Rodeway Inn Fallsview

This low-rise motel is surrounded by a wide parking lot and the property doesn't stand out in an area crowded with other, similar budget options. The lobby is bare-bones and functional, with a long front desk, a couple leather couches, and tiled floors, with windows looking out onto the parking lot. Despite the suggestion made by the motel's name, there are not views of the falls to be had anywhere on the property. Zappi's an on-site Italian Restaurant, is popular for casual meals with motel guests and other people staying around town, and has the typical faux-trattoria decor of many Italian spots in tourist towns. There are few public areas besides a covered terrace with metal furniture and the outdoor pool. The hotel sees a variety of guests, from international couples and solo travelers to families and tour groups.

On an anonymous road filled with other motels and businesses, the high-rise chain hotels looming over the falls and the Skylon Tower are both visible from the Rodeway Inn's parking lot. The Upper Funicular to Niagara Falls is a five-minute walk from the motel, and Queen Victoria Park, which is lined with lovely gardens, is a 10-minute walk downhill. The motel is outside of the main tourist areas of the downtown area and the Clifton Hill entertainment area, with tourist traps, casinos, and restaurants, is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive away. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a 43-minute drive away and Toronto Pearson International Airport is an hour and 17-minute drive away.

Rooms at this motel are large and clean, and guests not looking to spend much time in their rooms will likely be satisfied. However, these are outdated guest rooms and they show their age in many ways, from the soft pink walls to cheap leaf-patterned bedspreads and light fixtures to tube-style TVs. Tan carpets are spread along the floors and light birch-veneer furniture looks straight from the '70s. Rooms are also not well-soundproofed and neighbors can be easily heard through the walls, though there is not much outside noise as the hotel is set off the main road and surrounded by its own wide parking lot. Rooms come with one king bed or two queen beds, a work area, dresser, coffee machine, and individually controlled air-conditioning, though mini-fridges are available on request for a fee. Jacuzzi Suites have fireplaces, larger sitting areas, and private whirlpools. Bathrooms are clean, with gray tiled floors, bathtub/shower or combos or stand-up showers, generic toiletries, and dated fixtures.

The highlight of this property is its on-site restaurant, Zappi's, which serves North American-style Italian classics in a vibrant, if kitschy atmosphere and is popular with guests from around town. The hotel also has a dedicated, full-service breakfast restaurant, Tattle's, though breakfast is not included with bookings. The heated outdoor pool was undergoing renovations when we visited and the hotel has plenty of parking, though it is subject to a nightly charge. Wi-Fi access in rooms, although it is a little spotty, and newspapers and coffee are both available in the lobby. There is plenty of outdoor parking, but it is subject to a nightly fee and a special note should be made about the staff, who can be extremely helpful with directions and tour/restaurant recommendations.