The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls

Location was awesome. One thing they don’t tell you when you’re booking now is you have to pay an insane parking fee. We should have drove around the block a couple times because there was $10 all day parking and we paid 55. Also our TV remote stopped working and they could not turn the loud TV off. Staff took a long time to get up to the room and then when they finally got there, it was two gentlemen that tried to come in the room right away, which I wasn’t comfortable with because we were already in our pajamas the long story short they changed out the batteries and we were able to shut the TV off, but it was just an awkward exchange that didn’t make me feel comfortable

Stayed at the Oakes for 2 nights at the beginning of September. It was quite pricey but well worth the view from the 11th floor with Falls view. We had a suite which included a settee, TV and wardrobes and in the wardrobe was an ironing board and iron. We had a jacuzzi bath which was great. It was a little scratched and the silicone sealant needed replacing in both shower and around the bath. This is what I mean by a little tired. The view of Niagra Falls was amazing apart from one of the very large windows had misted so you couldn't see out of it very well. Nice queen bed and another TV, night stands, sideboard, and comfy chairs to sit by the window. We saw the fireworks over the falls at 10pm from the room and it was fantastic. 2nd night we went down to the falls to watch the fireworks. We preferred them from the room! Could just hear the falls through the night but it was soothing. Can't comment on the pool or gym as we didn't use them. The view point at the top of the hotel is just as good as the room view but it'd be amazing if your room doesn't have a view. It's quite a long walk to the falls or there is the option of using the Falls Incline lift just to the left of the hotel (as you come out of reception) Each journey is $4 but you have the option to purchase a multi trip ticket to save a few dollars. Parking at the hotel is $50 a night, every night! Just at the side of the hotel is a multi storey carpark. Pricing is very confusing. When we parked, it showed $15 so of course, we thought that was per night - win win but NO! You actually pay the price shown as you leave! Because we parked midweek it was cheap, towards the weekend, it shot up to $50. This is what we payed on exit for 2 and a half days, 2 nights. If you have a quick drive round to get your bearings before choosing a car park, you will see there is an abundance of car parks so the rates are mega competitive. We booked a guided trip on the maid of the falls boat and a trip behind the falls through Viator, $135 each! Ok so we got a tour guide who was lovely but we could have got a ticket for the boat ride far cheaper from the kiosk at the Falls. I didn't want to leave but, alas, our journey had to continue. I wish we had stayed for at least a couple of more days as there is so much to do and see by day and by night.

First of all, the hotel is undergoing some renovations, so they moved us to Hilton, just 1 block down the road. For anyone reading this, just be aware that you might need to move hotels since they don't communicate about that until you try to check in at the front desk. I suspect it depends on the room type as well since I see other guests still staying at The Oakes. The renovation likely only affects certain room types. I gave 5 stars mainly for their effort to keep the type of room we booked and honoured the price we paid. We booked in advanced for the falls view. Hilton on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment with their internal Comms, we had issues with housekeeping and had to call them twice about it. Resulting in our room getting clean at 10pm. Left our requested pillow outside the door in a garbage bag with no note. The room was great, superb views (ours was views of Niagara and the horseshoe falls). I expect better from Hilton.

Facility and room were not clean as we expected. Elevators take forever to arrive. We were assigned a room on the second floor but even on the 2nd floor we had to pull our baggage several stairs step up and through maze to reach the room which was definitely not for all guests. TV was not working in the room. Note: Parking at hotel was CA$60.45/day including taxes