Buffalo's multicultural population, made up of people with Italian, German, Polish, Greek, Indian, Irish, and Asian heritages, has helped the city establish itself as an enviable ethnic food destination. You can sample cuisines from all over the world here, but make sure you don't leave without tasting the Buffalo wings the city is most famous for.
A cultural hotspot, Buffalo is also home to more than 50 private and public art galleries, numerous theaters, and several bars that nurture Buffalo's rich music scene. The Goo Goo Dolls, Rick James, Ani DiFranco, and Grover Washington Jr. are just some of the musical talents to come from Buffalo. There's every chance you could see the next big thing playing during your stay.
Buffalo is also known for its sporting prowess. Visitors come from far and wide to cheer on teams representing Buffalo in national football, ice hockey, and lacrosse competitions.
Whatever your reason for visiting Buffalo, finding the right hotel can make or break your stay. Consider your budget and tastes carefully to find your best base for exploring this exciting upstate New York city.
When to Visit Buffalo, NY
While you'll need to battle the crowds, the beautiful weather Buffalo receives from June to August can't be beat. With average highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s, summer is the perfect time for local sightseeing. Annual events including the season-long National Garden Festival, July's Taste of Buffalo, and August's Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts also make the most of the city's favorable summer weather conditions.
While tourist numbers drop off in the fall and spring, bringing down hotel tariffs with them, these shoulder seasons are much chillier than you might expect. However, if you don't mind dressing in layers, you'll still find plenty to see and do including the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Buffalo International Film Festival, which runs from September to October.
The mercury often drops below freezing in winter, which makes seeing popular outdoor attractions like Forest Lawn and Buffalo Zoo unpleasant. Only visit during this period if you can cope with the extreme cold!
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Buffalo, NY:
Buffalo by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Buffalo, NY. You can use these illustrations to determine the most cost effective time period to book a room in Buffalo for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Buffalo, NY
4 Star Average Prices: $149.00
For true luxury in Buffalo, it's difficult to go past the Mansion on Delaware Avenue, the city's only AAA Four Diamond award-winning luxury hotel. Constructed in 1867 by acclaimed architect George Allison, it was transformed into a hotel in 2001. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with soft Italian cotton linens, a whirlpool bath, and a luxurious multi-head shower. Guests enjoy personalized butler 24/7, chauffeured Land Rover transport downtown, and free Internet access. Enjoy a generous free continental buffet breakfast each morning and complimentary cocktails each evening. There's also a salon, fitness studio, and event space for weddings and corporate functions on site.
You'll also find Embassy Suites Buffalo on chic Delaware Avenue. This luxury hotel is a more modern choice with gadgets like microwaves, mini-fridges, and a pair of flat-screen TVs in all suites. Its Italian-themed Della Terra restaurant makes an excellent choice for an evening meal. For a quick bite or coffee, hit up the espresso bar in the lobby. Guests are spoiled with a free breakfast cooked-to-order each morning and a cocktail reception each night. Luxurious touches like an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, high-tech fitness center, and free airport shuttle make the Embassy Suites Buffalo an excellent choice for the well-to-do.
The opulence of the Foundry Suites hides its humble beginnings. It began life as a railroad signals manufacturing plant, but it's now known as one of Buffalo's best hotels. Its one- and two-bedroom suites feature full-sized kitchens, modern flat-screen TVs, and chic bathrooms appointed with high-quality products. The modern Foundry Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail, a game of pool, or a coffee.
Affordable Hotel Options in Buffalo, NY
3 Star Average Prices: $141.06
As with many cities, it's hard to find a more affordable option in Buffalo than the local hostel. Hostel Buffalo-Niagara is a modern hostel with clean rooms and convenient facilities. Relax in the lounges, cook your meals in the fully-equipped kitchen, or use the free Wi-Fi to connect with loved ones back home. The basement's been converted into a movie room, and there's also a book exchange, laundry, and loaner bicycles. Regular buses run from the hostel to Niagara Falls.
Several budget hotel chains also have a presence in Buffalo. Quality Inn Airport is conveniently located across the street from Buffalo Niagara International Airport and minutes from the city's most popular attractions. The rooms are simple but newly renovated. Your rate includes free hot continental breakfast each morning, a daily newspaper, high-speed Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and tea and coffee in the lobby.
Many sports fans choose Econo Lodge South Hotel for its location near Ralph Wilson Stadium. All guest rooms feature coffee makers, hair dryers, and safes for your valuables. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and free continental breakfast provided each morning. Copy and fax services are also available for business travelers.
2 Star Average Prices: $133.94
Best Discounts in Buffalo, NY
Several Buffalo hotels extend substantial discounts to various members of the community.
Many guests can save when they stay at Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown. Senior citizens and members of AAA, CAA, and AARP receive discounts of up to 10 percent on the best available room rate. Bed and breakfast packages are discounted by as much as 15 percent for active and retired military and their families.
Buffalo Marriott Harborcenter promises seniors aged 62 or older will save at least 15 percent when they stay. The hotel also offers unspecified discounts to AAA and CAA members and qualified government and military personnel.
Best Value Options in Buffalo, NY
Some of Buffalo's mid-priced hotels offer the city's best value.
The generous, well-appointed rooms and central location of Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown makes it a popular choice. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast buffet or grab a Hampton On the Run Breakfast Bag on weekends; both options are included in your room rate. The hotel also offers free parking and Wi-Fi.
The pampering starts at DoubleTree Club by Hilton Hotel Buffalo Downtown the moment you receive your warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival. The hotel has more facilities than many in its price range, including an onsite bar, business center, event spaces, and gym. While you can walk to many attractions, you can catch the complimentary downtown shuttle if you'd rather save your legs. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the hotel.
If you'd prefer a boutique hotel, try InnBuffalo off Elmwood, a nine-suite historic mansion in Elmwood Village, minutes from downtown Buffalo. The suites are spacious and beautiful, with elegant touches like heated marble floors, luxurious linens, and Acca Kappa bath amenities. Guests can unwind in the music room, library, and drawing rooms. Such an opulent hotel would cost much more if it were in the heart of the city.
Buffalo, NY for Sports Fans
Sporting fans are spoiled for choice in Buffalo, which fields successful sporting teams in several national competitions.
The Buffalo Bills might not have won an AFC championship since the mid-90s, but fans still love to cheer on this National Football League team at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The parking lot can get congested around kick-off, so make sure you arrive at least an hour prior to make sure you're seated before game time. Tickets are available from the stadium's ticket office and the Buffalo Bills website. They range from around $50 to $130 during the regular season; preseason tickets are discounted.
If ice hockey is your game, catch the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Tickets start from around $40 but can top $250 for the best seats. Get yours from the Buffalo Sabres website or in person at the First Niagara Center box office.
For something a little different, check out the Buffalo Bandits, part of the National Lacrosse League's Eastern Division. They're no slouches, winning division championships in 2011, 2009, and 2008, when they took home the national title. Like the Sabres, the Bandits also compete at the First Niagara Center. Because of this, they share a ticket office. Since lacrosse has a relatively low profile, tickets are affordable, ranging from $21 to $40. You can also purchase tickets in advance from the Buffalo Bandits website.
No matter whether you love the thrill of national sporting events or the splendor of an art gallery, Buffalo has attractions and events to delight. It also has a wide variety of hotels, from the affordable to the opulent and everything in between. Research your options carefully to make the most of your stay in Buffalo.
Buffalo is a city on the shores of Lake Erie in upstate New York. Its fine neoclassical, beaux arts and art deco architecture speak to its history as an industrial capital in the early 20th century. Travel to Buffalo, New York for a vacation rich in art, architecture, history, shopping, dining. Discover one of America's great winter destinations. With so many hotels in Buffalo, when you come here for a 2 or 5 day vacation, you are sure to enjoy all that this place has to offer.
Budget Stays in Buffalo
If you want to save money on your hotel reservation, worry not “ Buffalo has plenty of cheap hotels that can help you do just that. Here are a couple of the best Buffalo hotels offering cheap but warm accommodation. Comfort Suites Buffalo is a cheap hotel located in central Buffalo and is 9 miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Suites include a living room and two 37-inch wide-screen TVs. Comfort Suites Downtown Buffalo rooms include a sofa bed, a microwave and refrigerator. They are equipped with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Manor Inn Buffalo is a great affordable hotel for everyone. In all rooms of the University Manor Inn, guests will find a microwave, refrigerator and ironing facilities. Non-smoking rooms are available, too. The University Manor Inn is very close to Grover Cleveland Park and a Metrorail station. It is 7 miles from The Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Heaven in Buffalo
If finding the best Buffalo hotel is the name of the game, take a look at a couple luxury hotels that we picked out. Buffalo Marriott is located 350 yards from First Niagara Center, Buffalo Marriott Harborcenter features air-conditioned rooms and private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Rooms are fitted with a TV. The rooms have a private bathroom. There is dry cleaning services at the property. Hilton Buffalo Hotel close to Buffalo General Hospital and Roswell Park, this hotel is only minutes from city center attractions and provides state-of-the-art amenities as well as spacious accommodation. On-site dining at Carlton's Grill is available to guests. There is also an on-site fitness center and a business center.Â
Independent Hotels in Buffalo
The Mansion Buffalo is a fully restored historic mansion, located in Buffalo city centre, boasts personalized butler services and elegantly decorated guestrooms. Shea's Performing Arts Center is 3 minutes' drive away. The Mansion on Delaware Avenue features rooms with cable TV and free Wi-Fi access. Decorated in soft colours and plush bedding, these rooms also have a work desk. Some have a spa bath. Lenox Suites Buffalo is located 15 minutes' drive from this hotel, which offers an on-site restaurant and bar. Every room at Lenox Hotel and Suites features a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV. A microwave and fridge are provided in the traditional, warmly decorated rooms. They also have a seating area and ironing facilities.
FAQs about hotels in Buffalo