Palatial Hotel in Downtown Buffalo and near Niagara Falls

On average, 4 million cubic feet of water will plummet 165 feet down Niagara Falls into the Niagara River every minute. The show of force doesn't stop when it hits the river, either. Just a few miles downstream, a hydropower facility transmutes the massive flow of water into 2.4 million kilowatts of power—making the falls the biggest producer of electricity in the state of New York.

The Adam's Mark Buffalo hotel is located about 20 minutes away from the falls. Though it's not surrounded by an otherworldly cloud of mist, the hotel is grandiose in its own right. Mirrored columns and tiered chandeliers line the lobby, which is decked out in marble. A meeting space in the hotel spans 72,000 square feet, and the Seneca Casino features 4,200 high-limit slot machines, as well as blackjack and craps.

On the first floor of the hotel, Deco Restaurant serves gourmet plates such as sichuan barbecue salmon ($25) and coq a l'orange ($24) alongside fine wines under the glow of marquis lights. In the morning, guests can file in for a breakfast-buffet spread. Next door, a glass roof covers the Tiffany Rose lounge, which is decked out with model sailboats.

Buffalo, New York: Intriguing 19th-Century Architecture and Family-Friendly Attractions

Buffalo is located in western New York and across the border from Ontario, Canada, right at the confluence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River. In 1825, the Erie Canal connected the lakefront town to important shipping ports along the eastern seaboard, transforming it into a flourishing commercial center almost overnight.

During the boom period, the city's wealthy residents began commissioning architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan for lavish building projects. In turn, the city has an eclectic collection of 19th-century architecture. On a walk through downtown, you can see the colorful tiled dome of the art-deco-style city hall. About 1.4 miles north is Millionaires' Row, which is lined with palatial stone mansions. In 2010, Forbes named Buffalo one of the best places in the country to raise a family, thanks in part to its sprawling park system and wealth of hide-and-seek spots. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Delaware Park features 350 acres of open space flecked with scenic walkways and landscaped gardens. During the summer, crowds gather here to play frisbee, set up picnics, and watch Shakespeare plays.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.