Hotel at the Lafayette, Trademark Collection by Wyndham — Hotel in Buffalo

As a lifelong Buffalonian, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see the Hotel at the Lafayette fully restored to its former glory. This building is more than just a place to stay—it’s a significant piece of Buffalo’s history, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it evolve from its heyday, through its rough patches, and now to its beautifully restored state. It’s become a favorite spot of mine, not just for its stunning architecture but because I’ve been lucky enough to attend so many memorable events there.

The hotel was originally designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, who is a legend in her own right as the first professional female architect in the U.S. To know that such a trailblazing figure helped shape a building that’s still standing over a century later gives me a deep sense of pride in Buffalo’s history. The French Renaissance style of the hotel is absolutely gorgeous, with its intricate stonework, vintage tile floors, and high ceilings. Every time I walk in, I feel like I’ve stepped back into a time when Buffalo was truly booming.

I’ve been to the Lafayette for weddings, corporate events, and even casual meetups at Public Espresso + Coffee, which is located right in the lobby. They’ve done a remarkable job blending the old-world charm of the space with modern amenities. The Crystal Ballroom is a personal favorite—it’s got these elegant chandeliers and a grandeur that makes any event feel extra special. Whether it’s a lavish wedding or a business function, the space transforms perfectly for the occasion. I’ve also spent some fun nights at the Lafayette Brewing Company, enjoying great craft beer in a relaxed, historical atmosphere.

One of my most memorable experiences was attending a wedding in the hotel’s Greenhouse Room. The setting was intimate yet sophisticated, with beautiful natural light streaming in. It was the perfect blend of historic elegance and modern comfort, and it really set the tone for a warm, unforgettable evening. The staff at the Lafayette knows how to throw a fantastic event, from the service to the catering—it’s all top-notch.

Beyond the events, I’ve had a chance to stay overnight, and I was blown away by how they’ve restored the rooms. The suites especially feel like a perfect mix of vintage charm and modern luxury. It’s not often you find a place that honors its past so beautifully while offering all the modern conveniences. Whether you’re staying in one of their spacious suites or grabbing coffee in the lobby, you can feel the history in every corner.

I’m particularly impressed by how the hotel has become a part of the city’s vibrant downtown revival. Its location is ideal—steps away from Canalside, KeyBank Center, and some of the best restaurants and bars in Buffalo. It’s not just a place for out-of-towners to stay; it’s a hub for locals like me to gather and celebrate.

What’s also fascinating are the stories and legends that surround the hotel. Some say it’s haunted, which adds to its charm. I haven’t experienced anything spooky myself, but it’s fun to think that a building with so much history might have a few spirits hanging around.

If you’re a Buffalonian or someone who’s just visiting, I can’t recommend the Hotel at the Lafayette enough. Whether you’re attending an event, grabbing a coffee, or just admiring the beautiful architecture, it’s a place that truly celebrates Buffalo’s rich history. It’s an absolute gem, and I’m so proud to see it shining in its restored state. I know I’ll continue making many more memories here, and I encourage everyone to experience it firsthand—you won’t be...

Oh 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...

I am a BIG fan of this place. I've stayed there twice, the first was in late August of 2020, checking in on a Thursday with a Monday check out. There were 2 weddings that weekend, both wedding parties and guests staying in the hotel so it was quite busy. By Sunday afternoon we were the only guests in the hotel. The first room we stayed in was very nice but I'd noticed that I had reached a level on Hotels.com that gave me VIP type status and specific hotels (it included free room upgrades, free early and late check out, discounts on meals, & free parking etc) and Lafayette was one of them. I'd asked the front desk when we checked in what perks I could get and they advised "not many". I asked about room upgrades and they said their rooms were pretty much the same types but that they had a large bridal suite they would give us for $125 on top of our current rate but that it was occupied until Sunday so we waited. At noon on Sunday we were told the room was available and we moved in right away. The moment I walked in that room I was hooked! It was beautiful! And BIG! With the only outdoor patio in the entire hotel. We only had 1 night but it was worth it! During that visit I learned that the hotel was 'haunted", the weird thing is that while talking to the very nice young lady that worked the front desk I mentioned how the hall way was so long that it jokingly reminded me of "the Shinning?" she literally finished my sentence and I said "YES!" She told me some stories about a specific room on the 2nd floor and I'd mentioned that while in the hall I felt uneasy but as soon as I walked into the bridal suite that all went away. The room was very inviting and I could feel the positive residual energy it held. For almost 2 months after we left the hotel stuck with me. I had immediately forgotten about the negative energy and the positive energy kept calling me to come back. So we did. This time we were put on the other end of the long hall which meant we had to walk the full length of to get to the elevator and the ice machine. And I would be lying if I said that on occasion I didn't suddenly get the feeling that I should run, and I would. One time because I heard a breath exhale in my ear and the other because I heard a loud knock on a pipe in one of the walls. We were the only occupants on the floor that night and during both visits up until that time I had never heard it before. The crazy thing is as soon as I got back in the room I got that wave of positive welcoming feeling and literally forgot all about the experience. I loved my time there and hope I can...