Ithaca's BEST Airport/University Hotel: Courtyard Perfection!
Courtyard Perfection: Ithaca's (Almost) Perfect Airport/University Hotel – My Unfiltered Take
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University and let you in on my actual experience. Forget the polished brochure; this is real-talk, warts and all. (Spoiler alert: there are definitely some warts, but overall… perfection might not be too far off.)
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- Keywords: Ithaca, hotel, airport, university, Courtyard, Marriott, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, pool, spa, restaurant, dining, parking, business facilities, family-friendly, clean, safe, Cornell University, Tompkins County Airport, Ithaca NY, travel, accommodation, reviews
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University: accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience. Find out if this is the BEST hotel in Ithaca!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Ramp is My Jam!
Okay, so first thing's first: I love a good ramp. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but you know what? A smooth, easy entrance just screams thoughtful. The Courtyard gets major points for it – Accessibility is clearly a priority, and that sets the tone right away. The wheelchair accessibility is apparent throughout the property – elevators, spacious rooms, and well-designed bathrooms. Kudos, Courtyard! Plus, the airport transfer was super convenient, a godsend after a red-eye!
Internet – Gotta Stay Connected (Duh!)
Let's cut to the chase: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a must-have in this day and age, and the Courtyard delivers. Seamless connection, a solid signal even in my room, and the ability to actually stream Netflix without buffering? Pure bliss. There was also Internet [LAN] available for those old-school types (or maybe for a more secure connection?), but honestly, the Wi-Fi was so good I didn't bother.
Cleanliness & Safety – Because Germs are NOT Invited!
Right, so this is probably the category where I initially felt the most… skeptical. Let's be honest, hotels can sometimes feel, let's just say… less than fresh. But the Courtyard? Actually, surprisingly good. I was really impressed with the measures in place. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanctificationopt-out, and staff trained in safety protocols… It felt like they took all the necessary precautions. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and I even saw staff actually cleaning tables and chairs in the lobby (unlike some places, where it's just a pretend thing!). They even had individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet and safe dining setup. The CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, safety/security features, and security [24-hour] left me feeling really comfortable.
The Room: My Sanctuary (With a Few Minor Quibbles)
My room? Pretty standard, but in a good way. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the blackout curtains were a game-changer for those jet-lagged mornings. The bed was comfy, the linens were crisp, and the bathrobes were a nice touch.
I did encounter a couple of minor issues, which I have to mention because, you know, honesty. The desk in the room was a little small, and the lighting (maybe a personal thing, but the reading light wasn't ideal). But I really appreciated having a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, an in-room safe box, and the complimentary tea. The shower was a solid performer (good water pressure, crucial!), and the hair dryer actually worked well. The non-smoking rooms are a definite plus, and the soundproofing was pretty effective, so I didn't hear any of my neighbors.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure!
The restaurant (I think it was the Bistro or something, I honestly can't remember the name, the decor blends together) was a decent option for a quick meal. Breakfast [buffet] was the main event, and it was… well it was a hotel buffet. There were the usual suspects: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant, and breakfast service. Not mind-blowing, but perfectly functional, filling, and, as I mentioned earlier, safe. I also appreciated the fact that they had alternative meal arrangement for special requirements.
The poolside bar was a definite highlight! Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a refreshing cocktail, and a view of the… well, not a spectacular view, but a perfectly pleasant view. A nice way to wind down. They also have a small snack bar and a coffee shop, which were both useful.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Fitness &… Relaxation, I Guess
The fitness center was a decent size, with a good mix of cardio and weights. Nothing fancy, but enough to get a workout in. I didn't make use of the spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, or massage – though I did see some happy-looking people emerging from the sauna. They have an swimming pool [outdoor], perfect for a relaxing moment.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
The Courtyard has a pretty good selection of services and conveniences, including air conditioning in public area, a concierge, daily housekeeping, a doorman, a elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, and safety deposit boxes – all the standard stuff. The front desk [24-hour] was helpful as well.
For the Kids?
I don’t have kids, so I didn’t pay much attention to this area. But judging by the fact they had babysitting service, family/child friendly, and kids meal, and kids facilities they are prepared.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's REALLY Perfect!)
Okay, here's where I get real. The pool with view was… maybe a slight exaggeration? It's not ugly, but it's overlooking… the car park, which is not the sexiest of views. The noise from the airport didn't bother me too much (I’m used to it), but light sleepers might want to request a room away from the runway. If you have a car, parking is car park [free of charge] so that is nice.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again? Absolutely!
Despite those minor quibbles, the Courtyard in Ithaca is a solid choice. It's clean, safe, accessible, conveniently located, and offers a good range of amenities. Great for business travelers and families alike. Yes, it's a chain hotel, but it's a well-run chain hotel, and sometimes, predictability and reliability are exactly what you need. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would absolutely recommend it. Just don’t expect Michelin-star dining with your view, and you’ll be golden. This hotel is Courtyard Perfection! (mostly š).
Luxury Las Vegas Skylofts: Unbelievable MGM Grand Suites Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your grandma’s pristine, color-coded travel itinerary. We’re diving headfirst into Ithaca, NY, and it’s gonna be… well, it’s gonna be something. Prepare for tangents, emotional outbursts (probably fueled by caffeine), and the general chaos that comes with me trying to navigate a new place.
Destination: Courtyard Ithaca Airport/University, Ithaca, NY, United States (aka, the “Landing Pad of Uncertain Adventures”)
Trip Duration: 3 Days (Bless us all.)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Pursuit of Coffee.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival and Hotel Check-In (TRYING to be Prompt)
- Okay, so the flight was… eventful. Let’s just say my carry-on decided to develop a vendetta against the overhead bin. I swear, it shifted its weight just as I reached up, and I nearly face-planted trying to wrestle it down. Not a good look. And the airport? Pure chaos. Finding the rental car felt like a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. But hey, we made it!
- Check-in at the Courtyard. Fingers crossed they have ice. I NEED ice. My existential anxiety is reaching critical levels.
- Anecdotal Observation: The lobby smells vaguely of… cleaning products and missed dreams? Is that weird? Am I weird? Ugh. I need a nap. And a stiff drink. (Kidding!… mostly.)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Panic Assessment.
- Unpack. Locate all the chargers. Ensure the Wi-Fi is functional. Critical tasks, people! Crucial for survival.
- Assess the bed situation. Can I survive three nights in this thing? Will the pillows be fluffy enough to hold my tears? (Probably. Everything is emotional right now.)
- Quirky Observation: The artwork in the room is… interesting. Abstract blobs that seem to judge my life choices. I’m already regretting wearing this shirt.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis and Preliminary Recon:
- Alright, caffeine is the goal. Find a decent coffee shop. Google Maps is my only friend right now. Send help, I see it's supposed to be a 9 minute drive to "Ithaca Coffee Company, and my mood is already on the verge of collapse!
- Emotional Reaction: Oh, the sweet, sweet promise of caffeine! I NEED this!
- Decide on a very casual evening stroll down the road.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Actual Dinner (Maybe?)
- The "Restaurant" section of Google reviews is a nightmare. But I have to eat. I think. I've heard of a restaurant, I can check it out (Or just eat the cheese and crackers I bought at the grocery store!)
Day 2: Ithaca Falls & Cornell, and the Question of “Why Am I Here?”
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Debacle (and more Caffeine)
- Hotel breakfast, or the grocery store bagel that I can get away with? Breakfast is always a gamble. I love breakfast.
- Opinionated Language: Hotel breakfasts are usually disappointing. But I shall persevere.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Ithaca Falls - The Power and the Pessimism
- Okay, I’m actually excited about this. Waterfalls are cool, right? I hope it's not too crowded. I'm still not great with crowds.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so the parking situation was a joke. Took me like, 20 minutes to find a spot that wasn't a mile away. And the hike down to the falls? Steep. Very steep. I’m pretty sure I almost face-planted again. But then… the falls! The roaring water, the mist in the air… it was actually pretty spectacular. For a moment, I forgot my troubles.
- Anecdote: I saw a kid throwing a rock into the falls. Little punk. (Just kidding, kid, you do you.)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Cornell University - Staring at Buildings, Wondering
- Alright, time to act intellectual and wander around Cornell. I have no idea what I’m looking for, but I’ll pretend I do. Maybe eat lunch at a cafe.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Wow, this place is huge. Like, ridiculously huge. So many buildings. So many students (who all look impossibly young and accomplished. I’m pretty sure my own education peaked in high school. I mean, that was a long time ago…) I keep expecting to see a Hogwarts-style owl flying overhead.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe I don’t belong here? Maybe I should just go back to the hotel, order pizza, and watch reality TV in my pajamas.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Cornell University, Part 2 (The Regret)
- Wait, I totally forgot to check out the Arts Quad.
- I got too distracted by the gorgeous views of the buildings and I feel like I've wasted so much time, and I'm suddenly feeling too self-conscious about the amount of time I'm spending here. Oh well.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Return to the Land of the Living (aka, the Hotel) and Rest
- Time to head back to the hotel and take a nap while reviewing notes for the next day.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Another Attempt at Socializing (Maybe)
- I'll see if I can find a place where people don't give me weird looks for wanting to eat by myself.
Day 3: Final Breakfast, Goodbye, and the Sweet, Sweet Freedom of Home.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Last Breakfast (Emotional Evasiveness)
- One last shot at breakfast. One last chance to find a decent cup of coffee. One last… whatever.
- Emotional Reaction: Mixed feelings. Relief mixed with a tiny bit of sadness. Ithaca, you’ve been… an experience.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-Minute Shopping/ Souvenir Snagging (Or, the Desperate Search for Something to Remind Me of This Trip)
- Find some local shops. Buy some weird knick-knacks. Or just buy a postcard that I'll never send. I'm not really a souvenir person.
- Quirky Observation: I'm kind of obsessed with those "Ithaca is Gorges" bumper stickers. Should I get one? (Probably not. But the thought is intriguing.)
- Opinionated Language: Souvenirs are usually overpriced garbage. But… okay, maybe I'll buy one.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Checkout and the Airport Dash (Pray for No Delays)
- Pack. Check out. Return the rental car (fingers crossed I don’t get charged for a scratch I swear wasn’t my fault). Head to the airport. Pray to the travel gods for on-time flights. Again.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Airport Time (Anxiety Central)
- Security. Waiting. More waiting. People. More people. Did I leave my phone charger back at the hotel? Ugh.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: This is the worst part. The airport… the smells, the lines, the sheer… humanity of it all. I need to find a chair. And maybe a stiff drink. (I kid, I kid…)
3:00 PM onwards: Flight Home (Relief and a Sudden Craving for My Own Bed)
- Fly home. Reflect (briefly) on the chaotic, beautiful, messy experience of Ithaca. Vow to plan better next time (yeah, right). And, most importantly… sleep. Glorious, wonderful sleep.
Alright, there you have it. My highly disorganized, overly-emotional, and probably slightly inaccurate itinerary for Ithaca. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe send coffee.
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Is the Courtyard really THAT good? The "best" airport/uni hotel... really?
Okay, fine, convenient. But what about the *rooms*? Spill the tea!
The dreaded *breakfast*. Is it worth it? Or just another sad hotel continental?
The Airport Shuttle: Does it actually *work*? Or is it some kind of cruel, Ithaca-specific joke?
Anything *truly* terrible/annoying about it? Lay it on me.
Okay, let's get real: Would you *actually* stay here again? And why, or why not?
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