For decades, coming to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon or romantic weekend was the “in thing” to do and helped earn the region the self-proclaimed title of "honeymoon capital of the world." After a while, trips to the area became considered kitschy and romantic trips considered cliché. Hotel and local attractions have taken a page from Las Vegas and many of the old over-the-top theme accommodations have been replaced with architecturally significant hotels that cater to both couples and families.

The Sterling Inn & Spa

Located on the Canadian side of the falls, the Sterling Inn features rooms and amenities that cater to couples. You will find a "traditional room" at the Sterling to be far from traditional, as it features either a hot tub for two or a shower/steam room. Deluxe rooms offer an additional sitting area and the two-room suite is reminiscent of a Manhattan loft with the sitting area and bedroom secluded from each other. All rooms have oversized beds, fireplaces, wet bar, refrigerators and extra large bathrooms. To add to the romance, breakfast in bed is included with every stay. The Inn's spa offers a variety of soothing and romantic experiences, including a couple’s massage.

The Tower Hotel

Located on the Canadian side of the falls, the Tower Hotel is one of the most distinctive hotels on either side of Niagara Falls. True to its name, the Tower looms high over the falls. An architecturally unique building, the hotel portion of the structure is a dodecahedron, meaning it faces 12 directions, giving you any view you desire. In addition to its striking design, this is a boutique hotel that prides itself on personalized service. Rooms in the hotel section of the tower are on floors 27-30 and feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with either a falls view or a city view. The hotel decor is modern with a hip retro flair, which compliments its exterior design. The Pinnacle Restaurant on the 25th floor offers an opportunity to dine with one of the most dramatic views in the world.

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview

The Hilton Niagara Falls is a towering hotel that soars 53 stories above the falls, making it the tallest hotel on either the American or Canadian side. The luxury hotel offers incredible views of the falls in stylish and comfortable surroundings. Couples looking for a romantic weekend should book the king studio, which was renovated in early 2013. The room is both a guestroom and a suite and features a comfortable king-sized bed, a separate living room and a queen pullout sofa. The bathroom features a separate shower and large hot tub. All the rooms have wireless Internet access. The package includes a dinner voucher at the hotel's Watermark Restaurant and full breakfast for two. If you're looking for nightlife, don't bother leaving the building, as the Hilton has several dancing, drinking and dining options, including Myst Lounge, Brasa Wine Bar and Chill on the Boulevard.

The Giacomo

The art deco building that houses the Giacomo Hotel in Niagara Falls was built as an office building in 1929 then repurposed in 2010 as the Giacomo. The Giacomo has quickly become the premier luxury hotel on the American side of the falls. All rooms have pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi and refrigerators. All stays include a continental breakfast, butler and valet service as well as a courtesy car service. A variety of room options include oversized beds, views of the falls and fireplaces. If you're looking to go all out, the Giacomo Splendore Suite is a huge two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. Located on the 16th floor, the view from the suite offers one of the best views of the falls from the American side.

About the Author

Tom Nari has been writing professionally since 1998 and has written extensively for a variety of websites. He has coached competitive swimmers and triathletes and holds an additional degree in Kinesiology Theory, specializing in nutrition and resistance training. Nari holds a Master of Arts in creative writing from Loyola Marymount University.

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