Niagara Falls' REX Motel: Your Epic Falls Getaway Awaits!
Niagara Falls' REX Motel: Your Epic Falls Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Niagara Falls REX Motel. Or, as I like to call it, the "Rexy," because, let's be honest, that's a name that just demands a nickname. Don't expect a perfectly polished review; this is the real deal, warts and all. This isn't your boring travel article; it's a diary of my stay.
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- Keywords: Niagara Falls, REX Motel, Ontario, Canada, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Cleanliness, Wi-Fi, Parking, Cheap Hotel, Niagara Falls Hotels, Fallsview, Clifton Hill, Vacation, Travel, Review.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the REX Motel in Niagara Falls. Exploring everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the pool and the breakfast buffet (yes, the buffet!). Real experiences, quirks, and opinions. Is it really the "epic Falls getaway" it promises? Let's find out!
Let's Get This Show on the Road (and Get to the Room!)
First off, the location. The Rexy boasts being close to the Falls — a claim I'll address more fully later. Niagara Falls is, well, Niagara Falls. Tourist central. Bright lights. Throngs of people. Prepare to be overwhelmed (but in a fun, kitschy way).
Accessibility and the Sigh Moment:
Okay, so, accessibility is always a big one for me. Not because I NEED it, but because it's a crucial test of how much a place really cares. The website claims to have accessibility features, so here's the lowdown on my experience:
- Wheelchair Accessible: The front doors weren't automatic, which is already a red flag. The hallways seemed wide enough (maybe?) and the rooms…well, the room I looked at was a little cramped. It technically worked, but it wasn't effortless. (Side note: the elevator was slow enough, I swear I aged a year in it. I felt like I was waiting for the plot twist.)
- Other Accessibility Features: I didn't see any Braille signage, and while the staff seemed willing to help (they were generally nice, bless their hearts), the physical infrastructure wasn't exactly designed for ease of access. It's a solid "C+" in my book. (Improvement needed!)
Diving Deeper - The Room & All That Jazz
Available in All Rooms: Okay, let's break this down:
- Air Conditioning: Thank goodness. Niagara Falls in July is a steamy beast.
- Alarm Clock: Yup.
- Bathrobes: Nope. (Sad face.)
- Bathroom Phone: Seriously? Did anyone EVER use this?
- Bathtub: Yep. (And it looked clean, thank you, housekeeping gods.)
- Blackout Curtains: Absolutely. Slept like a log after all that Falls-gazing.
- Carpeting:…Yep. It was there.
- Closet: Adequate.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential for survival. Needed my caffeine fix ASAP!
- Complimentary Tea: Nice touch.
- Daily Housekeeping: They tried. My bed was made, which is more than I do at home.
- Desk: Functional.
- Extra Long Bed: Hallelujah! I'm tall!
- Free Bottled Water: Score! Dehydration is a real threat when you're dodging Niagara Falls mist.
- Hair Dryer: Worked, but felt like it was from the 80s.
- High Floor: Got me a decent view.
- In-room Safe Box: Meh. Didn't use it.
- Interconnecting Room(s) Available: Good for families.
- Internet Access – LAN: Haven't seen this in years…
- Internet Access – Wireless: Essential. More on that later.
- Ironing Facilities: Iron and board. Got the wrinkles out.
- Laptop Workspace: Desk + power outlet = win.
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini Bar: Nope. (Again, not entirely disappointed. Less temptation to overspend.)
- Mirror: Yup.
- Non-smoking: Yes, please.
- On-demand movies: Didn't even look. Niagara Falls! Who needs a movie?
- Private Bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Check.
- Refrigerator: Useful.
- Safety/security feature: Standard locks and peepholes.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yup.
- Scale: Nope. (Good. Ignorance is bliss.)
- Seating area: A couple of chairs.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yep.
- Shower: Fine. Water pressure was decent.
- Slippers: Not included. (Disappointing)
- Smoke detector: Yes. And I hope it worked!
- Socket near the bed: One. Fight for it.
- Sofa: Didn't have one in my room (sigh).
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, actually. The Falls are noisy, but not in the room.
- Telephone: Basic.
- Toiletries: Basic travel size stuff.
- Towels: Clean and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Nope. (But I should have brought one!)
- Visual alarm: Didn't see this.
- Wake-up service: Yep.
The Internet – Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (…sort of…): The Wi-Fi was…unreliable, shall we say. It cut out frequently. My Instagram feed suffered. My online banking nearly had a meltdown. I may have had to walk to the lobby a few times to actually get connected. This is a biggie people, and the Rexy falls flat here. A motel in the 21st century NEEDS good Wi-Fi. This was a definite downside.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, the Buffet Saga)
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, the buffet…was a mixed bag. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (a bit rubbery), bacon, toast, cereal, pastries. It was a perfectly adequate way to fuel up for a day of sightseeing. I did find a decent piece of fruit. You know, the simple things.
- Other Dining Options: I didn't eat at any of the restaurants. (There were a few nearby.)
Things To Do (Beyond the Falls)
- Swimming pool: I checked out the pool. It was outdoor and…okay. It did have a "pool with a view" but…the view was Niagara Falls. It's always a 'pool with a view' in Niagara Falls.
- Fitness center: I didn't use it. (I was on vacation. Don't judge me.)
- Other Amenities: I didn't see any spa, sauna, or anything fancy. This place is about the basics.
Cleanliness and Safety (the COVID Era edition!)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They claimed to use them.
- Breakfast in room: No.
- Cashless payment service: Yes.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed to be the plan.
- Hand sanitizer: Yep. Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good.
- Hygiene certification: Not sure I saw this one, but good practice is good practice.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Buffet was mostly self-serve with tongs, which is a bit nerve-wracking.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Claimed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nope.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Probably?
- Safe dining setup: I noticed that the tables were spread out, which made me feel more comfortable.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They appeared to be (masks, etc.).
- Shared stationery removed: Didn't see stationery anyway.
The Verdict: Rexy - Is It Worth It?
The REX Motel isn't the ultimate Niagara Falls experience, but it has its moments. It's a decent budget-friendly option. If you're looking for five-star luxury, move along. If you want a clean, functional base camp for exploring the Falls and don't mind some minor quirks, then the Rexy is…well, it's there. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done and at a
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Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. We're going Niagara Falls, baby, and it's gonna be… well, we'll see. This itinerary? More like a suggestion, a desperate plea against utter chaos. Pack your patience (and maybe some duct tape, you never know).
The Rex Motel at Niagara Falls - A Quest for Water and Wonder (and Maybe Not Getting Ripped Off)
Day 1: Arrival, and the Existential Dread of the Clifton Hill Neon Apocalypse
- 14:00 - Arrival at The Rex Motel – Niagara Falls, ON: Alright, first impressions. The Rex… well, let's just say it's got "character." "Retro Charm," they call it in the brochures. I call it "questionable thread count sheets and a distinct aroma of regret." The lobby has a vaguely Elvis-themed vibe, which is… something. Found the ice machine! Small victory.
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, the room. Cleanish. The TV probably works. (I'll test that later, necessity of life). Oh, God, no, I forgot the most important thing: the coffee maker. What is this, a torture chamber?
- 15:00 - The Clifton Hill Gauntlet: Time to face the tourist trap that is Clifton Hill. My stomach is churning in dread as I step out of The Rex. The air is thick with the smell of deep-fried everything and the sound of arcade jingles that will haunt my nightmares.
- 15:30 - Mini golf - Niagara Falls (ON): Okay, so who thought this would actually be fun? And yet, here I am, wielding a tiny putter, battling a windmill that looks vaguely like a giant plastic dinosaur. This is either character-building or evidence of a complete mental breakdown. I think I'm leaning towards the latter, as I miss the whole thing.
- 17:00 - Dinner - Somewhere… : Okay, time for dinner. I'm hungry, and probably cranky. I am not sure where to go. McDonald's? I am lost. I go into a small Greek restaurant.
- 18:00 - Dinner Complete - Back at the Rex: I'm so glad I decided to pack a book. I can't wait to unwind.
Day 2: The Falls (Finally!) and the Pursuit of Authentic Canadian Experiences (Good Luck)
- 09:00 - Wakey-Wakey, Eggs and Despair: Okay, the coffee shop is not up to par. Okay, time to find somewhere else to go.
- 10:00 - Journey Behind the Falls: Okay, THIS is the moment I've been waiting for. The Falls! Got my overpriced poncho, and I'm ready to get soaked. The sheer POWER of that water is incredible, I get chills watching the water. The noise is deafening, my ears are ringing, but I'm happy. I'm alive!
- 11:30 - The Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruises - Your Call:
- 12:30 - Lunch - I grab some fries.
- 13:30 - Whirlpool Aero Car Gondola: Okay, this is cool, in a slow-moving, slightly terrifying kind of way. Floating over the Niagara Whirlpool… the water is a swirling vortex of madness below. The view is absolutely stunning, even if it feels like I'm about to be swallowed by nature.
- 15:00 - Niagara-on-the-Lake - A Dream: After the tourist hellscape of Clifton Hill, Niagara-on-the-Lake feels like a different planet. Charming little shops, beautiful old houses. Wow. Who knew there was a place like this. The whole place makes me feel happy.
- 18:00 - Dinner - Niagara-on-the-Lake I decide that I want Pasta, so I go to the local Italian place.
- 20:00 - Evening - Back at The Rex: Time to pack up, and head back to my room. I am tired, but happy.
Day 3: Leaving and the Lingering Scent of Niagara
- 09:00 - Check Out: The Rex is gone. The breakfast was… a bagel and some instant coffee. Well, I can't knock the coffee.
- 09:30 - Last Glance: One last look at the mighty Falls. One more.
Final Thoughts:
Niagara Falls. It's a sensory overload, a tourist circus, and a natural wonder all rolled into one gigantic, wet, and slightly overwhelming package. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I’m bringing my own coffee maker. And an industrial-sized roll of duct tape, just in case.
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Niagara Falls REX Motel: Okay, Here's the Deal (and Believe Me, I Have Opinions!)
So, REX Motel... Is It Actually *Rex-cellent* or Just... *Rex-isting*?
Okay, real talk. The REX Motel? It’s… an experience. Think of it as a foundational brick in the Niagara Falls adventure arch. It's not the Ritz, folks. Let's get that out of the way. It’s more like… a reliable, slightly worn-in pair of hiking boots. They get the job done, maybe with a few blisters along the way. I stayed there once, and I’ll be honest, initially, I was a *little* horrified. The website photos? Definitely doctored. But listen, the price? Amazing!
My first impression? "Wow, that's...a lot of floral wallpaper." Seriously, I think it was the same pattern my grandma had in her kitchen in 1978. But hey, it was clean-ish. And the air conditioning? Strong enough to freeze the socks off a snowman. Bonus points for that, especially after a day of sweating buckets by the falls.
What's the Location Like? Is it Actually *Near* the Falls?
Location, location, location! This is where the REX shines. It's *close*, people. Like, you could practically hear the roar of the falls if you squinted and imagined really hard. Okay, maybe not, but you're a reasonable walk or short drive away. And that's huge! Saves you a fortune on parking, which, let's be honest, is a Niagara Falls black hole that sucks cash. I remember one time, I was staying at a "luxury" hotel that was a train ride away, and all the while I just kept thinking "WHY didn't I stay at the REX?!"
I think I can safely say that location-wise, the REX is definitely in the running for "Best Budget-Friendly Location" in the area. Especially if you're thinking of making an active move to keep your budget from going down the falls itself.
The Rooms... What Should I Expect? (Please, Please, Be Honest!)
Alright, brace yourselves. The rooms...they're functional. Don't go expecting sleek, modern minimalism. Think more... classic motel charm. I'm talking probably a TV that’s older than you are (but hey, it might have cable!). Basic furniture, maybe a slightly lumpy bed but honestly, after a day of walking, you'll probably fall asleep standing up.
The one I had? The bathroom felt like it hadn't been updated since the invention of the hot tub, but it was clean, and the water ran hot. That’s all that matters, right? Right?! Okay, maybe a little more. The free coffee in the lobby was… well, it was coffee. Drinkable. And when you are running low on cash it does the job.
Is Parking Available (and is it Free?! Tell Me It's Free!)
Yes! Praise be! Parking is generally free at the REX! And THAT, my friends, is a HUGE win. Because as I mentioned before, parking around the Falls is a money vampire that'll suck your wallet dry faster than you can say "Maid of the Mist." Seriously... free parking is one of the biggest reasons to consider the REX. Saved me a fortune. Made my entire trip less stressful. It's a real perk.
Just be aware, it might be a tight squeeze if the motel is busy. I remember one time circling the lot like a vulture, waiting for someone to leave. But hey, eventually, I found a spot. It's worth it!
About That Pool... Is It Worth It?
The pool. Ah, the pool. It’s… a pool. Let's just put it that way. It’s not a resort-style oasis. It's a motel pool. Expect chlorine. Expect kids. Expect… well, it does the job. It’s usually open, and it’s a refreshing dip after a long day of sightseeing. I've seen it pretty busy in the summer, and quiet in the shoulder seasons. You’ll get the kind of tan where you know you've been outside, that’s for sure.
Honestly? I prefer the falls, but if you have kids, or you just want to cool off, it's a nice added bonus. Don't get your hopes up too high, but don't completely dismiss it either!
Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises?
Hidden fees? Not really. But read the fine print, as you should with anything. I just remember being pleasantly surprised that there weren’t any ridiculous resort fees or anything sneaky like that. The price you see is pretty much the price you pay.
The biggest surprise? The absolute *lack* of pretension. It's a place where you can just *be*. Relax. Get some good sleep. It's a far cry from fancy, but it's honest. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
What are the Nearby Food Options Like? Will I Starve?!
You will *not* starve! The REX is surrounded by options. Fast food, casual dining, even a few fancier places if you're feeling flush. Plus, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a short drive away, and that place is a foodie paradise. I remember being so hungry after a long day, that I just stumbled upon a burger joint nearby. It was greasy, it was perfect. The best burger I’ve ever had, in my opinion at least. After a whole day of being hit with water and being exhausted, I really needed that burger!
The real bonus is the convenience stores nearby. Perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, and that essential bottle of water after you've been standing under the falls. Just saying!
Is the REX Family-Friendly?
Yep, it's family-friendly! I saw tons of families when I was there. The pool is definitely a draw for the kids! It’s not a rowdy, party-hardy kind of place. More relaxed. The location is great for getting to the attractions without a huge hassle. Plus, who doesn't love a good, old-fashioned road trip motel experience?
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