I had the pleasant good luck to find a reliable and wonderfully peaceful place to stay that is away…read morefrom the noise and hubbub of downtown Ithaca while still convenient to everything -- and I was astounded to find that not only was it was much more reasonably priced, it was more comfortable and far cleaner than many other locations I have stayed while visiting Ithaca. I had such a pleasant stay over the weekend that I returned for four more nights!
For those who have complained about the price in the past, I can only say this: if you do not understand that certain events in the life of a college town drive the costs of all accommodations, then you need to take a lesson in economics -- it is the law of supply and demand. I found the prices to be very in line and an excellent value. Travellers should not expect the same rates for a room during graduation or other popular events as during the rest of the year. That said, this was still the unsung best deal in town during Cornell Days!
The extremely kind and welcoming family who runs the Rodeway Inn & Suites have taken great pains to renovate: the spacious king room I stayed in was very roomy, tastefully decorated, immaculately clean, and featured all-new appliances (coffeemaker, microwave, small refrigerator, large flat-screen TV, ironing board/iron, hairdryer), furniture, and (very important for my weak lungs) what seemed to be all low-VOC furnishings. My lungs normally kick up a fuss when I stay in hotel rooms, but they were completely happy and non-reactive to this very clean, very new environment. (Other folks who have lung issues or chemical sensitivities will understand what I mean.)
There is an outer hallway that requires a passkey to open & separates the room doors from the parking lot, keeping any parking noise or travel dirt out of the rooms, and adding an extra layer of security.
I am a very picky hotel-goer, and I felt very at home here -- the bathroom was so immaculately clean, it almost made me feel inadequate as a housekeeper in my own home... :^D I really liked the pretty granite shower surround as well as the curved shower curtain rod that creates more space in the shower. Fluffy, very clean towels are plentifully supplied, and the usual supply of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are complemented by a shower cap -- super convenient not just for keeping a perm dry, but also if you are bathing little ones who do not like to get their ears wet!
Speaking of little ones, there was plenty of room in my king room for parents who might need to set up a travel bassinet or crib next to the bed, and still have room to get in and out.
Those who like a hot breakfast will be glad -- there were many hot choices in the well-stocked chafing dishes, including sausage, bacon, cheese omelets, and make-your-own waffles. I particularly enjoyed the fruit choices: apples, perfectly ripe bananas, and very delicious little clementine oranges -- the perfect size. Lipton tea in bags is available as well as coffee, and there is milk in the little refrigerator. There may have been other food as well, but I think you get the gist of it. The breakfast room is right off of the main reception area, and it is all very clean.
The internet was reliable and fast, and the desk and desk chair in the room quite comfortable to work for long stretches. Outlets for charging your gadgets are plentiful, and the bulbs in the task and bedside lamps are sustainable LEDs, but still give plenty of light for reading and working. I am not certain, but I imagine the overhead lights were also LEDs -- hurrah!
The bed was very cozy -- a pillowy top, but firm enough for this stomach-sleeper to drift away in supported comfort. I greatly appreciated the very clean sheets and the warm covers that actually stayed put on top of me, instead of slithering indecorously (and uselessly) to the floor as they do in in a couple of the super-expensive hotels I've stayed in... In the style of the modern platform, the bed is elevated, which lends a certain regal air to your sleeping and makes getting out of bed an easy event, rather than an undignified clamber to stand. Four pillows ensure that no one in the king bed will lack for comfort!
The crowning glory for this nature-loving traveler was the little pond outside my window (room 130). Because it was just-spring, the lovely peepers sang all night long -- glorious! They sang me right to sleep. On my first visit, a pair of geese were visiting, but my second visit, I was amazed by the sight of a pair of LOONS as well as the geese!! I got so excited, I nearly fell over! I am guessing they were migrating, but since I don't know that much about loons, other than that they are usually pretty shy, I just felt lucky to have spotted them.
In addition to the little pond, many of the windows overlook the fields leading up to a little hill -- very picturesque and peaceful, I thought, as I drifted off to sleep on my cloudlike bed, listening to the peepers...