Niagara to New York: A Journey of Iconic Sights & Stays
I’m always looking for travel opportunities, and if I’m travelling for work then I will often look to tie this in with visits to places I have wanted to visit too. This trip is the perfect example where I had to be in New York for a few days for a Fora travel conference, but wanted to get there a few days in advance to get over the five hour time difference.
I therefore took the opportunity to go the weekend before to visit Niagara Falls, somewhere I have wanted to visit, after being seduced by the Alfred Hitchcock film with Marilyn Monroe, Niagara. I’m under no illusions however that it still looks like this, judging by the amount of hotels that are now there, mostly tourist hotels including a few high rise buildings. I normally don't find it too hard to be able to select from the best hotels in a location, unless in the likes of say London where there are so many five star options, but I did struggle in Niagara without any very high end option - yet. I couldn’t help but spot The Toronto Power Hotel, set to open in 2028.
I always love to find out about new places and try new things, so a good opportunity to visit two different countries (USA and Canada), experience two different airlines (one new for me - JetBlue, and the second an old OneWorld favourite American Airlines), and stay at four different hotels - two Niagara Falls and two in New York (one, revisiting the incredible iconic masterpiece, the TWA Hotel at JFK).
Highlights at a Glance:
Premium flights to/from New York, and onward to Niagara
How to get around in Niagara
Fallsview hotels and iconic NYC hotels
What to do in Niagara
Why stay at the iconic TWA Hotel JFK Airport
Flight Recommendations
Start in style with premium cabins and seamless transfers.
I love to fly, and experiencing a new airline is also something I look forward to. Normally flying primarily BA or Qatar, going this time a great option seemed to be flying direct from Edinburgh to New York’s JFK Airport with JetBlue in the Mint (Business) cabin, with an onward connection also with JetBlue to Buffalo Airport on the USA side of Niagara Falls. The best connection time to get me back to New York was with American Airlines, also flying from Buffalo but to Newark Airport; and then on my return to Edinburgh, it’s a direct flight from the JetBlue (terminal 7) from JFK to Edinburgh, connected to my last hotel stop, the TWA Hotel.
I’m intrigued to fly with JetBlue, not the traditional full-service business or first class service, but nevertheless their Mint cabin seems to be well received, with new aircraft and decent reports of service, food, seats etc. I’ll do a full review after my flight, but I had the option to pay extra for the Mint Suite (either 1A or 1F) at the front of the cabin with extra space, larger TV screen etc. My plan had been to try the Suite option on the EDI-JFK route, then compare and contrast with a ‘normal’ Mint seat on the return. That said, I waited a few days then went back in and also booked the Mint Suite 1A on the return too. 32 rows in all on the A321 EDI-JFK-EDI, 1-1 configuration Mint, 2-2 configuration in economy/Core.
On the onward flight, JFK to Buffalo, the Airbus A220 aircraft has a single class seat in a 2-3 configuration, but with four different types of fare, the top being “EvenMore” covering the first 4 rows of 28 rows overall.
Luxury Accommodation Highlights
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa – Panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls, spa, and fine dining.
I wasn’t initially drawn to either of the Marriott hotels, but did opt for the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview for my first couple of nights. My thinking was that with it being a high-rise building it would have great views of the Horseshoe Falls of Canada, and this was closer to the falls as opposed to the other Marriott, Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls.
| Fast Facts | Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa |
|---|---|
| Address | 6740 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6, Canada |
| Website | marriott.com |
| @marriotthotels | |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #18 of 124 hotels in Niagara Falls (as of October 2025) |
| Number of Rooms | 432 |
| Nearest Airport | Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) – 20 minutes; Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – 45 minutes |
| Notable Features | Fallsview rooms & suites, Serenity Spa by the Falls, Morton's Grille with falls views, indoor pool, direct Horseshoe Falls vantage point |
| Visited | October 2025 |
The Brock Niagara Falls Fallsview, Tapestry by Hilton
Originally opened in July 1929 as the General Brock Hotel, this imposing eleven-story structure was Niagara Falls’ first true high-rise hotel, built for about $1.5 million and named in honour of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, a Canadian hero of the War of 1812. Designed by the Pigott Company with architects Findlay & Foulis, it featured 260 rooms, a rooftop garden, fireproof construction, and a glass-enclosed “Rainbow Room” banquet space affording panoramic views over the Niagara Gorge. Over the decades the hotel changed hands and names - becoming Sheraton Brock, then Skyline Brock, then Brock Plaza, and later the Crowne Plaza Fallsview. In April 2025, after a $15 million renovation, it embraced a new identity: The Brock Niagara Falls – Fallsview, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, combining its storied past with modern amenities and a boutique style for guests overlooking the falls and the Rainbow Bridge.
Having seen this original building in the Niagara film, despite the reviews not being great, I still wanted to try a different option in Niagara and a different location right up at the Rainbow Bridge, effectively the border bridge between the USA and Canada.
| Fast Facts | The Brock Niagara Falls – Fallsview, Tapestry Collection by Hilton |
|---|---|
| Address | 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6W7, Canada |
| Website | thebrockhotelniagarafalls.com |
| @tapestrycollection | |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #30 of 124 hotels in Niagara Falls (as of October 2025) |
| Number of Rooms | 234 |
| Nearest Airport | Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) – 15 minutes; Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – 40 minutes |
| Notable Features | Historic 1929 landmark, panoramic Rainbow Room, boutique-style renovation (2025), Fallsview dining & bar, steps from Rainbow Bridge and Clifton Hill |
| Visited | October 2025 |
The Toronto Power Hotel, set to open in 2028.
After 50 years of dormancy, this national historic site will be transformed into Niagara Falls' first five-star boutique hotel. Clearly with work just underway, it’s not an option for my stay this time, but it does look like it will be a game-changer and I would love to go back when it’s open.
Things to Do in Niagara Falls
Iconic natural wonder with a luxury twist
The more I looked into Niagara Falls and researching the area, there was a whole list of things that I want to do during my visit.
Falls Incline Railway – right in front of the Marriott Fallsview, quick link up and down the escarpment.
Journey Behind the Falls – take the lift down for tunnels and platforms just behind the Horseshoe Falls.
Scenic Walk at Horseshoe Falls – the classic riverside promenade with the best close-up views of the falls.
Queen Victoria Park – landscaped gardens and pathways along the Canadian side of the falls.
Skylon Tower – panoramic views from the observation deck and revolving restaurant.
Observation Point at Prospect Point (USA) – across the Rainbow Bridge, close to Maid of the Mist.
Maid of the Mist (USA) – iconic boat ride right into the spray.
Cave of the Winds (USA, Goat Island) – wooden walkways at the base of Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Power Station & The Tunnel – immersive exhibits and a 670m tunnel out to the river.
Art Deco Clock Tower (Musical Requests) – quirky landmark with nightly light and music features.
Niagara Skywheel – giant observation wheel on Clifton Hill.
White Water Walk – boardwalk beside the Class 6 rapids.
Whirlpool Aero Car – suspended cable car across the Niagara Whirlpool.
Whirlpool Rapids Observation Deck – riverside lookout point, often combined with the Aero Car.
What seemed like a great option here was to buy a Niagara Parks two-day pass to include many of these attractions, and the ability to use the WEGO transport routes around the area.
Key Attractions:
Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara Takes Flight
White Water Walk
Whirlpool Aero Car
Niagara Parks Power Station Self-Guided Admission
Two consecutive days aboard WEGO
Unlimited access to the Falls Incline Railway for two consecutive days
Two consecutive days free parking at Rapidsview Parking Lot (not much use to me)
Bonus coupons for other Niagara attractions, restaurants, shopping, golf and more
Getting from Niagara Falls to New York
The best way to connect these two icons
I had looked at train options, which was a possibility, but it looked like this journey was going to take about 9 hours direct. I did like this idea, as I’m a huge train fan, but with this taking almost an entire day, the most obvious answer was to fly on this trip, taking only an hour plus the check-in time and transfers.
Where to Stay in New York City
Penny Williamsburg
For the Fora conference I chose to stay at The Penny Williamsburg, a 118-room boutique hotel that feels fresh, creative and well thought-out, with small touches like kitchenettes and curated local artwork. Another recommended option was The William Vale, but having stayed there on a previous New York trip I felt it was looking tired and in real need of a refurbishment, so The Penny felt like the better fit this time.
| Fast Facts | The Penny Williamsburg (Brooklyn, NY) |
|---|---|
| Address | 288 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA |
| Website | penny-hotel.com |
| @thepennyhotel | @elnicony | |
| Number of Rooms | 118 |
| Nearest Airports | JFK, LGA (closest), EWR |
| Notable Features | Kitchenettes, pour-over coffee, in-room filtered water, local art via LAND Gallery, rooftop restaurant & bar elNico with skyline views |
| Visited | October 2025 |
TWA Hotel at JFK Airport - An Icon of Aviation Design Reimagined
I had always wanted to stay at this hotel, ever since its transformation from the iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center designed by Eero Saarinen. After hearing the project’s architects speak at Palm Springs Modernism Week in February 2022, it became a place I was determined to experience for myself. The first opportunity came at the end of a holiday trip last year, when we booked it as our final stop before flying home from JFK. It was everything I had hoped for – a seamless blend of mid-century modern design, aviation nostalgia, and the convenience of being right at the airport. We stayed in the Eero Saarinen Suite, one of the hotel’s two most iconic suites, looking directly onto the terminal building. For me, it perfectly captured the glamour of 1960s jet age travel and made the whole experience unforgettable.
| Fast Facts | TWA Hotel – JFK Airport, New York |
|---|---|
| Address | One Idlewild Drive, JFK International Airport, Queens, NY 11430, USA |
| Website | twahotel.com |
| @twahotel | |
| Number of Rooms | 512 |
| Nearest Airport | Directly connected to JFK Terminal 5 via AirTrain |
| Notable Features | Restored 1962 Eero Saarinen TWA Flight Center, rooftop infinity pool overlooking runway, Connie cocktail lounge inside a vintage Lockheed Constellation aircraft, fitness centre, mid-century design throughout |
| Visited | October 2025 |
Things to Do in New York City
Iconic sights and curated insider experiences
The bulk of time is going to be focussed on the travel conference, meeting other Fora advisors and the Fora central team, and one of the key things being to meet with many luxury travel vendors. I don’t expect to have much spare time for sightseeing, but have visited New York on so many previous visits and done most of what I would have wanted to see and do. One thing I’ve always wanted to do when in the USA, not necessarily New York but this is a good opportunity, was to take a Soul Cycle class. With there being different events and site visits available to the Fora group, this was one in Williamsburg that caught my eye.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Fly JetBlue Edinburgh to Buffalo New York, via JFK; overnight Marriott Falls View Niagara
Day 2: Niagara Falls tours / exploration
Day 3: Change to The Brock Hotel - more Niagara Falls tours / exploration
Day 4: Transfer to New York City - fly with American Airlines from Buffalo to La Guardia; overnight The Penny
Day 5-7: Fora Event
Day 8: Transfer to the amazing TWA Hotel
Day 9: Evening flight back to Edinburgh with JetBlue
Day 10: Arrive home
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
Booking with me ensures VIP treatment at every step, with access to:
Welcome amenities
Complimentary breakfast
$100 USD credit
Upgrades on arrival (where available)
Early check-in & late check-out
💼 Let’s build your bespoke Niagara Falls & New York itinerary — personalised, seamless, and perfectly planned.
Stay Connected & Be Inspired
For more luxury travel guides, hotel reviews, curated itineraries and insider tips, follow The Private Traveller across channels:
📸 Instagram: @theprivatetraveller
▶️ YouTube: The Private Traveller
📌 Pinterest: ThePrivateTraveller
