Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

This massive 604-room resort and casino is one of the most notable hotels on the U.S. side of Niagara falls, both literally and figuratively. It towers above all else in the area, and takes up multiple blocks, so it's certainly not the type of place that's easy to miss. It's also well-known because of its casino: This is the only hotel on the U.S. side to have one, making the property a destination in its own right. Nearby hotels even advertise their proximity to the casino or offer vouchers. The Seneca Niagara Resort looks and feels like the big casino hotel hotel it is, so guests can expect plenty of colors and patterns, bright lights, and noise. It's a place that feels lively even when the casino isn't busy. Which makes sense, given that the casino aside, this is still a full-service resort, one with extensive facilities, including a conference center, full-service spa, and multiple dining options. 

The property attracts many leisure tourists -- mostly couples, though we did spot a few families with younger kids during our stay, though they're probably not the target audience here. Business travelers are also common (especially during the week), including those here for conferences or other events. If there's a big event being held here, such as a major poker game, expect the hotel to feel crowded and incredibly busy. Note that cigarette smoke in the casino can be annoying to some, and some guests on TripAdvisor complain that it filters into other parts of the hotel. However, we didn't notice it at all on our floor during our visit, and it's worth noting that the hotel has improved its ventilation system to help address this issue. 

The hotel is situated on the American side of Niagara Falls. Immediately nearby are some smaller hotels, restaurants, and residential areas, and across the street is the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. In general, there is not nearly as much to do on the U.S. side as the Canadian side, and certain pockets nearby can feel a touch gritty. The Niagara Falls State Park is a 10-minute walk away, while Goat Island is about 15 minutes away and offers stunning views of the falls and the Canadian side of town, which can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or a 10-minute drive over Rainbow Bridge. There are many tourist attractions across the border, such as the Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara SkyWheel, and the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. The Niagara Falls International Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while Buffalo is a 25- to 30-minute drive.

Rooms are spacious and have modern if chain-like decor. Brown and beige hues in Deluxe Rooms and Corner Suites are enlivened by green bedspreads with a metallic sheen, while large cream-colored padded headboards add an upscale touch. Center Suites are clad in creamy colors, with peachy-cream bed runners and headboards contrasting the white linens, as well as blonde wood furniture. These rooms also have bedside whirlpool tubs, as well as separate living rooms with couches and wet bars with Keurig coffeemakers. Corner Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two walls, as well as sitting areas and in-room whirlpool tubs. Rooms dubbed as Fallside can have sweeping views of the skyline, river, and the Canada side, though typically not of the falls themselves -- though in some cases you can see the mist of the falls in the distance. Families and groups will likely appreciate that the Deluxe Rooms Two Queen Beds can fit five people. Smoking rooms are available, and some guests in non-smoking rooms also complain of a cigarette smell, though we did not notice this at all on our floor. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with HD channels, coffeemakers, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Note that bottled water and snacks are charged. All rooms offer vanity areas with magnifying mirrors, while bathrooms have large walk-in showers. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

The casino is one of the biggest draws for many guests who choose to stay here, and it's massive, with over 3,000 slot machines, about 100 table games, 16 tables in the poker room, and a keno lounge. Free drinks are served to gamblers, which is not true at the casinos on the Canadian side.

There are multiple dining options to choose from here, including more formal sit-down options (a steakhouse, Italian, and Asian restaurants), and several more casual choices such as a buffet, a burger bar, and a cafe. Food gets mixed reviews, however, and the buffet in particular has garnered negative comments from past guests. The hotel is also home to a Tim Hortons and a Cold Stone Creamery, as well as four bars and lounges. 

The hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub in a pleasant space that's illuminated by walls of windows. The surrounding tile deck is lined with padded wooden loungers as well as several round tables flanked by chairs. There's also a fitness center equipped with a good range of modern machines.

There's a spa and salon that offers various treatments, a steam room, hot tub, sauna, manicures and pedicures, and hair services. It's large if not particularly memorable from a style standpoint. The hotel also offers a wide variety of event spaces, suitable for small meetings or large conferences of up to 2,500 people. Other amenities include several gift shops and boutiques, such as a newsstand, fragrance store, sunglass kiosk, chocolate shop, and Swarovski boutique. Both valet and self-parking are free on-site, as is high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property -- but there is a nightly resort fee.