I stayed at La Tourelle for a business trip to Cornell University. The hotel is very nice; the staff extremely nice and helpful. I asked for a complimentary upgrade and received it. The king bed was so comfortable and the bath was nice and the fireplace was warm. Everything about the room was wonderful. My only complaint is the location. If you stay at La Tourelle you must have a car. Taxis are few and far between in Ithaca and very expensive. There is nothing within walking distance of the resort.
Other than the location the hotel was terrific!

La Tourelle is rated three stars but deserves more. The location is perfect - just south of Ithaca College and a straight drive to Ithaca Commons, which has unusual stores and good restaurants. We managed to get outside seating at Madeline's for the last free summer outdoor concert on the Commons by a Dave Matthews Tribute Band that was a good imitation of the real thing. La Tourelle staff was friendly and helpful, fixing two minor problems in the room very quickly. When we were there, a previous power outage caused the contents of a freezer to thaw, but they took care of the unpleasant smell very efficiently. The manager, Scott, was always around and very professional and helpful. Beds were very comfortable; the double king room for our daughters was very large and our single king was roomy enough. The August Moon Spa is an excellent facility. We all had massages, which were as professional and soothing as any we have had in larger hotel spas. The recommendations for brunch and restaurants all worked out well and there are many menus in the lobby. The Heights, in Cayuga Heights just past Cornell, is well worth it. Ithaca Bakery has great choices and good food, and the Ithaca Famer's Market should not be missed. There are many reasons to go to La Tourelle - for a pamperd weekend away; to be close to the Finger Lakes themselves and the wineries; to enjoy fine restaurants; to visit unique waterfalls and gorges in Ithaca and especially Watkins Glen, less than an hour away; and to see Ithaca itself, one of upstate New York's more pleasant towns.

This is our fourth time staying at La Tourelle and it is our favorite place to stay in the Finger Lakes. Leslie and her staff make sure the rooms and hotel are extremely clean. Great beds with wonderful linens make for a good night's sleep. The owners' collection of African art add an interesting contrast to the country French decor. Check for room and spa packages on the hotel's website. The August Moon Spa offers well-appointed relaxation rooms and amazing treatments. Weekdays are less busy and a free therapeutic soak is part of any massage booked between 8-4 M-Thur. A small fitness room also provides an elliptical machine, Precor and stationary bikes, in addition to a slew of outdoor activities. Easy walking trails out back link to nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park trails and are a beautiful way to enjoy nature while getting some cardio. La Petit Cafe on site serves breakfast and lunch and the fare is satisfactory. Skip nearby John Thomas Steakhouse. Heavy food, overpriced and slightly pretentious. Opt instead for something healthier near the Commons or at Green Star Co-op. Ithaca has galleries and cultural attractions all year through and wineries abound offering wonderful choices along scenic Cayuga Lake. Would recommend this hotel to anyone heading to Ithaca for business or pleasure.

I stayed at La Tourelle earlier this week for a small business meeting but wished I could have stayed longer for a romantic getaway or a personal retreat. The staff was very friendly and I was escorted to my room and was shown all the amenities in the room and how to use them. I would highly recommend the Marseille room although I am sure they are all just as nice. This room had a beautiful king bed, a fireplace and a jacuzzi tub. There was also a small balcony with a chair where I had my morning coffee. The view was wonderful - even the bathroom had a nice view! There is a small bar area off the lobby (honor system!) and coffee and fresh fruit available all day. There is a spa located at the resort and many of the treatments reflect a "Finger Lakes" feeling. The scenery is beautiful - a hilltop overlooking Ithaca. I had dinner at John Thomas Steakhouse which is just a few steps from the front door of the resort. Great for steak eaters and a nice wine list. I will definitely return and spend more time exploring the area - hiking and winery tours seem popular.
There was a couple that we spoke to at dinner that had ridden motorcycles up from Pennsylvania and were going to spend a few days touring the Finger Lakes - it sounded great!