Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ithaca By Ihg

The hotel serves as a practical base for visitors, particularly college visitors, families, and sightseers exploring the Finger Lakes region, thanks to its convenient location near universities and natural attractions like Buttermilk Falls. Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds and the complimentary breakfast, which are often cited as key highlights of their stay, providing a good start to the day. While the hotel offers a generally reliable experience, some guests recommend requesting a room on a higher floor or away from the main road to mitigate potential noise disturbances from traffic or other guests. Additionally, for those with specific accessibility needs, it is advisable to reconfirm room features directly with the hotel to ensure all requirements are met upon arrival, as some past experiences have noted discrepancies in available amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, including a swimming pool and a fitness center. Feedback on the pool is mixed; some guests find it warm and functional, while others report issues with cleanliness, a lack of towels, or a salty water experience. The fitness center is generally well-regarded, though some equipment may require maintenance. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while many appreciate the complimentary parking, some find the lot small and occasionally struggle to find available spots, especially during busy periods, with specific concerns raised about designated spaces. The elevators are a point of concern for many, often described as having unpleasant odors and appearing dirty. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi and a 24/7 coffee and tea station in the lobby.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably varied. Many guests report their rooms as clean, spacious, and comfortable, highlighting the comfortable beds and the option of both soft and firm pillows for a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews express concerns about cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms, citing mold in showers, stained shower floors, and general dirtiness. Carpets in both rooms and common areas are frequently mentioned as being stained or dirty. Noise levels are a recurring issue, with guests reporting disturbances from road noise, loud HVAC units, and noisy upstairs neighbors. Some rooms also show signs of wear, including broken fixtures, non-working outlets, or stained furniture, though others find the rooms well-maintained.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious, plentiful, and offering a wide variety of options. Guests appreciate the selection of both hot and cold items, including scrambled eggs, bacon, and a pancake machine, though the latter is occasionally reported as being out of order. The coffee and tea options are also well-received, with a 24/7 station available in the lobby. The breakfast area is generally kept clean and well-stocked by the attentive staff. While the breakfast is a significant highlight, some guests note that the breakfast room can become crowded, and there is no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous location, making it a popular choice for its proximity to universities like Cornell and Ithaca College, as well as various natural attractions including Buttermilk Falls, which is within walking distance for some. Guests appreciate being close to a wide array of shopping centers, restaurants, and gas stations, providing convenience for daily needs and dining out. The hotel's position offers easy access to the broader Finger Lakes region, making it a suitable base for exploring the area's scenic beauty and wineries. While the location is generally praised, some guests note that rooms facing the main road can experience significant traffic noise, impacting sleep quality. Complimentary parking is available on-site, though the lot can be challenging to navigate during peak times.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is quite mixed. Many guests commend the breakfast staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, ensuring a positive start to the day. Similarly, some experiences with the front desk are highlighted as professional, quick check-in, and very accommodating. However, a notable number of reviews describe the front desk staff as unfriendly, curt, unprofessional, or frequently absent, requiring guests to ring a bell for assistance. Housekeeping service also receives varied comments; while some appreciate efforts to accommodate specific requests, others report issues with rooms not being cleaned properly or daily. Overall, the quality of service appears inconsistent, with some areas excelling while others fall short of guest expectations.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few additional details to enhance their stay. The hotel provides Keurig coffee makers in rooms, but bottled water is not consistently offered, with limited quantities available upon request. While the hotel generally aims for comfort, some guests have noted that the beds are quite high, which might be a consideration for some travelers, potentially requiring a step up. The Wi-Fi signal and internet speed can be inconsistent, leading to occasional connectivity issues and impacting TV streaming. For those utilizing the laundry facilities, it's important to note that they operate on quarters, which may not always be readily available at the front desk, and machines can sometimes be out of order. Some guests have also reported issues with room keys deactivating frequently, requiring multiple trips to the front desk for re-activation.