Honest Review
by TripAdvisor Member zdog
After reading some wide ranging reviews of this resort, I thought I'd throw in my two cents after a recent two day stay. My wife and I were looking for a place in Niagara Falls to stay with our son (9) and daughter (5). We wanted a place with a nice indoor pool, since our kids (like most) love to swim. We searched MSN travel, and came up with the Americana. We saw the indoor water park pictures, and were sold. We booked a room for $129 US per night, and felt it was more than worth the money. The weather during our stay was very warm, and the water park was PERFECT! It features two body slides, two tube slides, a water playground with a huge bucket that spills its watery contents every few minutes, a big wave pool, a smaller pool off to the side with a couple of baskets to shoot hoops while swimming, a smaller pool with toys and slides for toddlers, and a big spa to sooth those tired bones with all the running around you'll do with the kids! We stayed for two days, and must have used the water park a total of 4 times. Our room was 20 steps away from the water park doors. Even though the park is inside, it features a retractable roof and doors that the staff had opened to allow for a nice refreshing breeze to enter. The cost of the water park w/o a stay at hotel is $20/person, so we really got our moneys worth. As for the hotel itself, I consider it on par with most Holiday Inn's I've stayed at recently. Yes, there were minor issues (sink slow to drain, worn rug in room, some trim that needed repair). Did it impact our enjoyment? Not one bit. We are not neat freaks, but wouldn't stay in a place that was unclean, and we did not get this feeling at all at the Americana. I've read some reviews that seemed to harp on this, and the staff. Our check in and check out were uneventful..taking just minutes on both ends. We ate breakfast at the onsite restaurant 'Jack Tanners', which featured small TV sets at each table. The food was solid and service was okay. We probably would have eaten dinner here too, but wanted to check out more of the sights in the falls. Each interaction with staff was positive, and while we had no issues during our stay, I get the impression if we did, it would have been handled with no problem.
Niagara Falls is filled with choices when it comes to places to stay. Each has its advantage and disadvantage. But again, if you are a family with youngsters looking for a place to stay and play without breaking the bank, a place your kids will LOVE, than this is it.
Now, with that said, a little warning about the location, Lundy's Lane.
Zoning officials must have had a field day when deciding which businesses be allowed to set up shop along Lundy's lane. While it did not affect our stay one bit, I was surprised to see a number of 'Men's Club's' along the same strip as the Americana, and other resort motels. There are some seedly establishments along the path to the falls when traveling along Lundy's Lane. And while our kids were oblivious, I thought it interesting that the Canadian side of the Falls is fast becoming similar to the American side..and that's too bad.
Bottom line: excellent value for vacationing family. Niagara Falls, like most tourist towns, is equipped to take your money very quickly. We were able to spend hours and hours at the water park without leaving our hotel. The kids loved it, and my wife and I loved it too! Plus, the water park wore them out! We stayed midweek, and my son and I were able to ride the 'aqua tube' repeatedly without having to wait in line! We will be back, perhaps in the middle of winter, when a weekend visit to a waterpark may be just the thing!!
Generally, pleased with hotel
by A TripAdvisor Member
I went to the Americana for 2 days from June 29 to July 1/05 and I read all the reviews before booking. I personally found the front desk staff very friendly and helpful. I called them several times to inquire about check out, shuttle around the FALLS(very good value at $6.00 per adult for the whole day, children under 10? free), and outlet mall information.
Room was nice, I chose the Kiddie Suite with bunk beds and my kids (3 and 8) really liked the dvd in their room. I appreciated the microwave and fridge as well as separate eating area. I found the bathroom needed an overhaul though. It took awhile to get hot water in the shower, and the drain was very slow. My concern is that the doors to/from the parking lot were not locked, I felt it was unsafe.
I had read a review about the slow cleaning staff, and I was prepared...but they really are very slow! I wanted to come back to my room for my son to have a nap, but by 2:45pm, the room was not done. I asked the cleaning staff when I could come back, and their reply was, vacated rooms needed to be cleaned first for new guests. I came back to the room by 4:00pm and it was clean, thank goodness!
The waterpark was very nice and the staff was friendly. The areas were separated with kiddie slides and gigantic slides for older children. There was a wave pool and area to play basketball in the water. My toddler didn't like the water being dumped out every 15mins out of the jungle gym, a little scary for young ones, luckily a bell rings to prepare you for what is coming.
Jack Tanners Restaurant was geared for the family and the staff was very pleasant and helpful. Nice idea to have tvs in the eating areas. I found the restaurant very pricey, and not worth the money. Eat somewhere else! Even with meal vouchers, not worth it.
Overall, I was pleased with hotel. I would go back. I suggest you call hotel directly for a better package.
Insects all over our room at the Ameri-cana
by A TripAdvisor Member
My husband ,myself and my niece and nephew checked into the Ameri-cana
Resort in Niagara Falls,ON on June 30 for a weekend stay. The children were looking forward to the waterpark and getting away for a couple of days. The reception process went smoothly and we were on our way. I thought our room smelled musty but the kids were anxious to go to the water park so we did nothing. When we got back we definitlety could smell smoke and must in our room. We called the front desk and were assured that all rooms are non smoking but the brought us an air purifier. The children found a couple of bugs at that time but I let it go. We went out for dinner, came in later and proceeded to get ready for bed. I pulled down the covers for the children and was horrified to see a huge bug right in the bed as well as another one on the head board. There were bugs on the wall and one in the bathroom crawling across my tooth brush. I called the front desk and they said we could have a new room and would be down immediately with the card for the new room. I waited 1/2hr and then went up to the front desl. The manager said he was sorry but he "got tied up " and "forgot".
It was now 1030pm and the children were exhausted. No-one offered to assist us so I took the dolly back and we got to our new room.
The bed in that room was so bad that my husband and I did not get to sllep until after 430am. We decided that we would check out in the morning and continue our weekend somewhere else as the children spent all their time hunting for bugs in the room.
In the morning I called down to the desk and asked about a refund for that night and they said that the manager would be in at 1100am and no one could authorize a refund. I was at the desk at 1100 and asked to speak with the manager...not right at the desk but away as I did not want every one hearing about the bugs in the room.
I was refused not only any refund for the upcoming night but also anything for the previous night of horror. they offered us an upgrade but I stated we wanted to check out .This was refused until I became very insistent and then I was offered less than 1/3 of the amount I had paid in advance.
I felt that they held us hostage there by refusinf to refund at minimum the nite we had not even stayed for. We ahd little choice but to stay and I will say the upgraded room was an improvement but the whole incident left a bad feeling for us. I definitley would never reccommend the Ameri-cana Resort to any one. If you want to take the kids to the waterpark stay some where else and by a day pass to the park.
Not a Great Wolf Lodge, but...
by TripAdvisor Member trixietg
This is not a waterpark the size of a Great Wolf Lodge, but it is entertaining for at least 2 hours. There is no outdoor swimming or slides, but there is a playground good for 3-8 yr olds. The waterpark is very clean, plenty of lifeguards, and was not crowded when we were there; maybe 1 or 2 people ahead of you for the waterslides. The water was a good temperature. I'd suggest bringing your own towels so you can walk back to your room with them.
Our room was fine and check-in/check-out went fine. We chose this for the waterpark aspect and were only disappointed by the size of it, but there is so much to do in Niagara and it was okay not to be exhausted. Our family would go back.
Be warned that it is just east of several gentleman's clubs, (you probably won't even drive that way) so the location itself is not impressive if you're planning a reunion or something like that.
not impressed
by TripAdvisor Member OntarioAmy
We just came back from a 2 night stay at the Americana. We were attracted by the waterpark for our 2 kids aged 9 and 11. Check-in was fast and staff were courteous. Upon entering our room (2nd floor) we immediately smelled stale smoke and mustiness. The room was very basic, furniture dated. We were surprised considering the price we paid. We unpacked, and went down to the waterpark. The kids had a blast, it wasn't too noisy or crowded. We ate at Jack Tanners. The food was ok but pricey ($70/4). Most hotels have a kids eat free policy, but not here. We had a bad nights sleep both nights. The air conditioner was very noisy, the mattress was uncomfortable, and the pillows flat. We have been to Niagara Falls on many occasions and usually stay at the Sheraton for less than what we paid for our package at the Americana. The rooms at the Sheraton are clean, odour free, and the beds luxurious. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but I feel we got a cheap motel experience with the exception of the waterpark. I know our kids will want to go back, but we won't!
Motel not Hotel
by A TripAdvisor Member
I thought the Americana was overpriced with tired rooms which were not clean enough for my liking. Location is a long way off from the falls so be prepared to drive. The lobby is not attractive in any way. On the positive side the kids enjoyed the pool. Better value for money can be found at the large Hotel chains directly next to and overlooking the Falls so shop around. The Sheraton Fallsview was amazing and cost the same amount of money as the Americana.
We Loved the Americana Resort
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the Americana resort for two nights. My husband and children and I found it to be a very pleasant experience. We checked in earlier than expected. Our room was ready just the same. The girl who checked us in was very friendly. When we walked into the hotel lobby it was very clean and bright. Check in was quick as we reserved our room over the internet. What sold us on this hotel was the Wave park. Our kids loved it especially our 8 year old son. He loved everything about the wave park especially the water slides. There are many to choose from. His favourite was the body slides. Mine were the tube slides. The arcade is located right next to the wave park and there is also a snack bar in the arcade. There is plenty of seating in the wave park for parents to look on as their children enjoy the facility. On site there is also a first aid and change rooms availble. Towels are offered at the wave park so there is no need to bring your own. We didn't eat at Jack Tanners althought it looked like a nice place. We visited the Flying Saucer Drive-in and found the food to be wonderful and you get a lot for your money. This restaurant is located on Lundy's Lane and is just a short drive from the Americana. Check out was very easy as they provide a telephone check out service which lasted all of 2 minutes. Very convenient and very fast.
We would definitely recommend the Americana Resort and Spa and will definitely be visiting again.
Heartless to hurricane relief efforts
by TripAdvisor Member erickabrigham
This hotel is dispicable! My family had reservations to stay at this hotel the week of hurricane Katrina. After the hurricane my husband organized a relif effort in our town to send tractor tailors full of food, water and other necessary items to the victims. Because he was the organizer and the contact for many people and agencies we needed to cancel our reservation. We called the hotel and explained the situation to two managers and were told that because we only called the day before our reservation we would be charged for the room and there was nothing they could do. I can understand policies but there are definately exeptions to the rule and I cannot believe that this hotel could not waive the fee for a situation like this. Instead, they charged my family for trying to help thousands of dying people. I have no idea what kind of hotel this is because I paid for a room that we never stayed in.
march break madness
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed for March Break and registered early to use the pool and were told to come back to front desk at about 2 oclock to see if our room was ready. So we did and found a line up with many other families recering their rooms. So we went back to pool figuring we wait until line up went down. Went back a 4 o'clock and found shorter line up but figured we wait since we had enough of swimming for the day. Everyone seemed to get their rooms, so we were up next and told our room wasn't ready. We had been at the hotel since 11 o'clock and told we had no room yet but others had been coming in since noon and were all booking in. So they asked us to wait 15 more minutes. We waited until 5:15. When we got into our room we were disappointed as the description given on the internet and phone we surely did not get what we were told. I went to the front desk and asked about it and they said they had to add a new room under the price were paid obviously to their convenience. That night we asked for more blankets as we wanted the air on low so we couldn't here the running up and down of kids and adults having races (10 o'clock at night) we waited all night and didn't get one extra blanket. I called back and they said they ran out but would see what they could do. Since it was March break we made the best out of what we had and didn't want anything to make it not fun for the kids. It would have been nice to have been told that they had to accomodate us to their conveniece and charged us less.
I'm sure they made more than there moneys worth during this time period since the hotel was full.
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