As an alumna of Ithaca College, I like to return to Ithaca often. The Inn on Columbia is my go-to place to stay, and, when my niece also enrolled at IC, it became the go-to spot for my brother's family, too. The Inn is a unique collection of houses and rooms close to downtown Ithaca - walking distance! Upon arriving, I'm greeted by hosts Madeline and Kenn--and the most amazing smells from Madeline's kitchen! Between the local apple cider and the amazing breakfasts, I tell myself calories don't count at the Inn. Some things to note: -Kenn is an architect, see if you can get him to talk about the history of building the inn -The Inn is dog friendly!! -Snag the gazebo is you're wanting some privacy -Bring hiking boots and explore the nearby trails -Book early... there might be times you can be spontaneous, but for big weekends (alumni/reunion, commencement), the rooms book up WAY in advance read more

As good as it gets! The owners, Ken and Madeline were such wonderful hosts and very resourceful. Madeline prepares the daily breakfasts, which were so delicious and nutritious (e.g. waffles, frittatas, homemade granola, fruit, etc.). Breakfast offerings change daily and she uses the freshest ingredients; I'm super picky and every option sounded scrumptious. It was hard to choose just one! HIGHLY recommend the Gazebo room; it is a standalone room situated towards the back of the property and is very private and romantic. The decor is simple, yet elegant. It includes an oversized jet tub, spacious bedroom and bathroom and mini fridge. There is also a fireplace in the room and is stocked with lavender toiletries. My boyfriend and I appreciated the attention to detail in this room. We will absolutely be back! Madeline and Ken were happy to recommend activities and restaurants as well. There is a lot to do in the area and I cannot wait to visit in the fall. Parking off-street, wi-fi, delicious cookies and juice served in the evenings, beautiful grounds and the list goes on. You will NOT be disappointed with this lovely bed and breakfast. read more

We could not be happier with our stay at Inn on Columbia. Our accommodations were beautiful and the breakfast was delicious. The hosts could not be nicer and our dogs enjoyed playing with the resident pup. If we return to the area, I hope we can stay again. read more

Perfect in every way! Marvelous! Don't hesitate to stay here! We stayed in the Carriage House for four days and it was wonderful! The breakfast was superb (thanks Madeline!), the mix of architectural elements was incredible (thanks Kenn!), and the hosts and their pets were lovely. It really and truly felt like being in someone's home. The staff was so nice, and if we lived on the east coast, this would definitely be our regular getaway pad! Everyone was warm and inviting, and very welcoming, but not intrusive. The Carriage House was so comfortable and was like having your own little modern cabin with all the trimmings in and around it. I'm just sorry we were so busy with wedding guest obligations that we didn't have a lot of time to just relax on the property. I can understand how Madeline and Kenn have so many repeat guests for they are excellent hosts and good, caring people! If we are back in the area again, this would - without any doubt - be our Number One choice for accommodations. Thank you for a wonderful stay! read more

Really enjoyed my stay here ! The decor is gorgeous and breakfast was delicious! Highly recommend!!! read more

Inn on Columbia - Delicious !!!!! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Not bad... This place isn't in the most convenient location if you're visiting Cornell. However, it's a short walk from the Commons, which is nice. The best part of our visit was the dog, Sophia. The rooms are relatively comfortable, though the walls are thin and you can hear your neighbors decently well. The television didn't work (so we entertained ourselves on the iPad). read more

Kenn and Madeline are super kind and accommodating hosts! The rooms are comfortable, clean, and very well decorated, and the breakfast is absolutely delicious. The food is probably better here than at any other hotel! The Inn on Columbia is such a small business gem read more

Upon arrival, the touch-less check-in was flawless. Our accommodations were in good order. Nice room and private separate bath. Breakfast was great, well prepared. There was always options. Breakfast times are flexible, communicated and timely, depending on our schedule. Town, Ithaca commons, was easily within walking distance. The B&B owners were friendly and extremely helpful with directions, business recommendations and accommodating special requests we had. The B&B is animal friendly, as they have friendly dog (Olive) and cat (Jasmine). The furnishings are comfortable, and some interesting antiques, paintings, and sculptures creates a relaxing atmosphere, interest in texture and presentation. We love talking to owners and would definitely choose to stay again. read more

Lots of positive things to say. The hosts are delightful. The decor is both warm and modern - a nice combination. The breakfast is simple, but tasty and fresh. The location is fabulous - an easy stroll to the Commons. But there were two negatives that had an impact on our enjoyment. First, the shared kitchen was not cleaned on one day of our visit. The sink filled with unwashed dishes from other guests, and the trash literally overflowed from the bin. Second, the mattress was possibly the most uncomfortable mattress I've ever slept on, including decades-old sofabeds. I could feel every spring poking through. It sagged deeply in the middle. I slept very, very poorly. Honestly, it's strange. The room was very well-appointed, and a decent foam mattress is so inexpensive these days. read more

We stayed at the 208 Hudson St house, which is connected to the Columbia street address via a backyard gate. The room was large, including a living room with gas fireplace, a bedroom and a kitchen. Decor was all 1920's modern, which I quite liked, but my wife found a little uncomfortable as far as the chairs and sofas were concerned. The bathroom had a Jacuzzi, which was nice, but the associated shower suffered a bit as a result. The breakfast consisted of homemade muffins, banana bread, fruit and yogurt delivered to the room in the evening along with a quart of milk. Coffee and coffee maker were provided in the room. All lighting was on timed motion sensors, just like one finds in many European guest houses. The vibe of the place was very civilized, with none of the dehumanizing aspects that all but the finest hotels unfortunately have. It felt more like a tasteful pied a terre than overnight accommodations. We both commented on how it would have been entirely pleasant to stay there indefinitely. Just a few blocks' walk down the hill put us at Ithaca Commons, so we felt connected to Ithaca instead of removed from it. Watching groups of students wandering up and down the street looking for a Saturday night's party only served to increase this feeling of connectedness, reminding me of when I was one of them. Don't come here expecting the country B&B experience - this is the charming town version. Deep discount for same day booking, making this place a perfect alternative to a hotel and securing four stars. Book in advance and it's on the edge of pricey, which is why this is not a five star review. read more

We recently stayed here for our daughter's graduation from Cornell. if you are in or near Ithaca and are looking for a comfortable, friendly, and relaxing place to stay, there is a better place to stay than Inn on Columbia. Madeline and Kenn are very gracious hosts. Madeline prepares the best breakfasts to sustain you on whatever the day's activities entail. And, Kenn is the ultimate handy man, architect (he does a lot of the design and work on his Inn and nearby houses), and Kenn collects antique cars. If you ask nicely you might be able to get a ride in the 1939 Packard or maybe even the 1931 Durant, if you time it right. One evening, wile staying in the main house, we were offered a glass of wine, which as it turns out was a favorite Zin of mine. We didn't expect it and it was a nice gesture to cap off a momentous day for us. The room was very comfortable, king-size bed, TV (Satellite), Wifi, & separate bath. The sitting are had comfortable couches and a nice fireplace to chase away the chill of May in Ithaca. And unexpected occurrence, since earlier in the week it was 90F! Madeline's breakfasts consist of homemade muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee or tea, and typically a choice of oatmeal, an egg dish and pancakes or waffles. We also always seem to meet a few interesting couples staying at the Inn. An added bonus when lounging around the property. read more

We visited this lovely place in August, and this is a fabulous place to stay! The hostess could not have been more hospitable and gracious, even bringing us a bottle of wine to share on our front porch. The breakfast was a "10", fresh and delicious! read more

We stayed at the Inn on Columbia the weekend of our wedding in Ithaca and it was a wonderful experience. The Gazebo room was recommended to me and it totally fit the bill for what we were looking for! The room had great privacy, a really interesting layout and design, and was much quieter than other lodging options we would have had if we stayed on Ithaca Commons. Additionally, the breakfast was fantastic. Madeline is the breakfast czaress extraordinaire! She treated us to an amazing selection everyday of fresh pastries, oatmeal and fresh fruit, a great fritatta (my choice), and delicious homemade pancakes (my wife's fave!). All this was served at a classic B+B style breakfast table where we had fun meeting and chatting with some of the other guests. My only concern was that the room was a little pricey for Ithaca. For a special wedding weekend, it was totally worth it, but for another Ithaca visit, I would weigh whether or not the premium was what I fully wanted. read more

This place was so lovely! The owners were so accommodating and helpful, and gave us some great tips on things to do and restaurants to try! Our room was quiet and comfortable, and a walkable distance to Ithaca Commons. What more could you ask for? read more

We stayed at the Gazebo for two nights and found it surprisingly successful at setting itself apart from the street noise. The room was charming and clean, although the structure itself is a bit old with some of the quirks that come with it (the bathroom door sticks in its frame, the floor tiling is slightly uneven). Nothing that interfered with our time there, but it's a bit different from more traditional hotel rooms. The staff was wonderful, and the breakfast was absolutely lovely (fresh coffee, OJ, fruit salad, assorted pastries, and some pretty exceptional French toast). It was a little difficult to find parking. All in all, we had a great stay and would recommend the Gazebo. read more

Very disappointed with the overall experience. When we arrived I saw beverages and some sort of baked snack but was not offered any. Continental breakfast is the stuff you have in your desk draw. Instant oatmeal, granola bars, fruit and yogurt. They do bring in pastries the night before for breakfast that are bland and taste like day old sawdust. Also the toilet is in the shower, a tiled room that after your shower the floor and toilet are all wet. The room was clean, the bed comfortable but the pillows are not. Also, light comes in thru uncovered closet window. read more

Absolutely amazing! This is by far the best B&B we've ever stayed at. We took our first family trip to upstate NY and decided to stay at this charming place. The hosts, Kenn and Madeline, are the nicest people and super accommodating. The breakfast was delicious! Our 10m old son loved Madeline's homebaked goods. We stayed in the carriage house, which is super spacious and just lovely; it definitely fit our little family and then some. I highly recommend this place. It's a short walk from downtown, farmers market and some must see waterfalls. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. We'll be seeing you soon! read more

I stayed at the Inn on Columbia in June 2009 for three nights. The home was beautiful and inviting. The outdoor spaces were immaculately kept yet park-like and serene. We did not sleep on the main property but rather an adjacent one on Hudson street. The two bedroom "apartment" was beautifully renovated, quiet and well proportioned. But most of all, the beds were firm and comfortable with fresh linens. And Madeline's baked goods were absolutely delicious to have in the morning. My experience at the Inn on Columbia was a modern, sophisticated version of luxurious comfort. Definately more of a mini hotel rather than a B and B. Hope you enjoy it! read more

A friend and I drove down for an overnight stay at the Inn at Columbia. We took advantage of the procrastinator's special (check out their website for details). It was a great time--we stayed in a room at the main house that hand plenty of space and our own bathroom. Everything was scrupulously clean. The location was great; we had an easy walk to Ithaca Commons and Cornell. Breakfast was good, with homemade muffins and a choice of entrees. The innkeepers were very friendly and warm and offered great suggestions for places for us to visit. We would definitely go back. read more

Beautiful, comfortable, modern inn. The architecture of this inn is gorgeous and the rooms are designed with simplicity but are very luxurious. There is a great common area and deck to drink coffee out on. The only very small critique I had was I didn't love the breakfast provided. It was boxed with great care and there was yogurt and fruit but the muffins were dry and it felt a bit too minimalist. The inn is also in a great location just a few minutes from so many great places to see and the owners were incredibly helpful in planning our day trips to the wineries and where to eat. I would definitely stay here again in a heartbeat. read more

I thought this was the nicest bed and breakfast I have ever been to, and one of the nicest hotels I ever stayed at. The room was huge, and included a large sitting area, and a dining table. I believe they offer a deep discount if you reserve the day of your stay, but I would look up their website first. Breakfast was great as well, much better than having to find something yourself. If you want a romantic stay in Ithaca, and potentially a cheap one, come here! read more

We recently stayed in the Cottage with the Inn on Columbia and had a great time. The space was really unique and perfect for what we needed. The cottage is what looks to be a converted garage with two levels. The first level has a sitting area (the couch folds out to a bed), a table, and a small kitchen. Upstairs is a bedroom with an exposed shower. By exposed I mean it is a jacuzzi bath with a shower curtain which is in the bedroom itself and not closed off in a separate bathroom. (This was fine for us because all of us staying there were good friends.) The sink is also out in the main bedroom. The toilet, however, is behind a separate door. It was a comfortable space to sleep four people (as long as two people are okay with a fold out bed). We also used the cottage as a meeting point for other friends before taking a wine tour around the Cayuga Lake. There was plenty of space in the downstairs living room/kitchen area for 10 of us to all gather before our van picked us up. The location was also very close to Ithaca Commons. It was only two blocks away from restaurants and bars. The breakfast was also delicious. Each day we had a basket full of delicious fresh fruit, baked goods. They also supplied us with a carton of orange juice, milk, GOOD coffee, and yogurt. There were also dishes and other necessities provided for us (paper towels, dish soap, etc.) We really had a great time and I definitely recommend the Inn as a great place to stay! It is also a reasonable, spacious alternative to some of the chain hotels downtown. Comparable suites in some of the hotels downtown were much more expensive. read more

Fantastic, memorable stay! A true gem. Very friendly to pets and humans. Fantastic breakfast, friendly hosts, and carefully decorated and spacious rooms. I highly recommend it. I checked the rooms before arriving and that may have helped, as the only review I saw that wasn't ecstatic seemed to have stayed in the gazebo. We stayed in the Main house, which was refined and full of tiny finishing touches. read more

Second time staying with Inn on Columbia, the first time we stayed with a group of friends in one of the private houses, the second we stayed in their main B&B. Rooms and beds are very clean, very comfortable. Madeline and Kenn are so lovely, have great knowledge of the area. Madeline's breakfasts are absolutely fantastic. One of the best B&B's we've stayed in to date! read more

This is an absolutely amazing, charming place within walking distance of downtown Ithaca. Hosts are very friendly, helpful and Madeline cooks up a fantastic breakfast. They also know the area very well and can help you pick a destination or two for a romantic afternoon trip. The Bed & Breakfast has several rooms with various degree of intimacy/privacy, as well as other locations that can be rented, so check their website. read more

The hosts were very accommodating at last minute notice. We checked in late in the evening and were welcomed by homemade cookies and a box of pastries for the next morning. Small details like good lighting, furniture design, artwork, and bedding made our stay terrific. I would highly recommend this inn and money well spent for the size of our housing. It's incomparable to a hotel with the extra amenities this inn offers. read more

I have a couple stupidly minor (and easily remedied) complaints, but everything else went so far beyond our expectations that I can't bring myself to dock a star for them. Kenn and Madeline were so, so sweet, and so incredibly accommodating about our late check-in and late breakfast (because we're incompetent ). The gazebo was everything we hoped it would be, and more. It's gorgeous. There are fresh flowers by the bed, and a fireplace. Clean, delicate white curtains all around, and a shaded skylight overhead. The bathroom is spacious, with heated tiles and adorable vintage decor. It was so incredibly romantic. Breakfast was incredible. There was an impressive selection of different teas on the table (and as I was rifling through them, Madeline said, "And if you don't find what you're looking for there, I have more!"). We started off with a fresh fruit salad and a basket of baked goods, including pumpkin bread and a blueberry muffin. I love pumpkin bread and blueberry muffins. I think this is where they really won my heart. We were then given a whole bunch of other (healthy, but delicious and satisfying) breakfast options to choose from. The price was reasonable, and there are steep discounts if you choose to do their "procrastinator's special." The entire place was clean, and clearly well thought-out. There were helpful maps and restaurant suggestions and tourist pamphlets around the main house. 24hr street parking right in front of the inn. If you're considering staying here, you should be aware that there is a dog and a cat that wander around. They are so well trained and sweet, though, and should only be an issue if you have severe allergies. I guess it's only fair for me to include the less-than-perfect details. The plumbing is a little off. The toilet had some trouble flushing, but there was a handy dandy little plunger right next to it to prevent any embarrassment. When we tried to fill up the whirlpool, there was a little bit of debris (from the drain, maybe?), but we managed to drain/ pick them out. If you're looking for a view...there isn't really one. The inn is on a residential street, and the gazebo is pretty much in the backyard. The entire stay was so stellar, so comfortable, and so well done, despite the "drawbacks." I'd come back again and again. read more

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Columbia Inn (Carriage House behind the main house) the beginning of May 2009. I searched for a special place for the weekend of his graduation. The Carriage House was fabulous- it was private and tranquil- perfect for our farewell to Ithaca/Cornell. My boyfriend's father and sister drove in and were able to visit us at the Carriage House and lounge in the living area to unwind. There is a kitchenette area, bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. It is simply fabulous. The ambiance was relaxing and rejuvenating; it was modern, yet nostalgic. The breakfast was fantastic and only a walk across the deck away. The variety and fresh options were great. The host and hostess were very pleasant and extremely accommodating (-and an exceptional chef). We booked in advance as it was the Law School graduation weekend, and the other room and Gazebo were booked by couples, as well. We would definitely recommend, and would stay at the Columbia Inn again... if we plan to visit the area in the future. read more

Staying at Inn on Columbia is like staying with friends - but better. Ken and Madeline have expertly crafted their property into a refined and relaxing environment suitable for all of your needs! The food is top-flight, the coffee is great and their recommendations for recreation and food are on-point. But what makes this B&B so darn special are all the little touches that they've clearly put so much time into: folk and country music wafting lightly in the background, great big couches next to a roaring fireplace, thoughtfully chosen art all over the walls, excellent water pressure and excellent service. Stay here! Seriously. Your time in Ithaca deserves a place like this! read more

Kenn & Madeline made us feel at home when we stayed here for several nights for a friend's wedding. The breakfasts were really delicious& Madeline had all kinds of great suggestions for food, live music, farmer's market, etc. We stayed in the carriage house & enjoyed the whirlpool bath & all the light & foliage around the windows in the mornings. It is tucked away a bit from downtown, an elegant & comfortable spot. read more

Terrible service. Needed to cancel our reservation due to an emergency hospitalization, and even though I was committed to using our reservation another weekend, the Inn was completely inconsiderate of the situation (despite receiving documentation and getting notice of the cancellation 42 hours in advance) and charged our credit card the full amount. Emergencies happen and they are unpredictable. If you are human, and might not know what will come up in your life, then do not book a stay at this inn. read more

My wife and I honeymooned in the Finger Lakes in June of last year. We stayed in the Cottage (a unit down the street from the Inn on Columbia), and had such an amazing experience, we are going back on Sunday (8/15/2010) to stay in the Gazebo (AMAZING room on the premises of the main Inn). Our stay in the Cottage was just about perfect. The unit offered us plenty of space and nice amenities. We had a jacuzzi tub, toilet (with a separate door to the main area), and sink on the top floor (loft style bedroom area with tons of space), and a supremely comfortable bed. The perfect place to come relax after a day of wine tours! The main floor had a gas fireplace (would love to experience it in the winter!), and a couch, table and kitchenette with plenty of space. The owners are focused on sustainability and very environmentally conscious. This shows in the Cottage and made a big impression on my wife and I. The water heater was an On Demand system, which uses far less energy and makes a lot of sense in the Bed and Breakfast industry, given that you won't always have guests in the unit, so why keep 40 gallons of water hot at all times? Rounding out the environmental friendliness are CFL lights on motion sensors and reusable packaging on all of our breakfast goodies. Speaking of breakfast! While we're very excited to experience the main Inn's prepared breakfast, the breakfast at the Cottage was no slouch either. While we were out for the day, the owners came and performed all of the housecleaning duties, and refilled out breakfast supply, which consisted of yoghurt, Musli, and fresh fruits and baked goods. It had a very hearty and European feel to it, which was excellent. All other staples were available as well, such as oatmeal, coffee, milk, and orange juice. Great stuff with exceptional attention to detail - fresh flowers daily tied around the ribbon of our breakfast box :). Also, Ithaca Commons are within walking distance as well as Cornell College, which is a must see! Cayuga Lake's wine trail is a given considering where you are, and the Inn on Columbia is perfectly suited for that destination. In closing, I highly recommend the Inn on Columbia without reservation (although reservations are certainly accepted and encouraged.. ha ha). Enjoy! read more

Another nice stay at The Inn - in the Gazebo this time. Warm hospitality, quiet surroundings, location accessible to Cornell, Ithaca College and Downtown. We'll be back! read more

This is my favorite place to stay in Ithaca. I'm up here 4 times a year and every time has been an excellent experience. Kenn and Madeleine are consistently amazing hosts, every single time! Their attention to detail, local knowledge and design sensibility is above all else. Thank you SO much for a home away from home. If I could move in, I would. As a veterinarian away from home, it is nice to have their pets to say hi to. Sophie is the best! read more

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful stay at the Inn on Columbia this past weekend. We made the reservation at the last minute and got a really good deal ($99/night including breakfast). The hosts were really nice and accomodating, especially when we hit traffic and ended up coming in later than expected. The room was lovely and spacious and we had our own bathroom, wireless internet, shampoo & conditioner, etc. The breakfast was great - simple but yummy and you could eat at a time that was convenient for you. We stayed at the house on S Aurora Street which was super close to Ithaca Commons and very convenient for going out. Overall we loved our stay and would definitely come back! read more

We stayed in the Gazebo for a weekend and loved every moment of our stay. Kenn and Madeline are perfect hosts and as many other reviews say, Madeline's breakfasts are not only delicious but beautifully presented. They offered great suggestions for restaurants and activities and were always available for a quick chat. The room and grounds were both beautiful and well maintained. We'll definitely return again. read more

My husband and I have a cottage on Cayuga Lake and wanted to go up to check on some recent renovations. Our cottage has been closed up for the winter so we couldn't stay in it. We decided it would be fun to treat ourselves by staying in some local Inns. During our visit in Ithaca, we stayed at the Inn on Columbia, in the Green Room. Wasn't sure where the location of the room was because the Inn owners have a variety of buildings, and we didn't know where everything was in Ithaca. The location was great because we were able to walk to the Commons for dinner the 2 nights we were there. We loved the eclectic décor of the house our room was in. It actually gave us some ideas of things to do at our cottage. The owners are delightful and are very happy to give input on places to visit. We were delighted with afternoon treats and morning pastries. The kitchen was stocked with items we would need. I don't know about the other properties, but our room was in the 224 property and would be awesome for a group of families to rent together. Kenn and Madeline were awesome hosts. We plan to share this place with our friends who have a wedding coming up in August. read more

i love this little inn in ithaca! the proprietor is very friendly and helpful and the room that i reserved in the main house has a nice private bathroom. the downstairs common area had a nice selection of current magazines and newspapers. the only drawback is the street parking. when coming back late in the evening, most of the parking infront of the inn is already taken and you may have to park a block away. this could also happen when you check in which would be a bummer with the luggage. however, i was lucky and found a space on the same street when checking in. there is also a bit of a discount if you pay cash as opposed to putting it on a credit card. read more

Wonderful bed and breakfast. The property is eclectic, wonderfully appointed. Loved my stay in the Red Room. Madeline is a knowledgable, kind, helpful host! Architecturally beautiful property! read more

My family had a wonderful stay at the Inn on Columbia this past week! When traveling with a 4 yr old you never know what to expect. The hosts were beyond gracious, finding books and toys for my daughter to play with. And making delicious cheesy eggs especially for her, while preparing luscious gourmet breakfasts for all the adults! We stayed in the Carriage House, which had a terrific couch/sleeper bed for our daughter, and a bedroom with a door for my husband and me. The décor is sleek, sophisticated, yet so warm and inviting. Our daughter can't wait to return, and neither can we -- to this oasis in the middle of Ithaca ! read more