Top Places to Stay in the Ithaca Area for Your Ballooning Adventure

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and pristine waters of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca, New York, is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers but also a prime destination for those looking to elevate their travel experiences—quite literally—with Southern Tier Balloon Tours. As you plan your aerial adventure to explore the breathtaking landscapes from above, finding the perfect place to stay becomes part of crafting your unforgettable journey. The Ithaca area, known for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic beauty, offers a variety of accommodations that range from cozy motels to luxurious inns, ensuring your stay on the ground is as delightful as your time in the sky. Whether you’re awakening to a serene sunrise balloon flight or capping off the day soaring through a spectacular sunset, these top accommodations provide the ideal base for your high-flying escapades.

Selecting the right place to stay in Ithaca not only offers you comfort after a day of adventure but also enriches your overall experience of the region. Each recommended accommodation has been chosen for its unique charm, exceptional service, and proximity to Southern Tier Balloon Tours’ launch sites, making early morning departures as seamless as the gentle lift of a balloon. From the historic elegance of inns that whisper tales of the past to modern hotels that boast of luxurious amenities, your stay in Ithaca will be imbued with moments of relaxation and romance, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring experience of floating above the verdant landscapes of the Finger Lakes. While Southern Tier Balloon Tours is not affiliated with any of these establishments, we would recommend them to any of our flyers. Let’s explore the top places to stay in the Ithaca area, where every traveler can find their slice of heaven, readying themselves for the unparalleled adventure of hot air ballooning with Southern Tier Balloon Tours.

Nestled amidst the natural splendor of the Finger Lakes region, the Grayhaven Motel stands as a serene retreat for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure in Ithaca. With its charming, retro-modern aesthetic, the Grayhaven offers a unique blend of simplicity and contemporary convenience, making it an ideal base for those exploring the area’s renowned beauty, including the unforgettable experience of soaring above it all with Southern Tier Balloon Tours. The motel’s spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms and suites provide a peaceful haven to relax and rejuvenate after a day spent among the clouds, witnessing the breathtaking landscapes from a hot air balloon. Guests can enjoy the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of the motel, along with amenities that cater to every need, ensuring a stay that’s as comfortable as it is memorable.

The Grayhaven Motel’s location further enhances its appeal to adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Situated just a short drive from downtown Ithaca and the mesmerizing Cayuga Lake, it offers easy access to some of the region’s most coveted attractions. The proximity to Southern Tier Balloon Tours allows guests to effortlessly embark on the aerial adventure of a lifetime, marveling at the Finger Lakes from an unparalleled vantage point. Beyond ballooning, the area surrounding the motel is ripe for exploration, from hiking and wine tasting to visiting the historic campuses of Cornell University and Ithaca College. The Grayhaven Motel not only promises a restful stay amidst the beauty of upstate New York but also serves as a gateway to the extraordinary experiences that define a visit to Ithaca, ensuring every moment of your trip is infused with wonder and delight.

Overlooking the breathtaking expanse of Taughannock Falls State Park, The Inn at Taughannock Falls serves as an exquisite retreat that perfectly marries historical elegance with modern luxury. This Victorian mansion, a stone’s throw away from the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, offers guests an unparalleled stay in one of the most picturesque settings in the Finger Lakes region. Each room within the inn is meticulously designed to reflect the grandeur of its surroundings, ensuring a stay that is both opulent and comforting. After a day spent floating above the rolling landscapes with Southern Tier Balloon Tours, guests can return to the tranquility of the inn, where the fusion of natural beauty and historic charm creates an atmosphere of unparalleled relaxation and sophistication.

The Inn at Taughannock Falls is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination that offers a comprehensive Finger Lakes experience. From the fine dining restaurant on site that showcases the best of local cuisine to the easy access to wine trails, hiking paths, and the enchanting waters of Cayuga Lake, the inn positions its guests at the heart of Ithaca’s natural and cultural treasures. The proximity to Southern Tier Balloon Tours adds an adventurous dimension to your stay, allowing for an easy transition from the serene comfort of your room to the exhilarating heights of a hot air balloon ride. Whether you’re sipping wine on the terrace as the sun sets over the lake or waking up to the gentle sound of the falls, a stay at The Inn at Taughannock Falls promises a blend of adventure, tranquility, and indulgence, making every moment of your visit to the Finger Lakes a memory to cherish.

Nestled along the pristine shores of Cayuga Lake, the Inns of Aurora stand as a beacon of luxury and serenity in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This enchanting resort and spa, with its collection of five distinctively designed historic inns, offers an escape into a world of comfort, elegance, and relaxation. Each property within the resort weaves a unique narrative, inviting guests to experience a bespoke stay that caters to their individual tastes while encapsulating the rich heritage and natural beauty of Aurora. As dawn breaks, guests can look forward to the gentle ascent of a hot air balloon with Southern Tier Balloon Tours, visible from the comfort of their rooms, promising an adventure that’s as seamless as it is breathtaking.

The Inns of Aurora go beyond mere accommodation, offering a holistic retreat that rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit. The on-site spa, with its array of wellness treatments, complements the natural tranquility of the surroundings, ensuring guests can unwind and recharge in unparalleled peace. Culinary experiences at the resort are a celebration of the region’s bounty, with farm-to-table dining that showcases the flavors of upstate New York. The resort’s commitment to providing personalized experiences means that every aspect of your stay, from the luxurious accommodations to the array of activities available, including kayaking on Cayuga Lake, yoga sessions, and guided historical tours, is designed to exceed expectations. A stay at the Inns of Aurora, coupled with the aerial majesty offered by Southern Tier Balloon Tours, promises a journey that captures the essence of the Finger Lakes’ beauty and the adventure that awaits in Ithaca.

The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, offers an award-winning gateway to the splendors of the Finger Lakes region and the renowned Watkins Glen State Park. As a luxury property that has consistently set the standard for elegance and hospitality, this hotel provides guests with an unrivaled stay amidst some of New York’s most breathtaking landscapes. Each room and suite is crafted with an eye for refined comfort, offering stunning views of the lake that invite guests to relax and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds them. For those embarking on a serene journey across the skies with Southern Tier Balloon Tours, the hotel serves as a perfect base, marrying the thrill of adventure with the promise of luxury and tranquility upon return.

Beyond its exquisite accommodations, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is celebrated for its exceptional amenities and service. The on-site Blue Pointe Grille offers a dining experience that mirrors the natural bounty of the area, with dishes that highlight local ingredients and flavors. Guests can also indulge in the hotel’s spa services, take a dip in the indoor pool, or simply enjoy a glass of wine by the outdoor fire pit, making every moment of their stay a testament to relaxation and indulgence. The hotel’s proximity to Southern Tier Balloon Tours allows for effortless planning of an unforgettable aerial excursion over the Finger Lakes, seamlessly blending the excitement of hot air ballooning with the unmatched luxury and hospitality that Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is known for. Whether you’re exploring the vineyards, hiking the gorge trails, or floating high above the landscape, a stay here promises a perfect blend of adventure and pampering.

Nestled on the east side of Seneca Lake, amidst the lush vineyards and tranquil landscapes of the Finger Lakes region, Magnolia Place embodies the essence of a romantic and serene getaway. This charming bed and breakfast, with its elegant architecture and inviting ambiance, offers guests a warm, personalized experience that feels both luxurious and homely. Each of the eight guest rooms is thoughtfully designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, featuring distinctive decor that blends classic elegance with modern amenities. Magnolia Place’s dedication to providing an exceptional stay is evident in every detail, from the cozy fireplaces and whirlpool tubs to the sumptuous gourmet breakfast prepared with local ingredients. It’s an idyllic retreat for those looking to unwind and indulge in the beauty and flavors of the Finger Lakes, offering a peaceful respite after a day of adventure, perhaps soaring through the skies with Southern Tier Balloon Tours.

What sets Magnolia Place apart is not just its exquisite accommodations but also its prime location, which serves as a gateway to exploring the best of what the Finger Lakes has to offer. Positioned conveniently near the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, guests have easy access to some of the region’s finest wineries and breweries, making it a haven for enthusiasts looking to savor local wines and craft beers. The surrounding area, rich in natural beauty, invites outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and, of course, hot air ballooning, offering breathtaking views that are best appreciated from the unique vantage point a balloon ride provides. The hospitality and charm of Magnolia Place, combined with the spectacular landscapes and rich experiences of the Finger Lakes, ensure a memorable stay filled with discovery, relaxation, and adventure.

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As you plan your unforgettable journey to Ithaca and the broader Finger Lakes region, embarking on an aerial adventure with Southern Tier Balloon Tours promises to be the highlight of your visit. The unique perspective from a hot air balloon offers unparalleled views of the area’s natural splendor, transforming any trip into an extraordinary experience. Complementing your balloon adventure, staying at one of the recommended accommodations—be it the charming Grayhaven Motel, the historic Inn at Taughannock, the luxurious Aurora Inn, the scenic Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, the elegant Idlwilde Inn, or the cozy Magnolia Place—ensures that your time on the ground is as memorable as your time in the sky. These properties not only provide comfort and convenience but also embody the spirit of hospitality and beauty that the Finger Lakes region is known for.

Southern Tier Balloon Tours is proud to recommend these exceptional places to stay as part of your adventure itinerary. Whether you’re lifting off at dawn to catch the sunrise or floating through the sky as the sun sets, each flight with Southern Tier Balloon Tours offers a moment of magic, made even more special by the knowledge that a warm, welcoming bed awaits you at day’s end. These accommodations, much like the balloon tours themselves, are not just places to stay and things to do—they’re gateways to experiencing the essence of Ithaca and the Finger Lakes. We invite you to soar with us, explore with us, and discover the many reasons why this corner of upstate New York continues to captivate the hearts of travelers from around the world.