Photo from Millcroft Inn website
Updated December 2019
Nobody ever said you have to leave the house to be romantic. Yes, it’s possible to stoke the embers of true love into a heated blaze anywhere – the movies, a walk around the neighborhood, even the laundry room. You’ve seen the commercials. Just push the dirty clothes out of the way.
BUT… sometimes it helps to get away and really set the mood. What could be better than romantic overnights with a refreshing stay in a beautiful room and a quiet dinner for two? Here are our top picks:
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Billards Salon | Photo from The Mansion website
Buffalo
Semi-new to downtown is the beautiful Westin Buffalo right at the center of the action on Delaware Ave. It is walking distance to the Theatre District, Chippewa Ave and some great music venues. Conveniently, the in-house bar/restaurant Patina 250 is at the top of our list for romantic dinning too.
Also on the semi-new list is the swanky Curtis Hotel which a block or so around the corner. Their claim to fame is a the rotating bar in the Chez Ami restaurant, and a year-round roof top bar.
Another good choice for an overnight getaway in Buffalo would be the Mansion on Delaware. This stunning architectural gem was commissioned by grain elevator magnate Charles F. Sternberg in 1863. The hotel offers 28 rooms/suites and amenities such as a complimentary European breakfast, complimentary cocktails in the evening, and a handsome Billiards Salon. With only 28 rooms getting reservations can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re lucky enough to score some you’ll find Merge almost across the street. A nice bar and an eclectic crowd, they are known for good music and healthy options but the food is as good as it is good for you.
Foundry Suites
The Foundry Suites on Elmwood is another great boutique hotel. As a recently renovated retail furniture store (FWS), they offer some cool digs with a nice bar/lounge and small plates of food, but only 10 rooms. If you get a spot make sure to bring a few bottles of wine and order in or check out Ristorante Lombardo on Hertel or Oliver’s on Delaware for some of the best dining anywhere.
Hotel Lafayette – The renovations in this place are fantastic. If you haven’t been, it is worth the effort.
The Roycroft Inn
The Suburbs
In the southtowns you can’t beat The Roycroft Inn. The hotel is an escape into a time where fine craftsmanship ruled. The restaurant still believes in craftsmanship, so check out Chef Andrew’s latest creations. If you’re still there come Sunday morning DO NOT miss brunch.
Check out Salvatore’s Grand Hotel in Williamsville with Russell’s on site. They have some great rooms and often offer dinner for two packages. The hotel bar is usually hopping (likely due to the fine bar maids) and the food is top notch.
Just down the road is the brand new Wyndham Garden Hotel with Hooked an amazing seafood restaurant attached.
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Photo from Holiday Valley’s website
Ellicottville – There are a lot of places to stay in Ellicottville. If you are looking for a quaint Inn try this site. Your best bet at getting a room on short notice is probably through Holiday Valley Resorts. Our suggestions for dinner include Dina’s and West Rose, but if those are full up try the Silver Fox Restaurant & Steakhouse.
Lewiston – Sure Lewiston can be pretty quiet this time of year, but who needs a bunch of people hanging around. We suggest a stay at the charming Barton Hotel & Spa – book ahead if you are looking for some spa treatment. Dinner for sure at Carmelo’s, a short walk up the hill to what I promise will be a fantastic meal. Your stay includes a nice breakfast, but you might want to stop at the Orange Cat Cafe on the way out of town for a good espresso.
Medina – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Hart House Hotel is an adorable place to stay. The room decor is the stuff a Millennial’s insta-worthy dreams are made of and the Shirt Factory’s cocktails do not disappoint. Not far from Buffalo, Medina should not be over looked when searching for a quaint overnight getaway near Buffalo.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the honeymoon capital of the world…or it was in the fifties. All kidding aside, the Niagara area has a lot going on if you’re looking for romance close to home. The Sheraton on the Falls Hotel is a great spot to stay with some fantastic views. Maybe check out the casinos if you want to press your luck, or better yet a show. Windows by Jamie is right on site.
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Photo from The Prince of Wales website
Niagara on the Lake might be better in 80 degree weather, but it is still pretty good in single digits. They have a lot of cool wine tours to keep you warm, and some beautiful romantic inns to keep you in amore. You might want to cheak out Crush Wine Bar before or after dinner. Plenty of good places to stay- Prince of Wales and their Escabèche restaurant is nice, but not for the frugal at heart; try the Pillar and Post and eat on site at The Cannery Restaurant. Looking for something off the beaten path? Check out this site to search the many options. Even in the cold it’s fun to browse through village shops while you duck in the cozy pubs, or check out local artists (Hamburg native Trish Romance is our favorite). [Bridge information]
Photo from Millcroft Inn website
North of Toronto- If you are looking to add a little drive to your getaway try Millcroft Inn & Spa. Part of the same ownership as Pillar and Post and Prince of Wales this is a stunning property with a spa and the Headwaters Restaurant on site. Dining in the shadow of the mill pond and the Shaw’s Creek Falls you just can’t get more romantic.”Originally built as a knitting mill in 1881, The Millcroft Inn & Spa has been elaborately renovated to preserve its architectural beauty, and to ensure its guests enjoy an authentic Ontario Inn getaway.”
Located in the tiny village of Alton about an hour northwest of Toronto. Each room is individually decorated with antiques and includes sitting area with comfortable armchairs and a wall-mounted flat screen television.
