I don’t make it a habit to review Hamptons because what you see is what you get – as good a quality room for your buck as you’re going to get these days. And the downtown Buffalo property was no exception. The exterior of the hotel was impressive-looking and in a great location. We were here for a Sabres game and the arena is only minutes away. Our room was fine and the boys loved the pool (tho watch out for the slick tiles!). The staff was friendly. Nothing to complain about.

But we had something to file under the category, "Things That Make You Go Hmmmm."

Prior to check-in I pulled up the van to the carport area in front of the hotel entrance, and I swear I wasn’t standing outside the vehicle for more than 5 seconds when a guy RUNS over from across the street and starts begging for money. It’s 10 degrees out with flurries and a nasty wind, and I’m getting hassled pretty good. When I make it clear he’s got the wrong guy, he’s ticked off and glaring at me, but he eventually walks away.

Fine. Didn't expect that to be my Welcome to Buffalo moment, but that’s certainly not the first or last time I’ve been pan-handled.

But after check-in I noticed the hotel’s security protocol is as tight as I’ve ever seen at a chain hotel, and especially at a Hampton. You need to roll down your car window and swipe your room card in order to enter the hotel’s parking lot. Inside the hotel, you also need to swipe your card while in the elevator before the car will take you up to any floor from the lobby level.

Don’t get me wrong: Those are great security features. I wish everybody did this. But they don't. And 5 seconds in and I’m getting full-court pressed by a bum at a hotel that is locked down like Fort Knox? Let’s just say I played it a little more heads-up than usual during my stay here.