Hyatt Regency, Buffalo NY - July 2

Rating - 7.2

We arrived later at night (around 9:30 pm) after our trip to the falls. It is an easy drive back downtown, probably between 15-20 minutes.

However, arriving downtown Buffalo at night is a bit scary. The first thing I noticed was that it was empty, hardly anyone around; second was that it was a bit rough and run down. There was nothing going on at all.

When we arrived at the hotel to check in I had to unload the mini van. I went inside and found a doorman who was helpful, however they DO NOT HAVE VALET parking. He told me I could park in the lot across the street, and that it was the safest one because they had 24 hour security. That did not leave me with a good feeling.

It was on the next corner, but I had to drive around the block and there was a raging party at the bar on the corner, lots of young people in attendance, and cops on all the corners. When I got into the lot, I pre-paid and was told I was good for the night and next day (I believe it was $18). However, when I got the car in the morning I had to pay again to get out.....some scam is going on there.

As for the hotel, everyone was extremely friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were happy....and I mean everyone from the front desk to the bar tender. The property itself is like Buffalo, its been around a long time and is pretty beat-down. It shows its age in many different ways - worn walls and carpeting and dated fixtures. The rooms themselves are nice, and the bed was great. I snuck down to the bar for a few drinks after the kids went to bed and service was warm and friendly.

We had breakfast the next morning in the lobby restaurant and the SERVICE was EXCELLENT, the food was really good, but it was a expensive for the family ($60)...that price may fly in Manhattan, but not in Buffalo.

As I checked out I was again amazed at how the staff was to all of us. If I ever went back to Buffalo on business I would try and stay outside of the city, and I didn't see many other hotels in the area to stay at.

I was glad to park the car and get on our way to the Cape.

Lobby Bar is staffed by an awesome bartender named Tricia.....she is friendly and efficient.

Total - $189 for the night

Bar Total - $13.01 - 1 Molson Btl 3.68, 1 Choc Martini 8.28