So, you’re planning a trip to Verona. Maybe it’s for a high-stakes poker tournament, a concert at the Event Center, or just a weekend of losing yourself in that massive 3,400-acre resort. But then you see the price tag for staying right on-site at The Lodge or The Tower. Ouch.
I get it. You want the proximity without the "I just lost my mortgage payment on a suite" feeling.
Finding hotels close to turning stone casino in verona ny isn't actually that hard, but there’s a trick to it. Most people assume "close" means they have to walk. Trust me, you do not want to walk across Route 365 in the middle of a Central New York winter or even a humid July afternoon.
The real secret? It's all about the shuttles.
Why Staying Just Outside the Gates is the Smart Play
Honestly, staying at a hotel right across the street can sometimes be better than staying in the resort's mid-tier wings like The Brook. Why? Because places like the Fairfield Inn or the Hampton Inn often throw in a free hot breakfast. At the casino, you’re looking at $20 for a basic omelet at the diner.
When you look for hotels close to turning stone casino in verona ny, you’re basically looking at a tiny cluster of properties sitting right at Exit 33 off the I-90. They are so close you can see the glowing Turning Stone sign from the parking lot.
The Heavy Hitters on Willow Place
If you want to be as close as humanly possible without actually being in the casino, you go to Willow Place. It's a little side road that’s basically a hotel row.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Verona: This is usually the gold standard for the "off-property but not really" crowd. It’s directly across the street. They have a shuttle that runs pretty much whenever you need it. The rooms are exactly what you’d expect from a Marriott—clean, predictable, and quiet enough that you won't hear the slot machines.
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Comfort Inn & Suites Verona: Just down the road from the Fairfield. They recently did some renovations, so it feels a lot fresher than it used to. If you’re traveling with a group, their suites are actually pretty massive. Plus, their indoor pool is a decent backup plan if you're not feeling the casino floor.
La Quinta Inn & Suites: Another Willow Place staple. It’s got that classic "everything you need, nothing you don't" vibe. The shuttle service here is reliable, which is the main thing you should care about.
The "On-Property But Not Connected" Options
Now, this is where it gets a little confusing. Turning Stone owns a few properties that aren't physically attached to the main gaming floor.
The Inn at Turning Stone is their "budget" option. It’s about a mile away. It’s a two-story building with no elevator—keep that in mind if you have heavy bags or bad knees. It’s basic. Very basic. But it’s clean, and the 24/7 resort shuttle stops there every few minutes.
Then there’s Sandstone Hollow Inn. It’s located near one of their golf courses. It’s a bit more modern than The Inn and honestly feels a bit more "resort-ish" even though it’s tucked away. It’s pet-friendly too, which is a huge deal because the main hotels at the casino definitely aren't.
The Shuttle Situation (Don't Skip This)
If you book one of these hotels close to turning stone casino in verona ny, the shuttle is your lifeline.
Most of the non-casino hotels (Hampton, Fairfield, Comfort Inn) run their own dedicated vans. They usually drop you off right at the main entrance by the poker room or the hotel lobby.
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Pro Tip: Always call the front desk about 10 minutes before you want to leave. Don't just stand under the awning like a lost tourist.
On the way back, you usually find the shuttle at the same spot they dropped you off. It saves you from having to navigate the massive parking garages, which, honestly, are a labyrinth designed to keep you inside and gambling for as long as possible.
What About Rome and Oneida?
Sometimes Verona is just booked solid. It happens. If there's a huge country star playing the arena, every bed within five miles will be gone.
If that’s the case, look toward Rome, NY. It’s about a 15-minute drive. The Hampton Inn Rome or the Fairfield by Marriott in Rome are solid backups. You’ll lose the convenience of the 2-minute shuttle ride, but you’ll probably save $50 a night.
Oneida is even closer. The Quality Inn Oneida is a frequent haunt for people who want the absolute lowest price point. It’s not fancy. At all. But if you just need a place to crash after a long night at the blackjack table, it does the job.
A Local's Perspective on Food
If you stay at a hotel close to the casino, don't feel like you have to eat every meal inside Turning Stone.
Right near the hotels on Route 365, there are a few spots like Villa Verona Vineyard. It’s a nice change of pace from the sensory overload of the casino. Or, if you’re heading toward Oneida, you can find some decent diners that won't charge you "resort prices" for a cup of coffee.
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Making the Final Call
So, which one should you actually pick?
If you want the best balance of price and "newness," go with the Hampton Inn Verona. It’s newer than most of the others and the breakfast is actually edible.
If you’re on a strict budget but want to stay "in the family," pick The Inn at Turning Stone.
If you have Marriott points to burn, the Fairfield is literally so close you could probably throw a rock and hit the casino (don't do that, security is very tight).
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you book, check the Turning Stone website for concerts. If a big name is in town, prices at the "close" hotels will triple.
- Confirm the Shuttle Hours: While most run late, some of the smaller hotels might cut off their shuttle at 11:00 PM or midnight on weekdays. If you plan on being a night owl, ask the front desk at check-in.
- Book Directly for Rewards: If you’re staying at the Fairfield or Hampton, use your Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors apps. You won't get those points if you book through a third-party discount site.
- Sign Up for a TS Rewards Card: Even if you aren't staying at the resort, get the player's card. Sometimes they have deals or discounts for local restaurants that apply even if you're sleeping across the street.
The "Verona Strip" might not be Las Vegas, but it's got enough variety to make sure you aren't overpaying just to be near the action. Choose your base camp wisely, and you'll have more money left over for the actual fun stuff.