Amanda Dudek
- Jun 28, 2022
- 3 min read

Curtiss Hotel: History. Elegance. Luxury.

Just a block and a half from Shea’s and sister business, the Buffalo Chophouse, stands the breathtaking Curtiss Hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel conveniently situated within Buffalo’s burgeoning theatre district. Created by visionary Mark Croce, the Curtiss Hotel is built inside of the renovated historic landmark Harlow C. Curtiss building located at 210 Franklin Street in Downtown Buffalo. Today, Jessica Croce, wife to the late Mark Croce, continues to develop the luxurious experiences for which the Curtiss Hotel quickly become known.

“It was my husband’s dream ever since I met him in 1999,” said Jessica. Although he was working on Buffalo’s Coliseum building and the Brownstone Bistro at the time—not to mention the Buffalo Chophouse the following year, Mark’s vision never wavered. “All of that time, he wanted to take the theatre district and make it a destination for everyone to come and enjoy.”

The Harlow C. Curtiss building became available in 1999-2000. Mark purchased it, putting his dream project on hold as he finished the Statler. Finally, Mark was able to turn his attention to the gutted structure. Having traveled extensively, he had never had a hotel experience he truly loved. Now, Mark was free to create a hotel filled with all the amenities he desired.

Working closely with designer Paul LaMorticella, Mark made his dream a reality. His most important, must-have feature? The hotel’s signature revolving bar. Western New York’s only revolving bar is located alongside The Chez Ami Restaurant (“House of Friends”) – the hotel’s 200+ seat casual upscale restaurant with world-class dining and year-round patio seating along West Huron Street.

In 2017, the Curtiss Hotel opened to a completely sold out house. Featuring 68 ultra-luxurious, high-tech rooms and breathtaking spaces, the Curtiss Hotel’s amenities are unlike anything Buffalo has ever seen before. High-speed elevators whisk you onto your floor or the VUE, a rooftop lounge with a fire pit, cocktails, and spectacular panoramic views of downtown Buffalo, Lake Erie, and the Canadian shoreline. Adjacent to the valet porte-cochère and main entranceway, the Curtiss Hotel invites guests to enjoy Buffalo’s first and only all-weather Urban Hot Springs experience. The hottest new place in town, the Curtiss Hotel has remained in demand for a variety of experiences, from weddings, birthday celebrations, and other formal events to staycations and business travel.

Sadly, tragedy struck the Curtiss when Mark Croce passed away, and Covid arrived. Fortunately, the Curtiss was able to continue running throughout the pandemic. “At the Curtiss, we became a big family, everyone helping with everything. We got through it together.” At last, the Curtiss was able to fully open once again. It was during this time that staycations at the Curtiss became unprecedentedly popular.

The Curtiss Hotel provides the perfect getaway with 68 unique, luxuriously appointed rooms, each with a distinctive shower or bathtub, a bidet, and a bedside remote pad to control many features in your space including temperature, lighting, blinds, and more. “There is so much to enjoy here that you can really make your stay an experience, even if we are in your backyard!”

Guests can enjoy a wonderful dinner at in-house restaurant Chez Ami or go down the street to well-known sister restaurant, the Buffalo Chophouse. Year-round, guests and the public are welcome to experience the VUE Rooftop Lounge and visit the new Harlow Spa—open by appointment only—with such delights as Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, and the revolutionary new HydraFacial treatment.

The Curtiss Hotel continues to attract events, high-end celebrities, and fill to capacity for popular Sabres and Buffalo Bills games on the weekends, yet many are discovering it’s a staycation favorite throughout the week, as well. Visiting couples, friend groups, and individuals will find themselves within easy distance to enjoy a Shea’s show, Shakespeare in the Park, a concert, hockey game, football game, or a number of other nearby attractions. Simply pull up to free valet parking as you prepare to enjoy a world-class meal, a high-end spa experience, rooftop cocktails, a luxury overnight stay–perhaps with a dip in the hot springs –and more.

Whether you are here on business, a staycation, or other purpose, here you can truly customize your experience. Going out for cocktails or staying in to enjoy our spectacular Sunday brunch; taking in a show or taking a dip in our hot springs; enjoying a front row view at the game or incredible rooftop views at the VUE, the Curtiss Hotel has everything you need and more.