The KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo, NY has been a hub for unforgettable concerts and thrilling sporting events since it opened its doors to the public on September 21, 1996. As the home of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, the KeyBank Center has seen performances from iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and many more.
When planning a trip to Buffalo for a Buffalo Sabres home game, a major concert or even a WWE showdown, staying at a hotel near the KeyBank Center offers unparalleled convenience. Forget the hassle of event parking or relying on rideshares; by choosing a nearby hotel in downtown Buffalo, you can walk straight from your accommodation to the KeyBank Center in just a few minutes.
While exploring hotels near the KeyBank Center, keep in mind that your primary goal is to enjoy the event. If you’re working with a limited budget, prioritize spending on your Sabres tickets or concert tickets and spend less on your hotel. Chances are that you won’t even remember your hotel, but securing great Buffalo Sabres tickets at the KeyBank Center can make a huge difference!
Read More
Planning on going to a Sabres game? Be sure to check out my guide on planning a trip to Buffalo for a Sabres home game.
Where is the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY
The KeyBank Center is located in the vibrant Canalside district of downtown Buffalo, NY, offering a prime location for sports and music fans going to an event. Situated along the Buffalo River, the area is rich in history and bustling with activities, dining, and entertainment options.
On Sabres game day, I enjoyed many nearby attractions such as the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and the scenic Canalside boardwalk. Additionally, the KeyBank Center is close to public transportation and major highways, making it really easy to travel to and from the venue. Staying at a hotel near the KeyBank Center means you can enjoy both the event and the best of downtown Buffalo.
The 5 Best Hotels Near the KeyBank Center
Whether you are in town for a Sabres home game or a major concert event, I’m confident that you will enjoy a stay at one of these hotels near KeyBank Center. The first two KeyBank Center hotels listed are the only two that are super close to the Sabres arena. The remaining hotels are still within walking distance to the KeyBank Center, but are a little further afield.
1. Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter
If you are looking to stay at one of the best KeyBank Center hotels while attending one of the many concerts or NHL games, the Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter is an excellent choice.
Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter, with an excellent location, is the perfect spot to relax before and after your scheduled event. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s canalside district, the hotel is actually connected to the arena. It’s the closest hotel to the KeyBank Center – a mere 3 minute walk away.
Rooms
With 205 rooms and suites, the KeyBank Center Buffalo Marriott can accommodate almost any size party. With gorgeous city views or picturesque views of Lake Erie, each room is tastefully appointed and sure to provide a comfortable stay. Except for service animals, no pets are permitted. Combining a business event with a Sabres game? They offer six event rooms, five additional breakout or business center rooms, and a ballroom.
Dining
Onsite dining is available at the Marriott’s own Panorama on Seven restaurant. Serving seasonal American cuisine to tempt your palate, you will also find handcrafted cocktails tableside or at the small, intimate bar setting inside the restaurant. Want a more casual 24/7 solution? The M Club Lounge is the perfect place to finish reports or prepare for a presentation while grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a cup of coffee.
Sports Bar
If you want to catch some sports action, the Southern Tier Brewery Buffalo sports bar is in the same complex as the Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter. I grabbed a meal here and loved the massive TV screen behind the bar!
Parking
Self-parking at the Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter is easy, with hourly, daily, and weekly options. Valet parking services are also available for those that prefer.
Amenities
The Buffalo Marriott at Lecom Harborcenter offers guest room entertainment, including specialized partnerships with Ted Talk, wake-up calls, and free wifi. There is a fully equipped fitness center, so you never need to miss a workout. A convenience store offers a quick stop for those little grab-and-go items. Dry cleaning services, laundry facilities, and a gift shop round out the amenities.
2. Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
A family-oriented, pet-friendly Marriott hotel is what you’ll find at the Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside. Also a short 3-minute walk from from the KeyBank Center in the heart of downtown Buffalo, this 102-room hotel offers suites, guest rooms, and an indoor pool to accommodate your next get-together or plans to cheer at a Buffalo Sabres game or enjoy a concert.
Rooms
Each fully appointed room at the Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside has views of downtown Buffalo or waterfront Lake Erie and includes a microwave, refrigerator, and Smart TV. Outlets are provided near the large desk, sofa, and bed for all your devices, and don’t forget the free wifi.
Amenities
Enjoy the heated indoor swimming pool and a workout in the fitness room, fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines. Is a hot tub or whirlpool more your style? Both are offered at this Marriott hotel.
Other amenities at the Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside include wake-up calls, dry cleaning service, on-site laundry, and a convenience store for those little midnight snacks or necessities. There are four business center meeting rooms to combine business and entertainment.
Dining
The Bistro is an onsite eatery serving healthy breakfast choices and Starbucks coffee drinks in the morning. The Bistro reopens in the evening for casual dinners, beer, cocktails, or a glass of wine.
Sports Bar
The Southern Tier Brewery Buffalo sports bar is also super-close to the Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside Hotel, but another great option nearby is the Draft Room. This cozy sports pub is literally across the street from the KeyBank Center.
Parking
Self-parking is available on a limited basis for an additional cost per day. HarborCenter Parking Ramp is only 0.1 miles away.
3. Hotel at the Lafayette Trademark Collection by Wyndham
While not the closest hotel to the KeyBank Center, this grandiose French Renaissance-style hotel is only a brisk 13-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber ride. The hotel provides a great location near KeyBank arena and centralized to many of downtown Buffalo’s cultural hotspots, and is just a 15 minute drive from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).
Rooms
Rooms at the Wyndham Hotel at the Lafayette selections include The Presidential Suite which is equipped with an extra seating area, a fireplace, and a balcony; Junior suites with fireplaces and smaller living spaces; and basic guest rooms with King or Queen sized beds, a desk, and a flat screen tv.
All rooms are air conditioned or heated, and include an iPod docking station, free wifi service, a coffee machine, an iron and ironing facilities, and a hairdryer. Select rooms have a fully equipped kitchen.
Amenities
While rocking out at a concert or taking in a Buffalo Sabres game at the KeyBank Center, know that there are amenities aplenty at the Hotel at the Lafayette. Banquet facilities and a business center are available for those wanting to host an event.
Dry cleaning services, a fully equipped fitness center, a game room, and a gift shop are all onsite for those much-needed extras. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel.
Dining
Public Espresso, is located in the hotel complex and is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and baked treats before heading out for a full day of sightseeing in Buffalo.
Parking
There is self parking within 0.1 miles of the hotel, plus off-street and on-street parking. Valet parking is also available for an additional cost per day.
4. The Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown
Less than a mile from KeyBank Center, you’ll find the Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown hotel is an easy walk down Washington Street to your next concert or NHL Sabres game. With 124 guest rooms, eight meeting rooms, and an indoor pool, this KeyBank Center hotel offers a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. An excellent location to visit all that downtown Buffalo has to offer.
Rooms
Guest rooms have either a single Serta King-sized bed with or without a drink/snack center, or two Serta Queen sized beds with or without a drink/snack center. Suites are appointed with a Serta King-sized bed or two Serta Queen beds; deluxe suites have a sofabed, two desks, and additional seating. Connecting rooms are limited, and pet-friendly rooms can be reserved for an additional fee.
Amenities
The Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown includes a heated, indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, room service, a business center, meeting rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Free wifi is available throughout the facility to keep you connected.
Dining
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast from The Garden Grille & Bar, including traditional fares such as french toast, eggs, and bacon. The on-site restaurant also serves lunch and dinner for those wishing to enjoy meals a little later in the day.
Sports Bar
Of all the KeyBank Center hotels on my list, the Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown is one of the closest to the Anchor Bar. Why is this important? The Anchor Bar is the one of the restaurants who claim they invented chicken wings. The Anchor Bar claims they were the first to serve Buffalo chicken wings in 1964! It’s a quick 5 minute Uber ride away!
Parking
Self-parking is available at the Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo-Downtown for an additional per-day charge both at the hotel and in off-street facilities.
5. The Westin Buffalo
Located about a mile from KeyBank Center, the Westin Buffalo Hotel offers a stylish and convenient stay for those attending a concert or an NHL Sabres game. Situated on Delaware Avenue, this upscale hotel provides easy access to the best of downtown Buffalo, making it an excellent choice for visitors.
Rooms
The Westin Buffalo Hotel features 115 guest rooms and suites designed for comfort and relaxation. Standard rooms include the Westin Heavenly Bed in either king or queen configurations, while suites offer additional space and luxury with separate living areas. All rooms come equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious work desks. Pet-friendly rooms are available upon request.
Amenities
Guests at the Westin Buffalo can enjoy a range of top-notch amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, business center, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel also boasts versatile meeting spaces for business travelers and event planners. Valet parking is available for added convenience.
Dining
The Westin Buffalo offers several dining options to suit any palate. Patina 250, the on-site restaurant, serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. For a quick bite or a morning coffee, Jake’s Café offers light fare and Starbucks coffee. In-room dining is also available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their rooms.
Sports Bar
Among the many attractions near the Westin Buffalo, one highlight is its proximity to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a renowned spot for BBQ and a lively sports bar atmosphere. This makes it an ideal pre- or post-game hangout for Sabres fans. The bar offers a great selection of craft beers, delicious food, and plenty of screens to catch all the action.
Parking
Valet parking is provided at the Westin Buffalo for a daily fee, ensuring your vehicle is secure while you explore the city and enjoy your event at KeyBank Center.
Where I Stayed for A Buffalo Sabres Game
I visited Buffalo as part of a multi-day sports road trip, which began in Toronto, Canada. The night before the Buffalo Sabres game, I stayed at a hotel in Niagara Falls. I spent the morning of game day visiting Niagara Falls and I was blown away by how impressive they were!
I drove to the KeyBank Center in the afternoon and enjoyed several hours visiting all the nearby attractions. A few hours before puck drop I joined a Buffalo Chicken Wings bike tour, which was an awesome thing to do before my Saturday night Sabres game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After the game, I drove south to Orchard Park, which you may know is the home of the Buffalo Bills. I stayed here as I had tickets for the Bills vs. Packers Sunday Night Football game. I didn’t stay at a KeyBank Center hotel as I was keeping with my strategy of spending less on hotels and more on game tickets.
My accommodation was a cheap hotel near the stadium, but it wasn’t the greatest hotel in the world. I’d recommend one of these Hotels Near Highmark Stadium instead.
I finished my sports road trip with a Monday Night Football game in Cleveland.
Read More
Buffalo and Cleveland are really close together and make a natural pairing for a sports road trip. Find our more in my guides to planning a trip to Buffalo for a Bills game and planning a trip to Cleveland for a Browns game.
KeyBank Center Tickets
Now that your have your KeyBank Center hotel picked out, it’s time to pick up your event tickets. Don’t forget, regardless of whether you want to attend a Buffalo Sabres home game, or an awesome concert, we encourage you to spend the lion’s share of your road trip budget on your event tickets.
These KeyBank Center hotels are perfect for your Buffalo sports road trip, but if you have to choose, you’ll appreciate better event tickets more than an expensive hotel room.