This hotel is really well situated in downtown Ithaca. Great to get out and walk around, close to restaurants and shopping, down the hill from Cornell, convenient parking across the street. Staff is helpful and welcoming. They gladly changed our room when we asked for something away from the elevator. There is a bar/restaurant and morning breakfast if you choose. Also a starbucks in the hotel. Room had a fridge. These are the pluses.

Room was musty smelling and our "king" bed really wasn't. The bathroom shower needed to be bleached or regrouted - some mildew spots apparent. The maid service was less than stellar, forgot to replace glasses, didn't empty and change the icebucket liner and didn't refold towels. I'm not saying the room was dirty but the attention to detail here didn't jive with the lobby staff and service. These little things do make a difference. If these changes were made I'd give the Very Good rating.

This was my second time calling trying to get clarity about a lottery system set up for guests during Cornell Univerisity graduation in 2014. The manager I spoke with was quite rude and according to some of the previous messages on TripAdvisor this is not her first time. She stated her name was Melissa [--] and essentially told me that it doesn't matter that I'm a HHonors member when staying at this location. Really? So, myself and the company I work for spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year using Hilton instead of the comepetition when we travel and it doesn't matter? Her response was 50% of the parents of graduates are HHonors member. (who says that?) My response was than 50% of the parents/family should have preference. Some type of professional development or customer service training needs to be given to her when speaking to customers on what is appropiate and what's not. If you are unable to explain or talk in a non condescending voice than maybe you should forward the call to your manager or the GM.

I understand the purpose of trying to streamline the amount of guests during a busy time but a lottery system that doesn't provide preference to HHonors silver, gold and diamond members? Whose idea was that and how do you employ customer service to loyal Hilton guests? Well, Melissa thought she would "educate" me by saying the Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca is not owned by Hilton. Yes, that was a Managers answer to this problem. I started to explain franchising but decided I needed to speak with her manager or atleast someone who makes decisions because clearly she doesn't. Eventually, I was forwarded to a voicemail of another manager, Melissa [--] and waiting for a call back. I hope the GM or whoever responds on here can provide clarity and explain why the best option to solve a busy hotel season was to potentially deny HHonors members the ability to stay at this hotel.

Great location right on the Ithaca Commons area. The parking is a little quirky. You use the high rise garage for free which is a block BEFORE the hotel. So after you stop out front you have to back around the block. But after that you can walk to a variety of places for dinner. Get a room high up on the east side of the building for a nice view.

On our 30th anniversary tour and I lost my wedding band at the hotel. I was in the fitness center and tied it to my shoelace so i didn't damage it lifting weights. To make a long story short, halfway to Toronto, I noticed my ring was missing and panicked. I had untied my sneakers and forgot about the ring.

I called the hotel and talked to Ian at the front desk. He said he'd get right on it.
Well, we got about 50 miles further and I just had to pull over and find out the results. I called the hotel and asked to speak with the manager. Ian answered and asked if I was the guy with the missing ring. He said "I have it in my hand." WHEW!

Needless to say, they could have made some extra holiday cash, but they took the high road and got my ring back to me.

A great place to stay. Especially room 842! What a view!

Thanks to the staff!