Best Buffalo Hotels

Live like a CEO at the Hyatt, which runs as smoothly as a Swiss watch. Adjacent to the busy Buffalo Convention Center, it's often booked weeks in advance by large sales groups who feel right at home in the corporate atmosphere. From the outside the Hyatt is a by-the-numbers chain hotel, with a plain brick-and-glass exterior that towers over the rest of downtown. That translates into great views from the floor-to-ceiling windows inside the rooms, which really feel more like mini-business suites (given the large work desks and swivel chairs) than sleeping quarters. Rooms are spiffy and Spartan: deep tan carpet, monochrome bedspreads and curtains, and bright white walls. The Hyatt's prices reach $250 a night in high season, but drop a bit lower other times of the year.

Pull up to this cheery yellow house near the Darwin Martin Complex, trip up the slightly uneven stairs to the porch and set down your bags, because you're home. Inside the Parkside it's all glossy wooden floors, beautiful modern furnishings and understated elegance. The owner, Chris, invites guests to play the baby grand piano in the music room, lounge in front of the fireplace or retire to their own spacious suites upstairs. There are only two guest bedrooms, so The Parkside never feels crowded, nor are you forced to interact constantly with strangers.

It's a bit like staying at Grandma's house when you crash at Beau Fleuve, a painstakingly renovated (and pristinely clean) 19th-century private home turned B&B. There's charm aplenty in the rooms, all named for a European country (there's an Irish room, a German room, and so on), and most of them have private bathrooms (but two of them share). If your taste in decor runs to lace curtains, frilled duvets, fancy pillow shams and crocheted throw rugs, Beau Fleuve is right up your alley.

The Honu House has two things going for it: It was recently perfectly restored and it's in the perfect location. Owner Karen isn't one to hover, but she's certainly available to offer advice and suggestions to visitors. Her impeccable renovation of the former 19th-century home means a private bath for every room, and there's a shared kitchenette on the second floor that guests are free to use. Half a mile from Albright-Knox Art Gallery and all the joys of Elmwood Village, Honu House is great for those who prefer a relaxed ambiance and friendly hospitality over a more anonymous hotel setting. You'll stroll in to a wide room, with original wood floors, big sofas and chairs, fireplaces everywhere, and a small staircase leading to the upper floors (upstairs bathrooms have flagstone floors, pretty wall sconces and lovely scented soaps).

If you don't mind hearing the occasional plane taking off, the Days Inn is another good airport option. It's right under the flight path and picks up some of that noise, but it's not so bad that it can't be tuned out. Aside from overdosing on beige—one-tone carpets, walls and bedspreads—the rooms are decent enough. For people traveling in pairs, the bathroom sinks are conveniently set outside the shower area, which makes it easier to share. Nothing here's going to rock your world, but it'll do.

It's not the Ritz, but the Richmond Place will give you a breakfast worthy of five stars. From the outside the large, red multistory building looks a little ramshackle, but everything's kept spick-and-span clean in the rooms. Each suite has its own private bath and a comfy bed, with cable TV and Wi-Fi. You won't find much staff around after the morning rush, but for independent travelers who like to dash out early and come back late, the Richmond's perfectly satisfying. It's more of a B&B than a hotel, so don't look for other meals here, or amenities such as room service.

For under $100, this place ain't bad. It's best for those who are flying in and flying out, since it's right next to the Buffalo Airport, or if you have a car (free parking comes along with the room). Otherwise, be prepared to grab cabs or hoof it to the airport and pay for a shuttle to downtown Buffalo. There's a buffet continental breakfast of coffee and pastries, and the rooms are comfortable if basic (decent beds, clean linens, and that's about it).