Visiting Buffalo? This is where to stay (2024)

👉Jump to:Best Places to Stay in Buffalo|Best Areas|Tips|FAQs

I’ve traveled all across the US and Buffalo, New York is one of my favorite places on the East Coast. First-time visitors should stay downtown and specifically, at The Mansion on Delaware Avenue. This historic hotel will transport you back to the Gilded Age with its intimate, luxurious interiors.

However, my number-one recommendation is The Richardson Hotel. This sprawling and historic property is in the Elmwood Village neighborhood which offers a more local feel, plus easy access to the city center.

But there is much more to do and see in Buffalo! Read on for my breakdown of the most popular areas to stay, and the pros and cons of each.

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Best Places to Stay in Buffalo

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks:

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Richardson Hotel
• 📌 Best Location – Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter
• ✨ Best Luxury Hotel – The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
• 👪 Best for Families – Hampton Inn – Amherst
• 💻 Best for Business – Hotel at the Lafayette
• 🏨 Best Boutique – The Edward- Buffalo
• 🌊 Best Near Niagara Falls – voco – The Cadence, an IHG Hotel
• 💵 Best Budget – Staybridge Suites – Amherst

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Buffalo:

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Buffalo

Buffalo, New York sits on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. The downtown area borders the waterfront. The neighborhood of Elmwood Village is north of downtown, and the towns of Tonawanda and Amherst lie further to the north and northeast.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport lies 10 miles northeast of the city center and Niagara Falls, one of the most popular attractions in New York, is 20 miles to the north.

Downtown Buffalo

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Buffalo Hotels: Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter • The Mansion on Delaware Avenue • Hotel at the Lafayette

Buffalo has bounced back brilliantly from the “Rustbelt” slump that affected several Eastern states in the 20th century. Nowhere is better evidence of this than downtown. A wide variety of eateries, breweries, and event venues have blossomed in recent years.

Along with the modern flourishing, there is also a lot of history here. The city boomed in America’s Industrial Revolution and many Gilded Age buildings still stand. Easily access these and other attractions by staying at Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter, which has an unbeatable downtown location along Lake Erie’s shore.

However, The Mansion on Delaware Avenue is my top recommendation for a luxurious stay in Buffalo. The property exudes sophistication and an old-fashioned elegance in its co*cktail bar, billiards room, and immaculately manicured garden. It’s also a mere 10-minute walk from Shea’s Performing Arts Center, a great place to see Broadway shows.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Buffalo:

• Lots of restaurants, bars, and attractions
• A rich blend of historical and modern architecture
• Walkable

Cons of Staying in Downtown Buffalo:

• Hotels can be expensive
• More crowded than other areas

Elmwood Village

👉 Best Area For Local Charm | ✨ Best Elmwood Village Hotels: The Richardson Hotel • The Edward – Buffalo • Oscar’s Inn

Elmwood Village is the artistic side of Buffalo and has a very cozy, everyday feel to it. This neighborhood to the north of downtown abounds with cafes, avant-garde art galleries, and fantastic vacation rentals. This combination makes it my top pick for anyone who prefers a more “local” feel when traveling.

Along with short-term rentals, there are also some wonderful hotels here. The Richardson Hotel is my top pick for Buffalo. This huge historic property features elegant architecture, a sprawling lawn area, fantastic restaurants, and more.

This neighborhood is also home to The Edward, my favorite boutique hotel in town. Expect old-fashioned charm and compared to The Richardson, a more intimate atmosphere.

Pros of Staying in Elmwood Village:

• Great variety of places to eat and drink
• Fun, artistic atmosphere blends with new and old influences
• The best selection of boutique hotels
• Walkable

Cons of Staying in Elmwood Village:

• Fewer and pricier hotels
• You’ll need a rental car to get to and from the neighborhood (public transport is slower)

Tonawanda and Amherst

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Tonawanda Hotels: Holiday Inn Express – Tonawanda • Hampton Inn – Amherst • Staybridge Suites – Amherst

The neighborhoods of Tonawanda and Amherst lie to the north and northeast of the city center. They have some of the best hotel options for families visiting Buffalo. The Hampton Inn- Amherst provides a great balance of price and features, and is close (but not too close) to I-290.

Downtown attractions are not too far away and even with gas expenses, you’ll still save money compared to similar properties downtown. But there’s a good variety of restaurants and things to do in these neighborhoods, too.

A walk along Ellicott Creek makes for a refreshing break after the hustle and bustle of the more popular areas. Niawanda Park is another great place to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Amherst also has family-friendly attractions like the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum and Lasertron.

Pros of Staying in Tonawanda-Amherst:

• Affordable hotels
• Peaceful atmosphere
• Lots of family-friendly attractions

Cons of Staying in Tonawanda-Amherst:

• Fewer hotels to choose from
• You’ll need a rental car to get around
• Not as many attractions as other areas

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

👉 Best Area For Tight Schedules | ✨ Best Buffalo Airport Hotels: Fairfield Inn & Suites – Buffalo Airport • Best Western Buffalo Inn & Suites • The Delavan Hotel

Buffalo Niagara International Airport connects “The City of Light” to the rest of the country. The area around the airport is a great place to stay if you have a late arrival or early departure.

The Delavan Hotel is my top pick near the airport. The aesthetics add a touch of class without adding anything to the price tag. It’s just a stone’s throw from the airport and features a free shuttle — which is not always an option at private hotels.

There are a few pleasant parks in the area around the airport, including Amherst State Park. It features easy trails and guided nature walks, and is an excellent place to wind down during your last day in Buffalo.

Pros of Staying near the Buffalo Airport:

• Easy access to airport
• Chain hotels with good ADJ loyalty programs

Cons of Staying near the Buffalo Airport:

• Not as much to do and see as other areas
• You’ll need a rental car to get around

Niagara Falls (American Side)

👉 Best Area For A Quiet Stay | ✨ Best Niagara Falls (USA) Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls • Comfort Inn – The Pointe • voco- The Cadence

Buffalo has many attractions within its city limits, but nothing matches the fame of Niagara Falls. The Canadian side draws the majority of the crowds, so the American side is a great option for a quiet stay — even during peak tourist season. Plus, you don’t need a passport.

There are many places to stay near Niagara Falls and on the American side, my favorite hotel is voco – The Cadence. Enjoy modern amenities, an on-site restaurant, and the ability to walk to the falls in just 5 minutes.

However, Comfort Inn – The Pointe is a great choice for travelers on a budget. Other properties may have a few more bells and whistles, but this hotel is also just steps from the main attraction.

Pros of Staying at Niagara Falls:

• The falls are a short walk from most properties
• Quieter than the Canadian side of the falls
• Good variety of hotels to choose from

Cons of Staying near Niagara Falls:

• Fewer bars and restaurants (especially compared to the Canadian side)
• About a 30-minute drive from Buffalo
• More touristy than other neighborhoods

Tips for Staying in Buffalo

Eat Where Buffalo Wings Were Allegedly Invented

The Anchor Bar in downtown Buffalo bills itself (horrible pun intended) as the birthplace of buffalo wings, but some other establishments contest this claim. The Anchor Bar has branches elsewhere in the area, should that be more convenient to your schedule. Wherever you go, though, you are not far from finger-licking-good buffalo wings.

Double Check Your Route for Toll Roads

Some of the roads around Buffalo are toll roads. Double-check your route if using Google Maps to navigate. I thought I had selected the toll-free route, but I wound up on a toll road nonetheless. Check with your car rental company about its toll policy.

Don’t Miss Attractions on the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is split between the USA and Canada. The American side has decent views and a handful of attractions but pales in comparison to the Canadian side. If you don’t already have your passport, get it. The better views and exponentially greater amount of attractions are not to be missed.

Carry Cash, Especially If Visiting Canada

If you are traveling between countries to see both sides of the falls, you will need to pay a toll to cross the bridge. The price for crossing with a car is $5 (US). Pedestrians only need to pay $1 but the fee must be paid in cash or via an E-Z Pass or Express Pass device.

There is an ATM and a currency exchange near the crossing if you don’t already have cash on hand. The duty-free store can also break down larger bills ($10+).

Consider Packing a Raincoat

Summer weather in Buffalo tends to be warm and sunny, but a cruise to Niagara Falls (the best way to see them) will require a waterproof layer.

Tours provide ponchos, which you can keep as novelty souvenirs, but they’re not built for much continual use beyond the tour. I’d recommend bringing a raincoat if traveling later in the year and buying a more standard souvenir.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Buffalo for first-timers?

Downtown Buffalo is the best place to stay in Buffalo for a first-time visit. It has the best selection of local attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. Elmwood Village is another great choice because it has a rich atmosphere of its own and is not too far from downtown.

What are safe areas to stay in Buffalo?

Buffalo is an overall safe city, but visitors are advised to follow common-sense safety practices. Tonawanda and Amherst are quieter than downtown and less prone to common petty crimes such as property theft.

What are the best parts of Buffalo to stay with kids?

Tonawanda and Amherst have several family-friendly attractions, plus some of the most budget-friendly properties near downtown Buffalo. However, Niagara Falls is also an ideal place to travel with kids, having tons of family-friendly attractions on both the American and Canadian sides.

What are the best parts of Buffalo to stay for a weekend?

Downtown Buffalo is the best place to stay for a weekend visit. It’s closest to major attractions and is just a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls. Staying near the Buffalo Airport is also a good option, especially if your plans include late arrivals or early departures.

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Thanks for checking out my guide! For more travel insights, see our list of the best towns in New York to visit.