Tour of Hotel Lafayette

Tour of the Hotel Lafayette

The Docent 2 Docent group recently arranged a tour of the Hotel Lafayette and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend.  It was an amazing place and has been restored to the way it looked in the early 1900's when it was completed.  It was originally planned for the crowds of the 1901 Pan American Exposition, but problems kept it from being completed in time for that event.  This hotel was spectacularly magnificent in its day and has been restored by Rocco Termini to shine yet again.  The architect was Louise Bethune, the first American woman officially recognized as an architect.  If you missed that tour, you have another opportunity coming soon.

These tours will run on March 2 and April 6. at noon, both dates are Saturdays.  They are sponsored by the Buffalo History Museum and guided by Tara Lyons, the museum's program manager.  The tour will start in the lobby of the hotel at 391 Washington St. The tour will be followed by a discussion  over lunch in the American Grill And Brewery inside the Hotel.  (Having also gone back since my original tour to try out this restaurant I would make several suggestions.  If you like darker beer, try the Roosevelt Red, brewed on premises.  If you like spicy Jambalaya, theirs is the best I have ever had, spicy, flavorful, and full of chicken, sausage, various seafood and a large serving.)

The cost of the tour is $35. and you need to call for reservations at 873-9644, Ext. 301.   Group size is limited and as always first come/first served. Since these tours were also advertised in Friday's Buffalo News, if interested, I would call right away.

The Hotel has been one of Buffalo's unknown hidden jewels which has now been brought back into the light.  You will not be disappointed if you decide to attend either of these tours and you will see a little bit more of the world in which Darwin and Isabelle lived  i would heartily recommend it   George Struebel.