There have been some lulls in the blizzard conditions throughout Saturday after Friday was absolutely brutal.
But there’s only been a handful of places that have been true safe havens.
"Typically around Christmas, we are a little slower unless there's a home savers game," said Lindsey Schneggenburger, the assistant general manager for the Marriot in downtown Buffalo. "So we were anticipating that, but our amazing associates came prepared yesterday morning. Our 7 a.m. crew was ready to stay for about 48 hours."
Twenty floors of the hotel saw a growing number of weary travelers come through their door.
"I'm so happy that we have have power and can accommodate our guests with a comfortable, cozy place especially," she added. "Given it's Christmas Eve and the holiday."
Those are people like Robert Pokornowski, who has been residing since Friday afternoon when he lost power and had to make most of the trek on foot in whiteout conditions.
"Like everybody else in this lobby should be very lucky that they're able to get here by whatever means," he said.
Saturday brought a bit of a distraction from the howling winds and chilling reminders of what’s going on outside in Buffalo.
"The Bills games right here. I mean, it's good. It's so nice to see to Bill winning -- especially with a couple of mistakes they made but whatever," Potorkowski laughed.
From single inhabitants braving the storm to whole families like the Marszalkowskis.
"We knew this morning that if we weren't big, we had to get somewhere to watch those games," said Brigit while surounded by her husband and two daughters. "And we had no power so I said let's find a hotel."
"The four of us are here, which is excellent. We do have family that wasn't able to make it in so sad in that way," said daughter Anna. "But Buffalo is family so wherever you go, especially we're all going through this together. Everybody here has been excellent and it just wherever you go it feels like family."
It’s not exactly a "where else would you rather be?" Marv Levy moment, but given the conditions, it's something.
"I mean, we're just grateful to be here safe and being with family is everything," said Sara Marszlkowski. "So just happy to be here with these people watch Bills win and be safe and have heat."
The alternatives have been bleak the last couple of days.
"I would much rather have been in Chicago today actually. But here we are Christmas Eve with my family," Brigit added.
But everyone who’s made it to the tower downtown has brought their hope and safety.
"But that's why I love the hotel. It's fun. I get to hear everybody's story and get to be a part of their their Christmas 2022," added Sheggenburger. "Go Bills."