Buffalo Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Suburban Studios (NY)!
Suburban Studios (NY): Buffalo' Airport's Secret…Is it Really a Secret? A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so I’ve stayed at Suburban Studios near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. "BEST Kept Secret," they say. Honestly? The secret's kind of out, judging by the bustling parking lot and the sheer volume of mini-vans. But still, let's dive in, because I’m a sucker for a hidden gem, even if it's not that hidden. And trust me, I have opinions.
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- Keywords: Buffalo Airport Hotels, Suburban Studios Review, Buffalo Niagara, BNIA, Accessible Hotels Buffalo, Spa Hotels Buffalo, Fitness Center Buffalo, Pet-Friendly Hotels Buffalo, Free Wi-Fi Buffalo, Complimentary Breakfast Buffalo, Airport Shuttle Buffalo, Family Hotels Buffalo.
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of Suburban Studios near Buffalo Airport, covering accessibility, dining, services, amenities (spa, fitness, etc.), and overall experience. Unfiltered opinions, quirky observations, and those little things that make or break a hotel stay.
Getting Started: The First Impression (and the Parking Lot Nightmare)
First off, finding it is easy. It's practically at the airport, which is fantastic after a grueling flight. The free airport transfer is a major win – they're efficient and friendly, even if the van smells faintly of…something. Old French fries? Hard to say.
The exterior? Kinda…beige. Functionally beige. Nothing particularly screaming, "Come stay with us!" But let's be honest, I wasn't expecting the Bellagio.
The parking? Yeah. Full. Which isn’t exactly a secret, is it? I ended up circling like a vulture for, like, ten minutes before snagging a spot. Minor stress to start the trip. Note to self (and to you, gentle reader): Arrive early, or be prepared to channel your inner stunt driver for a parking space. (Emotional reaction: annoyance, slight panic at the lack of parking)
Accessibility: Navigating the…well, the Navigation
Okay, this is important. Suburban Studios boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," which is great. The elevator works (essential!), and there are ramps. HOWEVER. The hallways felt a touch narrow for maneuvering a larger wheelchair. The room itself was accessible, with a roll-in shower. Success! (Important side note: they really need more grab bars in strategic places. Just sayin'.)
A Deep Dive into the Room: My Confession (And the Plug Near the Bed!)
My room had everything listed: Air conditioning (thank GOD), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Coffee/tea maker (always a win), Desk (good for pretending to work), Hair dryer (essential for my…hair), In-room safe box, Ironing facilities (I tried – more on that later), Linens, Mini bar (Sadly empty. Boo.), Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels (yay!), Seating area, Shower, Slippers (luxury!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (HALLELUJAH! This is how you get a good review from me!), Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] (YES!). The Internet access – wireless worked flawlessly, which is no small feat.
I didn’t need the Extra long bed, but hey, comfort is king. The Carpeting? A little worn, but clean. The Blackout curtains ruled, letting me sleep off my entire flight.
My Dirty Laundry…Literally
The Ironing service? Yeah, that’s where things got awkward. The iron was…old. Like, museum-piece old. And I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to iron a silk shirt. It’s now got a beautiful, permanent crease I didn't intend. Lesson learned: When in doubt, send it out for Dry cleaning and Laundry service. I'm too much of a klutz.
The “Eating and Drinking” Situation: From Caffeine Fixes to Midnight Snacks
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard hotel buffet. Breakfast service offers a decent spread. International cuisine in restaurant offerings were a bit basic. I ate a waffle, which was warm and good. I saw someone pile up like, 6. Don't judge me too hard. The Buffet in restaurant was decent enough, and there's Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Coffee shop: I saw it. Didn’t use it. Mostly because I had the coffee maker in my room (and the fear of missing out on the waffle).
- Bar: Good for a quick night cap. The Poolside bar looked tempting.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! And it was surprisingly efficient. Ordered a late-night snack. It worked out.
- Snack bar: Standard convenience store fare, useful for grabbing water (thankfully, they DO provide bottles of water).
A Quick Word on Cleanliness and Safety (Especially in These Times)
Suburban Studios scores highly in this department. They’re clearly taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Room sanitization opt-out available. Anti-viral cleaning products. Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt…safe. Maybe too safe? Who knows.
Spa & Relaxation: The Search for Bliss (and What I Actually Did)
Okay, now we're talking. The Spa and Sauna looked nice, but I don't know if anyone ever uses them. It's like, hotels have these features, but do people actually want a body wrap right before a flight? The Fitness center was functional, if a bit cramped but clean. No Pool with view, but the Swimming pool [outdoor] looked nice, even though I’d have to go into the freezing cold. I just wanted to relax, and I'm pretty sure the hotel's focus is on business travelers, not the spa crowd.
Getting Around & Other Services: The Little Perks
- Airport transfer: Fantastic. Seriously, the best thing ever. I've already said it.
- Car park [free of charge]: A bonus, when you can find a spot.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Doorman: I saw one, but he was probably busy with another customer.
- Convenience store: Essential for forgotten toothbrushes…and chocolate.
- Daily housekeeping: Very good. The room was spotless…after I left it a mess.
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Cashless payment service: I think so? Everything was standard.
The Verdict:
Suburban Studios near Buffalo Airport: it certainly has its imperfections. The parking's a pain. The decor is…utilitarian. The spa scene is pretty dead. I can't imagine taking a whole family here to relax.
But…it’s also incredibly convenient. The staff are friendly. The rooms are comfortable (and, crucially, have a plug for your phone next to the bed!). It's clean. It provides the essentials. And, after a delayed flight, sometimes that’s all you need. (Emotional reaction: satisfied, with a slight longing for a better iron and better-stocked minibar.)
Overall, I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Not a “BEST Kept Secret” in the glamorous sense. But maybe, "A Reliable Secret" for the weary traveler.
Goa's Hottest Hostel: Anjoned's Unbelievable Perks!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel feed. This is real life, Buffalo-style. We're talking Suburban Studios Buffalo Airport – a place that, let's be honest, screams "road trip detour" more than "luxury getaway." But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Let's see if we can find some.
BUFFALO BONANZA: A (Slightly Unhinged) Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and "Is This Real Life?" Moment
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL at Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF). The plan: land, grab that rental car that's probably a slightly dented sedan, and zoom off to the Suburban Studios. The reality? Turbulence. I swore I heard the flight attendant mumble, "Welcome to the wild west of airline travel." Then my suitcase popped open in the luggage carousel, so there’s that.
- 1:45 PM - Uber (Fine, a Lyft - I’m trying to be fiscally responsible…sort of) to Suburban Studios. (The studio is actually just 15 minutes away from the airport). The driver, bless his heart, spent the entire ride regaling me with local hockey trivia. I nodded politely, pretending to know the difference between a "slapshot" and a, uh, "puck-shot." He looked like he was having the time of his life. I really wanted to join in but my mind was else where, I was already picturing my room and wondering what’s for dinner.
- 2:00 PM - CHECK-IN at Suburban Studios. Okay, here's where things get real. The lobby is…well, it's a lobby. Generic. The woman at the desk seemed genuinely surprised to see a human being, probably because, you know, Buffalo. She was super friendly, though, so I got extra points for that.
- 2:30 PM - UNPACK, ASSESS THE SITUATION. My room… it's a room. A bed, a TV, and the distinct smell of…well, let's just say "institutional air freshener." But hey, it's clean-ish, and honestly, after the flight chaos, I'm in survival mode. Took a deep breath, opened the window, and was immediately serenaded by what sounded like a particularly enthusiastic lawnmower.
- 3:00 PM - NAP (Highly Recommended). Seriously. This trip is already exhausting, and a strategically timed nap is crucial.
- 5:00 PM - DINNER: Anchor Bar (The Official Buffalo Wing Experience). Okay, this is a must. You cannot be in Buffalo and not eat wings at the Anchor Bar. I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Prepare for messy fingers, a molten lava mouth, and absolute food bliss. The original wings. That’s all that needs to be said.
- 7:00 PM - Post Dinner walk, and a stroll around the area. To burn off at least some the fat, I’ll walk around the area. Find something interesting, maybe even join the locals, and try to be the best visitor I could be, or at least not be too offensive.
Day 2: Buffalo's Big Bang and the Unexpected
- 9:00 AM - BREAKFAST (or attempt thereof). The free breakfast at Suburban Studios is…let's just say it's an experience. Think lukewarm coffee, questionable pastries, and the constant hum of the waffle maker. I might just hit up a local diner.
- 10:00 AM - EXPLORE THE NIAGARA FALLS (A Day Trip). This is the big one. I have a rental car to navigate the scenic route. I'm thinking maybe a boat tour – gotta get that classic "soaked by the falls" photo. The parking situation? I'm bracing myself. Wish me luck. I'm aiming to be one with nature.
- 1:00 PM - LUNCH near the Falls. There will be a place for lunch at the side of the falls, I don't care how much I pay. I'll grab a bite.
- 4:00 PM - WALK AROUND THE FALLS. The sound, the mist, the sheer power of it all…it's supposed to be awe-inspiring. I’m hoping to walk, and stand on the side of the falls. This is where the real magic happens.
- 6:00 PM - DINNER ON THE WAY BACK TO BUFFALO. I'm guessing I'll be exhausted. I'll probably grab some take away or stop at a local restaurant.
- 8:00 PM - BACK TO THE STUDIO. I want to chill, and relax in my room. Check my social media and talk to the people I know.
Day 3: Culture, Wings…and Goodbye
- 9:00 AM - Check out of Suburban Studios. The end of an era.
- 9:30 AM - BREAKFAST: Try the local breakfast place (If I wasn't too lazy last night). I'll be very busy this morning, so I might not be able to do it.
- 11:00 AM - Visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Maybe some actual culture before heading home? I'm a mess, but I do love art. Who knows, maybe the art will inspire some sort of self-reflection?
- 1:00 PM - LUNCH: Another Wing Pilgrimage (This Time a Different Place). Because one wing experience is never enough. I'm thinking Duff's Famous Wings. Gotta compare and contrast. I'm also thinking about how much I miss wings.
- 3:00 PM - SHOPPING (Maybe some souvenirs?) Get my family some gifts, and maybe some for me too.
- 4:00 PM - DRIVE TO THE AIRPORT. The end of my trip.
- 5:00 PM - DEPARTURE. Let's hope I don't end up in the wrong terminal again.
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Expect: Moments of pure, unadulterated joy (those wings!), mild frustration (the rental car roulette), sheer exhaustion (the Falls), and a healthy dose of existential questioning (art galleries).
- Hoping for: A deeper appreciation for Buffalo, a better understanding of Niagara's power, and maybe, just maybe, a moment of genuine peace (and maybe a really good nap).
- Likely to Happen: I'll probably forget half the things on this list, get lost at least once, and end up eating wings for breakfast. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. This is what happens when I travel. All the "perfection" is so overrated. Bring on the chaos!
Suburban Studios (BUF): The Secret No One Tells You (But Should!) - FAQ
Okay, Okay... What *IS* Suburban Studios Anyway? I've Only Heard Whispers...
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Suburban Studios, aka the "Secret Airport Hotel" at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), isn't just a hotel. It's… well, it's an *experience*. Think a slightly-worn, probably-seen-some-things kind of motel tucked right *inside* the airport. You know, the kind you'd envision a grizzled detective checking into after a tough case? (Okay, maybe I watch too much noir… but the vibe is *there*). You can practically roll out of your delayed flight’s gate and into your bed. And that is, in itself, a miracle.
My own first encounter? Delayed flight from Chicago. Midnight arrival. Blizzard warnings swirling. I swear, I saw the gates shudder and the passengers collectively sigh. Then, a beacon of hope: "Suburban Studios, Directly Ahead." I remember thinking, "Please, let it be real. Please, let them have a room…." And they did. It felt like winning the lottery. Seriously.
Is it… *nice*? Or are we talking "budget motel in a crime drama" nice?
Look, let's be honest. It's not the Ritz. Don't expect marble floors or a butler. But it’s *perfectly adequate* and, frankly, a lifesaver. It’s clean enough. The beds are… decent. They've got the basics: a not-always-reliable TV (sometimes the channels are fuzzy, but hey, it's airport life!), a private bathroom (thank goodness!), and, crucially, a place to crash.
One slight negative? The soundproofing. It's… not perfect. You *will* hear planes taking off. You *will* hear the occasional suitcase wheeling down the hallway. And, on one memorable occasion, I swear I heard someone practicing the bagpipes at 3 AM. (Okay, that might have been a dream brought on by jet lag and sheer exhaustion). So, pack earplugs! They are your friend.
How do I *find* this magical place? Airport maps are notoriously misleading.
Ah, the quest! This is where the "secret" part of Suburban Studios comes into play. They're not shouting about it from the rooftops (pun intended, because, you know, airports ARE rooftops). Here's the deal: Once you get past security and baggage claim, head towards the exit. *BEFORE* you push through those doors to freedom (or, you know, the Buffalo winter), look to your left. It's a little tucked away, almost like they *want* you to miss it.
Think of it as a scavenger hunt. Keep an eye out for the signs - they *are* usually there. If you find yourself wandering aimlessly with luggage and a bewildered look on your face, ask airport staff. They probably know. They've probably seen it all, including the bagpipe incident.
What about food? (A crucial question, let's be real.)
Okay, food. This is where things get… airport-y. Suburban Studios *does not* have its own restaurant. You're relying on the airport's offerings. Which, depending on the time of day and your personal definition of "food," can be either a blessing or a curse.
My advice? Grab something *before* you check in, if you can. Or, be prepared to embrace the sad convenience store sandwich. (Hey, at least it’s sustenance!). There is usually a little snack machine nearby and maybe even a small cafe in the airpot, but don't pin your hopes on a culinary experience. Think surviving, not thriving.
Is it expensive? Because airport hotels always seem to be a rip-off.
Compared to what you'd pay for a cab, Uber, and then a hotel *outside* the airport? Absolutely not. Suburban Studios is generally reasonable. It's not bargain-basement cheap, mind you. But it's a fair price for a temporary reprieve from the chaos of airport life.
And honestly? That convenience factor is worth *so much*. Especially when you're exhausted, freezing, and your flight is delayed by six hours. That’s when you start calculating the true cost of sanity. And Suburban Studios usually comes out on top. Check prices online first, though! Supply and demand, you know.
What's the best part of staying there?
Oh, the best part? Hands down, the sheer *relief*. Walking from your gate to your bed in under five minutes after a grueling day? Pure gold. No shuttle. No traffic. No stressing about making it back for your connecting flight.
I vividly remember one time—delayed flight, again, surprise, surprise—and I was completely wiped. I was grumpy, hungry, and starting to feel that special brand of airport-induced despair. Walking the few feet to the welcome desk was a victory. The room? Perfectly acceptable. The bed? A fluffy cloud of “finally-some-rest.” That night, I slept like the dead, dreaming serene dreams of the sunrise and the freedom of making the next connection.
And the worst part? (Be brutally honest!)
Okay, being brutally honest? The lack of a decent restaurant. Seriously. Airport food is… well, you know. Also, the noise, as I mentioned. It can be a tad loud. And, sometimes, the staff… well, they're probably tired too. But here's the thing – those are minor inconveniences compared to the sheer logistical miracle that Suburban Studios offers.
Another thing I dislike? Its *secret-ness*! I wish more people knew about it. I wish everyone stranded in BUF would know. More competition may increase cost, but the convenience! But wait... now I have to share my secret. Ah, the conflicting nature of a loyal customer.
So, should I stay there?
YES! ABSOLUTELY! Especially if: you have a long layover, a delayed flight, or you just want to be within stumbling distance of your gate. If you’re okay with a somewhat no-frills experience, and you prioritize convenience above all else, then Suburban Studios is your new best friend. World Wide Inns
