The themed courtyard at the Best Western Cairn Croft in Niagara Falls

When my husband and I were looking for a weekend away during his electrical apprenticeship, money was certainly an issue.  The Man was still in school, after all.  We left the kids with his parents and on recommendation from his well-traveled father (who has worked in nearly every town in Ontario), we decided to stay at the Best Western Cairn Croft.

About a 30 minute walk to The Falls and away from all the noise and people, the Cairn Croft was a clean, inexpensive alternative to anything else we could have found at the lower end of the price point without sleeping with critters.  We checked in, change into dinner clothes and walked down to the main drag.

After spending too much money on dinner at the Spicy Olive (delicious food, but spendy), we took in the sights and a romantic ride on the Ferris Wheel.  By the time we walked all the way back to the hotel, our feet had given up on us.  The stay itself was uneventful, clean and for all intents and purposes, the hotel functioned as it should without any issues.  I would venture to say it was more of a family hotel than anything – given the pool and amenities geared toward kids.  We faced the courtyard pictured above and while people were respectful, it was still noisy with all the foot traffic through there.  The best part?  Walking to our car behind the hotel, late in the evening, and catching a bride smoking a cigarette in her wedding dress.  Klassy!

Now that The Man is a full fledged electrician though?  I expect to stay in the hub-bub next time and in a 5 star.  Value is great, but some days I’d like to pretend we have more money than brains.  If only just for a weekend of pampered bliss.

Photo credit: Best Western

Related: Luxury Lodging Near Niagara Falls