Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Buffalo Amherst/University

This hotel is frequently chosen for its excellent location to the University of Buffalo, making it a prime choice for university visitors, including parents and athletic teams. Guests often highlight the convenience of its proximity to the campus, along with its generally clean rooms and the helpfulness of some staff members. While many appreciate the complimentary breakfast, feedback on its quality and consistency is mixed. The hotel is also a suitable option for road trippers and business travelers seeking a practical stay. To ensure a smoother experience, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of amenities like the pool and hot tub before arrival, and to manage expectations regarding daily housekeeping services, as these are common points of guest feedback.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests were disappointed to find the pool and hot tub frequently closed or under maintenance, despite having booked specifically for these amenities. Some were offered the use of an adjacent hotel's pool as an alternative, though this was not always convenient, especially during inclement weather. The fitness center is described as small but practical, typically equipped with treadmills. Feedback on Wi-Fi connectivity was mixed, with some guests experiencing difficulty connecting or finding it unreliable, while others noted that the high-speed internet worked well. Recurring issues were reported with ice machines being broken on multiple floors, and some laundry machines were also out of order. The business center often had a printer that was out of commission, requiring guests to seek alternative printing solutions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort was notably mixed. While many praised the clean rooms, comfortable beds, and updated bathrooms, significant concerns were raised by others. Some reported finding dirty linens, hair in the shower or on the floor, sticky floors, and even mold in the shower. Room amenities also presented challenges; the AC unit was frequently described as noisy and difficult to adjust, and the TV often had issues, particularly with streaming services like Netflix. The mini fridge was a common point of complaint, either not working at all or freezing food solid. Sinks were sometimes clogged or drained slowly, and shower connections could spray water. While some guests found their rooms to be quiet, others experienced considerable hallway noise from other guests or thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a convenient offering, though guest experiences with its food quality and replenishment varied significantly. While some appreciated the breakfast variety including waffles, eggs, sausage, cereal, and yogurt, others found the food to be cold, with limited choices, and items like muffins and bread often described as hard. Many reported issues with popular items, plates, and cups running out, especially during peak hours, with slow refills causing frustration. The coffee also received mixed reviews, with some finding it good and others terrible. The breakfast area itself was sometimes noted for its lack of cleanliness, with crumbs and juice spills not being promptly addressed, impacting the overall dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location to the University of Buffalo is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, often being within a one-minute drive or even walking distance to the campus. This makes it exceptionally convenient for those visiting the university for various purposes. Beyond the campus, the hotel is also well-situated near the highway, providing easy access for travelers. Guests appreciate its proximity to various stores and restaurants, making dining and shopping convenient. For those planning to visit Niagara Falls, the hotel serves as a good launching pad, typically less than a 30-minute drive away. Ample and free parking is available on-site, which is a significant benefit for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff & service was quite polarized. Many guests praised the friendly staff, describing them as helpful, attentive, polite, and professional, with some individuals going above and beyond to assist. The check-in process was often noted as quick and smooth. However, a significant and recurring concern for many guests was the inconsistent housekeeping service. Rooms were often not cleaned for several days, requiring guests to repeatedly request towels and trash bags from the front desk. This lack of regular service, often attributed to short staffing, meant guests frequently found themselves without fresh linens or basic amenities like toilet paper and coffee supplies, leading to frustration and a diminished sense of comfort during their stay. Some staff members were also described as rude, curt, or dismissive.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, and guests appreciate thoughtful touches like dog biscuits available at the front desk. For rewards program members, experiences varied, with some noting issues regarding priority or the application of points, while others successfully received benefits like late check-out. Guests should be aware of potential additional amenities fees or unexpected charges, as billing issues including double charging or unapproved credit card charges were reported by some. There were also serious concerns raised about elevator safety, with reports of elevators stopping, shaking, and dropping. On a more positive note, the hotel occasionally offers warm cookies in the afternoon, and ice water is readily available at the front desk, adding small comforts to the stay.