You can hear the crunch of gravel underfoot before you even reach the heavy oak front door of InnBuffalo. Set right on Lafayette Avenue in the middle of Elmwood Village, this 1898 mansion doesn’t try to hide its Gilded Age pedigree. It offers a boutique lodging experience that transports guests straight into Buffalo’s industrial glory days while delivering the warm, personalized hospitality of a true neighborhood home.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or a deep dive into the city’s rich architectural history, InnBuffalo stands out as a destination in its own right.
Highlights: What You Will Discover in This InnBuffalo Guide
- Authentic Gilded Age Architecture & Preservation: Drawing from my firsthand exploration of the 1898 Herbert Hills Hewitt mansion, you’ll learn how the property successfully preserves 95% of its original structure—featuring breathtaking Queen Anne stained glass, quarter-sawn woodwork, and rare 24-karat gold tile accents.
- The Best Suites and Hidden Details: Get an insider’s breakdown of the inn’s unique accommodations, from historic master suites equipped with functional Victorian needle-spray showers to cozy rooms honoring notable local figures like Sarah Dutro and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
- Exceptional Amenities & Neighborhood Access: Discover how to make the most of your stay by unwinding in the lower-level speakeasy-style Rathskeller, enjoying morning hospitality in the formal dining room, and using this walkable Elmwood Village property as your ultimate basecamp for exploring Buffalo’s world-class culture and nearby Niagara Falls.
Architecture and History: The Hewitt Mansion Legacy
Architectural purists usually look for compromises in restored homes. Walking through InnBuffalo, however, feels entirely like stepping into a time capsule.
When the current owners took over the neglected property, they didn’t modernize its soul away. They preserved nearly 95 percent of the original footprint—meaning your hand rests on the same quarter-sawn woodwork that industrialist H.H. Hewitt touched in 1898.
Pro-Tip: Walk slowly through the front entrance. Guests are immediately greeted by glowing Queen Anne stained-glass windows, marble-mantled fireplaces, and walls lined with stenciled gold canvas that make the space feel like a living museum.
Sand and Snow Tip: Take time to examine the quarter-sawn woodwork and stenciled gold canvas in the main hallway to fully appreciate the 1898 craftsmanship.
Uniquely Themed Suites at this Historic Boutique Hotel Buffalo NY
Stepping into one of InnBuffalo’s unique guest suites feels like visiting royalty. The property features roughly a dozen distinctive accommodations, each named after a notable historical Buffalonian or figures tied to the home:
- The H.H. Hewitt Master Suite: The grandest suite in the house features original woodwork and an extraordinary ensuite bathroom complete with rare 24-karat gold tile accents and a functioning Victorian needle-spray shower.
Sand and Snow Tip: Reserve the H.H. Hewitt Master Suite if you want to experience the rare 24-karat gold tile accents and the unique Victorian needle-spray shower.
- The Frederick Law Olmsted Suite: Flooded with natural light from sweeping windows, this room honors the legendary landscape architect who designed Buffalo’s famous park system.
- The Sarah Dutro Suite: Named for Hewitt’s wife, this cozy space features a blond mahogany fireplace, a built-in desk, and a large bay window overlooking the neighborhood.
- The Industrial Patent Suite: A hip, lower-level retreat featuring exposed brick, ceiling pipes, and decor inspired by Hewitt’s actual industrial patents.
Modern comforts seamlessly blend with antique charm throughout the house, offering plush king or queen beds, fine rugs, and sleek bathrooms equipped with luxury rain showers.
Exceptional Amenities: From the Library to the Rathskeller
What truly sets InnBuffalo apart is its collection of extraordinary communal spaces designed to foster relaxation and community among guests:
- The Common Rooms: Main-floor spaces include a sunlit library stocked with beautiful books, a parlor with silk damask walls, and a music room featuring a meticulously restored 1871 Chickering Square grand piano. There is something surreal about sitting down at the keyboard, letting notes echo off the walls as afternoon light filters through the stained glass.
Sand and Snow Tip: Sit down at the 1871 Chickering grand piano in the music room to experience how the silk damask walls enhance the room’s acoustics.
- Morning Hospitality: Mornings begin with a relaxed breakfast served in the formal dining room, allowing guests to ease into their day at their own pace without rigid hotel schedules.
Sand and Snow Tip: Head to the formal dining room early for morning hospitality to enjoy fresh-baked house scones before your daily itinerary begins.
Exploring the Neighborhood: The Best Elmwood Village Lodging
Stepping out the front door onto Lafayette Avenue, you are immediately greeted by the quiet hum of a historic neighborhood waking up—the scent of fresh roast coffee drifting from nearby Elmwood strip cafes mingling with the crisp breeze off Lake Erie.
Sand and Snow Tip: Park your car in the designated lot upon arrival and explore the surrounding Elmwood Village shops and cafes entirely on foot.
Located at 619 Lafayette Avenue, InnBuffalo places you just a short, scenic walk away from the bustling Elmwood Village, known for its independent boutiques, open-air cafes, and vibrant street art.
Pro-Tip: Use the inn as your ultimate basecamp to explore Buffalo’s top cultural landmarks within a quick 10-minute drive:
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House: A stunning masterpiece of prairie-style architecture.
- Buffalo AKG Art Museum: Incredible modern masterpieces nestled right in Delaware Park.
- Niagara Falls: A short, easy trip north for awe-inspiring natural views.
Sand and Snow Tip: Pair your stay with a quick 10-minute drive to the nearby Buffalo AKG Art Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House for a complete cultural deep dive.
If you’re tired of generic glass-and-steel business hotels, a weekend here resets your standard for boutique stays. Leave your car parked out back, walk down to Elmwood for a coffee, and let Buffalo’s industrial past wrap around you for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is InnBuffalo Off Elmwood located?
InnBuffalo is located at 619 Lafayette Avenue in the heart of Buffalo’s vibrant Elmwood Village neighborhood, putting guests within walking distance of local boutiques, cafes, and just a short drive from major cultural landmarks like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
What is the history of the building?
The property is a meticulously restored 1898 Gilded Age mansion originally built for industrialist Herbert Hills (H.H.) Hewitt. It retains roughly 95 percent of its original architectural integrity, featuring authentic Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, and Richardsonian Romanesque elements.
Is breakfast included with the stay?
Yes, a complimentary daily breakfast is served in the formal dining room, featuring fresh-baked house scones, local pastries, and Greek yogurt berry parfaits. Additionally, beverages and light snacks are available no matter what time of day.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes, limited on-site self-parking is available for a daily fee, and the property also provides complimentary universal electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for overnight guests.
Sand and Snow Tip: If you are arriving by electric vehicle, coordinate with the inn ahead of time to reserve a spot for their complimentary on-site EV charging.
What unique amenities are available for guests?
Beyond the luxury suites, guests have access to a sunlit historical library, a restored 1871 Chickering grand piano in the music room, and a lower-level speakeasy-style Rathskeller complete with an antique pool table.