We love this theatre for a few reasons.
1. The recliner "lazyboy" style chairs are super comfortable! This is a big plus for anyone, but especially for someone with backpain; I can actually enjoy the movie an d not have to be bothered by a lot of pain like I do in other theatres. The seats are really roomy. The seats are grouped in 2s, so that you can even lift the arm up and sit closer to your companion if you wish (might be good for the scary movies! :)). There is lots of room to walk by others in your row even with everyone reclined, so you don't Ben have to move to let someone go by you.
2. You can book your seats in advance! You can purchase your tickets online and choose your seats. This way, you don't have to show up really early for new movies that may sell out at other theatres. Even if you pre-purchase tickets at other theatres, at most other theatres, you still can not reserve your specific seat numbers, so you run the risk of not being able to sit near each other; this is especially good for groups of 4 or more.
3. The prices are better then the other Hamilton competitor.
4. Parking! I did think there may have been a draw back the first time we went there. Typically in downtown Hamilton, you have to pay for parking, and often is a reason I would avoid going downtown. The first time we went, we parked a few blocks away for cheap parking and walked in. Then we saw that you can actually park underground and they validate your parking! So this is a bonus if it's raining. There is always lots of spots to park. There are stairs and an elevator to go up to the mall entrance. The theatre is not right there, but there is a mall map to look at if you don't know where he theatre is located. (Parking/traffic could be an issue if there is a big event going on at First Ontario Centre though as it could get busy and traffic heavy after the event). See the attached picture to see when parking is free and when it is reduced. (Sorry, I haven't been on a Monday-Saturday before 6pm, so I can't tell you what it means by reduced price). There is a scanner thing that you slip your parking ticket into in the theatre to get it validated. I think they should advertise the free/reduced parking on their website, because before I knew about that, I did not like having to worry about the cost of parking. I also know others have said that's why they didn't want to go there (until I told them about how they validate parking).
I am surprised when people I know tell me they have never been to this theatre. In my opinion, it's the best theatre in Hamilton! I always suggest to friends and family that they should give this theatre a try. read more