Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Giacomo pleasantly mixes the past and present in Niagara Falls, New York. Built in 1929, it once served as the United Office Building. Today, the high-rise property comprises 39 boutique guestrooms, plus 24 residential apartments — many of which overlook the rapids of the famed falls.

While the hotel doesn’t offer programming for kids, it offers all the conveniences families seek: complimentary breakfast, in-room mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, comfortable guestrooms (which happen to be quite luxurious), and a central location in Niagara Falls — just minutes from Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds and the Rainbow Bridge to Canada.

The Giacomo offers 39 rooms, each of which are uniquely furnished and decorated in an art-deco theme. Accommodations feature mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, bathrobes and free Wi-Fi. Guests are also treated to chocolates upon arrival. While most bathrooms don't feature tubs, all of them are extremely spacious (double or even triple the size of a traditional hotel bathroom).

Cribs are available upon request (request in advance), free of charge, and rollaway beds can be added to rooms for $10 per night. Kids stay free in all rooms, while there's a charge of $10 for each extra adult who stays in one room. Cookies are served at evening turndown -- a perk the kids love.

Niagara Two Queen Deluxe
These rooms provide two queen beds, and are the hotel's best option for families. There's a shower in the bathroom, but not a tub.

Niagara Platinum Suite
This room provides one king bed, with added space in a living room. You can put a rollaway bed or crib in the living room to sleep a third guest.

Rainbow Grand Deluxe with Fireplace
This room has one king bed, and features a fireplace. While these units typically attract couples, a rollaway bed or crib can be added to accommodate a family of three.

Rapid Grand Deluxe with Jacuzzi
This room also offers one king bed, but instead of a fireplace, it features a large tub. Families may request a rollaway bed or crib to accommodate a third person.

Rapid Grand Deluxe with Jacuzzi & Fireplace
This room provides both the tub and the fireplace, and sleeps up to three guests if a rollaway bed or crib is requested.

The Giacomo Splendor Suite
If you can splurge, The Giacomo Splendor Suite is the ultimate room for families. It has a king bed in one bedroom, and a second bedroom offers two queen beds. You can also request a rollaway bed or crib, sleeping a total of seven guests. Other features include a full kitchen, pool table and beautiful views.

Niagara King Barrier Free
This room is handicap-accessible, with a roll-in shower, removable showerhead and more in the oversized bathroom.

Fireworks
You won't find any onsite entertainment for the kids, per se, but The Giacomo provides amazing views of the fireworks over Niagara Falls. It's also the place to be on New Year's Eve -- a giant Gibson Guitar is "dropped" outside the building at midnight!

Nearby Attractions
The hotel puts guests close to Old Falls Street, where a street fair is hosted in the evenings. The majority of events take place during the summer months, and include street vendors, performers and more.

Complimentary Breakfast
The hotel provides free breakfast daily. It is served in a beautiful lounge with chic, cozy chairs and tables and (almost) floor-to-ceiling windows. Breakfast includes breads, pastries, cereal, fruit, coffee and juice.

Nearby Restaurants
There are several restaurants nearby, such as Legend's Bar & Grill, Mario's Pizza, Hard Rock Café, Flip Burger, The Patisserie, Rainforest Cafe and the Red Coach Inn. All of them are located less than a half-mile from The Giacomo.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
The hotel provides free Wi-Fi.

Add-On Services and Packages
The hotel offers several add-on services for an extra fee, such as early check-in and late check-out ($60 each), or the option to order champagne, cheese, fruit or chocolate (or a combination of all) to your room. It also offers a Niagara Discovery Package and a Niagara Tour Package, both of which combine accommodations with tickets to local attractions.

Fitness Center
The hotel offers a small fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment. It is open 24 hours a day.

Business Center
The business center is called the Sky View Lounge, and offers cozy sofas and chairs, plus computers, printers and amazing views. It is open 24 hours.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at a 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is busy throughout the year, but capacity swells during the summer months, when travelers from all over the world visit Niagara Falls. Plan a visit in September or October to avoid crowds, yet still enjoy area attractions such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. You might also want to plan a trip for New Year's Eve. The Giacomo drops a giant Gibson guitar from the building at midnight to ring in the New Year.

Getting There
The closest airport to The Giacomo is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, approximately 30 minutes away. The airport is serviced by most major airlines. Expect to pay a $1 toll, both to and from the airport.

Getting Around
From The Giacomo, you can easily walk to Niagara Falls (you can see the rapids from the hotel), as well as other area attractions and restaurants. You'll still want a car to get around the area, however, especially if you plan to explore nearby Lewiston, Fort Niagara and of course, the other side of Niagara Falls in Canada (though you can also walk to Canada -- it's that close).

For Mom and Dad
Visit the sophisticated Giacomo Lounge for a cocktail. It opens at 5 p.m. daily, with happy hours and live music featured. Kids are welcome, too, and won't feel out of place in the lounge's cozy chairs, situated in front of a flat-screen TV.

If you can manage to get away for an hour or two, schedule a class or dinner reservation at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute -- you won't be disappointed.