You're driving down I-81 or maybe cutting across the Southern Tier on Route 17, and you just need a place to crash. It’s late. You don't want to spend $200 on a room you’re only going to see with your eyes closed. This is exactly where Red Roof Inn Binghamton North enters the chat. It’s located right in Johnson City, technically, but for anyone visiting the Triple Cities, it’s basically Binghamton.
Most people choose this spot for one of three reasons: they’re visiting a student at Binghamton University, they’re passing through on a long-haul road trip, or they’ve got a dog.
Let’s be real. It’s a budget hotel.
If you're expecting a spa or a five-course breakfast, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a room that doesn't smell like stale cigarettes and won't drain your savings, this specific Red Roof usually punches above its weight class. It’s located at 590 Harry L Drive. That puts you right near the Oakdale Mall—or what used to be the mall, as it's being transformed into a massive medical and wellness hub—and a bunch of fast-casual food options.
The Vibe at Red Roof Inn Binghamton North Binghamton NY
The first thing you’ll notice is that it looks like a standard Red Roof. It’s got that signature red trim and the exterior-corridor style that either makes you feel nostalgic for 90s road trips or a little wary of the weather. Honestly, the exterior-entry thing is a win if you have a lot of luggage or a pet, because you can park right outside your door. No lugging a suitcase through a narrow hallway while a golden retriever loses its mind at a housekeeping cart.
Inside, the rooms are surprisingly "Red Roof Plus" style in many cases. This means wood-like flooring instead of that gross, sticky carpet you find in most cheap motels. It feels cleaner. It is cleaner.
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The lighting is bright. The beds are decent. It’s not a Westin Heavenly Bed, but it’s not a park bench either.
One weirdly specific detail about Red Roof Inn Binghamton North is the proximity to the highway. You’re right there. This is great for getting back on the road at 7:00 AM, but if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on the side away from the main road. The white noise of the traffic is consistent, but some people find it annoying. Others? It puts them right to sleep.
Why the Location Actually Matters
Binghamton is a "sprawl" town. You have the downtown area where all the bars and the fancy State Street stuff happens, and then you have the suburbs like Johnson City and Vestal. By staying at this Red Roof, you're positioned in the middle of the commercial heart of the area.
You can walk to a Starbucks. You can walk to a Wegmans if you’re feeling ambitious, though crossing Harry L Drive on foot is a bit of a gamble. Wegmans, for the uninitiated, is basically a religious experience for New Yorkers, so being near one is a massive plus for grabbing a cheap, high-quality dinner instead of eating another burger.
The "Pet Friendly" Reality
Red Roof is famous for its "Pets Stay Free" policy. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's their whole identity. At the Red Roof Inn Binghamton North, you’ll see people walking their dogs in the grassy patches around the parking lot constantly.
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There are no hidden "cleaning fees" that double your room rate at checkout.
However, because it’s so pet-friendly, you have to expect that you might hear a bark or two. Usually, the staff is pretty good about managing noise complaints, but it’s a factor. If you have severe allergies to pet dander, even with the hard floors, you might want to call ahead and see if they have specific rooms that have stayed pet-free, though in a budget motel, that's never a 100% guarantee.
What about the amenities?
- Wi-Fi: It works. It's fast enough to stream Netflix, but maybe don't try to run a high-stakes Zoom presentation with 50 people on it.
- Coffee: They usually have coffee in the lobby. It’s hot. It’s black. It’ll wake you up.
- Parking: Plenty of it. Even if you're hauling a trailer or driving a larger work truck, you can usually find a spot.
- Microwaves and Fridges: Most rooms have them, which is a lifesaver for long-stay travelers or parents trying to keep milk cold.
Common Misconceptions About Binghamton Motels
People often think "Binghamton North" means it's out in the woods. Nope. You're five minutes from the SUNY Broome Community College campus and about ten to fifteen minutes from the main Binghamton University campus in Vestal. It’s a very central "hub" spot.
Another thing? People worry about safety in budget motels. The area around Harry L Drive is busy. It’s commercial. It’s not "seedy." It’s basically just a lot of traffic and shopping centers. The Red Roof Inn Binghamton North maintains a pretty visible presence, and since the rooms face the parking lot, there are usually enough eyes on the street to keep things quiet.
Comparing it to the Competition
Look, you could stay at the DoubleTree downtown. It’s beautiful. It’s also usually double the price. You could stay at the newer hotels in Vestal along the "Chute," but you’ll pay a premium for being on the same street as the University.
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This Red Roof is the middle ground. It’s for the person who says, "I just need a clean shower and a bed."
The staff here is mostly local. They’ve seen it all. They know the best pizza spots (go to Brozzetti’s for the weird square crust or Nirchi’s for the local classic). If you ask them where to get a "Spiedie," they’ll point you toward Lupo’s. If you don't know what a Spiedie is, you haven't lived in the Southern Tier long enough. It's marinated meat on a sub roll. Simple. Perfect.
Dealing with the "Upstate" Weather
If you are visiting between November and April, keep in mind that Binghamton is one of the cloudiest and snowiest cities in the US. The Red Roof Inn Binghamton North has exterior walkways. This means if it’s snowing, it’s cold the second you step out of your door.
The maintenance crew is usually on top of salting the walkways, but keep your boots handy. The upside? No stuffy, overheated hotel hallways that smell like pool chlorine. Just fresh, crisp (okay, freezing) air.
Making the Most of Your Stay: Actionable Tips
If you've decided to book, there are a few ways to make the experience better.
- Request a "Plus" Room: They are renovated more recently and generally have better fixtures.
- Verify the Fridge: If you absolutely need a mini-fridge for meds or food, call the front desk 24 hours before. While most rooms have them, you don't want to be the one person who gets the room where the previous guest broke the plug.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there is a BU graduation or a "Parents Weekend," this hotel—and every other hotel within 30 miles—will be booked solid and prices will triple. Plan accordingly.
- Eat Local: Skip the chain restaurants across the street for at least one meal. Drive five minutes into the heart of Johnson City or Binghamton. The food scene here is surprisingly gritty and great.
Red Roof Inn Binghamton North isn't trying to be a five-star resort. It’s a functional, reliable piece of the Binghamton travel puzzle. It serves its purpose: a safe, affordable, and surprisingly clean place to park yourself while you explore the Southern Tier or just pass through to somewhere else.
When you check out, grab your receipt, hit the Dunkin' right down the road, and hop back on the highway. It’s as easy as that. No frills, no drama, just a decent night's sleep in a town that’s a lot more interesting than people give it credit for.