Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center

"Why we love it: A historic property that takes advantage of its location on Buffalo’s cultural corridor The Highlights: - A building by H. H. Richardson and grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted - Original details that make for rooms full of character - A prime location near parks, lakes, museums, and Buffalo’s coolest neighborhoods The Review: This Romanesque Revival hotel has a unique backstory: It once served as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane. Designed by celebrated American architect Henry Hobson Richardson, the red-sandstone-and-brick structure sits on 42 equally pedigreed grounds, masterminded by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux—otherwise known as the visionaries behind New York City’s Central Park. The hotel is the first chapter in the rehabilitation of this lovely campus, a National Historic Landmark that includes the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo. Other buildings may wind up as offices, work-live spaces for artists, and a university-based retirement community. Within Hotel Henry, many original elements have been preserved, from the exposed brick walls and 14-foot windows to the soaring ceilings and bargeboard beams with industrial truss plates. Local art adds to the property’s rich character, while wedge pillows, multiuse surfaces, and electrical outlets with USB ports encourage lounging. Guests can also expect in-room coffee, spa-inspired bath amenities, modern touches like Porcelanosa fixtures and LED mirrors in the bathrooms, and the 100 Acres restaurant, which serves fresh, seasonal fare. When they’re ready to explore, hotel staff can connect them to Buffalo’s nearby museum district and cultural corridor, or point them in the direction of vibrant Elmwood Village."