Framed by gorges, waterfalls, and the shimmering waters of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a destination where the stay is part of the adventure, too! Here’s our rundown of some of the most unique places to stay in Ithaca.

Boutique Hotels In Downtown Ithaca

Ithaca’s boutique stays are all about character. These lovingly restored homes come with plenty of personality, many of which are deeply embedded in New York history. The William Henry Miller Inn, located just off The Commons, is one of the best-loved historic inns in Ithaca, NY. Designed by Cornell’s first professor of architecture, it’s known for its cozy welcome and tempting breakfast spread.

Meanwhile, the Argos Inn combines Victorian architecture with contemporary decor, plush interiors, and one of the city’s most well-known cocktail lounges. Its central location makes it a favourite for couples who want nightlife and restaurants nearby, as well as for folks looking for special places to stay during Cornell graduation weekend.

Chic Retreats in Ithaca

A short drive beyond downtown, the countryside around Ithaca is dotted with stately inns that pair pastoral scenes with deluxe accommodation. The Benn Conger Inn is one of the premier luxury stays in the Finger Lakes near Ithaca, whose elegant common spaces make it a popular choice for weddings and special events.

For wine country lodging in the Finger Lakes, the Halsey House in Trumansburg provides spacious rooms in a Greek Revival mansion. The John Joseph Inn elvates the experience further with a working farm and chef-driven dining, with meals often featuring ingredients grown on-site!

A design-forward choice is the Shangri-Lodge, which is one of the most unique vacation rentals in Ithaca. Or, if you want to add a wellness element to your getaway, The Inn at Gothic Eves has spa services, hot tubs, and a meditative garden.

La Tourelle is a family-run hotel on Ithaca’s South Hill, where you can walk straight from your room onto the Buttermilk Falls trails or settle into their on-site August Moon Spa. It’s equal parts practical and distinctive. Book a glamping tent in the meadow, enjoy house cocktails at their bistro, or just use it as a comfortable base to explore the Finger Lakes!

Ithaca’s Cabins, Glamping, and Eco-Friendly Stays

If waking to birdsong and falling asleep by a crackling campfire is your idea of the perfect escape, Firelight Camps offers rustic yet comfortable lodging near Buttermilk Falls State Park. Their glamping tents feature hardwood floors, feather-soft beds, and a communal fire pit, creating a space where you can get back to nature with all the creature comforts. 

For a truly unique stay in the Finger Lakes, book the Cozy Caboose, a converted vintage train car tucked away in the woods. Or, if you’re traveling with a bigger group, consider RoseBarb Farm Cottage, which features a beautiful garden and swimming pool, all located on a working farm.

Lakefront Vacation Rentals on Cayuga Lake

There’s nothing quite like waking up to Cayuga Lake shimmering outside your window. For sunset lovers, Cayuga Lakefront West Side Story offers a pet-friendly accommodation in Ithaca with panoramic views over the water and direct lake access. Alternatively, The Lake House is among our favorite family-friendly stays in Ithaca with a pool, combining classic cottage charm with modern amenities.

Other Unique Stays in Ithaca

The Grayhaven Motel is a mid-century roadside stop that still feels authentic. Its neon glow, wood-paneled rooms, and quick lake access make it practical while still feeling like a snapshot from another decade!

And perched in the hills above Ithaca, the Inn at Gothic Eves offers quiet solitude across its elegant, individually decorated cottages. With candlelit dining, a library lounge, and wraparound porches, it’s a place that invites guests to slow down and let the surrounding woods set the pace of their visit. 

Travel Essentials for Ithaca

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring brings roaring waterfalls, summer is perfect for lakefront stays and glamping, and autumn transforms the hills with brilliant foliage. Winter can be chilly, so opt for a cozy inn stay. 

  • Getting Around: Ithaca Tompkins International Airport offers daily flights, but most visitors choose to rent a car to fully explore the Finger Lakes’ wineries, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Downtown Ithaca is walkable, with plenty of cafés and shops clustered around The Commons.

  • Booking Tips: Boutique inns and B&Bs fill quickly for Cornell and Ithaca College events, while lakeside rentals and glamping tents are at their busiest in July and August. Graduation weekends in May are peak demand, so secure reservations early.

In the Finger Lakes, you’ll find unique character at every turn. Wherever you choose to rest your head at night, you’ll discover Ithaca’s charm runs deeper than its gorges. Start planning your visit to Ithaca today!