The Baseball Hotel

The hotel presents itself as a unique historic guest house, offering a distinctive and often rustic charm that appeals to guests seeking an experience different from a conventional hotel. Its character is described by some as quaint and peaceful, providing a quiet, vintage vibe. This accommodation is particularly well-suited for pet owners due to its accommodating policy, and for families or event attendees visiting regional attractions like Cooperstown or Utica. It also caters to guests with accessibility needs with specific room features. While some guests appreciate its older style and value, others note its age and worn condition, with some areas described as run down or having a musty smell. To enhance your stay, it is recommended to confirm specific room amenities in advance and be prepared for a less traditional, more self-service approach to check-in and general assistance.

Facilities & Amenities
Mixed feedback on amenities. Most guests note the presence of free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable for streaming. However, many reviews highlight a lack of standard amenities such as irons, hair dryers, coffee makers, or refrigerators in rooms. Some rooms are equipped with a window AC unit. There are common lobbies or lounges available for guests, and some specific rooms or areas may feature a full kitchen or a gas fireplace. Some guests found the hallways cramped with church pews. There's also mention of board games in a common area. A few guests noted the absence of device charging outlets. The overall impression is that while basic connectivity is provided, many expected conveniences are missing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
There is highly mixed feedback regarding cleanliness and room comfort. Some guests found their rooms to be clean, fresh, and even spacious, with some noting updated mattresses that provided a good night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as being very small, cramped, and lacking space for luggage, with some finding them to be dirty or having a strong musty smell and poor ventilation. Issues mentioned include thin walls leading to potential noise, bathrooms that are poorly lit or extremely small with tiny showers, and concerns about the condition of curtains or windows. Some guests reported a lack of hot water or adequate heating in their rooms, necessitating the use of space heaters. The overall impression is that while some rooms may be acceptable, many fall short of comfort expectations due to their age and condition.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is predominantly negative. Many guests reported that despite advertising, no breakfast or even coffee was consistently available, with some finding the coffee that was offered to be undrinkable and tasting old. There were also mentions that the hotel's restaurant was often closed or appeared unkempt, with one review describing the food as bad. While some guests noted the occasional availability of coffee and lemon water in common areas, its freshness was inconsistent, sometimes appearing to have been left from the previous day. Overall, guests should not expect significant dining services or quality food options on-site, as the offerings are minimal and often fall short of expectations, leading to disappointment for those anticipating a traditional hotel breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location receives mixed reviews, but is generally considered convenient for specific regional attractions. Many guests found it to be a good base for visiting Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame, noting an easy 15 to 20-minute drive. It is also described as being centrally located for those attending events in Utica, such as hockey finals. Some guests appreciated its proximity to local stores, restaurants, and points of interest, with some areas being within walking distance. However, other reviews state it is not close to anything or describe the immediate surrounding area as unkempt and unattractive, with a vacant building nearby. Free parking is available, though some guests expressed nervousness about its security.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is highly polarized. Many guests praised the staff as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, noting instances of quick assistance with issues like TV problems or providing extra towels. Some appreciated the attentive service and the staff's willingness to help with specific needs, such as locating medication. However, a significant number of reviews highlight a highly unconventional and often problematic check-in and check-out process, where there is frequently no one present at the front desk. Guests often had to call a number to receive instructions to find their room key hanging on a hook outside the door, which many found to be unsettling and not typical of a hotel experience. There are also strong negative comments regarding the owner's perceived unresponsiveness or hostility, contrasting with positive mentions of other staff members.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with a unique, non-traditional accommodation style, often described as more akin to a guest house, B&B, or even a hostel or summer camp rather than a conventional hotel. It is a pet-friendly establishment, making it a suitable option for travelers with pets. Some guests noted that the hotel sometimes relocates them to a different property, such as a lakefront hotel, if the main building is not fully occupied. For guests with accessibility needs, some rooms or areas are designed to be handicap accessible, featuring no steps for entry. It is important for guests to note that despite its name, the hotel does not have a strong baseball theme. There were also mentions of an unusual check-in process where keys are left on hooks outside rooms and a lack of traditional front desk presence, contributing to a less secure feeling for some.