A room with a view: The Hilton Fallsview overlooking Niagara Falls
During my recent visit to Canada, I embarked on a short road trip out of Toronto in order to see the world’s most famous waterfalls. Niagara Falls is only an hour and a half away from the city and there are three waterfalls in total.
While it is possible to see the falls from both the United States of America and Canada, Ontario is known to provide more spectacular viewing points and it is certainly worth visiting for an overnight stay.
While Niagara Falls is a breath-taking natural site, towering hotel buildings and other manmade attractions now populate the surrounding area. There is a theme-park feel to the place and casinos, shops and restaurants have all become a key part of the attraction.
It is possible to walk along a path that is right next to the falls and the Horse Shoe Falls is the most impressive. While you can get within a stone’s throw of Niagara Falls, one of the finest viewing points is actually from high up in the sky and this can be best achieved from the Hilton Fallsview Hotel.
I have been lucky enough to stay in some hotel rooms that boast wonderful views and the floor-to-ceiling glass fronted Tower King Suite at the Hilton Fallsview is certainly up there among the very best. When I first entered the room, which was on the 33rd floor, the curtains were drawn.
If you suffer at all from vertigo then it is probably best to open them with caution because there is an immediate drop to the road below. However, you are more likely to be transfixed by the panoramic view of the waterfalls and the amazing landscape ahead of you.
Apart from overlooking an incredible vista, the rooms at the Hilton Fallsview are also very luxurious and spacious. The Tower King Suite is designed to feel homely and includes separate living and dining areas, a fireplace for those visiting during the winter months, as well as a large Jacuzzi bath.
You can also opt for a suite that has two bedrooms or studio style accommodation. Accommodation in North America often caters for a larger amount of people and some of the rooms sleep up to five.
The reason that I would recommend an overnight stay at Niagara Falls is because it is really enjoyable to see the view at night. There are fireworks displays that take place on some evenings but even if you miss out on such a performance, the twinkling lights and softly lit waterfalls are magnificent come dusk.
However, the real treat is watching the sunrise and it is worth sleeping with the curtains open so that you don’t miss out on a single second.
Local Knowledge
Popping into the USA
If you visit for an overnight stay, then it may be worth crossing the border and popping into upstate New York for some shopping one afternoon. As a British citizen it was relatively easy to make a quick visit to America and there is a big mall nearby with all of the major brands available.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
It is definitely worth visiting this beautiful area on the way back to Toronto. The pretty architecture is similar to New England and the main street in Niagara-on-the-Lake is packed with quaint shops that sell chic clothing and unique homeware items.
For more information about the Hilton Fallsview Hotel at Niagara Falls, please visit niagarafallshilton.com. You can fly to Toronto directly from London Heathrow with Air Canada: www.aircanada.com.