Amenities Columns

$$ | Miles | Fit | Kit | I'net

$$

This column indicates the typical price range of this hotel. We use the following codes: E=Economy (under $50), M=Midrange ($50 to $100), U=Upscale ($100 to $150), L=Luxury (over $150). Please note that room rates fluctuate (seasonal popularity, special events in the area, etc.).

Miles

The approximate distance in miles from the exit to the hotel. These are calculations using GPS data. Distances along city streets will be somewhat different but this should give you a good idea of the distances to Discount Hotels near the cited Interstate exit.

Fit

Discount Hotels near I-190 in Niagara Falls offering  'fitness' or exercise facilities are indicated with an F in this column. If the hotel also has a spa, it is so indicated by an S in this column. Most hotels define a 'spa' as a large hot tub with built in water jets. In a few cases, fitness facilities and spas may be off-premises (entry by pass issued by the hotel) in which case dressing rooms are also present for your convenience.

Kit

Discount Hotels near I-190 in Niagara Falls offering a full kitchen or 'kitchenette' are indicated with an 'K' in this column. An 'M' in this column indicates microwave available. If the room also has a refrigerator, it is so indicated by an 'R' in this column. Many hotels have some rooms furnished with microwaves and small refrigerators but you have to request them. We list them only if there is not an additional charge (or so they have informed us).

I'net

Discount Hotels near I-190 in Niagara Falls offering Internet access are indicated (with an M for dial-up and W for wideband) in the I'net column. Please note that 'wideband' facilities vary. In addition to a network port (usually installed in the docking station), we suggest you bring along cables and your Windows distribution CD (in case you are required to load a special network driver). For 'dial up dataports', you would only need a modem and an RJ-11 patch cord (which you should always have with you, anyway).

To check rates, amenities or make hotel reservations, just click on the hotel name.

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The many ways that have been devised to view Niagara Falls are certainly a tribute to ingenuity. We chose to spend the night so we could see the attractions we had selected - including the Falls - without rushing. Our choice was the Comfort Inn which overlooks the rapids above the Falls. We found that, even though the rate was very attractive, the amenities were what one would expect in the more expensive hotels.
    From I-90 take exit 53 and follow I-190 to Niagara Falls and exit 21. Exit and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway to its end. Continue on to the Comfort Inn which is just a few hundred more yards.

Aquarium of Niagara - This was the first aquarium to use synthetic seawater to exclusively maintain ocean marine life. One very popular show is the shark feeding. Unfortunately, they only get fed every other day. Of course, you could call ahead and schedule your arrival. They are also quite proud of their colony of the endangered Peruvian penguin. Of course, to the uninitiated, a penguin is a penguin but they can be very amusing to us humans. They also have a very interesting display of tropical fish.
  You don't come to the Aquarium to view Niagara Falls but you can. What you see is the fog-like mist from the falls and the Niagara River Gorge from a special observation deck.
  Hours are 9a to 5p except during July and August when the stay open until 7p. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
  For more information phone 1-800-500-4609 (toll free). Web site: NiagaraAquarium.
  From I-90 take exit 53 and follow I-190 to Niagara Falls and exit 22. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp and follow US-62 to its end at NY-104 (Main Street) Bear left on Main, drive to Whirlpool Street (third street on your right) and turn right. The Aquarium is just past the next street at 701 Whirlpool Street (although, here, street address don't help much).
  An alternative from I-190 in Niagara Falls is to take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street and Prospect Street. Take this exit but keep to the left (you do not want to go onto Main Street here). Follow Prospect Street around to where it becomes Main Street. (Do not get on the Moses Parkway!) Main Street intersects with 2nd Street. Turn left on 2nd and follow it to the aquarium (2nd Street becomes Whirlpool Street). This route is actually much faster and easier as long as you don't get tangled up when you get off the LaSalle Expressway.

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Cave of the Winds - On Goat Island which is in the middle of the Niagara River just below the Falls, they lower you in an elevator through a hole in the rock. You step out and feel the full fury of the spray from the Falls. (They furnish raincoat and covers for your shoes.)
  Only open during the 'tourist season' which, according to them, is May through October inclusive. Open daily 9a to 10p (until 11p Fridays and Saturdays) including all holidays.
  From I-190 in Niagara Falls take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street. Take this exit and stay to the right. The exit ramp circles around and becomes Rainbow Blvd. Turn right onto Goat Island Road (first road on your right).

Great American Balloon Ride - Very, very close to the Aquarium is the 'Great American Balloon Company'. These folks specialize in helium-filled balloon rides but their balloons are attached to a cable powered by a large electric winch. It is more like going up in an elevator but you get a exceptional view of Niagara Falls from a height of about 400 feet.
  Operating hours, during June through September, are from 9a to midnight. In April, May and October they shut down at 9p. Rides are scheduled every 15 minutes but sometime, because of its popularity, you have to wait a bit for your turn.
  For more information phone 1-716-278-0824 or visit their web site at Balloons.
  From I-190 in Niagara Falls take exit 21 and drive westbound on the LaSalle Expressway. Just before the very end of the expressway is an exit for Main Street. Take this exit and stay to the right. The exit ramp circles around and becomes Rainbow Blvd. You'll see them at 310 Rainbow Blvd S.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour - Take a 30 minute ride up close to the American Falls and right into the ring of Horseshoe Falls. (Raincoats furnished.) Trips leave continuously daily from about mid-May to late October (depending upon the weather). You board near the base of the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower in Prospect Park (next to the Comfort Inn described above).
  For more information and schedules phone 1-716-284-8897 or visit their web site at MaidOfTheMist.