Are you looking for the best hotels in Ithaca NY? Perfect! We are going to show you the 8 top rated hotel options available to you including cheap and luxury hotels in Downtown Ithaca, close to popular NY State Parks and near the Cornell University campus.
Instead of trawling through randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best hotels near Ithaca NY for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own extensive experiences.
Here’s how we will break down the best hotels in Ithaca New York to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- Our Ithaca experience
- Why stay in Ithaca?
- Popular things to do around Ithaca
- Ithaca hotels map
- 8 best Ithaca NY hotels
Let’s find you the perfect Ithaca hotel for your trip to the popular NY Finger Lakes region!
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Our Ithaca NY Hotels Experience
Kristen is an Upstate NY native and after moving to the US in 2019, Mark lived in the Finger Lakes region for over a year during the coronavirus pandemic.
We spent a lot of time exploring the local area and that included several visits to in Robert H Treman, Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls State Parks near Ithaca, New York.
On two separate visits to the Ithaca area we have stayed in hotels near the shores of Cayuga Lake, one close to Taughannock Falls and one in Downtown Ithaca.
Both are included in this guide and we intend to personally stay in each of the other hotels on future visits.
Why Stay In Ithaca, New York?
Ithaca is most famous for being home to Cornell University, one of the 8 Ivy League Universities in America.
A little over 15,000 undergraduate students are enrolled at Cornell, which means many families visit Ithaca to spend time with kids each year.
However, thousands of New Yorkers and many more within driving distance flock to the Ithaca area to set up base for further exploring the popular Finger Lakes region.
Why?
Well, the tranquil Finger Lakes area is filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, wine tasting trails and so much more. It is the perfect place to escape city life in the northeast, especially in summer and fall when the weather is warmer and the colors begin to change.
Things To Do Around Ithaca NY
So what can you do if you decide to spend two or three nights at a hotel in Ithaca?
Let’s take a look at what is in store for your visit:
- Photograph the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies at Taughannock Falls State Park
- Hike the gorge trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Photograph Lucifer Falls at Robert H Treman State Park
- Book a wine tour around Cayuga Lake
- See Ithaca Falls in town
- Walk around Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Hike the Cascadilla Gorge Trail in town
- Eat, drink and shop around Ithaca Commons
Want to see the best of the Finger Lakes?
Read our complete guide to the 10 best places to visit in the Finger Lakes on our sister site next to help with planning your itinerary!
Are Hotels In Ithaca NY Expensive?
Average hotel prices in Ithaca are reasonable for most of the year considering the small city is home to a prestigious Ivy League School.
But it is important to note that Ithaca and the surrounding areas are extremely seasonal and hotel prices will fluctuate accordingly in summer months.
Travelers on a low budget can find Ithaca hotel rooms for around $100 / night in off season.
However, during the summer months when the popular State Parks are in full swing, you can pay anywhere up to $500 / night at the more luxurious hotels near Ithaca NY.
With that said, there are three important things we want to make you aware of before booking your hotel in Ithaca NY.
1. Hotel Tax In Ithaca, New York
The first thing you should bear in mind when booking hotels near Ithaca is Hotel Tax, which is officially known as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Ithaca is located in Tompkins County, New York which levies 13% hotel tax on all stays, no matter how you book your room.
So let’s say a room costs $100 for one night in Ithaca, your total cost is going to be $113.00
- When booking your hotel using Booking.com look under the price for includes taxes and fees. This means the price you see is final and will not be subject to further add ons.
- Conversely, if you see text reading something like +$30 for taxes and fees, that means you will pay the hotel room cost + the additional 13% fee for bed tax.
Tax is nothing new to Americans who are used to paying tax on pretty much everything, but for international visitors this is something to be aware of so you avoid any nasty surprises when you come to pay!
2. Staying In Downtown Ithaca
Certain hotels in Downtown Ithaca NY charge a further 5% city tax per night on all stays, that includes booking through any hotel search engine or going direct.
If you stay outside of the Downtown Ithaca area, you will not be subject to the additional 5% tax.
This is another factor to consider when booking your Ithaca NY hotel, especially if visiting in summer when the prices are much higher.
3. Seasonality In Ithaca
As we mentioned earlier, Ithaca has a peak season and a low season:
- Peak season in Ithaca is from the end of May until early September when hiking in nearby State Parks is popular, wine trails are open and hotels are much busier.
- Off season in Ithaca is mostly during the cold and snowy winter months from November through May.
What does this mean for booking hotels in Ithaca?
Well, it means seasonality will inevitably play a role in hotel availability and affordability for your visit.
You should expect to pay more per night to stay in any hotel near Ithaca during the months of June, July and August.
It is also worth considering that hotel prices will inflate heavily during holiday weekends.
Travel tip: Notice the gap between seasons in September and October? During these shoulder months you can pick up cheaper hotel rates and enjoy stunning fall foliage colors around Ithaca, NY.
Where To Stay In Ithaca NY
We can quite easily divide Ithaca up into 3 popular areas of interest to cover most visitors:
- 1. Cornell University
- 2. State Parks and Cayuga Lake
- 3. Downtown Ithaca
Many visitors to Ithaca are in town to see loved ones studying at Cornell and there are a handful of highly regarded hotels on or near campus.
Ithaca has 3 of the best New York State Parks right on the doorstep and there are plenty of excellent hotel options within minutes of Robert H Treman, Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls.
Those of you who prefer to stay in the more lively and built up areas in town can forget the campus and quiet lakeside hotels, instead opting for a hotel near State Street in the heart of Downtown Ithaca.
No matter where you stay, the city is small and you can easily get around by car. You can even see some of the best waterfalls in Ithaca simply by walking along multiple gorges cutting through the center of town.
Ithaca NY Hotels Map
Let’s take a quick look at an interactive Google Map showing the locations of the 8 best Ithaca hotels featured in this guide.
Map key:
- Green icons – Cheap hotels in Ithaca
- Red icons – Mid range budget hotels in Ithaca
- Blue icons – Luxury hotels in Ithaca
Click or touch the map to activate.
Zoom in and out, move around the Ithaca area and see exactly where each lodging option is located.
8 Best Hotels In Ithaca NY
OK, let’s take a look at each of the best hotels in Ithaca NY.
We have hand picked the top 8 Ithaca hotels by compiling and comparing previous guest ratings, location, value for money and our experiences in the area.
Hotels are listed in order of average nightly cost within three price range categories; cheap, mid range and luxury.
You will find 2 x cheap hotels, 4 x mid range hotels and 2 x luxury hotels. Each represents a top rated hotel within its price category.
Let’s kick things off with the best cheap hotels in Ithaca NY!
1. Rodeway Inn
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.5 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, pet friendly, BBQ facilities, breakfast included
- Location: Robert H Treman State Park
Rodeway Inn is hands down the best cheap hotel near Robert H Treman and Buttermilk Falls State Parks to the southwest of Ithaca NY. It has very high ratings and positive comments, as well as the ideal location if you are visiting Ithaca to hike in the State Parks.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort and cleanliness the highest at Rodeway Inn. It is basic but it is clean, quiet, comfortable and has a free breakfast. We’ve stayed at Rodeway Inn’s across America and they’re not always the best, but this is definitely an exception and a top choice for those on a low budget.
>> Book Hotel: Rodeway Inn Ithaca NY
2. The Dorm Hotel
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.1 / 10
- Google – 4.9 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, terrace, bar
- Location: Cornell University
The Dorm is a very highly rated Cornell dormitory themed hotel in Ithaca NY. It has a superb location half way between Downtown Ithaca and Cornell campus, as well as excellent value for money with affordable nightly prices. This is the place to stay for visiting relatives on a budget.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at The Dorm Hotel. Don’t let the dorm theme put you off, this highly regarded Ithaca NY hotel welcomes all types of guest and you will even find self-pour wine tasting at the on site bar.
>> Book Hotel: The Dorm Hotel Ithaca NY
3. Hilton Garden Inn
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, pet friendly, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar, breakfast available (extra fee)
- Location: Downtown Ithaca
Hilton Garden Inn is a superbly rated Downtown Ithaca NY hotel offering a pool, gym, hot tub and bar at a very reasonable price point. It is located in the heart of the shopping and dining areas of Downtown, within 7 minutes walk of Cascadilla Gorge Trail.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Hilton Garden Inn. This is one of the best places for families to stay in Ithaca and it is a fantastic choice for couples or solo travelers who want a quality hotel with plenty of amenities in the Downtown area.
>> Book Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca NY
4. Argos Inn Boutique
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, bar, patio, sun room
- Location: Downtown Ithaca
Argos Inn is an elegant boutique hotel in Ithaca NY oozing charm and character. It has a popular bar serving up cocktails and a top location on the edge of the lively Commons area. Rooms are beautifully decorated and guests have access to quality coffee in the sun room each morning.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Argos Inn. This is a very highly rated boutique hotel with unique furnishings and a great vibe, perfect for those who prefer to stay away from the typical hotel chains.
>> Book Hotel: Argos Inn Boutique Ithaca NY
5. La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, full service spa, fitness center, breakfast available, free shuttle service, on site restaurant and bar with complimentary wine hour, pet friendly
- Location: Buttermilk Falls State Park
La Tourelle is a unique spa hotel near Ithaca NY with direct hiking access to Buttermilk Falls State Park gorge trail. This is a fantastic place to stay if you want a quiet retreat close to hiking and biking trails but still within easy driving distance of Downtown Ithaca.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at La Tourelle. The highly rated onsite Bistro serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner for those who want a complete escape and it has a full service spa which is perfect after a long day hiking in the parks.
>> Book Hotel: La Tourelle Hotel & Spa Ithaca NY
6. New Park Event Venue & Suites
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.8 / 5
- Price: Mid range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, garden, shared lounge, BBQ facilities, pet friendly
- Location: Cayuga Lake
New Park is another unique and exceptionally well regarded place to stay in Ithaca NY. This accommodation offers stunning suites in a quiet and secluded lakeside location just 2 miles from Taughannock Falls. It is a popular wedding venue and has very positive comments.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at New Park. It gets a clean sweep with top scores! This is a great mid range budget option for couples seeking a romantic break in the Finger Lakes. Right from the lit up entrance you know it is going to be great.
>> Book Hotel: New Park Event Venue & Suites Ithaca NY
7. The Statler At Cornell
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, on site restaurant, terrace and bar, complimentary airport shuttle, fitness center, parking ($15 / day)
- Location: Cornell University
The Statler is an upscale luxury hotel in Ithaca NY located within the Cornell campus. It offers a free airport shuttle and typically hosts the families of students from all over the world, which makes it a great place for meeting interesting people from all walks of life.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at The Statler. The higher prices here are going to put some off, but this is where to stay if you are looking for the most convenient and luxurious hotels in Ithaca NY near Cornell University.
>> Book Hotel: The Statler At Cornell Ithaca NY
8. Inn At Taughannock Falls
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free parking, outdoor fire pits, breakfast included, laundry, lake views, seasonal restaurant and bar
- Location: Taughannock Falls State Park
The Inn At Taughannock Falls is a magnificent place to stay right at the entrance to Taughannock Falls State Park gorge hiking trail. Prices aren’t as steep as you might imagine and this place books up a long way in advance, especially on weekends throughout summer.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at the Inn At Taughannock Falls. We spent a memorable night in a luxurious room with a four poster bed and a stunning bathroom with lake views during our latest trip to Ithaca in April 2023. Breakfast is also wonderful!
>> Book Hotel: Inn At Taughannock Falls Ithaca NY
Best Hotels In Ithaca FAQ’s
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about places to stay in Ithaca, New York.
What is the best cheap hotel in Ithaca NY?
Rodeway Inn near Buttermilk Falls and Robert H Treman State Parks is the top rated cheap hotel in Ithaca NY according to hundreds of previous guests. It is affordable, comfortable, has excellent access to the parks and is close to Downtown Ithaca.
What is the best luxury hotel in Ithaca NY?
The Inn at Taughannock Falls is our favorite luxury hotel in Ithaca NY. It is peaceful, has Cayuga Lake views and provides direct access to the gorge trail hike which leads to the mighty Taughannock Falls waterfall.
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We hope this guide to the best hotels in Ithaca NY helps you book the perfect hotel for your visit to the Finger Lakes!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the hotels in our list of best places to stay in Ithaca NY by commenting below.
Happy Booking,
Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are experts at finding and booking hotels. They’ve been traveling the world for over 6 years, staying at more than 500 hotels across 4 continents.
They only write about places they have personally visited themselves, which means every article you read on Best Hotels Anywhere is created directly from first hand experience. Read more about us.