Comfort Inn - NYS Fairgrounds

This hotel is frequently chosen for its pet-friendly policy and its convenient location for attending local events, making it a practical choice for concert-goers, NYS Fair attendees, and travelers with pets. Despite many guests noting its dated appearance, the hotel is often described as clean and offering good value for a stopover or budget-conscious trip. The staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. For those traveling with animals, the hotel's accommodating approach, including offering first-floor rooms, is a major draw. To ensure a more restful stay, guests might consider requesting a room away from the highway due to potential noise, and be prepared for a hotel that, while functional, shows its age.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a few amenities, though some are noted as needing improvement. A fitness room is available, but reviews indicate it is minimally equipped with only a few stationary bikes and a treadmill, and sometimes has lighting issues. The elevators are a recurring concern, with guests reporting unpleasant odors, non-functioning lights, and general disrepair, including one main elevator being out of service. While Wi-Fi is provided, its speed is inconsistent, with some guests experiencing very slow connections. The parking lot is described as dimly lit and in poor condition with potholes, though ample parking, including for trucks, is available. A positive note is the availability of fresh coffee in the lobby 24/7, and some rooms feature a jetted tub, which is appreciated by guests seeking relaxation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. While many guests find their rooms to be clean, a significant number report issues such as musty odors, damp carpets, sticky floors, and even the presence of ants or other bugs. The rooms are frequently described as outdated, with common complaints including peeling wallpaper, stained ceilings, non-functional electrical outlets, and broken fixtures like bed frames or doors that are difficult to close. Beds are generally found to be comfortable, providing a restful sleep for most. However, noise is a considerable issue for many, with complaints ranging from noisy air conditioning units and loud water pipes to thin walls that allow highway noise and sounds from other guests to permeate the rooms, significantly impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast receives varied feedback. Many guests appreciate the convenience and variety, noting the availability of hot items like eggs and sausage, along with waffles, muffins, and fresh fruit, providing a good start to the day. However, some reviews describe the breakfast as mediocre or even poor, citing issues such as barely cooked food, rubbery omelets, and a lack of hot items or coffee at certain times. The breakfast room itself is often described as small and can become crowded, making it difficult to navigate, and some guests noted ants on the counters. Despite these inconsistencies, the inclusion of breakfast is generally seen as a valuable amenity for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a primary draw for many, offering convenient access to major highways like I-90 and I-690. It is particularly well-situated for those attending events at the JMA Dome, Lakeview Amphitheater, or the NYS Fairgrounds, typically within a 10 to 20-minute drive. However, the immediate surroundings are often described as industrial, isolated, and lacking nearby dining or retail options, requiring guests to drive 10-15 minutes for amenities. Some guests also noted the hotel's proximity to an RV dealer and its somewhat "out of the way" feel. While the location offers easy highway access, the lack of walkable amenities means guests often rely on ride-sharing services or personal vehicles for transportation.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of the guest experience. Guests frequently praise their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, noting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, provide local recommendations, and ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is generally described as efficient and welcoming, with some guests even being able to check in early. Specific services like accommodating pets on the first floor are highly appreciated. While the hotel itself shows its age, the dedicated and attentive service provided by the staff, from the front desk to the breakfast area, significantly enhances the overall guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel's pet-friendly policy is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals, with staff often accommodating requests for first-floor rooms near exits. Guests should be aware that while pets are welcome, some reviews suggest that finding suitable outdoor areas nearby for pet relief can be challenging. For those celebrating special occasions, the hotel has been noted for thoughtful touches like graduation decorations and gift bags, adding a personalized element to the stay. Some guests have reported issues with late checkout requests, indicating a need to confirm specific policies in advance. The hotel is undergoing or has undergone some renovations, though the extent and impact of these updates are not consistently reflected across all reviews, with many still noting its dated appearance.