Hotel Ithaca

The hotel offers a highly convenient and comfortable stay, distinguished by its prime central location directly adjacent to the Ithaca Commons, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant downtown. Guests consistently highlight the spacious and comfortable rooms as a key feature, ensuring a relaxing experience. This hotel is particularly well-suited for college visitors due to its close proximity to both Cornell and Ithaca College, and for sightseers and families who appreciate easy walkability to local attractions, shops, and dining. Business travelers also find the location and amenities conducive to their needs, including reliable Wi-Fi and quiet accommodations. To ensure a seamless stay, guests are advised to confirm the operational status of the pool if it's a priority for their visit, as it has frequently been closed for maintenance, and to proactively request housekeeping services as needed, as it is not automatically provided daily.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Most notably, the pool has been a recurring point of discussion, as it is frequently closed for maintenance, which has disappointed many guests who specifically chose the hotel for this amenity. However, the staff often makes arrangements for guests to use a pool at a nearby hotel, which is appreciated, though some note the water can be chilly. The fitness center receives positive feedback, described as well-equipped and having everything needed for a good workout. Guests also value the availability of free Wi-Fi, though some have reported it can be spotty or slow at times, affecting streaming. Other convenient amenities include ice machines and vending machines, and some rooms offer a balcony for added enjoyment, providing a pleasant space to relax. The hotel also features a glass elevator in one of its towers, which guests find to be a unique and enjoyable feature.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often described as large and well-appointed, with good water pressure and ample hot water, and some even feature soaking tubs or Gilchrist toiletries. While many reviews praise the overall cleanliness of the rooms, some guests have noted specific issues, such as unvacuumed floors, hair in the shower, or dirt underneath vanities, suggesting a need for more thorough cleaning in certain areas. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while some rooms are very quiet, others experience street noise or significant noise transfer from upstairs neighbors due to thin floors, which can be disruptive. In-room amenities like robes, coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators are frequently mentioned as positive additions, though some report issues with these appliances not working or being outdated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests praise the food quality, particularly the breakfast, with specific mentions of delicious pancakes, eggs, and bacon, often noting generous portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant atmosphere is also appreciated, with some finding it never crowded. However, some guests have experienced slow service in the restaurant, especially during busy periods. There are also recurring comments about the restaurant not being open for breakfast on certain days or having limited hours, which can be inconvenient. The lobby coffee and tea service is a welcome amenity, though some guests have found the coffee quality to be poor or the station not consistently stocked. Overall, while the dining options are convenient, guests recommend checking the restaurant's operating hours and managing expectations regarding service speed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, placing guests within easy walking distance of the Ithaca Commons, a vibrant area with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Its proximity to both Cornell University and Ithaca College makes it an excellent choice for visitors to these institutions. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to explore downtown Ithaca on foot, with many attractions just a short stroll away. Parking is a significant advantage, with most guests praising the availability of free on-site parking, which is considered a rare and valuable amenity in downtown Ithaca. While the main lot can sometimes be full, especially during busy events, there is often an accessible parking garage nearby, and the hotel validates. The ease of access to major roads and the overall walkability contribute significantly to a positive guest experience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the front desk staff for their welcoming demeanor, efficient check-in process, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, including accommodating early arrivals or resolving room issues. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff members providing excellent customer service, making guests feel valued and well-cared for. While the overall sentiment towards staff is overwhelmingly positive, some guests have reported isolated incidents of unresponsiveness, particularly regarding phone calls to the front desk or inconsistencies in housekeeping service. However, when issues are brought to their attention, the staff is generally quick to address them, demonstrating a commitment to guest satisfaction. The shuttle service to and from the airport or local colleges is also appreciated, though its availability can sometimes be contingent on staff schedules.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of the hotel's service is its housekeeping policy, which requires guests to request room cleaning and towel changes in advance, rather than providing daily automatic service. This has led to some guests experiencing a lack of service if they were unaware of the policy or if requests were not fulfilled. The hotel offers complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby, available 24/7, which is a convenient perk for guests. Some rooms feature unique design elements such as hardwood floors, which are preferred by guests who dislike carpet. The hotel is also noted for its pet-friendly policy, though specific details about amenities for pets are not widely mentioned. Guests should be aware that while the hotel aims for a modern feel, some areas or furnishings may appear dated or show signs of wear, indicating ongoing renovation efforts.