Best Western University Inn

“Comfortable, quiet hotel near Cornell University”

I always stay at this hotel when I visit Ithaca. The hotel is conveniently located near Cornell University and the city of Ithaca. It is in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by residential areas. The rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are good. The fitness center has basic aerobic and weigh… more

I always stay at this hotel when I visit Ithaca. The hotel is conveniently located near Cornell University and the city of Ithaca. It is in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by residential areas. The rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are good. The fitness center has basic aerobic and weight machines and is open 24 hours. The staff members were all friendly and helpful. The value for the price is good.

less

“Old Fashioned, Mostly in a Good Sense”

Old fashioned, vintage, brocante are good things or bad things depending on your point of view. Since I was attending my 60th college reunion, I confess to appreciating things that have stood the test of time. That is especially true when there have been some appropriate upgrades. A one floor spraw… more

Old fashioned, vintage, brocante are good things or bad things depending on your point of view. Since I was attending my 60th college reunion, I confess to appreciating things that have stood the test of time. That is especially true when there have been some appropriate upgrades. A one floor sprawling ranch style motel may strike some people as hopelessly outdated. But it reflects a simpler time and older technology that may not be classic but was and is pretty efficient. The hospitality industry, today especially, has to be vigilant about hygiene. It is encouraging that this is a very clean and well-maintained property. The staff are friendly and helpful too. Best Western is not a chain, but an association of independently owned hotels and we have nearly always found them worthwhile. in many states and half a dozen countries. We have stayed here five or six times over decades. There is positive evidence of some renewal, granite countertops, decent room furniture, flat screen television, a mini-fridge, plenty of power outlets and a HVAC system that works. The beds in our room, however, had marshmallow mattresses and mediocre pillows, which was a disappointment. The complimentary breakfast is typical of their competitors, generic, mostly sealed in cellophane and a bit depressing. My suggestion is to walk a hundred yards and have your breakfast at Collegetown Bagels in the adjacent strip mall. We continue to stay here because it is quiet, reasonably safe and very close to the Cornell campus. With the exception of the Statler, all other hotel options are further away. They even have a small shuttle bus with a flexible schedule. The price is generally fair, although like everywhere it goes up substantially during major events next door. We have tried a number of their competitors, but we usually return. The location can't be beat.

less