I stayed here in January 2004 - very much in the off-season (a snow storm was raging in Buffalo when I checked in). The hostel staff were very friendly and helpful - I was arriving very late (11pm) and taking a taxi early (4am) on my day of departure (I never knew if I was supposed to tip them? Would they of been offended if I did?). Security was tight - a card was required to get beyond the lobby and into the room. Eight beds in the room which is an OK number. A friendly Mexican and Australian chap were also in the room. Downtown is a bit spooky - hardly any shops and those that are there are very down market. There are some good bars on a street one block away and lots of theatres on your doorstep. Good value and I had a great stay there.