DO Go Chasing Waterfalls: The Best Niagara Falls Hotels

The Tower Hotel is a great upper-middle range option for travelers wanting an intimate, boutique hotel experience with beautiful views of Niagara Falls and the city. This smaller property doesn’t include as many amenities as some of the nearby chain hotels, but each room is uniquely decorated and includes a kitchenette. What's more, views of Niagara Falls and the river are some of the best in the area -- every room is located on either the 26th, 27th, or 28th floor of the hotel and has floor-to-ceiling windows for prime viewing. With its dining options -- including a lobby cafe and Mediterranean restaurant with views of the falls -- and wedding services, as well as free Wi-Fi in guest rooms, the hotel is both convenient and charming. If you're afraid of heights, though, book elsewhere.

For travelers who want large rooms in a full-service hotel, this upscale Marriott property with views of the falls is a great choice. A large building, it offers multiple dining options, spa services, valet parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Various room types are available, including spacious King rooms with river views and whirlpools. The location in the Fallsview District affords many rooms beautiful views of the river and falls, and puts guests within walking distance of most main attractions and activities. This hotel can be bit pricier than some of its nearby competitors, and it charges for many amenities including Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast.

The upper-middle-range Marriott Gateway on the Falls is a tall chain hotel with a quiet location, close proximity to Niagara Falls and nearby attractions, and plenty of on-site amenities (including an indoor pool and fitness center). There's a modern, bright restaurant, a Starbucks in the lobby, and a business center, but pesky fees for parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast buffet really add up. Most rooms are fresh and contemporary, if generic. It's worth comparing rates at the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa across the street; both properties offer guests the same convenience, but the Fallsview has a spa.

The Embassy Suites Niagara Falls is one of the larger hotel options in the area, with 512 suites, all with Niagara Falls views and at least two rooms. The hotel is centrally located in the Fallsview tourist district, a short walk to the waterfalls and a variety of nearby restaurants, activities, and attractions. There's a range of property features, including a Starbucks, steakhouse, big indoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. That said, it's more expensive than nearby properties and doesn’t have as many free amenities.

For travelers looking for a central location in Niagara Falls, beautiful views of the city and water, and plenty of features and amenities, the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa is a great mid-range option. Rooms are spacious and contemporary (if lacking style), and the hotel includes Aveda spa services, a full-service restaurant, a lobby cafe, and several shops and galleries. An indoor pool and whirlpool are right next door to a lovely outdoor whirlpool and patio, giving guests some rare outdoor space, and the hotel is convenient to the area’s best attractions and restaurants, as well as the falls.

For guests who want an upper-middle-range boutique hotel experience in chain-filled Niagara, Sterling Inn & Spa is just the spot. With large, modern rooms, an award-winning on-site restaurant, and a full-service spa, this property is elegant and relaxing -- designed with romance in mind. While it's located on an unattractive corner in the Clifton Hill tourist district and doesn’t offer the spectacular views that many nearby hotels promise, the hotel is quiet, but nonetheless very close to the busier sections of town, and within walking distance of Niagara Falls, as well as many popular activities and attractions.

Unique and charming, The Rex Motel is a small, family-owned property with 15 individually decorated rooms. With free parking and free Wi-Fi, as well as gardens, a gazebo, and an outdoor play area, this hotel is great for couples and families seeking a cozy budget option. The location on the edge of the Clifton Hill tourist district means rooms are quiet, but most activities and attractions, including the falls, casinos, and a wide variety of restaurants, are a short drive away.

The Red Coach Inn is a charming bed and breakfast that first opened in the 1920s. The guest rooms are individually decorated with plenty of antique charm -- expect details such as wrought-iron headboards, bed drapery, and traditional wallpaper. The cozy restaurant has chandeliers and lots of dark wood, and the location is within walking distance of the falls and Goat Island. The older building doesn’t offer as many features as other nearby properties, but guests come here for the history and intimate feel.