Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside by IHG

For local users and visitors seeking accommodation in Niagara Falls, New York, within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside by IHG, located at 7001 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, USA, presents itself as an option aiming for an upscale experience with scenic river views. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) portfolio, this hotel strives to offer a higher standard of comfort and amenities compared to budget alternatives, catering to both leisure and business travelers. However, recent customer reviews suggest that while the hotel boasts appealing features, the actual guest experience can be inconsistent, particularly concerning room condition, cleanliness, and the interpretation of "river view."

The Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside is situated on Buffalo Avenue, directly overlooking the Niagara River. This location is often highlighted for its potential for beautiful scenic views, which can be a major draw for guests. While the hotel is on the river, it's important to note, as some reviews point out, that not all "river view" rooms offer unobstructed vistas, with some potentially having views partially obscured by the restaurant rooftop or other structures. The hotel is housed in a high-rise building, giving it a distinctive presence. In terms of proximity to the main attractions, the hotel is approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) from Niagara Falls State Park, which means it is not within easy walking distance to the iconic waterfalls. Guests will typically require a 10-15 minute drive to reach the Falls themselves. This distance can be a drawback for those prioritizing immediate access to the falls. However, its location does provide relatively easy access to other popular destinations like the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA (around 3 miles away) and the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (about 5 miles away), as well as various local dining options. The outdoor seating at the restaurant patio, overlooking the river, provides a pleasant setting for relaxation.

The Crowne Plaza brand typically implies a full range of services designed to enhance the guest experience. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, and many reviews praise the helpful and friendly staff, indicating a commitment to guest service. There is an on-site restaurant, Bella Vista Ristorante, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and often features a patio for dining with river views. A bar/lounge is also available for guests to unwind. For those starting their day at the hotel, buffet breakfast is available for a fee (approximately $9-$18 per person). Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the hotel, a standard amenity for most travelers. The hotel also offers laundry facilities for guest convenience and a 24-hour business center, along with several meeting rooms and a banquet hall, making it suitable for corporate events, weddings, and other gatherings. Self-parking is available, though it comes with a surcharge (around $10.00 per night), which some guests find unexpected given the location. The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing pets for a fee (approximately $75.00 per stay), with service animals exempt. Room service is also available. However, some guest feedback highlights issues with service consistency, such as problems with receiving prompt room cleaning, and in some instances, rude staff interactions, which contradict the generally positive comments about staff helpfulness.

The Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside offers several features aimed at leisure and comfort. A key amenity is the year-round indoor pool, which is a significant draw for families and those looking to relax regardless of the weather. There is also a fitness center equipped for guests to maintain their exercise routines. Certain premium rooms and suites may include an in-room hot tub or spa bath, adding a touch of luxury. The hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard king and queen rooms, as well as one- and two-bedroom suites, some with sofa beds to accommodate larger families or groups. Rooms typically feature air conditioning, flat-screen HDTVs with premium channels, and refrigerators. Coffee machines are also standard. Hypo-allergenic bedding and blackout drapes are often provided for guest comfort. However, some common issues highlighted by guests include the absence of microwaves in standard rooms, which can be an inconvenience. Furthermore, reviews point to problems with basic room functionality and maintenance, such as bathrooms with used toiletries, clogged washbasins, small bathtubs, noisy or "cranking" beds, and even non-functional elevators leading to long waits. The overall impression from some guests is that the rooms, despite being part of a well-known brand, might appear "old and dated" and could benefit from renovations and more diligent upkeep.

As an IHG property, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside participates in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, allowing guests to earn and redeem points for stays. Guests can typically find various promotions on the IHG website and through other booking platforms, including:

• IHG One Rewards Member Rates: Exclusive discounts for loyalty program members.
• Advance Purchase Deals: Savings for booking in advance.
• Long Stay Offers: Reduced rates for extended visits.
• AAA/AARP Discounts: Special pricing for members of these organizations.
• Packages: Occasional bundles that might include breakfast or attraction tickets, though breakfast is generally an additional charge.

However, for local users searching "Hotels Near Of Me" and considering this Crowne Plaza, it is imperative to deeply consider the recent customer feedback, as it paints a mixed and, at times, concerning picture. Key points from guest reviews include:

• Misleading "River View": Several guests expressed disappointment that their "river view" room offered limited or obstructed views, primarily seeing the restaurant rooftop or other hotel infrastructure.
• Cleanliness Issues: A recurring and significant complaint involves cleanliness, with reports of used toiletries, hair on pillows and in bathrooms (tubs, sinks, behind toilets), and generally dirty floors.
• Maintenance Problems: Guests have highlighted numerous maintenance deficiencies, such as non-working elevators leading to long waits, missing phone lines in rooms (preventing contact with the front desk), broken shower parts, difficult-to-close bathroom doors, loose toilet paper holders, and "cranking" beds.
• Room Condition: Descriptions of rooms as "old and dated," with ripped carpets and items appearing "picked from curbside free offers," suggest a need for significant renovation and upkeep.
• Lack of In-Room Microwave: The absence of a microwave in rooms is a repeated frustration for guests.
• Value for Money: Several guests felt that the high price they paid did not match the quality of the services and amenities received, leading to feelings of being "ripped off."
• Distance to Falls: The 15-minute drive to Niagara Falls is a point of concern for some, as other hotels are available within walking distance for a comparable price.

While the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY - Riverside offers the brand's standard amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining, the frequent and serious complaints regarding cleanliness, maintenance, and the accuracy of room descriptions (especially concerning views) cannot be overlooked. For prospective guests, particularly those with high expectations for a Crowne Plaza property, a thorough review of the most recent guest experiences is strongly advised to determine if this hotel aligns with their desired level of comfort and service, especially when comparing it to other "Hotels Near Of Me" options in the Niagara Falls area.