Federal-Style Boutique Hotel Facing Niagara River

Jimmy Carter once called Lewiston "the most historic square mile in America,” alluding to the town's critical role in the War of 1812. Nearly 200 years ago in Lewiston—on the grounds where Barton Hill Hotel & Spa now stands—American soldiers staged the war's first major battle. Located on the Niagara River, just about 6 miles from Niagara Falls, the newly built, Federal-style hotel pays homage to the area's storied past while embracing contemporary comforts.

Stately columns and Greek Revival furniture lend an elegant feel to the hotel's great room. The guest rooms blend together antique and modern elements, such as poster beds, gas fireplaces, iPod docking stations, and a spinning jenny with USB inputs. The Riverview Retreat rooms overlook the Niagara River. Each morning, guests can make their way to the hotel banquet room to enjoy a continental breakfast spread that includes eggs, sausage, bacon, and hash browns.

Flowing curtains and soothing earth tones help usher in a tranquil atmosphere at the Spa at Barton Hill. In the spa, specialists will pamper visitors with anything from a classic Swedish massage ($80 for 50 minutes) and manicure ($25) to an exotic Black Baltic mud wrap ($90 for 50 minutes). The $25 credit included in this deal may be used either at the spa or for dinner at the in-house Chantry Restaurant, where an experienced chef prepares gourmet cuisine such as homestyle beef stew and pan-seared tilapia.

Lewiston, New York: Historical Streets Minutes from Niagara Falls and Wineries

Lewiston was one of western New York's earliest settlements, dating back to the 1600s. Today, its quaint streets are lined with antique stores and art galleries. One can learn about America's early years at historical sites throughout the region, including Old Fort Niagara, which stands atop a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario about 6 miles north of the hotel. The famous French and Indian War site is now a state park that conducts reenactments and features a museum lined with engaging exhibits and military artifacts.

The majestic Niagara Falls resides about 10 minutes south of the hotel. Each second, 600,000 gallons of water cascade over the brink, sending a cool mist into the air; come winter, this mist frosts the evergreen trees in the Niagara Falls State Park, transforming the area into a real-life Fortress of Solitude.

Barton Hill Hotel can set up guests on winery tours on the Niagara Wine Trail, which resides just about a 10-minute drive away. The area is best known for its ice wine—a sweet dessert varietal made from frozen grapes, some of which once served as eyeballs of snowmen who registered as organ donors.