Planning my first trip to Ithaca last fall taught me some hard lessons about finding good places to stay in Ithaca NY. See, I'd assumed being a college town meant plenty of affordable options. Wrong. When I showed up during Cornell's parents weekend without reservations, I spent two hours driving between fully booked hotels before finding a roadside motel near Cortland. Not ideal when you want to explore Buttermilk Falls before breakfast.
Whether you're visiting Cornell University, touring Ithaca College, chasing waterfalls in the gorges, or just passing through the Finger Lakes region, finding the right accommodation makes or breaks your trip. After that disaster, I made it my mission to become an expert on places to stay in Ithaca New York. What's interesting is how accommodation options wildly vary by neighborhood - something most booking sites don't explain well.
Where to Base Yourself in Ithaca
Ithaca's neighborhoods have completely different personalities. Pick wrong and you'll spend half your trip driving. Let me break down what each area offers:
Downtown Ithaca
The Commons is where you'll find most restaurants and shops clustered together in that charming pedestrian mall. If you want to stumble home from dinner at Mercato or grab breakfast at Cafe Dewitt without moving your car, downtown's your spot. Hotels here are mostly chains like Hilton Garden Inn or Marriott. Downside? Parking feels like competitive sport and it gets noisy during weekend nights. Still, for sheer convenience, it's hard to beat these central places to stay in Ithaca NY.
Collegetown
Right next to Cornell's main entrance, this area buzzes with student energy. You'll find budget-friendly guesthouses and apartment rentals alongside cafes opening early for those 8am classes. Book early during graduation season - parents swarm these places to stay near Ithaca NY universities. Walkability's great for campus access but don't expect peace after 10pm on weekends. That said, I loved grabbing late-night pizza at The Nines after a hockey game.
Fall Creek/Waterfall District
My personal favorite area. You're surrounded by those famous gorges while still being 10 minutes from downtown. This is where you'll find historic B&Bs and vacation rentals with decks overlooking creeks. Waking up to birdsong instead of traffic noise? Priceless. But check your rental's parking situation - some steep hills become ice rinks in winter. These are the places to stay in Ithaca New York when nature access matters.
South Hill
Primarily residential with larger homes turned into inns or Airbnbs. It's peaceful with quick access to Ithaca College campus and Treman State Park. Better for travelers with cars since public transport gets spotty. I stayed at a gorgeous Victorian B&B here last spring but regretted not bringing better walking shoes - hills are no joke!
Types of Accommodation Explained
Hotels & Chains
When I need predictable comfort, these are my backups. Ithaca has all major chains:
| Property | Location | Price/Night | Perks | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Garden Inn | Downtown | $180-$260 | Indoor pool, walkable to everything | Tiny bathrooms, street noise |
| Canopy by Hilton | Waterfront | $220-$350 | Stunning lake views, modern design | Pricey parking ($28/night) |
| Fairfield Inn | Near mall | $140-$200 | Free breakfast, reliable WiFi | 15-min drive to downtown |
| Hampton Inn | Route 13 | $130-$190 | Pet-friendly, pool | Chain restaurant vibes |
Pro tip: Always check Cornell's event calendar before booking - prices double during graduation or move-in week.
Inns & Bed & Breakfasts
For character and homemade scones, nothing beats Ithaca's B&Bs. The breakfast part matters - some places skimp with supermarket pastries. After staying at five, my rankings:
Top 3 Ithaca B&Bs Worth Booking:
- Inn at Taughannock: That view of the lake from their porch? Unreal. Owners bake fresh muffins daily. Rooms $220-$280
- Barrymore's B&B: Victorian charm done right. Walking distance to Stewart Park. Avoid room 3 - street-facing windows get loud. $190-$240
- Gothic Eves Inn: Creaky floors and stained glass near Cornell. Feels like staying with your artsy aunt. $175-$210
Most require 2-night minimums on weekends. And hey, if you're allergic to chit-chat at breakfast, check if they offer "silent to-go" options.
Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs
During my waterfall photography trip, renting a cottage near Buttermilk Falls was genius. You get local neighborhoods instead of tourist zones. Watch out for these gotchas though:
- Check trash instructions: Ithaca requires bear-proof bins - one host charged me $50 for leaving bags outside
- Confirm heating: Older cabins have dodgy wood stoves as "backup heat"
- Parking passes: Some Collegetown rentals require temporary permits
Good rentals book months ahead for summer. I've had luck with these management companies: Ithaca Vacation Rentals and Finger Lakes Premier Properties.
Budget Options
Let's be real - Ithaca isn't cheap. But smart travelers know:
- Hostels: Only one option - Hostel Ithaca has dorm beds from $55. Clean but strict 10pm quiet hours
- Motels: Rodeway Inn ($89-$120) has basic rooms with microwaves. Bring earplugs for highway noise
- University Housing: Cornell rents summer dorms (single $75). Spartan but walkable
Seasonal Booking Strategies
I learned this the hard way: Ithaca's occupancy swings wildly. Here's when to book:
| Season | Booking Window | Price Surge | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Foliage (Oct) | 6-8 months ahead | Up to 300% | Stay mid-week for better rates |
| Graduation (May) | 9-12 months ahead | 400%+ | Look at nearby towns (Trumansburg) |
| Summer (Jul-Aug) | 3-4 months ahead | 150-200% | Vacation rentals better value |
| Winter (Jan-Feb) | Last-minute OK | Standard rates | Demand heated parking |
That weekend I showed up during graduation? Motel 6 charged me $329 for a stained comforter and flickering lights. Don't be me.
What You're Really Paying For
Hotel prices lie. After comparing dozens of places to stay in Ithaca NY, here's the real cost breakdown:
- Parking: Downtown hotels charge $20-$35/night. Many B&Bs include free spots
- Resort Fees: Canopy adds $32/day for "amenities" including that tiny gym you won't use
- Breakfast: "Complimentary" often means cereal and stale bagels. Proper cooked breakfast adds $15+/person elsewhere
Booking directly sometimes waives fees. Last month at Hilton Garden Inn, mentioning I'd stayed there before got me free parking.
Family & Group Solutions
Traveling with my niece's soccer team taught me group logistics. Key finds:
- Vacation homes: 4-bed cottages near Treman Park rent for $400/night (sleep 10+)
- Suite hotels: Residence Inn has 2-bedroom units with kitchens ($280)
- Hostel group rooms: Private 6-bed dorm for $240 total
Watch for rental scams though. One "lakefront house" I booked turned out to be a trailer with obstructed views. Reverse image search those listings!
Accessibility Considerations
My mom uses a walker, so we scrutinize accessibility. Surprisingly few places to stay in Ithaca NY get this right:
- Elevators: Many historic B&Bs lack them - confirm before booking
- Bathrooms: True roll-in showers are rare outside chain hotels
- Transport: TCAT buses have lifts but routes are limited
Hilton brands generally meet ADA standards best. Call ahead regardless - "accessible" sometimes just means wider doorways.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Bringing Fido? Options expand beyond Motel 6:
- La Tourelle Hotel: $50 pet fee, hiking trails on property
- Reynolds House B&B: Two designated rooms allow dogs ($25/night)
- Airbnbs: Search "pet-friendly" - many cabins welcome dogs
Buttermilk Falls State Park allows leashed dogs on trails - major perk for dog owners seeking places to stay in Ithaca New York.
Your Top Ithaca Lodging Questions Answered
When's the cheapest time to book places to stay in Ithaca NY?
January through March (excluding winter break). I've scored Canopy rooms for $149 in February. Just pack snow boots.
Should I rent a car if staying downtown?
Not necessarily. Between the buses and Ithaca's compact core, I've gone car-free downtown. But if you want waterfall access daily? Rent one.
Are there places to stay in Ithaca NY with kitchenettes?
Plenty! Extended Stay America has full kitchens. Many vacation rentals do too. Crucial for families or long visits.
What's the cancellation policy like?
Varies wildly. Chains usually allow 24-48hr cancellations. B&Bs often demand 14-day notice. Always read the fine print.
Can I walk to Cornell from downtown hotels?
It's a strenuous uphill mile. Doable if you're fit, but I'd recommend the TCAT bus during winter. Collegetown is truly walkable to campus.
Are there any places to stay in Ithaca NY with waterfall views?
Taughannock Farms Inn has partial gorge glimpses. Your best bet is renting a house near Six Mile Creek. Total unicorn find though.
Final Reality Check
After dozens of nights in Ithaca lodgings, my blunt advice: temper expectations. Outside luxury brands like La Tourelle, many places feel dated. That 4-star rating? Probably based on location, not thread counts. Focus on what matters most - proximity to your activities, reliable hot water, and decent beds. Everything else is Finger Lakes scenery anyway.
The trick is matching your accommodation to your actual itinerary. Art festival weekend? Downtown hotels let you crash between events. Here for Cornell tours? That Collegetown efficiency apartment saves commuting time. Chasing waterfalls? Spring for a cabin near the state parks. Get that right, and even a basic room becomes just where you sleep between adventures.
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