Americana Resort

Looking at the uninspiring three-floor exterior of the hotel -- a low, flat collection of beige buildings resembling a mall -- it’s difficult to imagine that this complex holds a 25,000-square-foot indoor water park. Yet housed inside a glass conservatory with a retractable ceiling sits the Waves Indoor Waterpark with slides that are small by water park standards, but great for younger children. The park also has tube and body slides, a wave pool, kiddy pool, a water play area, tipping bucket, activity pool and large hot tub, among other features. Around the deck are tropical decorations and cabanas for rent. Birthday parties are often taking place on the mezzanine. And although the water park is clearly the main attraction for children, kid-friendly touches are found throughout the property. The granite front desk with its porthole windows has a short wooden staircase on one end that leads to a trinket-filled treasure chest. And by the elevators is a video game and claw machine with stuffed animals. While the casual, homey resort clearly appeals to families, the affordable prices and facilities also attract business travelers and couples who are young at heart. 

The hotel’s location on the quiet end of Lundy’s Lane is isolated from the tourist attractions, but there are restaurants, hotels, and shops about a block away. Tickets are available at the front desk for WEGO tour buses, which stop outside. Near Queen Elizabeth Way, five minutes by car, are the Canada One Factory Outlets. It’s a 10-minute drive to Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park, and the Skylon Tower. Fallsview Casino can also be reached in 10 minutes. The Whirlpool Aero Car is a 15-minute drive. Clifton Hill, with the Great Canadian Midway, is also 15 minutes away. Queen Street in downtown can be reached in 20 minutes. The drive from Toronto takes about two hours. Rainbow Bridge to New York is a 20-minute drive. And Peace Bridge is a 40-minute drive. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a 50-minute drive away, while Toronto Pearson International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes by car.

Guest room's dated decor -- striped bedspreads, patterned navy carpets, and granite countertops -- feels a bit closer to the budget category, and furnishings are occasionally worn. But rooms do feel homey, and they comfortably accommodate families and groups. Most suites, and some rooms, offer sitting areas with sofa beds and wet bars. Deluxe Spa Rooms have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and Superior Spa Suites add balconies. Premium Two Queen Beds, Two Bedroom Suites, and Superior Two Queen Beds Rooms have patios or balconies, with the Superior category offering optional adjoining rooms and/or wheelchair accessibility. Junior Kiddie Suites have bunk beds and DVD players, but the most creatively designed room is the Family Kiddie Suite with two bathrooms and a themed children’s room featuring seafaring wall and ceiling murals and chunky pinewood bunk beds. Every room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, writing desks, and irons. Small, clean bathrooms have hairdryers and shower/tub combos with wall-mounted toiletries.

Without question the best feature at this property is the Waves Indoor Waterpark. Each room includes two to six free water park passes where guest can enjoy the slides, a wave pool, kiddy pool, hot tub, a water play area, tipping bucket, and activity pool. Activities on dry land include a colorful arcade with Pac-Man, skee-ball, and a Betty Boop coin drop, among other games. A prize counter is beside the Surf Shop that sells swimwear and gifts. Outside is a playground and picnic areas with barbecue grills. With ten meeting spaces, the hotel is also a common venue for competitions, weddings, and meetings. The classically designed ballroom fits 1,000 people. There’s also a lobby business center that offers a computer for guests' use. On-site dining is a casual affair at the Oasis Snack Bar in the water park and the resort's restaurant, renovated in 2015. Timothy’s World Coffee is in the lobby. The elegantly designed, Sense Spa and Boutique offers a peaceful break from the crowds of children, with seven treatment rooms, lounge areas, a dry sauna, and nail service.