So you're planning a trip to Buffalo and need a great place to crash? I get it - choosing where to stay can make or break your trip. Having tested dozens of Buffalo hotels over the years (some amazing, some... not so much), I've put together this brutally honest guide to the best hotels in Buffalo NY. Forget generic lists - we're digging into what really matters: comfy beds, quiet rooms, walkable locations, and those little extras that make a difference.
What Actually Makes a Hotel "Best" in Buffalo?
Before we jump to recommendations, let's be real: "best" means different things to different travelers. A business traveler's perfect hotel might drive a family crazy, and that romantic boutique spot could be awful for someone on a tight budget. Based on my experiences and countless conversations with visitors, here's what people really care about:
- Location, location, location: Can you walk to KeyBank Center or Elmwood Village? Is there easy highway access?
- Price vs Value: Is that $300/night room actually better than the $150 option?
- Sleep Quality: Thin walls? Squeaky beds? Airport noise? I've suffered through these so you don't have to
- Hidden Fees: That "resort fee" some downtown spots add can feel like a slap in the face
- Parking Situation: $30/night for parking adds up quick - we'll note which hotels include it
With that in mind, here are my top picks for best hotels in Buffalo categorized by traveler type:
The Top 7 Best Hotels in Buffalo NY Right Now
Best Overall: The Westin Buffalo
250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Price Range: $189-$299/night
Why it stands out: Smack in the heart of downtown, this is where I send friends who want walkability. Steps from Shea's Theatre and dozens of restaurants. Rooms are modern but cozy - their Heavenly Beds actually deserve the hype. Pro tip: Ask for a high-floor room facing west for killer sunset views over Lake Erie. Only gripe? Valet-only parking at $32/night feels steep.
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $18 continental, $25 full (but great coffee shops nearby) |
| Pool | Indoor heated (surprisingly large) |
| Pet Policy | $50 fee, max 2 pets under 40lbs |
| Walk Score | 98 - Can't beat this location |
Best Boutique: Hotel Henry Urban Resort
444 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY 14213
Price Range: $159-$250/night
Housed in a stunning National Historic Landmark (formerly an insane asylum - sounds creepy but it's gorgeous). Exposed brick arches and soaring ceilings give serious wow factor. Feels more like staying in an art museum than a hotel. Downsides: Not near downtown - you'll need Uber to reach most attractions. Restaurant closes early (9pm). Still, for architecture lovers, this tops the best hotels in Buffalo NY list.
Best Budget Stay: Hyatt Place Buffalo Amherst
5020 Main St, Amherst, NY 14226
Price Range: $89-$139/night
Don't let "budget" fool you - this is my go-to for practical stays. Near UB North Campus and Galleria Mall. Free breakfast actually includes hot items (scrambled eggs, sausage), free parking, and rooms have separate living/sleeping areas. Perfect for families. Trade-off: It's suburban - expect 15-20 minute drives to downtown sights.
Best Waterfront Option: Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter
95 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Price Range: $219-$350+ during events
Connected directly to KeyBank Center via skybridge - ideal for Sabres games or concerts. Two regulation ice rinks inside if you're traveling with hockey players. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with harbor views. Watch out: Prices skyrocket during events. Last hockey tournament I covered, rooms hit $429/night!
Best Extended Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott
675 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
Price Range: $129-$199/night
Full kitchens in every suite, grocery delivery service, and free hot breakfast. Coin laundry on-site. Stayed here for 3 weeks during a renovation project - staff remembered my name by day 2. Only complaint? Tiny fitness center.
Best Near Airport: Aloft Buffalo Airport
4400 Genesee St, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Price Range: $109-$169/night
Free 24/7 airport shuttle (5 min ride), soundproofed rooms actually block plane noise, and the W XYZ bar stays open late. Perfect for early flights or cancellations. Proximity to Anchor Bar (birthplace of Buffalo wings) is a plus. Skip their breakfast - hit Paula's Donuts instead.
Most Unique: The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
414 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Price Range: $275-$600/night
Gilded Age mansion turned luxury boutique hotel. Butler service, free chauffeur within 3 miles, and complimentary 24-hour snack pantries. Feels like staying with (very rich) relatives. Only 11 rooms - book months ahead. Overkill for most, but perfect for proposals or milestone celebrations.
How These Best Hotels in Buffalo Stack Up
| Hotel | Location | Price Range | Parking | Walkability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Westin Buffalo | Downtown | $$$ | $32/night | Excellent | First-time visitors |
| Hotel Henry | Forest Ave | $$ | Free | Fair (need rideshare) | Design lovers |
| Hyatt Place Amherst | Suburban | $ | Free | Poor (car essential) | Budget travelers |
| Marriott HarborCenter | Waterfront | $$-$$$$ | $38/night | Excellent | Event attendees |
| Residence Inn | Delaware Ave | $$ | Free | Good | Long stays/families |
| Aloft Airport | Airport | $ | Free | Poor | Early flights |
| Mansion on Delaware | Millionaire's Row | $$$$ | Free | Very Good | Splurge occasions |
What Locals Wish You Knew About Buffalo Hotels
Having coffee with a hotel manager friend last week, he shared industry insights most visitors miss:
- Event Pricing: Bills home games can triple downtown rates. Same for Niagara Falls tour season (June-August). Book 4+ months out.
- Winter Secret: January-February rates drop 40% if you can handle snow. Airport hotels offer the steepest discounts.
- Neighborhood Nuances: Allentown has character but can get noisy on weekends. Amherst is bland but safest for families.
- The Breakfast Trick: Hotels near Chippewa Street charge premium rates but you'll hear bar crowds until 4am. Request courtyard rooms.
"Most guests don't realize how seasonal we are. That $129 room in March costs $289 in October. Always ask about cancellation policies when booking ahead." - Mark, Front Desk Manager (downtown hotel)
Hotels First-Timers Should Think Twice About
Not every "best hotels in Buffalo NY" list tells you the downsides. Having stayed at these personally:
- Adam's Mark Buffalo: Massive convention hotel showing its age. Endless hallways, dated bathrooms. Only advantage: Connected to Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
- Downtown Hostels: Great for solo backpackers but I've heard consistent complaints about sketchy neighbors and thin walls. Fine if you're 22, not for families.
- Cheap Motels near Galleria Mall: That $59/night rate? Expect stained carpets and highway noise all night. Worth paying extra for newer properties.
Essential FAQs About Best Hotels in Buffalo
What's the best area to stay in Buffalo for first-time visitors?
Downtown near Canalside if you want walkability to attractions. Elmwood Village for local boutiques and cafes. Avoid the Airport area unless you're literally just sleeping between flights.
How much should I budget for good hotels in Buffalo?
Expect $120-$250/night for quality mid-range hotels before taxes/fees. Luxury options hit $350+. Budget motels run $70-$100 but compromise on location/safety.
When is peak season for Buffalo hotels?
September-November (fall foliage + football season) and June-August (Niagara Falls tourism). January-March offers lowest rates but prepare for lake-effect snow.
Which hotels have free airport shuttles?
Most airport-adjacent hotels do (Aloft, Hampton Inn, Hyatt Place). Downtown hotels rarely offer this - Uber costs $25-$35 each way.
Are there good hotel options near Niagara Falls?
Actually, no - staying on the American side near the Falls means 30+ minute drives to Buffalo attractions. Better to stay in Buffalo proper and day-trip to the Falls.
What I'd Do Differently If Booking Again
After countless Buffalo stays, here's my hard-earned advice:
- Always Google the parking situation: That "great rate" downtown adds $120/week in parking fees. Suburban hotels usually include it free.
- Call directly for last-minute deals: Hotels would rather sell a room at discount than leave it empty. Saved 30% twice doing this.
- Check both sides of the border: During major events, hotels in Fort Erie, Canada can be cheaper with easy border access.
- Join loyalty programs: Even one stay at Marriott gets you late checkout - invaluable for late flights.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay
Finding truly top hotels in Buffalo NY boils down to matching your priorities. Need to be steps from KeyBank Center? The Marriott HarborCenter can't be beat. Want historic charm? Hotel Henry is unforgettable. Watching your wallet? Hyatt Place Amherst delivers surprising quality. Personally, I choose different hotels based on trip purpose - work trips mean Residence Inn for the workspace, while weekend getaways call for the Westin's downtown energy. Whatever you pick, book early during peak seasons and always - always - check what that "resort fee" actually includes. Safe travels and enjoy the wings!