Editors top 10 hotel picks

As a Niagara Falls resident I have the opportunity to visit every hotel in Niagara Falls. As of January 2010 there are over 40 hotels in operation within the city limits. You can narrow your selection by using this list.

Frequently we receive e-mail regarding which is the "best hotel" in Niagara Falls. This is a difficult question to answer because a lot of different criteria comes in to question. Most people consider the view to be the most important aspect. The Marriott & Embassy Suites offer a truly amazing view of the Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls during daylight hours. At night, the American Falls illumination is much more impressive. Most of the light shined on the Horseshoe Falls is dissipated in the mist. This is why you never see postcards of the Horseshoe Falls at night. The Sheraton on the Falls & Crowne Plaza hotel are directly opposite the American Falls and the view at night is great. I found the best compromise between the two falls is the Niagara Falls Hilton.

I've spent the night in every Fallsview Hotel and personally I prefer the Embassy Suites Junior Presidential Suites. They are located on the top floors of the hotel. With forty two floors on a clear night you get one of the most spectacular panoramic views of not only the Falls but the surrounding area as well.

When considering room quality and hotel amenities, Embassy and Hilton have spacious rooms and are the two newest hotels. Marriott has the best fine dining, but the Hilton's Watermark restaurant has the best view bar none.

Yes it does rain in Niagara Falls and nothing could be worse than being cooped up in a hotel room all day with kids. For this reason I give Hilton and Sheraton on the Falls high marks for their indoor water parks.

To get a better perspective on where everything is, please visit our interactive map.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please feel free as always to send comments directly to me.

Best regards & have a pleasant stay in Niagara,

Gordon Stephens e-mail: info@niagarafallslive.com

1.Marriott Fallsview: Best daytime views of the Falls and the service is fantastic. Dining at the Terrapin Grill overlooking the Horseshoe Falls is something you will not soon forget. An incredible menu prepared by world class chefs. If you like to be treated first class, The Marriott Fallsview is the place to stay. $$$

2.Hilton Fallsview: Best Fallsview hotel for the dollar, Terrific pool with waterslide which the kids just love. Connected directly to the new Fallsview Casino, Top floor Watermark restaurant offers an astounding view of the Falls and excellent food. Less than a five minute walk to the Falls. Many packages available. $$$

3.Embassy Suites Fallsview: Niagara's newest hotel, absolutely spectacular view with unparalleled accommodations. Rooms are spacious. Not your typical Fallsview rooms. Top floor suites make for the ultimate view. Although very busy during peak season, the complimentary breakfast with made to order omelets is a great way to start the day. $$$

4.Sheraton on the Falls: Best night time view of the American Falls and great location. Located at the base of Clifton Hill and close to the Rainbow Bridge. You will find it easy to walk to everything including the American side of Niagara Falls. Connected directly to the Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Waterpark $$$

5.Courtyard Niagara Falls: Best quality accommodations for the dollar, close to Clifton Hill, restaurants and within reasonable walking distance to the Falls. $$

6. Crowne Plaza: This hotel was formerly known as the "Brock hotel" and is a classy historic landmark. The Crowne Plaza is located very close to the American Falls and Clifton Hill. It breathtaking Falls views from both guestrooms and the Fallsview Rainbow Room Restaurant. Visitors are able to take advantage of convenient indoor connections to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Casino Niagara, Entertainment and Dining. Room sizes are slightly smaller than your average Fallsview hotel . You can almost feel the history upon entering the hotel. unique location. Definitely worth a try.$$$

7. Comfort Inn Clifton Hill Resort: Best location to all nearby attractions and it's sparkling clean. The staff is very friendly and everything is within walking distance. Prices are very reasonable for the budget minded traveller. $$

8. Days Inn Clifton Hill: In the heart of the tourism district, they've done a great job remodeling and it looks like new.$$

9.Days Inn Lundys Lane: Although it's not close to the Falls, they've got the low price and it is spotless ! $

10.Michael's Inn by the Falls: I never get any bad reports, so that's good. Excellent access to everything. $

Congratulations to the property owners for their outstanding service during the 2009 season!