The Richardson Hotel is Buffalo’s Newest – And Oldest – Treasured Destination
When a new hotel in Buffalo’s Richardson Olmstead campus shuttered during the pandemic, it looked to be another sad story for one of the city’s most unique and historic areas. However, the recent opening of The Richardson Hotel within the property’s storied spaces looks to be an exciting new chapter amidst a season of rebirth for The City of Good Neighbors.
The Richardson Hotel
The Richardson Hotel is a new 88-room hotel located within the historic buildings on Buffalo’s Richardson Olmstead Campus. After the buildings were abandoned in 1974, they sat vacant for decades and were later protected as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Richardson Olmstead Campus
The hotel occupies the former main administration building and two residential wings of what was once the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane. Large lawns offered space for recreation and occupational therapies for patients, now welcoming events and activities open to the public.
A Buffalo Institution
The building’s imposing towers are visible from nearby landmarks in the museum district, including the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the recently-reopened Buffalo AKG Art Museum. While the towers aren’t accessible, the hotel’s top floor is home to a ballroom, a favorite local destination for weddings and events.
Original Design Elements
An important original design element was the building’s large windows. Designed to maximize natural light and fresh air throughout the building, they were thought to play a crucial role in patient healing and recuperation.
Elegant and Storied Design
The Richardson Hotel’s expansive hallways were originally designed to allow for ample space for residents to congregate and interact during their time at the institution, assisting in healing. Now, they elegantly lead guests to their rooms.
Restored Details
During the hotel’s restoration process, original sections of paint details were discovered throughout the central hallways of the main building. The decorative pattern and original colors were replicated here to pay further homage to the building’s history.
Modern Conveniences
The Richardson Hotel is also home to a business center, meeting rooms, and a conference room.
A Local Favorite
Despite boasting every modern convenience for guests, the historic elements at The Richardson are a highlight, making it a treasured destination in Buffalo for visitors and residents alike.
Impressive Rooms
The Richardson Hotel is home to 88 rooms, offering a mix of king and queen configurations and original, historic details throughout. High ceilings and windows offer views of the Richardson Olmstead Campus and invite plenty of natural light.
Sleek Design
Sleek design and muted colors give the feeling of a retreat space while offering every modern convenience travelers can expect.
Rooms and Suites
The historic nature of the hotel means that many rooms feature unique details, from wooden beams to original brickwork. The hotel’s five suites offer particularly beautiful historic details throughout.
Spacious Suites
Whether guests are looking for a place to primp and prepare for a wedding ceremony or just need a little more space to spread out during their stay, the spacious suites at The Richardson Hotel are the perfect way to enjoy a stay.
Modern Luxury
Spacious and sleek bathrooms complete the accommodations and offer a spa-like experience for guests.
A New Chapter
The debut of The Richardson Hotel, amidst an exciting summer of revitalization and renewal in Buffalo, brings new life to one of the city’s most historic, if misunderstood, areas. It promises to be the start of an exciting new chapter in the city’s history.