Icewine is one of the hardest, most painstaking wines to produce. When done right, it has almost double the sweetness of Coca-Cola.

Thousands of icy marbles are taken from the vineyard and are sent through a grape crusher press when they reach the ideal temperature of -8°C or 17.6°F. Only about 10-20% of the liquid in frozen grapes can be used to produce icewine and because of its intense sweetness, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to ferment.

Once the long, sticky fermentation reaches the perfect taste, the wine is bottled in their signature skinny bottle with around a 10% ABV and a sweetness of 160–220 g/L of RS.

The production of icewine is very specific, labor-intensive, and lengthy, but when it’s done right, it produces amazingly unique flavors that can only come from nature. In fact, if grapes are not frozen outside, the wine can technically not be labeled as icewine. The flavor that is created from the natural freezing process can’t be replicated when using traditional freezer appliances, which is why this wine is a true delicacy.

How to Drink Icewine

Icewine is exploding with sweetness. Best served over ice, this dessert wine is the perfect beverage to end the night.

Sip on a signature icewine with a rich dessert like cheesecake or ice cream.

Serve it in small liqueur glasses and sample a charcuterie board.

Open a bottle for savory appetizers like foie gras.

The key to pairing icewine is to lean toward rich flavors but stay away from sweets. Because the wine is so sweet as is, pairing it with foods that have high-fat content and savory notes are optimal for a tasty flavor pairing.

While you only need a little at a time, you should be prepared to finish the whole bottle once you open it. You can store the wine in the refrigerator for a few days after, but to get the best flavor possible, it’s better to enjoy immediately after drinking.

Aging Icewine

Aging an Ice Wine is different than aging any other type of wine. Icewines age quicker than most wines because of their high acidity level that builds up during fermentation. When wines have higher sugar content and high acidity, they are likely to age effortlessly for 30-50 years.

Like most wines, their flavor will change slightly over this period of time, but with icewine, it’s almost a certainty that the wine will become sweeter tasting and gain hints of maple and hazelnut.

Where to Try Icewine

There is no question that icewine is one of the wine treasures of the world. If you’re ready to dive into everything icewine, it’s time to start planning a visit to Niagara Falls. Explore frozen vineyards, experience the winemaking process with your own eyes, and taste the unique wine creations right from the source. Some of the most renowned vineyards lie in the backyards of Niagara Falls Hotels, that are open year round. Book a stay and let the wine tasting begin. Book your stay now: https://www.niagarafallshotels.com/


Falls Avenue Introduces Holiday Market

The 20 acre Falls Avenue Resort is hosting a Holiday Market from December 21, 2019 – January 4, 2020.  Couple at Holiday MarketThe market features a bevy of seasonal food & drinks options, unique pop-up shops and live music.

With more than 30 vendors located throughout the Resort, visitors will enjoy exploring the hotel, attraction and restaurant complex.

Key features of the market include:

Fire & Ice Winter Patio – A heated outdoor patio featuring Niagara Brewing Company and Niagara Distillery. The market menu includes award winning ribs with Billy Bones BBQ sauce and cornbread, limited edition Icewine Beer, spiked hot chocolate or apple cider, frosted martini’s, bavarian sausage, pretzels, and pulled pork poutine. To warm up, head into one of the heated igloos stationed on the patio!

Grey Goose Lounge – This heated patio is home to live music and holiday themed cocktails featuring Grey Goose Vodka, and is sure to heat up the afternoon.  Stop in for a sip and stay for a bite from the Kitchen.  This lounge is open from 4:00-8:00pm during the market.

Food & Drinks

Here are just some of the delicious items available:Niagara Icewine Beer

  • Niagara Icewine Beer
  • Made to Order S’mores, Hot Chocolate, Decked-out Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Kabobs
  • Cotton Candy on a Glo-Wand, Grinch-y Minty Milkshake, Crystal Beach Waffles & Suckers, Beer Nuts, Caramel Corn
  • Mulled Wine
  • “Holy Mint” limited edition Sweet Jesus Ice Cream holiday cone
  • Make your own Maple Taffy Sucker
  • Fire Roasted Chestnuts

Falls Avenue Holiday Market also features exclusive pop-up shops offering some of the most exciting options available on the Resort, including sweet treats, souvenirs, novelty items, clothing, toys, games and much more.

To learn more about the Holiday Market, please visit NiagaraHolidayMarket.com

Stay and explore by reserving a stay at one of 4 Falls Avenue Resort Hotels.


5 Places for the Best Niagara Falls Pictures in Winter

Niagara Falls Canada lights up in winter – literally. When the temperatures drop, the Niagara Falls beauty heats up, with art installations, frozen falls, holiday light displays and more.Niagara Falls illuminated in the Winter

You can get strikingly different photos this time of year compared to other times. If you’ve never been to Niagara Falls in winter, it’s a great time of year to explore and shoot some cool shots.

If you’re wondering where the best view of Niagara Falls is in winter, this blog covers five of the top spots to get Niagara Falls pictures you’ll always cherish.

1. The Winter Festival of Lights Route

The Winter Festival of Lights is the premiere winter event in Niagara Falls Canada. Along 8km in Niagara Falls, more than 3 million lights illuminate this beautiful Canadian destination. There are light displays along the Niagara Parkway, near the Niagara Falls waterfalls, at Clifton Hill and at Dufferin Islands.

Snap photos of cool displays like:

  • Animal shapes created by stringed lights
  • Trees wrapped in tiny colourful lights
  • The Fallsview Sound & Light Show and Hydro Power Station Display
  • Niagara Falls waterfalls illumination
  • Interactive light displays, like seesaws you can ride on

Everywhere you turn in Niagara Falls in winter, there’s a photo-worthy moment because of the Winter Festival of Lights. This annual event draws visitors from around the world. There isn’t anything else like it, and the photo opportunities are endless.

2. Frozen Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls in the WinterThe Niagara Falls waterfalls are powerful and mighty, but they also achieve a more delicate state in winter. In recent years, parts of the waterfalls have frozen. It’s a unique experience to see what is usually rushing water become still and peaceful in the winter.

The frozen Niagara Falls present an amazing winter photo. It’s also an illusory sight. There is still water rushing underneath the frozen parts, though a photo viewer would just see Niagara Falls frozen. Winter is the only time of year this happens, so if you want a photo that will stand out, now’s the time to come.

3. Niagara SkyWheel

Take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel for some awesome views of Niagara Falls. The SkyWheel reaches 175 feet and is located in the bustling Clifton Hill entertainment area. Riding on the Ferris wheel is a fun experience for the whole family. It also presents some good Niagara Falls pictures opportunities.

Another perk to taking photos in the Niagara SkyWheel, it’s climate controlled. You can head inside day or night, year-round, and be warm and comfortable.

Get your camera ready to take shots of views like the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other Niagara Falls Canada landmarks. The ride lasts around 10 minutes long, so you’ll have plenty of turns to take some snaps.

The view at night shows off the glittering lights of Niagara Falls, if you’re into skyline scenes. Or head out during the day to maybe get a photo of some frozen Niagara Falls waterfalls.

4. Skylon Tower

Go even higher in Niagara Falls by heading to Skylon Tower, a revolving restaurant offering 2 levels of find dining 775 feet above Niagara Falls. Skylon Tower features both a family-affordable buffet and a table-service continental cuisine revolving dining room. You can dine and shoot photos right from your seat as the restaurant silently revolves around, giving you new views of the Niagara Falls region every few minutes.

Skylon Tower also has ride-to-the-top and indoor/outdoor observation decks for unbeatable views of Niagara Falls. From Skylon Tower, you can see all three Niagara Falls waterfalls, the Great Gorge, the Niagara wine district and city skylines of both the Canada side, including Toronto, as well as the Buffalo, New York, skyline.

5. Journey Behind the Falls

See Niagara Falls from a vantage point unlike any other by taking the Journey Behind the Falls tour. You can get some really awesome photos as you descend 125 feet and walk through 130-year-old tunnels that are formed in bedrock behind the Horseshoe Falls waterfalls.

Peek through the viewing portals that are cut straight through the rock to see the rushing waters, which gives you a photo op that’s truly unique.

You can do the Journey Behind the Falls tour day or night, so choose the illumination ambiance that will work best for your photos. Or, go on the tour twice for different kinds of shots.

Plan an Instagram-Worthy Niagara Falls Canada Trip

There are so many other places in Niagara Falls that are picture-perfect places to get photos your social media followers will love. You can drive around Niagara Falls neighbourhoods to see cool holiday light displays, you can capture Niagara Falls fireworks lighting up the night sky, or you could head to one of the many parks in Niagara Falls for a wintry view of nature.

Want some suggestions on where to get the Niagara Falls pictures you’re looking for? Contact the concierge when you book with Niagara Falls Hotels to get suggestions.


The Top 7 Ways to Spend Your Winter Vacation in Niagara Falls

During the winter, Canada is truly a winter wonderland. Snow-capped mountains, freezing temps, frozen lakes, string-lit streets — it’s no wonder Ontario has become one of the top honeymoon destinations. This magical town during the winter becomes a place for exploration and pure beauty highlighted by the major fall that lives as the backdrop of many scenes — Niagara Falls.

The majestic falls are more than just a backdrop. During the winter, there are endless activities surrounding the falls that give you new and exciting ways to take in its beauty. Below, we’ve compiled our favorites things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter.

Niagara Falls is stunning in the Winter

1. Niagara Ice Wine Festival

There’s never a bad time for a day of drinking. Spend a winter day enjoying the unique tastes of some of the best ice wines from all over the country. The Niagara Icewine Festival brings together winemakers and wine lovers from all over Ontario at Niagara on the Lake to indulge in some adult fun. This festival is a great opportunity to explore some of your favorite wines, with or without the family. The festival boasts loads of activities for both adults and kids, creating a fun day for everyone in the family.

Learn more about the festival here or explore more about the production and tastes of ice wine here.

2. Niagara Falls Fireworks ShowsWinter Festival of Light Fireworks

What’s just as famous as the waterfall itself? The fireworks. During the holiday season, this is one of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions. There are over 20 fireworks displays that happen over the falls. These famous shows bring hundreds of people to enjoy the sights of the falls with an added, electrifying perk. Every Friday night at 9 p.m. — plus nightly from December 21-30 and January 1-5 — there are explosive shows right over the falls. Bundle up, bring a cup of hot cocoa and watch shows lasting up to four minutes take over the Ontario sky. The full schedule can be found on our Winter Festival of Lights blog post.

3. Journey Behind the Falls

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous this winter season, this is the perfect event for you. Believe it or not, the Journey Behind the Falls attraction runs all year round. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in a whole new perspective of the world’s most famous falls. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family. Bring a poncho — you’re likely to catch a wet breeze throughout this invigorating tour of the falls and the 130-year-old tunnels that lie just behind the white wall. Snag tickets for the holiday season here.

4. Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

If something low key is a little more your style, the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is the perfect wintertime activity for you. Escape the cold and enter a truly memorizing space full of monarchs. The summer-like atmosphere will help you shake off the frigid winter weather while still having the sense of being outdoors. The magical flying garden will truly delight any member of the family. We know you might be bundled up for the season, but make sure to dress in layers before you enter the conservative. Inside is very warm to create an ideal space for the butterflies to thrive. Learn more or book your tickets here.

5. Niagara Falls Waterpark

Splash the day away at Fallsview Indoor WaterparkA waterpark in the winter? Yes, you read that right. Ontario is home to some of the most spectacular indoor waterparks in the country. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is directly across from the Falls and boast family-friendly fun for hours. This park is always voted as one of the most fun things to do in Niagara Falls and Ontario, and boasts indoor connections to three hotels, making it an ideal year-round activity. The indoor park allows for families of all sizes to play around on the slides and attractions, and features a variety of amenities, so everyone has a great time.

6. Visit Clifton Hill

While the weather outside might be a bit frigid, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Clifton Hill Niagara Falls is where all of the fun in the city lies. It is packed with hilarious fun houses, mazes, restaurants, haunted houses and much more. Make memories exploring the endless attractions, take a tour of the infamous wax museum or even bowl a few games — Clifton Hill is truly is a playground for people of all ages.

7. Book a Hotel Room with a View of the Falls

Booking a hotel near the falls can make for one of the most amazing, relaxing wintertime hobbies. Whether you want to stay for a weekend or a week, there are hotels right along the water that are ready to welcome you with open arms. You can go for full romance with a staycation inside a room with a crystal-clear view of the falls, or you can create a full holiday experience with help from fine dining options, casinos, family attractions and magical holiday events. Find the best places to stay in Niagara Falls here.