Hotels in Ithaca, NY

“A newly renovated motel thats just a short drive from downtown Ithaca, the Grayhaven Motel is a charming blend of vintage character and modern comfort.
The family-owned property has been lovingly restored, blending new remodel with old atheistic. Its atmosphere is welcoming, relaxed, and nostalgic; but with the conveniences today’s wanderer appreciates.
The rooms are tastefully decorated with a mid-century flair, clean lines, warm wood tones, and retro touches that give the space personality. Each room is clean and thoughtfully outfitted with comfortable bedding, locally inspired artwork, and modern amenities. It’s clear the owners put care into creating a place that feels both stylish and cozy.
One of the best aspects of the Grayhaven is its serene setting. Despite being only minutes from Cornell, Ithaca College, and the vibrant downtown scene, the motel feels tucked away in its own quiet corner of the Finger Lakes. Guests can relax in the outdoor spaces, wander the grounds, or enjoy a fire pit in the evening; which is highly recommended. You can buy firewood from them; 3 to 4 stacks is recommended. They also have a selection of snacks, a small menu of food, wine and beer and sodas available to buy in the main office.
Main office closes at 8pm.
The staff are friendly and helpful and can tel you about the surrounding area.
With its unique character, peaceful setting, and personal touches, the Grayhaven Motel offers an inviting alternative to chain hotels. For visitors who appreciate charm, comfort, and a sense of place. It’s definitely a fun vibe and a good price!”

“Really could not have been a better experience. The Inn is lively but you can also hide away in your cozy room and relax. The staff are wonderful and the Bar is a must visit for a great cocktail. Overall an amazing experience.”

“Great student run hotel. Service was genuine & great. Perfect location if you’re visiting Cornell. The physical property is ok, but is nearing the need for renovation compared to modern, newer hotels.”

“I am so happy to have discovered this gem when staying in Ithaca with my daughter. Everything was clean, comfortable and welcoming. Importantly to me when traveling is that I also felt very safe and parking is easy. The staff is welcoming, super helpful and informative. The Dorm Hotel is close to everything but just off the beaten path. They have a very cool draft brew distribution system in the lounge area and all the cooking amenities you might need. My room was clean and modernized. It has a fun college dorm theme, with a Cornell flair! I will definitely be staying here again on return trips! I highly recommend this cute boutique hotel.

Rooms: Comfortable, clean and full of team spirit. Each room has its own heat/cooling and light control. I rested easy knowing the notorious RBG was looking over me! (-;

Nearby activities: Cornell is why we came, but Ithaca is full of great restaurants, farmers markets and a fun art scene. You can’t miss the abundance of natural beauty including the Funger lakes, and a stunning gulch and hiking paths that run right through town. The best of Upstate New York.

Safety: Main entry is keyed during later hours otherwise staff is right there to greet you. Rooms are keyed with added deadbolts. Parking is on site and secure.”

“Primarily giving 5 stars because 2 bedroom suite was very spacious for 4 people. Room felt nice and for being right next to the elevator, I could not hear it. Breakfast was eh..”

“Hotel was nice. I stayed with my family. Location, service and room condition were good. I don’t want to recommend breakfast. Long waiting and order was missing.”

“Not a bad hotel for the price if you're dropping in to see your kids at college. It's inexpensive and reasonably well maintained. Front desk staff was very friendly. Rooms were updated. Beds were comfortable and clean. Breakfast was fresh with a good variety. Great location surrounded by shopping and restaurants.

Gripes? Parking lot was really dark. Need a light out there. No daily maid service so it's fine for a night or two but can be a problem for longer stays. Told at check-in that breakfast on Saturday was until 10am but they broke it down at 9. And the biggest problem was the noise. It looks like when they updated the rooms they replaced the typical noise absorbing carpeting with vinyl plank flooring. There are huge gaps under the doors and sound from the halls echoes into the rooms. Definitely need to stuff a towel under the door to get any sleep.”

“The room was nice and clean. It was very cozy and romantic. The sheets and towels were clean. They had a variety of choices at their breakfast in the morning. It was a nice experience.”

“I thought the room I stayed in was fair. No evidence of bedbugs as many others have mentioned. In fact it looks like they may have remodeled recently. Aside from some cleanliness/ maintenance issues (toilet, dust, etc), it was a comfortable stay.”