When I first decided to visit Buffalo, New York, I was excited about the prospect of exploring a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, but there was one challenge: traveling on a budget. Traveling, especially when you’re trying to squeeze in as many experiences as possible, can add up quickly. The cost of accommodation alone can easily eat up a good portion of your travel budget. However, Buffalo turned out to be a surprisingly affordable destination, especially when it came to finding quality hotels at great prices.
After doing some research, I came across several hotels that fit the bill perfectly—affordable, comfortable, and conveniently located. If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo and you’re on a budget, I’ve compiled my personal experience with one hotel that stood out during my stay.
1. The Value of Budget Accommodation in Buffalo
Buffalo is often overshadowed by New York City when it comes to tourism, but that’s what makes it so special for budget travelers. You get all the charm of a big city with the accessibility and affordability of a smaller town. The key to keeping costs down while traveling to Buffalo is being smart about where you stay. There are plenty of hotels that offer great value for the price, so it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
For me, finding the right balance between location, comfort, and price was a priority. I didn’t need luxury, but I wanted a clean, safe, and convenient place to rest after a day of sightseeing. After scouring reviews and checking out a few options, I ended up booking my stay at The Curtain Hotel—a hidden gem that provided everything I needed without the hefty price tag.
2. The Curtain Hotel: A Cozy and Budget-Friendly Stay
Location: Central and Convenient
The Curtain Hotel is located in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown area, right near the waterfront, which made it an ideal starting point for my exploration of the city. It’s just a short walk from the famous Canalside, a waterfront area offering beautiful views, outdoor activities, and restaurants. Whether you want to check out the nearby Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park or take a stroll along the Erie Canal, the hotel is perfectly situated for easy access to everything.
The hotel is also close to public transportation options, including bus stops and the Metro Rail, which made getting around the city a breeze. Even if you’re traveling without a car, the central location ensures you won’t miss out on any of Buffalo’s best spots.
Comfort Without the Luxury Price Tag
The hotel itself is a cozy, no-frills spot that delivers on comfort and cleanliness without the price tag of a luxury property. The rooms are simple yet well-equipped. Each one comes with a comfortable bed, a desk, a small seating area, and a flat-screen TV. While it’s not overly fancy, the space is more than enough for someone looking to get a good night’s rest after a long day of sightseeing.
One of the things I loved most about the hotel was how quiet it was, despite being so close to the bustling downtown area. The thick walls and double-glazed windows kept any outside noise to a minimum, ensuring I had a peaceful and restful night’s sleep. It’s definitely one of those places where you can unwind without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or noise.
The Room Rate: Very Affordable
I was honestly impressed by how affordable the room rates were, especially considering the location. A standard room at The Curtain Hotel costs about $85 per night during off-peak seasons. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, but even during peak seasons, you can often find a rate as low as $100–$120 per night. Given the quality of the hotel and the central location, the price is a real bargain.
What was even more appealing was that the hotel often has promotions on third-party booking platforms, especially if you book in advance. I managed to snag a great deal through Booking.com, where I saved about 10% on the listed rate. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can sometimes find even cheaper options during special promotions or flash sales.
Amenities and Services: Everything You Need
The Curtain Hotel isn’t a full-service luxury hotel, but it does offer all the essentials you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, which was fast enough for browsing, checking emails, and planning my daily itinerary. The breakfast was modest but sufficient—coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit were available each morning, helping me start my day off right without needing to go out of my way.
There is also a small fitness room, which I didn’t end up using much, but it’s nice to know that the option is there for those who want to keep up with their fitness routine while traveling. And if you’re looking to grab a quick snack or drink, there’s a vending machine in the lobby with some snacks and bottled drinks.
How I Booked It: Booking Made Easy
Booking my stay at The Curtain Hotel was incredibly easy. I found it on Booking.com, which is one of my go-to platforms for booking hotels due to its user-friendly interface and transparent pricing. The website provided detailed information about the hotel, along with guest reviews that helped me feel confident in my decision. Once I decided to book, I simply entered my dates, selected the room type, and within minutes, I received a confirmation email.
One of the reasons I love Booking.com is the flexibility it offers. The option to cancel the reservation for free within 24 hours of check-in made me feel secure in case my travel plans changed, though I didn’t end up needing it. I also appreciated that the payment was made upon arrival, which meant I didn’t have to pay upfront and could pay in person when I checked in.
What I Loved About The Curtain Hotel
There are a few things that made my stay at The Curtain Hotel stand out:
Location, Location, Location: It’s hard to beat the convenience of staying right downtown, with easy access to everything Buffalo has to offer. From dining to sightseeing, I was within walking distance of many attractions.
Comfortable and Clean Rooms: The room was simple yet perfectly clean, and the bed was comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep after long days of exploring the city.
Affordable Price: The room rates were surprisingly affordable for such a great location and level of comfort. It was definitely a great value for my money.
Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being in a busy downtown area, the hotel was incredibly quiet, which made it easy to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Helpful Staff: The hotel staff were welcoming and helpful, providing me with maps of the area and offering great recommendations for things to do around Buffalo.
Nearby Attractions
Staying at The Curtain Hotel also put me in close proximity to some of Buffalo’s must-see attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or nature, the city has a lot to offer. A few of my favorite spots to visit included:
Canalside: Just a short walk from the hotel, this waterfront area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or relaxing by the water. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around, and in the summer, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts and events.
Buffalo Zoo: Located a bit further from downtown, but still easily accessible by public transit, the Buffalo Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and a great place to spend a few hours.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery: This world-class museum is just a short drive or bus ride away. It houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Niagara Falls: While not in Buffalo proper, Niagara Falls is only about a 30-minute drive away, making it an easy day trip for anyone visiting Buffalo. The falls are absolutely breathtaking, and you can enjoy the view from several vantage points along the river.
3. Booking and Final Thoughts
Buffalo proved to be a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers, and The Curtain Hotel was the perfect place to rest my head after a day of sightseeing. It’s affordable, conveniently located, and provides a comfortable stay. If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo and want to save money on accommodation while still enjoying a pleasant experience, this hotel is an excellent choice.
To book your stay at The Curtain Hotel, you can head to Booking.com, where you’ll find competitive rates and detailed information about the property. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable place to stay in Buffalo.