<p>Judging by how hard it was to find a hotel room in Ithaca during orientation, I figured it would be a good idea to start looking for graduation accommodations now.</p>
<p>Amazingly, many hotels in Ithaca are already taking reservations for graduation weekend 2011. Even more amazing is the price -- $420/night with a three-night minimum!</p>
<p>Are there any other options? Does Cornell rent out dorm rooms to parents? Do Collegetown students sublet their apartments for the weekend?</p>
<p>Cornell will provide graduation housing on campus (North and West Campus) at a relatively cheap rate $120 total per person for 2 or 3 nights.</p>
<p>WOW. but do graduations actually take 4 nights or something since its 3 night minimum?</p>
<p>The hotels are going to take what they can get! </p>
<p>There's a lot of <em>stuff</em> that goes on around the actual graduation ceremonies, and Cornell is far enough away from almost anywhere that you'd want to sandwich the maybe two days (and a hotel night) of actual graduation activities with two more hotel nights.</p>
<p>I made hotel reservation for 2008 Graduation when I dropped my d off for freshman orientation in 9/2004. We reserved only 1 room as the price is nuts- but Norcalguy is right- the dorms are open and made available for graduation. I believe on campus reservations aren't done until around February.<br>
I followed the website last year, so I don't think it is too difficult to get dorm rooms, as they still seemed to be available in March. (at least it seemed that way from info on website)
Some Hotels have a "lottery" and will take the reservation 1 year before graduation- I believe Courtyard/Marriott does that.<br>
If you want to stay in a hotel, but can't deal with $400 bucks a night, you may want to check out the surrounding towns including Binghamton, Cortland etc. I find Cortland is the closest and easiest drive to Ithaca. (about 30-40 minutes).
We're planning to get dorm rooms for any of the aunts/uncles that may attend graduation.</p>
<p>I vote for Cortland, too.</p>
<p>The hotels there also increase their prices during times when Cornell is holding special events, but not to the extent that Ithaca hotels do. The drive is not bad, and even I, with my total lack of a sense of direction, can't get lost (just follow the route 13 signs).</p>
<p>I stayed in a Cortland motel during Orientation and will probably do the same during end-of-year move-out and eventually for Graduation.</p>
<p>Speaking as an alum who has attended some reunions, staying in the dorms isn't that bad. I have no idea how they alot the dorms, but last year I stayed in one of the new West Campus buildings which had suites and dining right there which I think would be very nice for families for graduation. My choice, I'd opt for a nice dorm over a hotel 1/2+ hour away.</p>
<p>I agree with you Jackie- I am planning to get dorm rooms for the relatives- but if health or age is an issue, I may opt for rooms on North Campus. It's a straight --FLAT walk to the main campus. The Hill/slope from West Campus may be too much for some older relatives (including me!!).</p>
<p>for the four years my son was at Cornell I avoided this issue - for graduation'07 I finally panicked because I still hadn't made plans by April! A friend built a 2nd home so that worked out but it won't for grad '11 - 35 years ago my mom and older sister stayed in my sorority house for grad - that might be an option for some parents...tho my son sure didn't think it was an option for us to stay at his fraternity!! If I had to make a decision today I would definitely consider the dorms!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! I'd like to be in town, so it sounds as though the dorms are the way to go! </p>
<p>Does Cornell send out dorm rental information to graduating seniors, or do you have to remember to track it down yourself? Do the dorms sell out early, or is there plenty of space?</p>
<p>just like there was a link on the Cornell website for orientation, (if your student didn't give you info) there was a link for grad info - since my first child is a guy that was the only way I got much of my info...(sigh)</p>
<p>I just tried getting to the link again - the 2008 site is under construction so I guess 2007 is gone - graduation takes place over two days - Convocation and Commencement - both were held in the football stadium - so very formal attire is not necessary - dressing for walking and the weather (or weathers - it's Ithaca) is necessary - </p>
<p>one thing I said I'd remember for next time - there is an all-University "picnic" or reception on the Arts Quad under the tents after convocation (day one) - there are chairs provided but it is hard to get them - if you are bringing elders you may want to consider those folding sports chairs and a picnic blanket for the able bodied - there was plenty of food provided that could make lunch if you are patient - and its easier than trying to gather your group and go off to eat - resv for grad night dinner are a must - ours were made late...</p>
<p>Heh...I live in Syracuse (~80 minutes from Ithaca). Maybe I should rent out the spare rooms in our house. =P</p>
<p>throw in some cranberry (carnellian berry) muffins, OJ and coffee and I'm sure you'll have takers!!</p>
<p>There is plenty of space. You don't reserve spaces until the spring semester of your child's senior year.</p>