Escape to Buffalo: TownePlace Suites Airport Bliss!
Escape to Buffalo: TownePlace Suites Airport Bliss! - Or, My Love-Hate Relationship with a Free Continental Breakfast and That Airport Vibe
Okay, folks. Buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans, the coffee, and maybe a stray scrambled egg or two on my recent stay at the TownePlace Suites Airport in Buffalo. "Bliss"? Well, let's just say the "bliss" was punctuated with the occasional bloop of a faulty air conditioner. But hey, that's life, right? And this review? This is life (or at least, a couple of nights away) in all its slightly messy, wonderfully imperfect glory.
First Impressions (and the Constant Rumble of Jet Engines):
Landing in Buffalo, you know what you're in for: that distinct, slightly gritty, but undeniably charming East Coast vibe. And the TownePlace Suites? It embraces that airport life like a seasoned pro. Situated conveniently close to the airport (which, let's be honest, is a major selling point when you've spent five hours crammed in a metal tube), it's all about practicality. You're not here for romantic sunsets, you're here for… well, getting away from the airport as quickly as possible and catching some Zzz's.
The exterior corridor is, well, an exterior corridor. Honestly, it feels kind of like a slightly upscale motel, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's functional. And the constant, gentle rumble of a jet engine? You get used to it. It's like white noise, except it reminds you that you’re finally somewhere.
The Nitty Gritty: Rooms, Amenities & (Mostly) Good Vibes
Let's talk the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. "Complimentary tea"? Hallelujah! I'm one of those people who needs tea at 3 am, even when I'm not at home. The desk, laptop workspace, and free Wi-Fi in my perfectly adequate room were actually appreciated. Being able to work on a laptop (even with the airport view that came with some of the hotel rooms) was perfect. The desk and laptop workspace were surprisingly functional, and the Internet access – wireless/Wi-Fi [free] were solid, making catching up on emails (and, let's be honest, streaming some terrible reality TV) a breeze. The bed was actually…decent? Definitely a step up from some budget hotels I've endured. Okay, a few minor nitpicks: the mirror could have been bigger, and the blackout curtains didn't quite live up to their name. But hey, I got sleep.
The Accessible Angle
Okay, here's the cool thing: TownePlace Suites gets accessibility. Facilities for disabled guests? Yes. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. I didn't personally need these, but I saw the ramps, the spacious hallways, and the dedicated accessibility features in the rooms. This is a HUGE win in my book. It shows they actually care about making their space welcoming for everyone.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Surprisingly Okay Breakfast)
The dining situation is where things get…interesting. Let's start with the elephant in the room: the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a sucker for a free continental breakfast, and this one delivers the goods…with a few caveats. There was a buffet in restaurant with the usual suspects: Asian breakfast style eggs (the "Western" ones were better, trust me), pre-packaged muffins (that's the real stuff!), and surprisingly good coffee. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. The daily housekeeping staff would do a marvelous job every day.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: If the restaurant was closed the Snack bar downstairs was always a good option.
The Spa-less Spa: Things to Soothe the Soul (Kinda)
Yeah, no actual "spa" situation. No Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. But, they did have a Fitness center. It's a small gym with the basics. A few treadmills, some weights.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (or At Least, Not Grossed Out)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially post-pandemic. So, I was relieved to see the Anti-viral cleaning products, Safe dining setup, and Rooms sanitized between stays. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping everything clean. The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable and appreciated. And hey, while the staff trained in safety protocol might not have been running around in hazmat suits, they certainly seemed to be taking things seriously. CCTV in common areas/outside property, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher makes you feel a little better about the security of the place.
The Perks and the Quirks (and the Stuff That's Just…There):
- Services and conveniences: The Concierge was friendly, if not particularly knowledgeable about Buffalo's hidden gems. The Dry cleaning service was convenient. The Elevator was a lifesaver with all my luggage. It was all there.
- For the kids: I didn't have any kids with me, but it's great to see they have the Family/child friendly attitude.
- Getting Around: The Car park [free of charge]. That simple fact warmed the cockles of my thrifty heart.
- Business facilities: Being able to take care of Xerox/fax in business center and Meetings was quite a good addition.
My Verdict: Would I Return?
Look, the TownePlace Suites Airport Bliss isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it’s a perfectly solid, functional, and reasonably priced option for a quick stay. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the free breakfast…well, it's enough to get you through the morning. And that, my friends, is often all you need.
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Alright, here we go, my attempt at turning a mundane stay at the TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport into something… well, something. Brace yourselves, it's gonna be bumpy.
TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport – My "Adventure" (and Let's Be Honest, Just a Layover) Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, the Unpacking Blues, and a Pizza Quest (Emphasis on "Quest")
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Ugh. Airports. The fluorescent lighting, the bland scent of stale coffee, the general air of hurried desperation. Why do I always feel like a lost penguin in a blizzard as soon as I deplane? Thankfully, the free shuttle from the TownePlace Suites is a godsend. I’m already mentally calculating how much I can tip the driver to make sure the AC is cranked. It's HOT.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. Smiling, pleasant front desk lady! Bonus points. I appreciate small kindnesses. She gives me the "Welcome to Buffalo!" spiel, which, honestly, is a bit…forced. Buffalo, I've heard whispers of your chicken wings, and that's all I need to survive.
- 1:30 PM: Room! Ah, the sanctuary of the hotel room. Standard TownePlace layout, but I'm not expecting the Ritz. Immediately, the unpacking begins. The horror of it. Why do suitcases seem to multiply clothes and toiletries when you open them? I swear, I packed less than usual this time. It’s like the suitcase is a TARDIS, but instead of time travel, it’s overflowing with socks.
- 2:00 PM: Contemplating life decisions while staring at the vending machine. Chips or…chips? The eternal question. Decide on a mini-bag of pretzels. Fuel for the day.
- 2:30 PM: The Pizza Quest Begins! I’m on a mission to find Buffalo-style pizza. I've heard tales of its glory. I've read reviews. The internet has spoken. A place called “Franco’s Pizza” is on my radar. Grab an Uber – praying it isn't a complete dud. It’s 4-ish miles away, so, fingers crossed for a good driver and a decent playlist. (No polka, please.)
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Pizza Interlude. Franco's! The smell that hits you when you walk in is glorious. Big, messy, cheesy glory. This is the stuff! I'm devouring it like a starving man because, well, I am. The sauce is a little sweet, just like I heard! A perfect Buffalo-type adventure. Stuffed and happy.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Nap time is mandatory after pizza this good. And a pizza coma is a perfect solution.
- 6:00 PM: Wake up. Regret not buying more pretzels. Curse the vending machine.
- 6:30 PM: Thinking about going to the gym, but the pull of the comfy bed is too strong. Maybe tomorrow? (Spoiler alert: never.)
- 7:00 PM: Flipping through channels. Finding absolutely nothing worth watching except for some trashy reality show…it's like, a guilty pleasure. Don't judge.
- 8:00 PM: Attempting to do some work (blah). Fail spectacularly. Distracted by online shopping (oops).
- 9:00 PM: Realizing I'm starving again. Reach for the leftover pizza box. Thank the pizza gods.
- 10:00 PM: Crash. Out like a light.
Day 2: The Breakfast Debacle, the Airport Again, and a Fond Farewell.
- 7:00 AM: WAKE UP! The free breakfast at TownePlace Suites. This is usually a gamble. Will it be the sad, congealed eggs of despair, or something…passable?
- 7:15 AM: Breakfast Debacle commences. Let’s just say, the eggs and the "sausage" were…questionable. The coffee, however, was surprisingly decent. Silver linings, people. I survive.
- 8:00 AM: Packing (ugh, again). The clothes are still there, and the suitcase is still trying to rebel. I am not a morning person, so it all seems like a monumental task. I don't know why I can't ever pack efficiently.
- 9:00 AM: Final check-out. One last look at my room. It’s a disaster zone, of course. The friendly front desk lady asks if I enjoyed my stay. “Mostly,” I say, avoiding eye contact.
- 9:15 AM: Shuttle back to BUF. Deja Vu!
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Airport purgatory. Waiting, waiting, waiting. People-watching. Judging people. Trying not to buy everything in the Hudson News. Avoiding eye contact with that one guy who is CLEARLY talking way too loud on his phone. He's the worst.
- 12:00 PM: Boarding. Good riddance, Buffalo! (Mostly kidding).
- 1:00 PM: Wheels up! The journey continues.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a glamorous getaway, folks. More of a… layover. A pizza-filled layover. But hey, I survived (mostly). Buffalo, you have some killer pizza. TownePlace Suites, you provided basic shelter. The airport, well, it was an airport. That's all I hoped for. Now, on to the next adventure, whatever it may be! And, next time, I swear I'll pack better.
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Escape to Buffalo: TownePlace Suites Airport Bliss! - Or, My Version of "Bliss," Anyway
(Because let's be honest, airports rarely scream "bliss," do they?)
Okay, so... TownePlace Suites at the Buffalo Airport? What actually IS the vibe? Because "Airport Bliss" sounds optimistic.
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Airport Bliss" is a *stretch*. It's more like... *Airport Functional Comfort*. Imagine a slightly stressed-out business traveler, maybe with a tiny dog in a ridiculously oversized carrier (that was me, last time), desperately needing a clean bed and a vaguely edible complimentary breakfast BEFORE their 6 AM flight. That's the vibe. It's... fine. It *works*. Don't go expecting palm trees and mai tais. Expect a microwave, a decent Wi-Fi signal, and hopefully, a mostly-quiet night. Emphasis on the *hopefully*.
The complimentary breakfast... is it actually edible? Be honest.
Okay, *here's* where things get… variable. I’ve seen better, I've seen *much* worse. Let's just say it's a solid B-minus. They usually have scrambled eggs (questionable origin, but hey, protein!), a rotating selection of pastries that look like they've seen better days (but somehow still taste okay with enough coffee), and those individual cereal boxes that bring back intense childhood nostalgia. My personal strategy? Load up on the suspiciously-fluffy waffle-maker waffles (because who doesn't love a good, slightly soggy waffle?), slather them in syrup, and try not to think too hard about where that syrup *actually* comes from. Also, the coffee is *crucial*. Life-giving, even. Pack some instant coffee if you're a connoisseur.
What about the rooms? Are they... you know... clean? And spacious?
Yeah, the rooms are generally pretty decent! They're not luxury suites, obviously. But they are clean. And *yes*, they are actually quite spacious, which is a HUGE plus, especially if you're traveling solo (me) with a ton of luggage (also me). You get a little kitchenette area with a mini-fridge, microwave, and sometimes even a dishwasher (amen!). Perfect for microwaving that leftover pizza you bought at the airport *because* you were so stressed about your flight. The beds are comfy enough. I've slept *worse*. (Shudders, remembering a youth hostel in Prague...) My biggest complaint? The lack of outlets! Seriously, I swear I was constantly crawling around on the floor, desperately searching for a place to plug in my phone, my laptop, my… everything. Bring a power strip! Trust me.
The location... is it actually *convenient* for the airport? Because "airport hotel" doesn't always mean "actually close."
Oh, it's fantasticly convient. Like, seriously, you stumble out of the airport, blink your eyes, and *boom* - there it is. It's basically across the street. They have a shuttle, but honestly, on a good day, you could probably *walk* it... if you're feeling adventurous, have light luggage, and don't mind freezing your butt off in a Buffalo winter. (Which, let's be honest, is most of the year.) Convenience is the *biggest* selling point here. Especially when you're running late, your flight's been delayed, and you just want to curl up in a bed and cry (not that *I've* ever done that..).
The staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
Okay, here's where I have a minor rant. Most of the staff are perfectly fine. They check you in, they answer your questions, they give you extra towels. Standard stuff. But *one time*... oh, that single, glorious, deeply frustrating *one time*. I checked in at 2 am after a nightmare flight, and the only person on duty was this… *guy*. He had the personality of a damp sock. Didn't smile, barely made eye contact, and acted like I was personally inconveniencing him by existing. Then, when I asked *very politely* if there were any late-night food options, he just pointed vaguely towards a vending machine filled with chips and questionable candy. *That* was the experience that sticks with me. I mean, I *get* it, late night shifts are rough, etc. But, dude, at the very least, pretend to care! I’m giving the staff a B-, overall.
Any potential downsides? Besides the "damp sock" guy?
Well, besides the occasional personality vacuum behind the front desk, there are a few. Noise, for one. You're near an airport. Planes take off and land. Duh. The walls aren’t exactly soundproof, so if you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. Also, the pool is okay... if you like chlorine. The gym? I wouldn’t exactly call it a gym; More like an alcove with a treadmill (which, let's be honest, probably hasn't been cleaned in a while) and some weights. And the parking... Yeah, that can get a bit tight. So, be prepared for a bit of a walk from your car. And as I said, remember power strips!
Okay, final verdict. Should I stay there? Is it worth it?
Look, if you need a convenient, clean, and reasonably-priced hotel near the Buffalo Airport... then *yeah*, it's worth it. It's not the Ritz, folks, but it gets the job done. Just manage your expectations. Pack earplugs, a power strip, maybe some emergency snacks, and a healthy dose of realistic optimism. And pray you don't end up dealing with the damp sock.
Seriously, though. That "damp sock" guy... what was *his* deal?
I have *no* idea! He was just… there. Perhaps he’d been cursed with eternal front desk duty, doomed to watch bleary-eyed travelers shuffle in and out for all eternity. Maybe he’d just had a really, really bad day. Maybe he *was* a damp sock. Whatever the reason, he's the reason this review is taking this turn. But hey, even the bad experiences make a trip memorable, right? (Insert nervous laughter). Just… avoid him if you can. And maybe, just maybe, bring him a coffee. You never know. Stay Mapped
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