You’re planning a trip to Ithaca. You’ve seen the photos of the foaming, tiered cascades, and you’re ready to lace up your boots. Naturally, you start searching for hotels near Buttermilk Falls. But here is the thing: "near" in Ithaca can mean two very different things.
One version of "near" puts you in a generic parking lot next to a Big Box store on Route 13. The other version puts you on a private trail where you can practically hear the water from your balcony. Most travelers accidentally pick the first one because it's five bucks cheaper. Don't be that person.
Honestly, picking a place to stay here is about deciding whether you want to wake up to the sound of birds or the sound of a semi-truck downshifting on Elmira Road. Ithaca is a gorge-heavy town, but the layout is kinda funky. If you don't know the local shortcuts, you might spend half your morning stuck in traffic just trying to find a parking spot at the state park entrance.
The Secret Backyard Access at La Tourelle
If you want the absolute best experience when looking for hotels near Buttermilk Falls, you have to look at La Tourelle Inn & Spa. It’s located at 1150 Danby Road. Most people just see it as a fancy 4-star hotel on a hill.
What they miss is the back door.
There is a literal hiking trail on the back of the property that connects directly to the upper trails of Buttermilk Falls State Park. You don’t have to drive. You don’t have to pay the park's vehicle entrance fee. You basically just walk out of your room, pass the glamping tents at Firelight Camps (which are on the same grounds), and you’re in the woods.
It’s a 4.6-rated spot for a reason. They have this farm-to-table bistro called The Bistro at La Tourelle where the oatmeal is actually worth talking about. But the real clincher? The August Moon Spa. After hiking the 600-foot drop of the falls, getting a massage without having to drive anywhere is a game-changer.
The Budget Reality on Elmira Road
Look, sometimes you just need a clean bed and a waffle maker. I get it. If you’re looking at the cluster of hotels near Buttermilk Falls along the main drag (Route 13/Elmira Road), you’re going to see names like Fairfield Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express.
These are about 0.7 to 1 mile from the park entrance.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ithaca: This one is at 371 Elmira Rd. It’s reliable. People rave about the free hot breakfast, and the staff is famously friendly. It’s about a 2-minute drive to the park.
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites: Located at 359 Elmira Rd. It’s roughly the same distance. It has an indoor pool, which is great if you’re traveling with kids who still have energy after the hike.
The catch? This area is a commercial strip. It’s convenient for hitting the Ithaca Beer Company (which you absolutely should do), but it doesn’t feel like a "nature retreat." You're basically staying in a very nice suburban hub.
Why Location Actually Matters in Ithaca
Ithaca is small, but it's vertical. If you stay "downtown" at the Hilton Garden Inn or the Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons, you’re only about 2.5 miles from Buttermilk Falls. In most cities, that's nothing.
In Ithaca, that's a whole different vibe.
Downtown hotels give you the "Ithaca Commons" experience. You’ve got Moosewood Restaurant right there. You’ve got the bars and the street performers. But if your primary goal is to be the first person on the trail before the crowds arrive at 10:00 AM, staying on Danby Road (the south side) is the move.
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The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson at 1100 Danby Road is a sneaky good middle ground. It’s only 0.4 miles from the park. It’s a 3-star hotel, usually around $98 to $110 a night, and it’s pet-friendly. If you’re bringing a dog to hike the falls, this is usually the most logical choice for your wallet.
Avoid the "Taughannock Trap"
Here is a mistake I see a lot. People search for "waterfall hotels" and find the Inn at Taughannock Falls. It is stunning. It’s luxury. It’s right on a waterfall.
But it is 9 miles away from Buttermilk Falls.
If you want to spend your weekend at Taughannock, stay there. But if your heart is set on the Buttermilk gorge trail, don't book it thinking they are neighbors. They aren't. Ithaca traffic during Cornell's graduation or a leaf-peeping weekend in October can turn that 9-mile drive into a 30-minute headache.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
Don't just book the first thing that pops up on a map. Use these steps to actually enjoy your trip:
- Check the Trail Status: Before you book a non-refundable room in April, check the NY State Parks website. The gorge trails often close in winter and early spring due to ice. The base of the falls is always visible, but the best hiking might be locked behind a gate.
- Verify the Entrance: Buttermilk Falls has a "Lower Entrance" (swimming hole, main falls) and an "Upper Entrance" (quieter, woodsier). If you stay at La Tourelle or Country Inn & Suites, you’re positioned perfectly for the Upper entrance or the shortcut trails.
- Book for "Ithaca Weather": If it’s raining, the falls are spectacular, but the trails are slippery shale. Choose a hotel with a good indoor pool or spa (like La Tourelle or the Fairfield) so you aren't stuck staring at a wall if the weather turns.
- Parking Hack: If you stay at the Fairfield or Holiday Inn, honestly, just drive the one mile to the park. Walking along Route 13 is not a "nature walk." It’s a multi-lane highway. Save your legs for the actual park stairs.
When you're looking for hotels near Buttermilk Falls, the real winners are the ones that understand the topography of the Finger Lakes. You want to be on the south side of town, ideally on Danby Road or the very beginning of Elmira Road. This keeps you clear of the downtown congestion while giving you a head start on the trails.
Skip the downtown luxury if you're here for the dirt. Stick to the south-end hotels, grab a breakfast burrito from a local spot, and get to the falls by 8:30 AM. You’ll have the mist to yourself.
To make the most of your trip, check the official New York State Parks website for any seasonal trail closures before you finalize your dates, and try to visit mid-week to avoid the heavy Saturday crowds at the swimming hole.