When most people think of places to visit in New York, chances are New York City is the first place that comes to mind. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find that New York is brimming with fantastic destinations, and Buffalo is easily one of the best!
You’ll find New York’s second-largest city tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, just across the border from Canada. While most visitors stop off in Buffalo due to its proximity to the world-famous Niagara Falls (which is just 30 minutes away), take some time to explore, and you’ll quickly see why Buffalo is emerging as one of the coolest US cities.
Take a look around, and you’ll find artsy neighborhoods dotted with street art and innovative galleries and historic districts lined with beautiful Victorian homes and landmark art deco buildings.
With its location right on the banks of Lake Erie and its impressive parks system, you’ll find endless outdoor adventure when the weather is nice. Whether you want to kayak along the Buffalo River or go biking along the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo is a wonderful city for outdoor enthusiasts.
When winter sets in, you’ll have world-class museums to peruse, sports teams to cheer on, and innovative eateries and brewpubs to enjoy. But no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll always find something new and exciting going on in this up-and-coming city.
With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Buffalo is home to a range of impressive historic hotels, unique bed and breakfasts, and artsy boutique retreats. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Buffalo to help you plan your perfect getaway!
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Where to Stay in Buffalo
As New York’s second-largest city, there are quite a few different places to stay in Buffalo. But it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the best Buffalo hotels in the downtown area.
If this is your first visit to the city or you’re looking to indulge in everything the city has to offer, it’s well worth booking a hotel in downtown Buffalo. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the Lake Erie waterfront and Canalside.
You’ll find some of the coolest boutique hotels in Buffalo in Allentown. Set 2 miles north of downtown, Allentown is brimming with street art, galleries, and live music bars. You’ll always find something fun going on in this bohemian enclave!
Families will love staying in Central Park, which is an easy 10-minute drive from downtown. Not only will you be a stone’s throw from family-friendly attractions like the Buffalo Zoo, but you’ll be surrounded by lush parks and green spaces, which offer a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
For something a little more unique, Black Rock is easily one of the coolest places to stay in Buffalo. Located just 5 miles from downtown, this part of town boasts quirky museums, old-school taverns, and buzzing live music venues.
Whether you prefer to be located in the heart of town or closer to Niagara Falls, you’ll never be far from the action. No matter where you decide to stay, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring this vibrant New York city!
The 12 Best Hotels in Buffalo, New York
1. The Edward Buffalo
If you’re searching for unique hotels in Buffalo, The Edward Hotel has got you covered. This historic gem is housed in a 1910 mansion set on a stretch of Delaware Avenue known as “Millionaire’s Row.” The entire space was fully restored in 2019 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best Buffalo hotels!
You can choose from nine rooms and suites, which are all individually decorated. Opt for The Kennedy Suite, and you’ll be spoiled with a four-poster bed with a custom leather headboard, a living area with a plush leather couch and smart TV, and a huge ensuite with a gold-wrapped soaking tub.
For a bit more flair, The Plum is one of the most popular rooms in the house and is outfitted with a bold color scheme, complete with funky patterns and decor. Whichever room type you choose, you’ll get free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker to help you feel a little more at home.
Explore this beautiful property, and you’ll find the Roosevelt Tea Room, where you can sip cocktails by the fireplace, as well as the Solarium, perfect for taking in the lush views with your morning coffee.
2. Embassy Suites Buffalo
Embassy Suites by Hilton is one of the coolest hotels in Buffalo if you’re in need of a home away from home during your stay. Not only will you have everything you need to have a relaxing trip, but you’ll be right in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
The hotel offers studios and two-room suites. The studios boast tons of space, including a living area with a sofa bed, a writing desk, a 49-inch TV, and a wet bar with a microwave and mini-fridge. If you suffer from allergies, choose one of the PURE Wellness rooms. These unique rooms have been treated with a patented 7-step purification process and feature air filters and special mattresses and pillow covers.
You’ll also get all sorts of freebies if you stay here, including a made-to-order breakfast, evening socials with snacks and drinks, an airport shuttle, parking, and Wi-Fi. You’ll also have use of the indoor pool and a 24/7 gym.
3. The Delavan Hotel
The Delavan Hotel is one of the best hotels in Buffalo if you want to be based near the airport but don’t want to skimp on luxury. Plus, there’s a complimentary airport shuttle that will whisk you to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is just 2.5 miles down the road.
Step inside this Buffalo boutique hotel, and you’ll immediately be impressed by the elegant, whitewashed lobby dotted with crystal chandeliers. The luxury extends to the guest rooms, which all feature premium beds with artsy chandelier-themed headboards and eye-catching pops of red throughout.
If you want to dine at the hotel, treat yourself to drinks at The Chandelier Bar before enjoying a fine steak dinner at Italian Prime. Or, if you’d prefer to lounge around in your bathrobe, feel free to order that shrimp cocktail and filet mignon directly to your room!
The hotel is also home to the award-winning Salon & Spa at The Delavan, which is the perfect place to get pampered if you’re in town for a wedding or special celebration. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a fully outfitted fitness center in case you want to keep up with your exercise routine during your stay.
4. Reikart House Buffalo
Tucked away in Amherst, Reikart House Buffalo is easily one of the coolest Buffalo hotels. Step inside, and you’ll feel more like you’re staying at a friend’s deluxe cabin than in a traditional hotel.
The guest rooms offer the perfect mix of classic vaudeville style and modern boutique touches. You’ll love the stylish, custom furnishings, the in-room entertainment system with a 50-inch smart TV, and the deluxe ensuite with designer toiletries and plush bathrobes.
Upgrade to a Corner King Room, and you’ll get more space, as well as a chaise lounge and a cozy fireplace. You can also opt for the King Suite, which offers a separate bedroom and a living room with a half bath and sleeper sofa.
At the end of a long day, head down to the Fireside Lounge, where you can mingle over drinks while warming up around the fireplace. If you want to dine at the hotel, Jazzboline Restaurant and Bar offers delicious New American dishes, as well as an enticing selection of carefully curated cocktails and local craft brews.
5. The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
It’s no secret that The Mansion on Delaware Avenue is one of the best hotels in Buffalo. This unique hotel is set in an 1869 mansion, and with a team of award-winning “new-fashioned butlers,” you can expect nothing but the best when it comes to customer service.
You can choose from six different room types. No matter which you choose, you’ll get loads of space, 15-foot ceilings, and large windows that let in plenty of light.
All the rooms are nothing short of spectacular, but if you want to go all out, the suites are the best of the bunch. Book one of the suites, and you’ll get 600 to 800 square feet of space, a bedroom, a parlor room with a fireplace, and a huge bathroom with a whirlpool tub and multi-head shower.
Other perks of staying at this unique Buffalo hotel are all of the freebies. From the European-style continental breakfasts and the evening cocktails to the downtown chauffeur service and coffee and tea bar, prepare to be pampered!
6. The Westin Buffalo
If you’re looking for places to stay in Buffalo that are right in the heart of downtown, you really can’t go wrong with The Westin Buffalo. From the luxurious rooms to the excellent on-site restaurant, you’ll have everything you could possibly need for a fun and relaxing trip to Buffalo. Plus, this place is pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along!
You’ll love the contemporary rooms, which all boast plush beds, comfy corner sofas, and ergonomic workstations. All rooms feature large windows, but request a room overlooking Lake Erie for the best view! If you need more space or are planning on a longer stay, the Junior Executive Suite offers a full kitchen and dining area, perfect for anyone who prefers to cook their own meals.
For those who don’t want to be bothered with cooking, you can enjoy locally sourced meals at the hotel’s restaurant, Patina 250. This also happens to be a super popular spot for weekend brunch! The Westin Buffalo is also home to Jake’s Cafe, which is one of the best breakfast joints in town.
7. Aloft Buffalo Downtown
Aloft Buffalo Downtown is definitely one of the coolest hotels in Buffalo. Plus, you’ll be right in the heart of Buffalo’s Entertainment and Theatre District, so the location really can’t be beat.
Even the most standard of rooms are outfitted with plush platform beds, 55-inch smart TVs with Netflix, modern ensuites with Bliss Spa amenities, and floor-to-ceiling windows. But upgrade to an Aloft Balcony room, and you’ll be treated to an extra dining/work nook and a balcony overlooking the city or Lake Erie.
In the mornings, fit in your daily workout in the re:charge gym or the indoor pool before picking up a grab-and-go breakfast and coffee drink at the 24/7 Re:Fuel shop. Like all Aloft hotels, there’s also a trendy W XYZ bar, where you can mix and mingle with fellow guests before heading out for the evening.
If you want to dine at the hotel, Vice serves up an excellent selection of wood-fired pizza, burgers, and other comfort foods. After you’ve had your fill, head up to Patrick’s Rooftop for after-dinner drinks. This place just happens to be the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in the city!
8. Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
Courtyard by Marriott is yet another one of the coolest hotels in Buffalo if you want to be based right in the heart of town. This modern hotel is located in the bustling Canalside neighborhood, which means you’ll have easy access to the Buffalo River and Veterans Park.
You’ll love the thoughtfully appointed rooms, which all feature an ergonomic workstation and free Wi-Fi, a “Hospitality Cabinet” with a microwave and fridge, and a smart TV loaded with apps. If you’d like more space to spread out, book one of the studio rooms, and you’ll get a separate bedroom and a living area with a sofa.
In the mornings, you can grab breakfast and Starbucks coffee drinks at The Bistro Restaurant & Bar. And in the evenings, be sure to dine on the stuffed pizzas at Pizza Plant or order one to go and enjoy it up in your room!
Courtyard by Marriott also features a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, where you can fit in your daily workouts.
9. The Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown
The Hilton Garden Inn is one of the best Buffalo hotels if you want to be located right in the heart of town. You’ll be just across the street from Lafayette Square and two blocks from all the action in the Theatre District.
But when you’re not out and about, The Hilton Garden Inn has everything you need to feel right at home. You can swim laps in the heated saltwater pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center, or get some work done in the 24-hour business center.
While you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, there is an on-site bar and restaurant if you don’t feel like going far for food and drinks.
Once you’re ready to retire to your room, you’ll appreciate the comfy Serta Suite Dreams bed, 39-inch flat-screen TV, and the in-room microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. There’s also an on-site convenience store where you can pick up drinks and snacks to bring back to your room.
10. Buffalo Marriott at LECOM Harborcenter
Located just one block from the waterfront, Buffalo Marriott at LECOM Harborcenter is one of the coolest hotels in Buffalo if you’re in town to have a good time.
Set within the LECOM Harborcenter complex, you’ll be just steps away from KeyBank Center, so it’s an ideal option if you’re planning to catch a hockey game while you’re in town. Plus, you’ll have all the attractions and events of Canalside just outside your door, so the location can’t be beat.
Buffalo Marriott at LECOM Harborcenter is home to the excellent Panorama on Seven restaurant, where you can enjoy seasonal American dishes while looking out over the waterfront.
If that’s not enough, the rooms here are some of the most polished in town. You’ll love luxuriating in the spa-like bathroom, watching Netflix with the 55-inch smart TV, and taking in the city or lake views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. When it comes to the best hotels in Buffalo, it doesn’t get much better than this!
11. Residence Inn by Marriott Buffalo Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Buffalo Downtown is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a true home away from home during your stay in Buffalo. This all-suite hotel offers spacious studios and 1-bedroom suites, outfitted with everything you could possibly need to feel right at home.
Even the studios offer a living area with a smart TV and a spacious workstation. There’s also an impressively functional kitchenette with a full-size fridge, two burners, a coffee maker, and more. You’ll have everything you need to cook your own meals in your room. Plus, the hotel offers a grocery shopping service if you don’t have time to go to the store!
If you don’t want to cook for yourself, you can enjoy complimentary breakfasts in the Bistro Restaurant & Bar each morning. For dinner and drinks, The Roosevelt restaurant and bar features an excellent menu of classic and creative American dishes and local brews.
Don’t worry if you overindulge because there’s an indoor pool and a fully outfitted gym where you can work off those extra vacation calories!
12. Hotel at the Lafayette
If you’re searching for unique hotels in Buffalo, Hotel at the Lafayette might just be the perfect pick. This landmark hotel is housed in a 1904 French Renaissance-style building right in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
A hotel for foodies, the Hotel at the Lafayette is home to three dining establishments, including The Lafayette Brewing Company. This local favorite boasts a revamped pub menu, 15 fresh-from-the-tap brews, and a “bar-cade” complete with pinball machines, billiards, darts, and more.
Once you’re ready to head back to your room, you’ll love the retro touches, funky wall art, and whimsical pops of purple. Upgrade to a 1- or 2-bedroom suite, and you’ll get tons of extra space and a fully outfitted kitchen.
Explore the hotel, and you’ll find a game room, a salon, a gym, and a business center. Plus, once you’re ready to get out and explore, you’ll have some of the city’s best attractions right outside your front door!
That completes our list of the 12 best Buffalo hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Buffalo? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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