Hotels near Sagan Planet Walk, Ithaca

The Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons is the kind of hotel, like the bland pictures on its walls, that no one would notice, or even recall, if it disappeared tomorrow. As a guest one senses that the staff works there because they couldn't find a better job anywhere else--don't expect to see the same faces if you return a few months, or a year, later. My family and I stayed overnight on a Monday in March. The valet attendant wasn't happy we didn't use his services. Instead we were given instructions on how to reach ”our parking garage” (as we were told by the hotel staff) a couple blocks away. It turns out this is anything but the Marriott's parking garage. Did I lack an ”elemental common sense” (as the staff person later suggested to me on the phone) for parking in one of the many empty spots with a small sign that apparently says something like, ”Parking reserved for Hotel Guests of Hilton Garden”? It was nighttime, after a long day of driving -- fatigue reigns in a parking garage with reserved spots for a particular hotel. Signs are misread as ”Parking reserved for Hotel Guests.” Or maybe I parked in that space because I was told by Marriott staff that it was ”our garage”? And wouldn't common sense today suggest Marriott and Hilton are owned by the same corporation that owns everything else? No, this was entirely this guest's fault: no ”elemental common sense.” And the price of this ticket: on top of the $12 a night parking fee, a $30 fine that the Marriott didn't think it worth offering to compensate. O, the inhumanity! The dry, stuffy air in the Marriott hotel room; the broken ice machine on our floor with a sign of apology (yes, they posted a sign instead of fixing it); their version of the Big Dig right next to the hotel so that guests can wake up to the relaxing sounds of a jackhammer. Fortunately, the room came with four complementary foam earplugs and a $10 voucher for the restaurant downstairs where you can buy a cup of lukewarm coffee, stroll outside and around the corner to one of the many vape shops, or take your kids on a field trip to the very adult gallery a two-minute walk away (next to the theater). To end on a positive note having nothing to do with the Marriott: Maru Ramen and The Milkstand are excellent restaurants and more than make up for any hotel hardly worth its overnight costs. Two stars as our children enjoyed meditating during the slow elevator ride to the tenth floor.

Hilton Garden Inn has always been my go-to place, and although I have enjoyed my stay at every single one I have gone to so far (Evanston IL and Springfield MA), this Ithaca location has been the best one thus far. We came to Ithaca to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and upon discovering that Ithaca had a HGI, we booked right away. Every single staff member at Ithaca was patient, more than willing to help, and gave just the right information at the right time. The care and attentiveness actually started a few days before our check-in day, with Jessica and Rachel responding to any question I had asked. I appreciated that the wellness texts continued during our visit as well. There were two restaurants onsite, and the area also has many eateries that we grew to love (especially CollegeTown Bagels!). Parking was conveniently across the street from the onsite Starbucks. The entire room was clean, beds were very comfortable for the weary travelers, and as an added touch, the front lobby featured delicacies that were made by local businesses. I really appreciated that connection to the community, and believe that it definitely puts the Ithaca location above all others. Whenever we are back in Ithaca, we will be sure to book at HGI Ithaca again. Thank you so much for a memorable and pleasant stay!

We enjoyed our one night stay here - the checkin was seamless , room well appointed and great , expansive shower. Keep in mind that since this is a downtown hotel - parking is not on the property - we needed to walk 5 minutes to the public parking lot and pay and additional $7 for overnight parking - Go out for breakfast instead of eating at the hotel - breakfast was lackluster.

The location is very good, the transportation is very convenient, it is very close to the pedestrian street, and there are many convenience stores around the restaurant. The standard room is two meters wide and can accommodate a family of four without an extra bed. There is free parking and there is a gas station next to it. Hotel service is very good.

Rooms were thoughtfully fitted with necessary accessories, very clean, and included even the ability to get religious texts of most major religions. Staff remember and pronounce names correctly. From the get go to check out, everyone made us feel welcome and everything about how they went about their work gave an impression they are made for the hospitality industry.

I mean ... okay ... this wasn't the best, newest, cleanest Fairfield that I have ever encountered. It wasn't horrible, just drab. First thing we noticed when checking in was the lack of staff - par for the course for most hotels these days - and the check in clerk, while pleasant, was overwhelmed, and we had to wait while she attended to business on the phone. Breakfast was average. We couldn't put our finger on anything that was really unacceptable, but neither could we point out anything that would make us want to return. Beds were comfortable, parking lot seemed safe. Television was old and small. Since this was a college visit, should my child be fortunate enough to actually attend Cornell, I think a future visit would call for The Statler. Decide for yourself. One last thing ... the location was convenient.

Great location. Clean, safe and well maintained. Breakfast was good - plenty of options. Pool was nice but they never stocked towels or cleaned up. No housekeeping service FYI. Room was spacious and modern. We enjoyed our stay and would return.