Clarion Pointe Downtown

This hotel is frequently praised for its recently renovated and clean rooms, offering a comfortable stay that often exceeds guest expectations. Its signature feature is the combination of attentive and welcoming staff with accommodations that provide excellent value. The hotel is particularly well-suited for medical visitors due to its close proximity to St. Joseph's and Upstate hospitals, university visitors attending Syracuse University, and event-goers looking for convenient access to downtown venues. Business travelers also find it a practical choice for its cleanliness and service. To enhance your experience, guests recommend utilizing the secure parking and being aware of the immediate surrounding area, though the hotel itself is considered safe.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the range of facilities and amenities available. The hotel features a well-equipped fitness center with newer equipment, noted for its cleanliness and fresh atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though some guests experienced slow speeds or frequent sign-in requirements. Rooms are typically outfitted with a refrigerator, microwave, and room safe, along with ample electrical outlets and USB charging points. Many rooms also boast a large smart TV with casting capabilities. While the parking lot is often described as tight or limited, and sometimes full, it is also noted for being well-lit and secure. Some guests reported issues with a broken ice machine, and the hotel does not offer a swimming pool.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives consistent praise for its spotless rooms and overall cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and fluffy pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The spacious bathrooms are generally well-maintained, offering hot showers with good water pressure. Many rooms have been recently remodeled with new finishes, and the AC unit is noted for being efficient and quiet. However, some guests have reported issues with noise levels, including street noise, sounds from other rooms, and occasional disturbances from the hallways. There have also been isolated comments about slippery shower floors, minor maintenance issues like a loose toilet seat or a hole in the bathroom ceiling, and occasional oversights in daily cleaning, such as dirty curtains or stained floors.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, often exceeding expectations for a hotel of its type. It typically includes a good breakfast variety with hot options such as eggs, sausage, and hash browns, alongside a popular waffle maker. Other offerings include cereals, pastries, juices, and various coffee selections. The coffee itself is frequently complimented. In addition to breakfast, the hotel offers a lobby shop with a well-stocked refrigerator unit and snack wall, providing convenient options for quick bites. While most feedback is positive, some guests found the breakfast offerings to be basic, with occasional issues like stale pastries or old coffee, and noted the use of paper plates and plastic cutlery.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, offering convenient access to key city points. It is situated close to Syracuse University, making it ideal for campus visits, and is within easy walking distance of St. Joseph's hospital and other medical facilities. Guests attending events appreciate its proximity to downtown Syracuse and various concert venues. The hotel is also noted for its accessibility to the Empire State Trail for cyclists and is a short drive from Destiny Mall. However, a recurring theme in reviews is the perception of the immediate neighborhood as being less desirable or "sketchy," leading some guests to feel uncomfortable walking around at night, despite the hotel's internal security measures.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receives high praise, with many guests highlighting their efficiency, welcoming demeanor, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently commend the staff for being helpful, attentive, and responsive to requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The quick check-in process is also often mentioned. While the majority of feedback on service is overwhelmingly positive, there have been some isolated reports of housekeeping issues, such as rooms not being made up daily or towels not being replenished without specific requests. A few guests also noted instances of staff confusion regarding billing or specific hotel policies, and some mentioned unexpected or unauthorized charges like a gratuity fee.

Additional Information
The hotel prioritizes guest security, featuring a gated parking lot, card access doors, and a buzz-in entry system at the front desk, particularly during evening hours, which helps to mitigate concerns about the surrounding area. Guests also appreciate the availability of laundry facilities on-site. The hotel is noted to be undergoing an ongoing renovation process, with many rooms already updated. Some guests have reported issues with tax exempt status for organizations and an undisclosed gratuity fee added to bills. A specific discount for CNY Fertility appointments is also available for those visiting the clinic.