Ramada by Wyndham Niagara Falls by the River

Families and couples looking for a solid mid-range option will find the hotel pleasant and comfortable but not bursting with character. The low-ceilinged lobby has a few clusters of neutral-colored armchairs centered on decorative black and grey-patterned carpets and tiled floors, and there are plenty of tourist brochures to be had in the mostly functional space. The hotel's common areas aren't particularly ideal for hanging out and relaxing, but there is an IHOP Restaurant adjacent to the property. Many bus tour groups use this hotel, meaning some public areas can get extremely busy.

The hotel is located in a quiet area about two miles up the Niagara River from the main Canadian viewing points of Niagara Falls. The falls and touristy town center are a five-minute drive from the hotel, about 30 minutes by bus, or 40 minutes away on foot. The Niagara River is directly across the street, as is the White Water Walk, a possibly hair-raising walk in the Niagara canyon along the churning rapids downstream from the falls. Cham Shan Temple, a Buddhist temple packed with relics and antiquities, is across the parking lot from the hotel while the Sarina Stupa Temple is a three-minute walk away and is a tranquil place to meditate amid Buddhist sculptures. The Niagara Falls Amtrak and transit station are a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Niagara-on-the-Lake and Youngstown are a 25-minute drive away. The closest major airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, a 45-minute drive back across the border.  

There are three types of rooms at this Ramada -- Deluxe Rooms with two queen-sized beds, Superior Family Rooms with two queen-sized bed and a pullout sofa, and Whirlpool Suites with a king-size bed and a heart-shaped whirlpool in the middle of the room. It's hard to decide whether these hot tubs are awesome or tacky, possibly both, but regardless, they provide a distinct feature not seen in many Ramadas. Regardless of category, decor is uniform across rooms, with dark striped walls, dark patterned carpets, chestnut headboards and nightstands, and generic, pastel wall art. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, individual air-conditioning/heating, safes, coffee and tea making facilities, desks with ergonomic chairs, and dressers. Beds have comfortable mattresses and come with a selection of pillows and white comforters. Whirlpool Suites have tired-looking sofa beds and a bit more space as well as gas-powered fire places. The hot tub is open to the rest of the guest room, and sits between the bed and the bathroom. Bathrooms across the board are spacious and clean, if bland, with large marble vanities, tiled floors, stand-up showers or bathtub/shower combos, and toiletries.

While most features don't deviate across Ramadas, they're still a welcome addition to any mid-range property. The indoor pool has a few plastic armchairs surrounding it, making this spot popular with families, and a terrace with lounge chairs sits just outside for warm days. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a few cardio machines and a decent selection of free weights. There is ample free outdoor parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Kids stay here with no extra charge, and playpens are available for guests with small children. The hotel claims to be smoke free, but past guests report that some guest floors had a lingering smoke smell.