Colgate’s isolation and the size of the village is partially what make it such a great college experience, On the other hand, getting a room for move in day (Aug 26) or parents weekend (sept 21-23) is a nightmare.
The Colgate Inn is lovely, but with 40 rooms is not going to be available to most.
I was able to get an air bnb for move in weekend. It’s near campus so that’s convenient. Have never done air bnb but what choice do I have. There are some houses in Hamilton that go for $800 a night. Apparently owned by professors who have no issue gouging parents.
Parents Weekend turned out to be much tougher. I can’t even get a hotel in Cazenovia. It looks like my only options are hotels in Binghamton (1 hour away), Utica (45 min away), Cooperstown (45 min away) or Cortland (1 hour away) That makes for a lot of driving.
Colgate and Hamilton College appear to stagger their family weekends. For that event, you might be able to find something nice in Clinton, which, at 20 miles away, would be nearer than the options you listed above. New Hartford would be slightly farther, but would expand your available choices.
Last year a Hampton Inn opened on Rt 20 east of Cazenovia with 80 rooms. That’s about 20 minutes away from Colgate. Also look at the Landmark Inn in Bouckville about 6 miles away and the Hamilton Inn above Seven Oaks golf course, a couple of miles away. Each property has a few rooms.
Also hear that the gauging is much worse on graduation weekend.
for move in day - if you’re coming from a far distance and aren’t able to find a place in Hamilton, then consider Casanovia (20min drive) or Utica/New Hartford (30min drive). In both you can find like a Hampton Inn to stay at if a B&B is not your thing.
as for family weekend - what is making it tough this year, is it also coincides with alumni reunion weekend to kick off the 200 anniversary festivities. So even more folks to compete with for a hotel room.
i checked all those places, Casanovia was sold out. I ended up getting a place near Hamilton College. Figured it was better to drive further on Friday but then be only 25-30 min from Colgate for the Weened activities so that we can see D on Saturday without pressure to leave early and even on Sunday. We had an equally tough time with my son, his college is in the middle of nowhere too.