The hype
Great location and fun pools for the kids, but the rooms are basic and the noise levels can be high.
Howard Johnson By Wyndham By Niagara Falls
$56-150/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly, family-oriented basecamp right in the middle of the Clifton Hill action with indoor and outdoor pools.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location 5 minutes from the SkyWheel and Clifton Hill
- On-site food court with Denny's, Pizza Hut, and Baskin Robbins
- Connected indoor and outdoor heated pools
Quick Take: It's a classic 3-star tourist hotel that nails the location and family amenities, but suffers from thin walls, loud AC units, and nickel-and-diming fees.
Reviewed by @kaliyah.wellness: I stayed at this Howard Johnson and it was definitely a mixed bag. The king room was huge and having Denny's next door was super convenient, but the bathroom was tiny and the hot tub wasn't clean. It's an okay budget spot, just don't expect luxury.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'cheap' room rate often inflates quickly once you add parking, extra guest fees, and taxes.
- You are traveling with kids and want easy access to arcades and fast food
- You plan to spend most of your time exploring the Falls and just need a place to crash
- You love having a 24/7 Denny's right in the lobby
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Many report immaculately clean rooms, while others complain of missed trash and dusty corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally acceptable, though some guests note peeling paint and older fixtures that show their age.
- Maintenance: The property is renovated, but older bones mean occasional plumbing quirks and loud, rattling AC units.
- Linens & towels: Standard budget hotel quality. Clean, but don't expect plush luxury; some reports of stained sheets during peak season.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fine, but a few guests have reported musty smells in the hallways or lingering cleaning product scents.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise from Victoria Ave and Clifton Hill crowds
- Loud, older in-room AC/heating units
- Hallway noise and neighboring rooms due to thin walls
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a WEGO bus stop right outside the hotel for easy transit to the Falls.
- Breakfast is not included, but Denny's is open 24/7 on the ground floor.
- The outdoor pool is seasonal (late May to September), but the indoor pool is year-round.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the hallway and street noise.
- A swimsuit for the connected indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub.
- Canadian dollars or a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for the parking and deposit.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Room Heart Hot Tub for a retro, romantic vibe
- Balcony Rooms for a bit of private outdoor space
- Family Suites with multiple beds if traveling with kids
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing Victoria Avenue due to late-night street noise
- Connecting rooms if you aren't traveling with the people next door (sound bleeds heavily)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper—could I please request a quiet room on a higher floor, facing away from Victoria Avenue and the pool area? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is parking free?
No, self-parking costs $20 CAD per night per vehicle, and spots can fill up fast.
Is breakfast included?
No, but there is a 24-hour Denny's on-site, plus a Pizza Hut Express and Baskin Robbins.
How far is the actual waterfall?
It's about a 15-20 minute walk to the brink of the Falls, or a quick ride on the WEGO bus.
Are there hidden fees?
Yes, expect a $150 CAD security deposit, and a $20 fee per night for any extra adults beyond two.
Is the pool open year-round?
The indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna are open year-round, while the outdoor pool is seasonal (summer).
Do the rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges?
Yes, all rooms come equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave for your leftovers.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the overpriced hotel water bottles; there's a convenience store just down the street.
- ✨
If you buy a hotel package, you often get dining vouchers for the on-site Denny's and Pizza Hut.
- ✨
The hotel is right on the WEGO red line, making it incredibly easy to get to the Floral Clock or Table Rock without moving your car.
5 things to know before you go
💡The indoor and outdoor pools are actually connected, which is a huge hit with kids.
💡The hotel has a retro-themed decor that leans into the classic Howard Johnson nostalgia.
💡The AC units are wall-mounted and can sound like a jet engine kicking on in the middle of the night.
💡There is a strict 11 PM visitor policy—anyone not registered to the room found after 11 PM triggers an extra guest fee.
💡The soaps and shampoos provided are actually name-brand Dove products, a nice step up for a budget hotel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Howard Johnson By Wyndham By Niagara Falls is located and what's nearby.