InnBuffalo: Full Review of our Favorite Hotel in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, New York is just a quick hop across the border for us Canadians, so it's a fun city to explore on a weekend getaway. There are so many awesome things to do in Buffalo, though there's way too much to see in just a day. You need to spend at least a weekend or even three days in Buffalo to fully experience it. Enter InnBuffalo Off Elmwood as your home away from home.

If you're spending a few days in Buffalo, you need to find the perfect accommodation to call home while you're there. Prepare to be charmed by InnBuffalo Off Elmwood, a spectacular boutique hotel in Buffalo, NY. We stayed overnight at this elegant boutique hotel with a storied history. Here's our full review.

InnBuffalo Off Elmwood: Preservation in Progress

The owners of InnBuffalo, Ellen and Joe, warmly welcomed us to their Victorian home that they converted into a nine room hotel. They purchased the Hewitt Mansion at auction after it fell into disrepair and sat dormant for decades.

Throughout the renovations, they uncovered many original and surprising elements that are currently on display throughout the home. This luxurious mansion was like a time capsule, preserving many extravagant features.

Now, the home is a charming and spacious hotel for visitors to enjoy. Ellen and Joe refer to the renovations as "preservation in progress" as they are continuing to renovate and decorate the home.

Walking through the front doors, we were instantly transported back to the turn of the 20th century. It's quite remarkable to witness so many artifacts and antique fixtures around the property. At the same time, the house felt cozy and comfortable, as though we were staying at a friend's lavish home.

There are murals, stained glass windows, wood carved cabinets and marble fireplaces. We were in awe as we toured the grand public spaces of the home, as well as our own spectacular room for the night.

Our Room at InnBuffalo: The Hewitt Suite

Named for the inventor and former home owner himself, the H.H. Hewitt Master Suite is one of the grandest suites at InnBuffalo Off Elmwood. The room itself is perfectly preserved back to its former glory. It features a king sized bed, comfortable bedding, and luxurious linens.

The suite is large enough to comfortably fit one sofa, two chairs, a desk, and a dresser. While much of the furnishings are antiques, there are modern amenities like a flatscreen TV with satellite channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a Keurig coffee maker in the room. It's the perfect marriage of a historic inn and a contemporary boutique hotel in Buffalo.

The Hewitt Suite likely has the most interesting ensuite bathroom out of every room in the house. How often do you get to visit a hotel with a compelling bathroom? My guess is...not very often! First, the light switch for the bathroom on the outside of the entrance is original to the home.

The original bathroom tile is detailed with 24 carat gold, so you can relax in the bathtub feeling like a king or queen. Yes, there's a roomy tub to soak in, complete with a bath bomb for the ultimate rejuvenating experience.

However, the most impressive aspect of the bathroom is the original and rare Victorian needle spray shower. There are pipes encircling where you stand that spray water at your body, while water cascades from the rainfall shower head up above. So cool! While the bathroom is completely updated to modern standards, it provides a window into the past like no other.

InnBuffalo's Main Floor Common Area

All hotel guests are welcome to utilize the common areas on the main floor of the home. While the rooms are astonishingly beautiful just as they are, there are future plans to restore and replicate some of the original stenciled designs on the walls, ceilings and mantels. It's a rare experience to view a home that was virtually untouched for 120 years. Wander around and make yourself at home.

Ellen and Joe are so friendly and hospitable. In the dining room, there's always lots of coffee, tea, and refreshments. In the afternoon, there's a Happy Hour with wine for the guests to enjoy.

The next morning, you can savor a complimentary enhanced continental breakfast here. Justin and I decided to sleep in a bit during our stay for a relaxing holiday away from home, but we'd love to try the breakfast next time as I'm sure it's delicious.

Don't Miss The Basement!

The basement is another unique common area at InnBuffalo Off Elmwood. Joe brought us downstairs to show us the original antique pool table from the late 1800s, ideal for the time period of the house. It's a beautiful, refurbished pool table, restored back to its original glory.

Joe keeps the fridge stocked with local craft beer and there's a small liquor cabinet, too. We were invited to make ourselves at home, so Justin and I played a few rounds of pool in the evening. The two of us discovered that we actually weren't too bad at the game, and we're now inspired to visit a local pool hall to play a little more often. We had a really fun time!

Where is InnBuffalo Off Elmwood Located?

InnBuffalo off Elmwood is situated in the ideal location for a vacation or staycation to Buffalo. On 619 Lafayette Avenue, you're right in the heart of Buffalo's Elmwood Village. You're just around the corner from a trendy neighborhood. Discover Elmwood Village's murals and street art. Sample vegan and vegetarian eats at local restaurants, cafes and pubs.

There are even some of the best breweries in Buffalo that you can reach on foot. Leave your car at InnBuffalo and go for a walk around the neighborhood. Furthermore, you're a short drive from downtown Buffalo and within a short distance of a day trip to Niagara Falls. You can't beat the location to discover the best of Buffalo.

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