Unbelievable Deals at University Manor Inn Buffalo! (NY)
Unbelievable Deals at University Manor Inn Buffalo: A Frankly Honest Review (Yes, Really)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Buffalo, and let me tell you, the "Unbelievable Deals" at the University Manor Inn… well, they’re something. Let's just say this review is going to be less "polished travel brochure" and more "honest traveler's diary." Get ready for a messy, opinionated, and hopefully helpful breakdown.
First Impressions (and a Deep Breath):
Okay, so the website promised "Unbelievable Deals." My expectations, let's be honest, were cautiously optimistic. I arrived, lugging my bag (thank goodness for the elevator, because my calves were already screaming), and the exterior corridor kind of gave off a "classic motel" vibe. Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you – it’s Buffalo, not the French Riviera! Parking, thankfully was a breeze. Car park [free of charge]? Checked. Car park [on-site]? Double-checked. This is important because, let's face it, driving around Buffalo can be an adventure in itself.
The Room: A Tale of Two Halves (and a Possibly Questionable Towel):
My room? It was… interesting. Let's start with the positives. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked! The Internet access – wireless was solid. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver because, let's be real, Buffalo summers can be brutal (and I, unfortunately, booked my trip during a heatwave). The Blackout curtains were a blessing for sleeping in, and the bed was… well, it wasn't lumpy. Hooray! Complimentary tea and coffee? Yep, in the room, which is a win in my book. The mini-fridge would've been useful had I had anything to refrigerate but that's on me.
Now for the less exciting side. My extra long bed was great but I wasn't sure why they did that. The bathroom was… functional. The bathtub, though, was a bit… rustic. And the towels? Let's just say I might have done a double-take on their cleanliness. Definitely, a linens inspection is recommended. But hey, at this price point, you win some, you lose some, right? It had a hair dryer, which I appreciate.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (Mostly):
Okay, pandemic times. I’m happy to report that the Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw them consistently wiping down surfaces. Hand sanitizer was readily available (a big sigh of relief). They also seem to have put in a lot of effort for room sanitization. The Rooms sanitized between stays seemed to be true and a Daily disinfection in common areas was observed.
The Anti-viral cleaning products are a welcome aspect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Buffalo Experience:
Okay, this is where things got… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was…present. Let's leave it at that. There were the usual suspects, but the vibe was less "gourmet breakfast experience" and more "grab something quick before you hit the road." There was an Asian breakfast on one of the days! Coffee/tea in restaurant was available. Desserts in restaurant, I have to say, were tempting.
The bar was open in the afternoon and evening. I’m not a drinker, but from what I saw, folks seemed to be enjoying themselves. There's a snack bar open at some points during the day.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and the Somewhat Unexpected):
The front desk [24-hour] was convenient; I needed to check-in late. The concierge was friendly and helpful, giving me some good local recommendations. The luggage storage came in handy later, too. Laundry service available if you needed it. They have Facilities for disabled guests which is a plus.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: More Road Trip Than Resort:
Alright, let's be real: University Manor Inn isn't exactly a spa retreat. They have a fitness center but I didn't see anyone there; it looked basic but functional. There is a swimming pool [outdoor]. This is a plus. No time to get body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, sauna, spa, steamroom, or swimming pool, so I cannot tell you anything about it.
For The Kids:
Did not need this, but glad to see the family/child friendly aspect.
Accessibility:
The wheelchair accessible rooms are a huge bonus. Facilities for disabled guests are available. Elevator is accessible and the Air conditioning in public area is useful at times.
The Verdict: Unbelievable Deals… With a Grain of Salt?
Look, University Manor Inn isn’t the Ritz. But it's clean, the staff is friendly, and the location is convenient for exploring Buffalo. If you're looking for a basic, budget-friendly place to crash, this is it. Just manage your expectations. And maybe bring your own towel. And a sense of humor. Because, in the end, a little bit of rough-around-the-edges charm is part of what makes a trip truly memorable, right? Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Would recommend with caveats.
Escape to Paradise: Penhale's Luxurious Eastbourne Flats Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic reality of a trip to Buffalo, centered around the oh-so-charming University Manor Inn. Consider this a warning, a confession, and a potential source of crippling wanderlust, all rolled into one.
University Manor Inn, Buffalo: The (Highly Unofficial) Itinerary - Let's Get Messy!
Day 1: Arrival of Delirious Travelers and the Curse of the Mini-Fridge
- 1:00 PM - Arrive, Attempt Check-In (and Fail Spectacularly): Okay, so the drive from [Insert your hometown here – I'm assuming somewhere not Buffalo, because that's the point] was longer than I anticipated. Traffic? Existential dread? Who can say? The point is, I'm already a sweaty disaster zone. Found the University Manor Inn (praise be!), and let me tell you, "charm" is an understatement. It's got a kind of… vintage, "lived-in" vibe. The check-in process was a delightful combination of "wait, are you sure?" and "Oh, they didn't tell you about the…?" - and yes, I'm already feeling a faint kinship with the ancient, slightly peeling wallpaper.
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Mini-Fridge Fiasco: The room? Small. Cozy. Equipped with a mini-fridge that (I’m convinced) is powered by the collective hopes and dreams of Buffalo. I’m practically salivating, thinking of the cold drinks I am gonna need. The problem? That thing isn't working. I mean, at all. I try a tap on the side, a desperate plug wiggle, even whisper sweet nothings to it, but nothing. It’s like it understands my despair. I imagine all the glorious, frosty beverages that will melt into lukewarm puddles by sunset. This is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, I tell you.
- 3:00 PM - Hunt for Lunch (and Maybe Some Ice): Okay, gotta recover. Feeling a bit peckish, and a mini fridge catastrophe isn't gonna solve itself. I bravely venture out into the wide, wondrous world of Buffalo. Ah! The joy of food! I spotted a local diner called "The Blue Bike Cafe". I order a classic, chicken sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. The burger was delicious, but… I was starting to feel that the lack of icy refreshments was going to haunt me.
- 4:00 PM - Attempt Number Two at Mini-Fridge Repair (and Descent into Madness): Back in the room. Dejected. Maybe I just need an ice bucket? Sigh.
Day 2: Wings, Waterfalls, and the Bitter Tears of a Sunken Mini-Fridge Dream
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Inn (aka the "Continental" Challenge): Okay, the "continental breakfast" situation at the Inn is… well, let's just say it's a crash course in low expectations. Think stale muffins and questionable coffee. However, it's free. Beggars can't be choosers, and apparently, travelers can’t be picky about the means to acquire caffeine necessary to fight the mini-fridge woe.
- 10:00 AM - Conquering the Buffalo Wing (and the Subsequent Mess): No trip to Buffalo is complete without wings. The Anchor Bar is the place, right? Well, I had to try it. And it really was as legendary as they say. That sauce… the crispy skin… the sheer, glorious mess! I was practically swimming in blue cheese dressing by the end. Absolutely worth it, though my white shirt may never recover. (And, if I'm being honest, I ordered a second round).
- 12:00 PM - Niagara Falls (The Sheer, Unadulterated Awe): The drive to Niagara Falls is a scenic delight, and the falls… oh. The sheer, unadulterated power of those falls. Pictures don’t do it justice. You can feel the spray on your face, hear the roar in your soul. It's genuinely moving and humbling. I stood there, completely speechless. The only thing better than seeing the falls is experiencing the falls.
- 4:00 PM - Attempted Mini-Fridge Surrender and Acceptance (and the Discovery of a Hidden Power Outlet): Okay, I head back to the inn. The mini-fridge thing is a lost cause. But maybe… just maybe - there's an outlet, hiding behind the bed that I hadn't seen before? I mean, it's a longshot, but… sigh. A traveler can dream, right?
- 7:00 PM - A Quiet Meal and a Moment of Reflection (and the realization that I'd forgotten my charger): I treat myself to some Chinese food at a dive restaurant, and I'm starting to feel less despair, and more… contemplative. The fact that I left my phone charger at the Anchor Bar just moments after leaving the restaurant…well… I don't know if that's despair or fate.
- 8:00 PM - Late Night Snack (and the triumph of a tiny victory): Found a convenience store. Got some bottled water. And, for the first time, the water was cold.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Ghosts of a Failed Fridge
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast Debrief (And a Bitter Farewell to the Buffet): More stale muffins. More questionable coffee. But this time, I’m armed with the knowledge of the mini-fridge’s eternal chill. Sigh.
- 10:00 AM - The University Manor Inn, Farewell (and a Promise to Return with a Cooler): A last fond look at the peeling wallpaper. A final, mournful glance at the non-functional fridge. I'd grown strangely fond of the place. It was imperfect, yes, but it was Buffalo. And there's definitely something to be said for that. As I walk to the car, I make a vow to return, armed with a portable cooler and a renewed appreciation for the small things (like ice).
- 11:00 AM - The drive home (and the slow realization of "Wait, did I turn off the iron?"):
- Wait, what happened to the charger? Oh No.
- The end.
Unbelievable Deals at University Manor Inn Buffalo: The Unvarnished Truth (Probably, Maybe)
Seriously, are these "Unbelievable Deals" *really* that unbelievable? I'm skeptical.
Okay, look, I get it. "Unbelievable" is thrown around like confetti these days. Gotta say, though... I've actually stayed at the University Manor Inn. Twice. And yeah, the deals *were* pretty darn good. Like, "I can afford to eat actual food this week" good. My inner cheapskate was doing the happy dance. One time, I swear, I got a room for less than the price of a mediocre pizza. Buffalo pizza, mind you, which is saying something!
But unbelievable doesn’t mean perfect. The carpet… let’s just say it had seen things. And the key card? That little rascal would decide to work or not work on its own terms. Still, I kept going back because the VALUE was insane. So, yes, believe the hype... sort of. Manage your expectations; we're talking budget-friendly, not the Ritz.
What's the *catch*? There's always a catch, right?
Alright, buckle up. Yes, there's a catch. Several. The biggest one is... it's a budget hotel. Think clean but not pristine. Think functional, not fabulous. The walls, I'm 90% sure, are thinner than a politician's promise. You *will* hear your neighbors. Possibly their conversations. Possibly their snoring. They probably heard mine, too. Another thing? The breakfast. Let's just say it's "continental" in the loosest sense of the word. Think pre-packaged pastries and instant coffee that tastes vaguely of despair. But hey, it's free. Also, sometimes, the Wi-Fi is… a bit of a tease. I've often felt like the Wi-Fi provider and I were playing a game of internet tag, and I was always "it."
But here’s the thing: you’re not paying a fortune. You're trading luxury for affordability. If you're looking for a place to crash, recharge, and not go broke, the "catches" are definitely manageable.
Is it *safe*? I'm a solo traveler (or nervous).
Honestly? I felt safe. I'm a reasonably cautious person, especially when traveling alone. I didn't get any sketchy vibes. The staff were always friendly (more on that later). The area seemed... well, it was a motel on a busy street. It felt like the kind of place where people are just passing through, minding their own business. I’d still do the usual – keep your valuables secure, lock your door, and be aware of your surroundings. Basic travel safety stuff. But I never felt *unsafe*, not for a second.
In fact, I remember one time, I was struggling with my luggage (a ridiculous amount, as always) and the guy at the front desk, a gruff-looking but secretly sweet dude named Sal, saw me and practically sprinted out to help. He didn't even bat an eye at the sheer volume of my belongings. Sal is now my friend. A hotel friend, but I'm ok with that.
What's the *deal* with their staff? I've heard mixed things.
Ah, the staff. Okay, so, let's be honest. Sometimes, you get the feeling they've been there since the dawn of time. And honestly, that's part of the charm. These aren't your slick, overly-polished chain hotel employees. They're real people. Some are super friendly and helpful (like Sal, bless him!), others... well, they might be less chatty. But hey, they get the job done. I always found them to be… efficient. I never had any terrible experiences. Just… varied levels of enthusiasm. Think of it as a grab bag of human interaction. I've had conversations that felt almost like therapy (on my part, mostly, I'm sure), and then times where I just got a curt nod and the room key. It all adds to the experience.
I'm a germophobe, should I even *think* about this?
Okay, look, I get this. I'm not a total germophobe, but I'm also not exactly known for my carefree attitude about cleanliness. I'd say… it's a solid "C+." The rooms are cleaned, but it’s not a sterile environment. They aren’t gonna disinfect everything in the room before you enter, or put you through the hotel version of a hazmat. I always bring my own antibacterial wipes and I give the bathroom a quick once-over. That's just me. I’ve walked in on the cleanings a couple of times and... okay so it won't win any cleanliness awards, but what do you expect for the price?! If you go in with realistic expectations, you'll be fine. Pack some wipes, and maybe a hazmat suit, just in case.
What's Parking like?
Good. Simple, easy. They've got a dedicated parking lot you can use. Never had an issue finding a spot. It's free, which is always nice. It's not a fancy valet service, ya know. You park yourself. But it's secure enough. I mean, I've never come back to a missing car, which is always a plus. Seriously, just pull in. You're good.
Are there any good restaurants or things to do nearby?
Okay, this is where University Manor Inn actually shines a bit beyond the cheap rooms! You're close to a lot of stuff. It's not right downtown, so you're getting away from the crazy traffic, but still very easy to get around. Lots of restaurants and bars within a short drive. And, a quick hop, skip, and a jump (or Lyft) to all the usual Buffalo attractions. The Anchor Bar (wings, duh), the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (beautiful), the Buffalo Zoo (adorable). You're not *stranded*. Don’t be afraid to ask someone at the front desk too, they probably have their recommendations.
What about the *noise*? How noisy is it?
This is the kicker. It depends. It’s on a main road. So, street noise is a given. Cars zipping by, sirens wailing… the usual city sounds. The walls are… well, I mentioned the walls already. If you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs or noise-cancelingHotel Price Compare
