You're finally heading to the Queen City. Whether you're a parent dropping off a freshman for their first year at UB or an alum coming back for a football game at Alumni Arena, finding the right home base is tricky. Most people just search for hotels near buffalo university and click the first thing they see in Amherst.
But here is the thing: the University at Buffalo isn't just one spot.
If you book a place near the North Campus in Amherst but your kid's classes are all at the South Campus on Main Street, you’re looking at a 15-minute drive through some of Buffalo's most annoying traffic lights. It's a classic rookie mistake. I’ve seen it happen a dozen times. People end up frustrated because they didn't realize how spread out the campus actually is.
The North Campus Hub: Where the Action Is
Amherst is basically the land of hotels. If you want to be within walking distance—or at least a very short Uber ride—to the Ellicott Complex or the Center for the Arts, you stay here.
The Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst on Amherst Manor Drive is arguably the most popular choice for a reason. It’s literally about half a mile from the North Campus entrance. It's clean. The breakfast is actually decent. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you’ll see half the other guests wearing UB Blue.
Then there’s the DoubleTree by Hilton on Flint Road.
It’s a bit more "upscale" than your standard road-side inn. You get the warm cookie at check-in, which is a vibe, and they have a restaurant on-site if you’re too tired to hunt for food after a long flight into BUF.
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But wait.
There’s also the Staybridge Suites on Sweethome Road. This one is a sleeper hit for parents staying more than one night. It’s got that apartment-style feel with kitchens, which means you can cook a real meal for your student instead of eating out for the fourth time in 48 hours.
What About the South Campus?
Main Street is a different animal. This is where the historic buildings live. If you’re visiting the School of Dental Medicine or Architecture, you want to stay closer to the city line.
The University Manor Inn is right across the street. Is it a five-star luxury resort? Nope. Not even close. It’s a classic motel. But if your goal is to wake up and walk to a meeting on the South Campus in three minutes, this is basically your only "on-campus" option that isn't a dorm.
If you want something with more "character," you’ve gotta look toward Williamsville or even the Elmwood Village.
Reikart House in Williamsville is probably the coolest hotel in the area. It’s part of the Tribute Portfolio, so it feels boutique and local. It’s only about 3 miles from campus, but it feels like a different world compared to the chain hotels on Flint Road. It’s got that "old Buffalo" luxury feel.
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Hidden Gems and Budget Saves
Sometimes the big names are sold out, especially during graduation weekend in May. If that happens, don't panic.
- The Sleep Inn on Jennifer Lane is usually a bit cheaper and just as close to the North Campus.
- Candlewood Suites is great if you need an extended stay but don't want to pay Staybridge prices.
- The Mosey in Williamsville is another Tapestry Collection spot that’s super trendy and close to great restaurants like The Eagle House.
You've gotta think about food too. Staying in Amherst means you’re near the "Boulevard"—Niagara Falls Boulevard. It’s a chain restaurant paradise. If you want actual Buffalo food, like real wings or a beef on weck, you’ll probably have to drive ten minutes into the city or over to Williamsville.
The Logistics Most People Forget
Parking at UB is a nightmare. Period.
Even if you stay at a hotel nearby, check if they have a shuttle. The Buffalo Marriott Niagara on Millersport Highway usually runs one. Using a hotel shuttle is a pro move because finding a visitor spot in the Flint Loop at 10:00 AM is basically an Olympic sport.
Also, keep in mind the weather. This is Buffalo. If you're visiting between November and March, "walking distance" is a relative term. A half-mile walk in a lake-effect snowstorm feels like five miles. Pick a hotel with an indoor pool—like the Fairfield Inn & Suites—so you have something to do when the weather turns sour.
Making the Final Call
When you’re looking at hotels near buffalo university, the choice really comes down to which campus you’ll spend 90% of your time on.
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For the North Campus, stick to the Flint Road or Sweethome Road clusters. You’ll be surrounded by other families and have easy highway access to the airport. For the South Campus, look at the University Heights area or the nicer spots in Williamsville to avoid the "college town" noise if you want a quiet night's sleep.
Check the local event calendar before you book. If there's a Bills home game or a massive concert at KeyBank Center, prices for every hotel within 20 miles will skyrocket.
The best way to handle your trip is to book early. Graduation dates are usually set a year in advance, and those rooms disappear the second the dates are announced. Grab a room at the Hampton Inn or Reikart House as soon as you have your dates. You can always cancel later, but you can’t magically make a vacant room appear when the whole town is in town.
Take a drive down Millersport Highway once you arrive. It’ll give you a feel for the layout. Buffalo is a "15-minute city"—you can get almost anywhere in 15 minutes, but only if you know which bridge is under construction that week. Staying near the university takes the guesswork out of the morning commute.
Stay in Amherst for convenience.
Stay in Williamsville for the vibe.
Stay downtown if you want to see the real Buffalo after your campus visit is over.