Hotels Near Of MeNew YorkErie CountyBuffaloDowntownWashington Street
391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
The hotel staff were pleasant, but the room was being cleaned an hour before check-in. The bathroom had hair everywhere still left in it from the previous guest. When you use the shower or tub, the entire bathroom becomes damp, even with the fan on making anything in there damp. The bed was very uncomfortable and extremely loud. Even with the heat turned up, the living room had a cold breeze blowing constantly. The only parking is paid for parking in a lot down the street. For as much as a room here costs, I expected better
The Hotel at the Lafayette, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, located at 391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA, stands as a distinctive offering within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, particularly for those seeking a stay rich in history and architectural grandeur in downtown Buffalo. This iconic hotel, built in 1904 and meticulously restored, is a prime example of French Renaissance architecture and was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, America's first female professional architect. It offers a unique experience that blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, setting it apart from more conventional accommodations.
For guests arriving by air, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is approximately 18-20 kilometers (about a 20-minute drive) from the hotel. While the hotel does not primarily cater to airport proximity like some other Buffalo hotels, its downtown location makes it highly accessible for those visiting the city's core. Public transportation, including the Buffalo Metro Rail at Lafayette Station, is also very close by, making it convenient to explore the city without a car. For guests arriving by train, Buffalo-Exchange Street Station is within a 10-minute walk. Parking at the hotel is available but is paid, with secured covered onsite self-parking costing USD 20 per day, and 24-hour offsite parking nearby also available for USD 20.00 per day. There is no valet service, which is a point some guests have noted.
The Hotel at the Lafayette boasts an "incredible historical significance" and a "gorgeous old Art Deco" ambiance. Guests stepping into the lobby are immediately immersed in its exquisite historical charm, with soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and beautiful mosaic floors that hark back to its grandeur. The hotel's restoration efforts have done a "really good job of renovating the rooms and making it presentable," preserving its historic character while incorporating modern elements. The lobby also features a fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, particularly on chilly Buffalo nights.
However, despite its grand historical setting, the ambiance can also feel somewhat quiet or even possess an "air of abandonment," especially at night, as noted by some guests. This may be due to certain on-site amenities, such as the main restaurant, having varied operational statuses, potentially leading to a less lively atmosphere than one might expect from a grand establishment. Recent information indicates that the hotel does have "two restaurants, a bar/lounge" including the "Pan-American Grill & Brewery" which serves "Popular American dishes." This suggests a more active dining scene than some reviews might imply, though operational hours can change. The neighborhood itself can also be "very dead at night and can feel a little spooky," a consideration for those who prefer more vibrant evening surroundings.
The hotel is a 100% smoke-free property, ensuring a clean air environment for all guests. The property spans six floors and houses 57 individually furnished and decorated rooms, reflecting its boutique nature. The building itself dates back to 1904 and was last renovated in 2023, showcasing ongoing commitment to its upkeep.
The Hotel at the Lafayette, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, offers a range of services designed for guest convenience and comfort. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, providing continuous assistance for check-in (from 3:00 PM) and check-out (by 11:00 AM), luggage storage, and safety deposit boxes. Staff are generally described as "pleasant" and "helpful," contributing positively to the guest experience.
For dining, the hotel features "Public Espresso," a coffee shop/cafe located in the lobby that is open in the mornings, offering "excellent coffee, breakfast, and a convenient dining option." As mentioned, there are also on-site dining options such as the Pan-American Grill & Brewery. Guests can purchase soda at the front desk. Room service is also listed as an amenity through the Lafayette Brewing Company, though one review indicates "No room service" suggesting variations in service availability. It's advisable to confirm specific dining and room service hours directly with the hotel upon arrival.
Connectivity is provided through free WiFi in both public areas and guest rooms, with a stated speed of 250+ Mbps in rooms, which is robust for multiple devices. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center. While functional, some guests have noted that the fitness center in the basement "did not feel exactly safe," with a trash can used to keep the door open, indicating a need for better upkeep or presentation. The hotel also features a business center, meeting facilities, a banquet hall for events and weddings, and a gift shop/newsstand. Dry cleaning/laundry services are also available. The hotel also offers a bus station shuttle (surcharge may apply, confirm directly with the hotel).
It's important to note that the hotel does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals, which are welcome and exempt from fees. This is a key distinction for travelers with animal companions.
The 57 rooms at Hotel at the Lafayette are described as "large and quite charming," offering a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. They are individually furnished and decorated, contributing to a unique boutique feel. Each room features:
However, some guest experiences have highlighted areas for improvement within the rooms. Concerns have been raised about cleanliness, with reports of "hair everywhere still left in it from the previous guest" in the bathroom. The functionality of the bathrooms can also be an issue, as some guests reported that "the entire bathroom becomes damp" after using the shower or tub, even with the fan on. Bed comfort has also been a mixed bag, with some finding them "very uncomfortable and extremely loud," while others found them "comfortable." Noise from water pipes at night has also been a reported issue, suggesting that light sleepers might benefit from earplugs. Furthermore, despite heating being on, some rooms have been described as having a "cold breeze blowing constantly" in the living area. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Hotel at the Lafayette's most compelling promotional aspect is its status as a meticulously restored historic landmark. It appeals to travelers interested in unique accommodations and architectural beauty. Its designation as a "Trademark Collection by Wyndham" property signifies its distinctiveness and local character. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings and events, leveraging its grand ballrooms (like the Marquis Ballroom) and elegant setting. It also highlights its historical significance as the first hotel designed by America's first female professional architect.
Its downtown location is a major draw, placing guests within walking distance or a short drive of many key Buffalo attractions. These include:
While some guests have noted areas requiring improvement in cleanliness and certain amenities, the hotel's charm, prime location for exploring downtown Buffalo, and historical significance remain strong selling points. For travelers seeking an experience that transcends a typical hotel stay, with a focus on heritage and distinctive design, Hotel at the Lafayette offers a memorable option within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in Buffalo, inviting guests to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts.
391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Get directionsThe hotel staff were pleasant, but the room was being cleaned an hour before check-in. The bathroom had hair everywhere still left in it from the previous guest. When you use the shower or tub, the entire bathroom becomes damp, even with the fan on making anything in there damp. The bed was very uncomfortable and extremely loud. Even with the heat turned up, the living room had a cold breeze blowing constantly. The only parking is paid for parking in a lot down the street. For as much as a room here costs, I expected better
Apr 16, 2025 · MariahThis is a gorgeous old art deco hotel that has incredible historical significance in Buffalo. They’ve done a really good job of renovating the rooms and making it presentable. The room was large and quite charming. The fireplace didn’t work but that could probably be fixed. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. There was a lot of noise from water going through the pipes at night, which made it a little hard to sleep. bring earplugs. Unfortunately the restaurant is closed and there are few amenities available nearby though there is a lovely café that’s open in the mornings. No room service But you can get a soda at the front desk Parking is not too easy. There’s no valet and the parking garage is at the other end of the block. There is a fitness center in the basement that did not feel exactly safe. There was a trash can in the door to keep it open. The hotel just has an air of abandonment as if this once a grand establishment has seen better days. Hopefully they will get the restaurant reopened and it might be a bit more lively. The neighborhood is very dead at night and can feel a little spooky.
Mar 08, 2025 · GINA DI absolutely loved the Art Deco style of this hotel—it’s clear they’ve made a real effort to preserve the charm and feel of the era. The attention to detail is amazing, especially in the lobby, and you’ll spot little ornate fixtures throughout the hallways that truly capture the period's elegance. While I would definitely stay here again, I did have a major concern regarding the lack of security in the rooms. I always feel safer when there’s a chain or a similar feature on the door that can only be controlled from the inside. Since I was traveling with my husband, I didn’t feel as uneasy, but as a solo woman traveler, I wouldn’t feel comfortable without that extra layer of security. Lastly, I would recommend some staff training or providing a clear parking guide for guests. When I stopped by the front desk to ask about parking, the clerk wasn’t very confident in giving directions, which made it a bit confusing. A simple card or clearer instructions would have been really helpful. Despite these few concerns, the hotel’s charm and character really stood out, and I would consider staying again—just with a few improvements for a more seamless experience.
Mar 27, 2025 · Jasmine MaglierOh my, where to begin. The City of Buffalo has been near and dear to my heart ever since I attended Buff State in the mid 2000s. It was a rust belt city far from its heyday but with a rustic, we will overcome this, independent and authentic vibe that made this native NYER want to call this city my own, which I did, for several years upon graduation. But as time wore on my employment took me elsewhere, so I begrudgingly left my newly adopted city, but I nevertheless paid my visits rather frequently and loving the revitalization each and every time I returned. Sadly, I haven't been back to Buffalo since before the Covid-era. As luck would have it, I would be attending a family affair in near by Hamburg this weekend. Seeing this as a chance to rediscover Buffalo, I booked a weekend, not in the suburbs, but at Hotel Lafayette. I had known the hotel from my time up there, and many evenings spent at the PanAmerican brewery attached to it, but never spent a night there. Though expensive, I booked, thinking I'd treat myself to the lavish standards of copper finishings, deep mahogany, and marble flooring, but what I got instead was far from that romanticed vision of Hotel Lafayette glory days. As I checked in, the atmosphere of the lobby and condition of the luggage carts should have been an indicator of things to come..or perhaps that should have come from driving past the homeless encampents within the park down the block or walking past homeless folks sleeping on the sidewalk alongside boarded up buildings, to include the now defunct brewery previously mentioned, from the parking lot of which the hotel does not provide for. Anyway back inside the lobby what should have been a well polished and buffed lobby with art deco like elevator doors was dirty, dark, and smelt like weed. Upstairs, as I meandered through the hall to find my room, socks and undergaraments were strewn about the hallway, the carpets were thin and cheaply placed, half eaten pizza slices sat outside doors, and the smell of weed lingered heavily only faintly parfumed by the noxious smell of lysol spray as cleaning service baskets with sheets flung all about stood like static statues of chores never completed alongside chipped walls...by the way this was post midnight, cleaning service was not occuring. The room, while clean, at least the bed and bathroom, i wouldnt dare sit on the couch, was such a cheap array of crap furniture attempting to be 'chic' nothing fit the mold worthy of an elegant stay. The fireplace did not work, the window overlooked a portion of the roof with drab, damb curtains. I spent a sleepless night at the Hotel Lafayette before checking out the next day, with a male staff member, with black painted nails, and long unruly hair, he was decently kind, and this is no shame on him, but I'm sorry, I believe in a professional look, especially in such a hotel that had at one time probably was the epitome of having the fineest concierge service. This was not the place I had hoped to experience and is a sorry portrait of how failed political misgivings at the local, state, and federal levels during the Biden years toppled Buffalos revitalization efforts.
May 10, 2025 · John P.Held a formal ceremony and dinner in the greenhouse room. The upgrades/improvements are absolutely beautiful. Alexa and Christa were completely accommodating and the event would not have been such a success with out them. Thank you!
Apr 02, 2025 · Jessica Jones
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