Niagara Falls' BEST Kept Secret: Advance Inn Awaits!
Niagara Falls' BEST Kept Secret: Advance Inn Awaits! - My Chaotic, Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Book)
Okay, people. Let's be real for a second. Niagara Falls? It's… touristy. Overwhelming. Full of screaming kids and overpriced everything. Finding a good hotel there? Basically, a quest. But guess what? I think I stumbled upon the holy grail: Advance Inn Awaits! And it's not just good. It's… well, let's just say I’m already plotting my return.
First off, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me assure you: Accessibility is KEY. Finding a truly accessible place is a major win, and Advance Inn wins here! While I didn't personally need it (thankfully!), the website clearly states they have facilities for disabled guests, including elevators. This is HUGE for anyone with mobility issues, and it’s a massive relief knowing that if I ever needed it, it's available. This is one of the key things to look for.
Now, let’s get messy. Because honestly, that's how life is, right?
The Good Stuff – Or, Where Advance Inn Actually Shines:
- Cleanliness & Safety: They. Are. On. It. I can’t even begin to tell you how important this is post-pandemic. From the moment I walked in, I felt safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. They actually had staff cleaning things constantly. And the staff… they were trained in safety protocols. So, even when the little kid in the lobby coughed (bless his heart!), I didn't panic.
- Wi-Fi - Glorious, Glorious Wi-Fi! Now, I'm a digital nomad, so this is a MUST. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? HELL YES! And it worked! No buffering nightmares while I was live-streaming my cat’s Zoom meeting. Praise be! The Internet access [LAN] isn't something I personally used this time, but it's good to know it's there for those who want it. And, bonus points for Wi-Fi in public areas!
- The Food (Oh, Sweet, Sweet Food): Okay, confession. I'm a total foodie. And Advance Inn did not disappoint. The Breakfast [buffet] was surprisingly good. I mean, hotel buffets can be dodgy, let's be honest. But this one? Fresh fruit, decent coffee (a critical factor, people!), and even some… gasp… Asian breakfast options. I also loved having a Coffee/tea in restaurant, it was really convenient. The Restaurants on site were all great with a variety of options, and Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! Especially after a long day of battling the crowds. I might have ordered a Western cuisine in restaurant at 2 am… don't judge. I really enjoyed the soup that I had at the Soup in restaurant.
- The Rooms: Clean. Comfortable. And, crucially, Soundproof rooms! This is essential in a busy tourist area, and Advance Inn delivered. The Air conditioning worked like a champ (thank goodness, because Niagara Falls gets HOT). And the bed? Oh, the bed. I think I actually melted into that Extra long bed. I was also happy to have a Refrigerator in my room to chill drinks. And of course, Free bottled water. And the safe box? Perfect for storing all my gold bullion. (Okay, maybe just my passport and credit cards).
- Convenient Services & Amenities: I'm talking about the little things that make a hotel stay actually pleasant. The 24-hour front desk was a lifesaver. The Luggage storage was great because I arrived early, too Air conditioning in public area was a plus. The Car park [free of charge] was another win. I will confess the Cash withdrawal at the hotel was super helpful as well.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Perfection is Boring):
- The Pool (Kind of a Miss): The Swimming pool [outdoor] was advertised as having a Pool with view…. I am not going to lie, it was a little crowded, and the view was… well, it wasn't quite postcard-worthy. Let's just say, it could have been better. There's also the Swimming pool, but it wasn't available during my stay.
- Spa Stuff (I Didn't Get Around to It): Alright, I'm ashamed to say, I didn't hit the Spa, or the Sauna, or any of that relaxation stuff. I was too busy running around, chasing sunsets, and eating. This is on me! So, while they advertised things like Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Steamroom and a Gym/fitness, I can't personally vouch for them. But hey, maybe I will, next time!
- No Pets: A minor annoyance. But hey, I get it. Some people are allergic. No deal-breaker, but if you're traveling with a furry friend (which, honestly, I envy you!), you're out of luck.
Things I Didn't Experience (But Sound Promising):
- Meeting/banquet facilities / Business facilities: For those of you with work needs, they seem to have the equipment - Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, and a business center with Xerox/fax in business center.
- Kids facilities: If you're Family/child friendly or need a Babysitting service, they seem to have it!
The Booking Pitch (Because You NEED to Know This):
Okay, listen up! Are you planning a trip to Niagara Falls? Do you crave a clean, safe, comfortable place to crash after battling the crowds? Do you want to be able to indulge in delicious food without leaving the hotel? Do you also want to spend time in the spa and de-stress?
Here's my unfiltered, completely honest opinion: BOOK ADVANCE INN AWAITS!
Here’s why:
- Peace of Mind: Know that you're staying in a place that takes cleanliness and safety seriously which is very important, especially in these times.
- Convenience: Everything you need is right there. Food, Wi-Fi, comfortable beds… You can focus on HAVING FUN.
- The Vibe: It's not overly flashy. It's not pretentious. It's just… nice. And sometimes, that's all you really want.
My Recommendation to the Advance Inn Management: Double down on the "clean and safe" angle. Make that your tagline! Add even more Asian breakfast options (because they were delicious!). And maybe – just maybe – find a way to enhance that pool view.
Bottom line: This isn't just any hotel. It's a haven. It's a retreat. It's a place where you can actually RELAX in the middle of all the Niagara Falls craziness.
Book now! You won't regret it.
Houston Pearland Getaway: Hilton Garden Inn Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the real Niagara Falls experience. Forget those perfectly manicured itineraries you find online. This is the chaotic, glorious, and slightly-over-scheduled reflection of my trip. Welcome to the madness.
Niagara Falls: A Confession in Itinerary Form (aka A Highly Unreliable Guide)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Watery Humour of the Falls (aka PANIC! and Pre-Wedding Nerves)
- 12:00 PM (ish): Arrived at the Advance Inn. Let's be honest, the pictures online were slightly deceptive. It's… functional. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and desperation. But hey, it's got air conditioning! And a free continental breakfast (score!).
- 12:30 PM: Checked in. The receptionist, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. Specifically, apparently, she'd seen every tourist trap Niagara Falls has to offer.
- 1:00 PM: Lugged my suitcase – stuffed with enough clothes for a zombie apocalypse, just in case – up to the room. Window view = massive disappointment. Saw the parking lot and a tiny sliver of the sky. I swear I saw a pigeon judging me.
- 1:30 PM: Attempted to unpack. Realized I'd forgotten my toothbrush. The crushing weight of impending wedding-related anxieties began to set in.
- 2:00 PM: Rummaged through the hotel's "brochure buffet" with a desperate kind of hunger. Found a map and a flimsy "things to do" guide that looked like it was printed in the 90s. Decided to wing it.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, headed for the Falls. Took the shuttle bus. Briefly considered just running away and becoming a cloistered nun. (The groom, bless him, is not a nun-material kind of person.)
- 3:00 PM: First glimpse! Holy Mother of Neptune! Even the postcard photos don't do it justice. The roar is intense. I got misty-eyed. Then immediately tripped over a rogue cobblestone at the observation deck (mortifying!).
- 3:30 PM: Maid of the Mist boat tour. Okay, this is a must. Prepare to get soaked. Like, drenched. Seriously, you'll look like a drowned rat. But the power of those waterfalls up close! Goosebumps everywhere. I could taste the water (it tastes… like water!). I screamed with a mixture of terror and unadulterated joy.
- 4:30 PM: Post-boat tour existential crisis in the gift shop. Seriously, who needs another miniature Niagara Falls snow globe? But I bought one anyway. (Don't judge me. Its sentimental value… is probably negative.)
- 5:00 PM: Wandered around Clifton Hill. It's a sensory overload. Funnel cakes, wax museums, and enough flashing lights to induce a seizure. It's cheesy, it's loud, and it's… kind of wonderful.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a ridiculously over-the-top themed restaurant (Can't remember which one; it all blurred together). The food was… well, let’s just say it wasn't Michelin-star quality. But the people-watching was top-notch. Saw a couple arguing in matching "I Love Niagara Falls" t-shirts. Truly, real romance.
- 8:00 PM: Fireworks. OMG, the fireworks! They were magnificent. Like, really, really good. The kid next to me started crying because they were "too pretty". I understood.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel, collapsing on the bed. Exhausted but happy. Wondering if I should cancel the whole wedding thing and just become a professional waterfall enthusiast. My heart, my brain, and my stomach were all in a state of delightful chaos.
Day 2: More Falls, Less Sanity (aka Sugar-Rush, Regrets, and an Unexpected Friendship)
- 8:00 AM (ish): The "continental breakfast" was as awful as expected. Stale pastries and weak coffee. Fueled up for another day of adventures.
- 9:00 AM: Went behind the Falls… Journey Behind the Falls. Totally worth it. Felt like I was in a Bond movie, although, you know, with fewer explosions and more dampness.
- 10:00 AM: Niagara-on-the-Lake: A short bus ride to a charming little town. Absolutely gorgeous. Flower-filled streets, quaint shops, and the lingering scent of freshly baked goods. I spent way too much money on lavender soap. Zero regrets.
- 11:00 AM: Spent more money on a winery tour. OMG the wine! So good! I might have gotten a wee bit tipsy.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Delicious shepherd's pie. Started chatting with a sweet older lady at the next table. Her name was Agnes and she was visiting Niagara Falls for the 50th time. She told me all about her late husband and her love of the falls. I cried a little. It was beautiful. Definitely a standout moment.
- 2:00 PM: Tried the Hornblower cruise. Same waterfalls, different boat. I was still just as amazed. I might have spent the whole time just staring.
- 3:30 PM: Went to a fudge shop. Ate way too much fudge. Felt like I was on a sugar high and a total mental meltdown all at once.
- 4:30 PM: Ran into Agnes at the fudge shop!! We shared a bag of peanut butter fudge and talked. She told me a secret: "The best time to see the falls is when you don't expect anything." I am absolutely doing that.
- 6:00 PM: Tried to have a "romantic dinner" with the fiancé (who had come from elsewhere). It was romantic-ish until a waiter accidentally spilled wine on his shirt. We couldn’t stop laughing. It was perfect.
- 8:00 PM: Got ice cream. Still on a sugar high. Watched the light show on the falls. More fireworks!! The lights seemed especially pretty tonight.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Advance Inn. Seriously considering eloping to the falls with Agnes. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (aka The Aftermath)
- 9:00 AM: Last "continental breakfast". It's now sort of nostalgic.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk to the Falls. Said goodbye (or, you know, "see you laters") to the Horseshoe Falls. I felt a profound sense of awe.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the hotel.
- 11:30 AM: Pack. Realized I didn't unpack my fancy dress. What a total waste.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Said goodbye to that wonderful receptionist.
- 1:00 PM: Departure. Stood at the bus stop and looked back. Niagara Falls, you were… well, you were something.
Final Thoughts:
Niagara Falls is pure sensory overload. It's cheesy, it's crowded, and it's totally worth it. It's a reminder to embrace the chaos, the imperfection, and the sheer wonder of the world. And most importantly, sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don't plan.
(And PS: I'm getting married!)
Hampton Inn Ft. Chiswell: Your Max Meadows Getaway Awaits!
Niagara's Not-So-Secret Secret: Advance Inn Awaits! (But Seriously, Ask Me Anything)
Okay, spill the tea! What *actually* makes Advance Inn so special? Everyone says it's the best kept secret, but… why?
Alright, alright, picture this: you're SICK of the tourist traps. The garish lights, the screaming kids, the sheer *impersonalness* of it all. You're craving… *authenticity*. And that, my friends, is where Advance Inn comes in. It's not some gleaming, sterile mega-hotel. It’s...cozier. Less plastic-y. Think… charmingly outdated. Think… a *real* person at the front desk who might actually remember your name (and judge your questionable t-shirt choice, in a good way, of course).
Look, I've stayed at the Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls with the indoor pool. Been there, done that. It’s fun, sure. But this...this felt different. It felt like I was stepping into someone's actual, well-loved space. Plus, the price? Let's just say it won't make your wallet weep uncontrollably. That's what really sealed the deal for me. Because, let's be honest, the falls themselves are gonna take all your cash, aren't they?
And then the location! It's *perfectly* located. Close enough to the falls (you can actually *hear* them at night… spooky, but cool!), but far enough away from the absolute chaos.
Is it *really* that much better than the big chain hotels? Like, *really*?
Okay, let's be real. I’m not gonna lie and say it has a five-star spa and butlers. It doesn't. It's not trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. And that's the beauty of it! The big chains… you kinda feel like a number, right? You're shuffled through, and the only thing anyone cares about is your credit card.
Advance Inn... felt friendlier. On my first visit, the woman at the front desk (I *think* her name was Sharon?) remembered I'd asked about good local pizza and gave me a recommendation. Then, because I'd mentioned my back was acting up on the trip, she showed me the 'best' pillows. And it was like, a proper conversation, not just a transaction. It was a little thing, but it made a huge difference. And honestly? The pizza was incredible. Seriously. Worth the trip alone.
But... and this is a HUGE BUT... It *is* older. The decor isn't exactly cutting edge. So, if you're expecting ultra-modern minimalism, you might be disappointed. It's more… charmingly retro. Think your grandma’s house, but clean and well-maintained. It's also not a place for people used to huge gyms or fancy dining. But for a good night sleep and a friendly face, absolutely! I'd take it any day over the impersonal feel of the corporate giants.
Is the breakfast *actually* decent, or is it one of those sad hotel breakfasts with pre-packaged muffins?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Breakfast... is included, so you can't complain about the price! It's not a sprawling buffet. Don't expect omelets made to order. But... it's good enough. They had toast, some cereal, and your usual continental stuff. It's definitely not a reason to book the place, but it's a reason to *stay* once you're there!
The coffee, though, was *weak*. Not that I’m a coffee snob, but it was akin to brown water. So I ventured out for coffee... and I can say that the breakfast, while simple, was perfectly adequate to keep me going. I found I was happy enough without any fussy breakfast things. So, would I go to breakfast and expect it to be fantastic, no, but I wouldn't skip it either, because it's included!
What's the parking situation like? I'm dreading the Niagara Falls parking nightmare...
Parking? Okay, this is a big win for Advance Inn. They have *free* parking. Yes, you read that right. Free! In Niagara Falls! That's practically unheard of. It's not a vast, sprawling lot, but I never had any trouble finding a spot. It's one less thing to stress about, which, believe me, is a huge bonus when you're navigating the tourist madness.
Okay, hit me with the downsides. What's the *catch*? Nothing's perfect!
Alright, alright, let’s get real for a second. It's not flawless. The biggest thing is… the noise. It's not *awful*, but you’re near a pretty busy road. Light sleepers, bring earplugs. Seriously. I forgot them, and I was kicking myself! Luckily it wasn't too bad. However, this isn't the place to go looking for peace and quiet.
Also, as I mentioned before, the decor is… dated. If you’re the type who needs everything to be shiny and new, you might get the heeby-jeebies a little. Then there's the issue of the elevator. It's a bit slow, and on busy weekends, you might find yourself waiting. And the lobby is small. A little cramped on check-in.
It's not some grand, luxury experience. But let's be honest, are you going to Niagara Falls to hang in the lobby? No! you could be in a hotel like the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls, it will be great. But Advance Inn is a great option! And if you're on a budget or prefer a more personal, less touristy vibe, these minor annoyances are easily outweighed by the pros.
Let's say I'm *sold*. What's the best room to book at Advance Inn?
This is tricky. Honestly? It depends on what you want. If you want a view of the Falls, then… well, you're out of luck. The Inn isn't right on the water. The back rooms are quieter. Then, on the other hand, if you want the best value, go for the cheapest room. I'd say just specify that you want a quiet room away from the road if that's your priority.
Honestly, don’t overthink it. The rooms are all pretty similar. Just remember to ask for one that's not right beside the elevator, and you'll be golden! Plus, the money you save on the room, you can spend on allBook Hotels Now
