We are Heading to Buffalo on May 15th looking for hotel suggestions for the downtown and surrounding areas.. Looking for nice safe hotel not to expensive.. also any restaurants or interesting sights would be great.. any info would be appreciated.. Thanks


Shelly

There is an Adams Mark, Hyatt Regency, Radisson Suites, and Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Buffalo. Other than the Chippewa Strip (a few blocks of restaurants and bars) there isnt much happening in downtown Buffalo unless there's a sporting event, concert or play going on. Not too far from downtown is The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, a luxurious boutique hotel. I have no idea of the cost. Depending on what you're in town for, you may want to stay in Amherst,a suburb to the north, or by the airport (sort of east of Buffalo). Nothing is too far away in buffalo. Amherst is in between downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls. 20 minutes to either.

Lots of great food in Buffalo-from charcoal broiled hot dogs (ted's) to fine dining (Olivers, Hutch's, EB Greens Steakhouse at the Hyatt are just a few).

The Albright Knox art gallery is fantastic; great architecture throughout the city, Forest Lawn Cematery (they often have tours on weekends); great theater (Shea's, Studio Arena are the biggies, but lots of smaller ones too). Delaware Park is an Olmstead park and very lovely. The Art Gallery, History Musuem (beautiful builiding but outdated collection), and park are all in the same vicinity.

A good local website is Buffalo.com which will have entertainment listings, and places of interest.
If you're lucky, you'll have a beautiful WNY spring weekend.

Shelly, Rachel gives you good advice. It would be helpful to know more about what your're looking for, what your interests are, etc. Are you a young, single person or a family? I'd suggest staying downtown if the former. I can suggest lots of restaurants, are you looking for casual, ethnic, fine dining? Post again with more specifics and you'll get more advice.

In reply to kayhyk's suggestion we are coming to Buffalo for a concert at the Continental.. we were hoping to hit a good restaurant before the show in the area close by and do a little sight seeing on Saturday before we head home.. We are pretty open to any ideas just trying to get a sense of whats in the general downtown area..

Looking for nice safe hotel not to expensive

You might want to check out the Buffalo Marriott (actually located in the suburb of Amherst).

If you're seeing a concert downtown then I'd stay at the Hampton Inn, right on Chippewa Street. You can walk to everything from there. Not sure what type of restaurant you're looking for, but the Buffalo Chop House and the Brownstone Seafood House are two of the nicer restaurants downtown. On the more casual side would be the Bijou Grille on Main St. If you're looking for something to do on Saturday, I'd head to Elmwood AVe. for lunch and shopping. There are some great neighborhoods around there.

Another vote for the Hampton on Chippewa and Elmwood on Saturday...I would add The YA YA brewhouse to your restaurant list for Nawlins type food, Hutch's for Buffalos best food hangout, and for novelty, stop at the Anchor Bar on Main street, the home of the very FIRST Buffalo wings.... have fun...

I'm guessing that you're young (based on the 20 in your screen name and the fact that your going to a concert at the Continental - correct me if I'm wrong). The Hampton Inn is within walking distance of the Continental and the Chippawa party scene. Unless you're into architecture, I have to agree with KathyK and suggest Elmwood Avenue from Allen Street to Bidwell Parkway. It's quite a long walk, but it's filled with funky shops, restaurants, etc. Also, totally depending on the weather, the Erie Basin Marina is a great place to grab something to eat and people watch on the Lake. It's downtown and very walkable. Have a great time!