The Statler Hotel at Cornell University

For those seeking a truly luxurious and distinctive stay through platforms like "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Ithaca, NY area, The Statler Hotel at Cornell University represents a premier choice. Located directly on the Cornell University campus at 130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, this iconic hotel offers an unparalleled blend of academic charm, world-class hospitality, and sophisticated comfort, frequently lauded by guests as a "wonderful hotel" with "excellent service" and a "luxury experience."

The Statler Hotel's location is perhaps its most defining characteristic. Situated right in the heart of the Cornell University campus, it provides guests with immediate access to the university's stunning architecture, academic buildings, and cultural attractions like the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and Cornell Botanic Gardens. For anyone visiting Cornell—whether for admissions, conferences, alumni events, or simply to explore the Ivy League campus—the Statler offers unmatched convenience. The hotel is named for E.M. Statler, a hospitality pioneer, and serves as a living laboratory for the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, with many of the staff being students, adding a unique, well-intentioned, and often highly professional dimension to the service.

Beyond the campus, the hotel's elevated position offers breathtaking views of Cornell's McGraw Tower, the campus landscape, and the majestic surroundings of Cayuga Lake and the Finger Lakes countryside. While not directly in downtown Ithaca, the downtown Commons area is easily accessible, providing a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options within a short drive. The hotel's proximity to major natural attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park (both within 5 miles) also makes it an excellent base for exploring the region's famous gorges and waterfalls. The Cayuga Wine Trail is also within five miles, offering further opportunities for leisure and exploration. The overall environment is described as "silent" and peaceful, contributing to a restful stay.

The Statler Hotel is renowned for its "excellent service" and "super friendly and polite staff." Guests consistently praise the attentiveness and professionalism of the team, from quick and efficient parking attendants to welcoming front desk clerks. Many reviewers highlight the staff's dedication to making each stay "wonderful," often going above and beyond, such as offering room upgrades with "insane clocktower view." The service ethos, ingrained through the hotel's role as a teaching institution, often translates into a highly polished and engaging guest experience.

The hotel offers a comprehensive range of services to cater to both leisure and business travelers. Dining is a significant highlight, with multiple on-site options. Taverna Banfi, an Italian restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is praised for its "exceptional food and service." Guests can also enjoy the Regent Lounge for drinks and light fare, and the Terrace restaurant. While breakfast is available, it is not complimentary and is offered for a fee. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service for in-room dining convenience.

Other key services include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and express check-in/check-out. The hotel offers valet parking and self-parking for a daily fee, with efficient attendants. A significant convenience is the complimentary airport shuttle service to Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH), available on request from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM. For business needs, there's a 24-hour business center, as well as extensive meeting and event spaces, including the J. Willard Marriott Executive Education Center and the elegant Carrier Ballroom, capable of hosting events for up to 700 people. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available, and the hotel is pet-friendly, allowing pets for an additional fee.

The Statler Hotel offers 153 "world-class comfort" guest rooms and suites across nine floors, each featuring "current designs and all the amenities you expect in the best hotels." Many rooms boast "sweeping views of the Cornell University campus and the majestic surroundings of Cayuga Lake," with specific "Clocktower View" rooms being particularly sought after. Rooms are described as "very clean," "comfortable," "well appointed," and "beautiful," with luxurious bedding including plush pillow-top mattresses, premium bedding, and down comforters.

In-room amenities are extensive and designed for a luxury experience. They include flat-screen LCD televisions with digital channels, refrigerators, single-serve coffee makers, and iPod docks/iHome clock radios. Bathrooms are well-stocked with "fabulous products" (Five Wits bath amenities) and feature glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, with some "Urban Guestrooms" uniquely offering bathtubs. Other comforts include Frette bathrobes, slippers, hair dryers, in-room safes (laptop compatible), and a desk with a laptop workspace. Hypoallergenic bedding is available upon request.

Beyond the private accommodations, the hotel provides a range of amenities to enhance guest stays. There's a well-equipped fitness center for guests to maintain their exercise routines. The hotel houses multiple dining venues: Taverna Banfi (Italian), the Regent Lounge (bar/lounge), and the Terrace (restaurant), providing diverse culinary experiences. The property also features a gift shop/newsstand, an ATM, and vending machines. Accessibility is well-addressed with accessible guestrooms featuring roll-in showers and grab bars, and accessible routes throughout the public areas. The hotel also offers electrical car charging stations for guests with EVs.

The Statler Hotel frequently offers special packages and promotions designed to enhance various types of stays. These can include:

• Student Experience Package: Tailored for prospective students or those wishing to experience campus life, often includes overnight accommodations, complimentary valet parking, Cornell swag, a campus scavenger hunt, and a food & beverage credit.
• Bed and Breakfast Package: Typically includes overnight accommodations and a food & beverage credit for breakfast at Taverna Banfi, along with complimentary valet parking.
• Romance Package: Designed for couples, this may include overnight stays with turndown service, sparkling wine and cheeses upon arrival, credits for breakfast and dinner at Taverna Banfi, complimentary valet parking, and a late check-out.
• Stay More, Save More: Offers discounts, such as 10% off, for stays of two or more nights, encouraging guests to extend their exploration of Cornell and the Finger Lakes.

The hotel also runs "Travel Tuesday" promotions, offering exclusive one-day online discounts advertised via social media. Guests are encouraged to join the hotel's email club to receive these offers directly in their inbox. While The Statler Hotel is not part of a large chain loyalty program like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, its direct promotions and the unique value of its on-campus luxury experience often make up for this. Due to its popularity and prime location, especially during university events like graduation, parent's weekends, or homecoming, it is highly recommended to book well in advance to secure preferred dates and rates. The hotel's emphasis on "A Little More, A Little Better Service" underscores its commitment to providing an exceptional value, making every stay a memorable one for those searching for a top-tier hotel in Ithaca.