NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO, CANADA – There’s a stylish, new place to stay in one of the most popular destinations on the planet.
The new Hyatt Regency Fallsview in Niagara Falls takes the falls to a new level of sophistication, with a sleek, modern design, enormous rooms, a fabulous steakhouse and, yes, unbeatable views of the world-renowned falls.
My wife and I recently stayed the night to see what Hyatt (which is aiming to double its footprint across Canada by the end of this year) was up to, and to have a look around and see what’s new in the area for visitors.
The hotel was formerly an Embassy Suites, and the Hyatt folks have left the room layouts alone. That means you get tons of space, which is ideal for a family-friendly location like Niagara Falls.
Our room, 2404, had a good-sized sitting room with a large sofa bed and a big-screen television. It’s an ideal setup if you’ve got kids who want to stay up later than their parents, or who want (can you imagine?) to watch something different than the rest of the family.
The sitting room leads to a wet bar with a sink, a Nespresso coffee maker and a mini-fridge, which again is handy for families.
Opposite the wet bar we had a very sizable bathroom, with plenty of counter space, an enormous and super luxurious bathtub, a large shower, and a toilet. There’s a sliding panel if you want to sit in the bath and chat with someone in the bedroom, or keep an eye on the super-sized TV.
We had a super comfy king bed, albeit with pillows that got a little flat after a few minutes, as well as a long table under the TV that was ideal for setting down keys and a purse and wallet and such, with two chairs and a dresser for your clothes. There also was a round table with two chairs for sipping a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Or for getting a little work done.
Room 2404 at the Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls .Jim Byers Photo
Being a new setup (the hotel officially opened April 1), there are plenty of outlets in convenient spots for charging your devices. It’s a little thing, but I find it hugely annoying when I have to search around for plugs or find the cord on my iPhone charger doesn’t reach the bed.
The room was decorated with light grey wallpaper and the two tables in a sleek, grey-black tone. I’m far from an expert, but I think the muted approach helps put the focus on the, which is, of course, the piece de resistance. I was told more design elements will be added over time.
A 60-YEAR NIAGARA FALLS VISITOR
I’ve been coming here since a visit from my childhood home in California in 1966, and the falls remain as majestic today as they were 60 years ago. And even 6,000 years ago.
No matter how many times I visit, I’m always astounded to think that billions of gallon of water have been tumbling down hundreds of feet at both the Horseshoe (Canadian) and American falls each and every day for thousands and thousands of years. It’s a humbling thing to see and think about, and I find myself staring in amazement every time I go.
Our room had a fine view of both the U.S. and Canadian falls. The water is lit up at night with giant lights of purple, green, blue, white and red at night, so be sure to leave the drapes open when you go to bed.
A view of Niagara Falls from the Hyatt Regency hotel. Jim Byers Photo
As part of our package we were treated to the tasting menu at the STK restaurant on the hotel’s ninth floor, which also has a fine view of both falls.
The entrance is jazzy and bright, with a multi-coloured flower panel and a large, red, lacquered bull to greet guests. There are wavy, white bits in the ceiling and moody lighting that give it a bit of a Vegas feel. But in a good, stylish kind of way. Our terrific server, Zoltan, called it “vibe dining,” which seems like an apt description.
I enjoyed a lovely “Not Your Daddy’s Old-Fashioned” with local whisky, bitters, brown sugar and vanilla. They also have a very nice wine list with a offerings from around the world and around the corner. I quite liked the Bella Terra Vineyards Cabernet Franc from Niagara-on-the-Lake. (I’ve also made a note to visit the winery next time I’m in the area.)
STK has an onion ring tower on the menu, but I went for the healthier sounding option and ordered the shrimp cocktail, which came with six enormous shrimp sprinkled with pickled jalapeno slices and ribbons of spicy red pepper. It was quite good, but I can’t stop thinking I should’ve gone with my, ahem, gut instinct.
Dessert at STK Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls. Jim Byers Photo
My wife ordered the rack of lamb, which was enormous (there’s a pattern here) and cooked perfectly. STK being a steakhouse and all, I opted for the six-ounce filet, which was buttery and smooth and came with a choice of sauces.
The side order of asparagus was a veritable forest of spears, perhaps 15 or 16, while the truffle fries (not quite crispy enough for me) were also a sizable portion.
Dessert was outlandishly good; local vanilla ice cream on a warm, square cookie in a cast-iron pan, along with (I’d never heard of this) a combo carrot/cheese cake with bits of both in one slice of damn-the-calories goodness. (I rarely take an unfinished dessert back to my room after dinner, but there was no way I was letting that cake go to waste.)
We had a solid breakfast the next morning at STK, including good, strong coffee, scrambled eggs, a heaping of roasted potatoes, chicken sausage (just okay) and a nice Acai bowl.
Amenities at the hotel include a lovely looking pool I didn’t have time to try out, and a large fitness centre (also no chance to try). There’s a TGIF’s off the lobby and a Starbucks.
The hotel boasts 20,000 square feet of event space, and they’re well equipped for weddings and special events.
The hotel was kind enough to arrange a pass for us to check out some of the nearby attractions, including the Journey Behind the Falls (truly spectacular) and the new “Niagara Takes Flight” action ride, which sees you suspended in the air and “flown” through the very rock and then up and over and down into the falls. It’s a rollicking journey that includes important nods to the indigenous people who have called this area home for centuries, and also takes you over a lovely Niagara winery, a mock War of 1812 battle (complete with booming cannons) and a local forest ablaze with fall colours.
You really do get the sense you’re flying down into and soaring up and over the falls and the surrounding countryside.
The Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls. Jim Byers Photo
There’s a nice intro at the start that includes the indigenous story of how the area came to be, as well as historical bits about the area’s popularity as an industrial area and tourist attraction. The lighting and video editing are terrific, and the narration is by none other than Canadian filmmaker James Cameron.
Before we headed home, we had time for lunch at Table Rock Café, which overlooks the Canadian or Horseshoe Falls and serves up terrific cuisine with an emphasis on local products. I enjoyed a fine southern chicken sandwich while my wife had a lovely salad with roasted salmon.
LOCATION
You can’t get much closer to the Horseshoe Falls, which are only a few hundred meters away. The Niagara Parks Incline Railway, which takes you between downtown Niagara Falls and the Table Rock Centre, is just a few steps outside the hotel’s front door. The railway drops you off a few meters from the centre, which houses Niagara Takes Flight and the Journey Behind the Falls. The best close-up views of the Horseshoe Falls are right outside the Table Rock doors. The Hyatt also is close to several family-friendly restaurants, and the Fallsview Casino is just a couple blocks away.
PARKING
Valet Parking is a substantial $100, plus tax, while on-site self-parking is $70. You can park a couple blocks away for $35 a night and either walk back to the hotel or catch the free shuttle.
