Hotel at the Lafayette

The Hotel at the Lafayette is among the most historic places to stay in Buffalo. Opened in 1904, the building was designed by Louise Bethune, widely recognized as the first American woman to work as a professional architect, and it faces Lafayette Square in the heart of downtown. After years of decline the hotel was restored with attention to its grand lobby, ornate details and period features, and it now operates as a boutique-style property in the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Guests find a mix of historic charm and modern comfort, with rooms ranging from classic to suites.

The lobby and public rooms are a highlight, with ornate ceilings, marble and decorative details that reflect the French Renaissance style. The hotel typically has a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, with a lively crowd on weekends, and a variety of room types so you can choose between a compact standard room and a larger suite.

Because the building is historic, room layouts differ, and some features such as windows and ceiling heights vary. Ask when you book for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper, since city-center locations can have street noise.

The location is excellent. Lafayette Square is a small park with a Soldiers and Sailors Monument, surrounded by buildings such as the Central Library and the Brisbane Building. The Electric District, the Theater District and Canalside are all within walking distance, and the light rail line runs on Main Street nearby. Great restaurants, bars and coffee shops are just outside the door, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Parking is usually via nearby garages or valet, so check the rates.

This hotel is a good fit for travelers who want a walkable base with a sense of place, including history and architecture fans. It offers a more characterful alternative to modern chain hotels at a broadly similar price level, and it is popular with wedding parties and small events. Confirm the amenities and policies before booking, since historic hotels can have quirks, but for most travelers the setting and the story behind the building more than make up for any small inconveniences.Louise Bethune's story adds meaning to a stay.

She opened her own architectural firm in Buffalo in the 1880s and went on to design schools, factories and hotels across the region, and the Lafayette is considered one of her most important surviving works. Walking its corridors, you can appreciate why historians have worked to preserve it. For travelers who want a sense of how Buffalo looked in its boom years, the hotel combined with a walking tour of nearby Lafayette Square, the Central Library and the Theater District makes for a compact and rewarding architecture weekend.