Sometimes, travel plans come together at the last minute—and that means scrambling to find a decent hotel. This was one of those times.
Towards the end of 2024, I had to book an overnight trip to Buffalo for my wife, Sharon. She was flying up on a Saturday morning and back home on Sunday afternoon. No big deal, right? Well, that was until I realized the Buffalo Bills had a home game that weekend. Hotel prices were sky-high, and availability was scarce.
After sifting through overpriced budget motels and sold-out properties, I spotted the Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst—a solid mid-range option in a convenient location. Even better, award nights were available, making it a perfect chance to cash in on a free night certificate from the World of Hyatt card.
Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst
5020 Main Street Amherst, New York, 14226
Booking & Cost
Buffalo hotels weren’t cheap that weekend, with even the lower-end properties going for over $200 per night. Luckily, the Hyatt Place Amherst had availability, and since it’s a Category 2 Hyatt property, a free night would have only cost 8,000 points. But instead of spending points, I used a soon-to-expire Hyatt free night certificate—a great redemption, considering the inflated cash rates.
Check-In Experience
Sharon arrived around 2 p.m., and check-in was smooth and efficient. She’s a Hyatt Discoverist because she has the World of Hyatt Business card, which doesn’t do much at Hyatt Place properties besides getting you a bottle of water—always a small but appreciated touch.
Room & Amenities
The room was the epitome of what you’d expect from a Hyatt Place, which is generally a good thing. These rooms tend to be spacious, offering a separate seating area, a functional workspace, and a comfortable bed. It’s a step up from your typical budget chain, while still keeping things simple.
One unexpected perk? A surprisingly decent view. Despite being an interstate hotel, the 6th-floor room offered a nice look at the fall foliage.
Hotel Facilities
This Hyatt Place had a few nice extras that stood out:
- Lobby & Workspaces – The lobby had a modern design with plenty of seating and shared workspaces. It’s the kind of place where you wouldn’t mind setting up a laptop for a bit.
- Pool & Hot Tub – A decently sized indoor pool and hot tub were available. But as Floridians, we’re not going to pack a bathing suit when traveling to Buffalo in November.
- Fitness Center – The gym was larger than expected and well-lit, featuring a Peloton bike. If you’re into the Hyatt-Peloton partnership, you can even earn points for working out. Peloton Hotel Finder.
Breakfast & Dining
Hyatt Place properties all follow a similar formula for breakfast, and this one was no different. There was a self-serve breakfast bar, but it was crowded when Sharon was heading out. If you’ve seen one Hyatt Place breakfast setup, you’ve seen them all—nothing special, but it gets the job done.
For other food options, the hotel has The Placery, a small all-day dining spot, and a grab-and-go market for quick snacks.
Location & Accessibility
The Amherst area is northeast of Buffalo and not far from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The hotel is conveniently located just off the NY State Thruway, making it easy to get around.
- Distance to Buffalo Airport: Approx. 5 miles (~10 minutes by car)
- Distance to Niagara Falls: About 25 miles (~30-35 minutes by car)
- Distance to Downtown Buffalo: Around 10 miles (~15-20 minutes by car)
For those visiting Niagara Falls, this isn’t the most convenient option, but it’s manageable for a day trip if you have a car.
Final Thoughts & Verdict
For this trip, all Sharon needed was a comfortable, clean, and convenient place to stay for the night. The Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst delivered precisely that.
Was it fancy? No. But for a free night certificate on a weekend when hotels were charging a premium, it was a fantastic redemption. If you find yourself in Buffalo and need a reliable mid-range option, this Hyatt Place is worth considering—especially if you can book it with points.
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