Visiting in mid July. Any recommendations for lower price hotels in the area? Also, what is a must see on or around campus? Local food favorites?
Google it, and then call the hotel directly to see if the hotel will offer a lower price. I would also recommend checking out the B&B’s. I was shocked at the price of hotels for Graduation 2017. I then researched B&B’s and found a lovely one, Mary Hunt House, seven miles from Cornell. Carol, the hostess was lovely! I took my d. and friends to Moosewood for dinner in Ithaca Commons - it is mostly vegetarian. I highly recommend that you make reservations, otherwise be prepared for a long wait onmost any night.
the Homewood Suites is not far from north campus. There’s also a Holiday Inn in the center part of town. There are several motels on the south side of Ithaca (Meadow Court Inn is one I’ve stayed at). If you want a hotel for parents weekend or graduation 2017, you need to book now. I went the airbnb route for graduation 2017 as the hotel prices for that weekend are ridiculous.
We stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites and it was really nice with a good breakfast. I’ve heard good things about the Country Inn and Suites also, but haven’t stayed there.
The Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen is fabulous. Right on Lake Seneca. We booked this for 2019 graduation already. It’s about 30 miles from campus, but the drive through wine country is very nice…
@TiggyB62 You booked for 2019 graduation??? They’ll book that far in advance? I thought places booked one year in advance. Now I’m feeling behind…
A lot of folks book for graduation upon acceptance. Especially if you want to stay at the Statler - it is booked YEARS ahead!
Wow this is crazy! I thought one year ahead was the timing. Don’t know where I heard that.
Thanks guys, for stressing me out
Actually, @BigRedLongAgo, the Statler is no longer available to families of graduates during graduation weekend. Sad, I know. It is only for "dignitaries, etc. Board members, special invitees etc. Parents have to stay in dorms that are opened up for the occasion, or nearby hotels, B&Bs etc.
@Renomamma yes, we stayed at The Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen when we picked up our D to go to Montreal during Cornell spring break last March. We liked it so much that we asked if we could book for graduation '19 and yes, we were able to. I know it’s a bit of a trek, but we don’t care. We’ll make a mini vacation out of it to celebrate the end of all college tuition payments (as well as her graduation!!!) I’m sure it will be here before we know it.
Air bnb was great for us.
I think Statler only books one year in advance, so do other hotels for graduation.
Holiday Inn is now the Hotel Ithaca.
We stayed in a West Campus suite for graduation in 2014 – really nice. As an 8 year Cornell parent … I have some very specific opinions on many of the hotels/motels in the Ithaca area. Not ever staying at the Bestie Westie again if I have a choice. The Statler is my #1, Homewood Suites #2. I did not enjoy staying in the Holiday Inn downtown – some of it was parking issues.
Our go to has been the country inn and suites on Danby rd. Nice rooms at fair pricing. For graduation we stayed in Cortland (country inn and suites) due to the price gauging and 3 night minimum throughout Ithaca.
Thanks everyone. We will be heading to campus on the 19th. Found a cheap room ($60 bucks) at the extended stay America. Any thoughts on must sees in the area?
The area is very very beautiful Buttermilk Falls is a place we have always enjoyed or Ithaca Falls.
15 minutes north of Ithaca on rte 89, http://www.visitithaca.com/lodging/taughannock-farms-inn-19 adjacent to the state park & falls.Great place for dinner also. Stayed there for D’s freshman orientation.
We rented a lovely house from an Ithaca resident for graduation and it was perfect. There are lots on Craigslist…I did visit with them before I committed just to be sure. It was perfect for our family and I have no regrets.
The hotels near the airport are nice, too. Nothing is too far from anything else. There’s a new Marriott down by the Walmart. It’s convenient as well.