Let me start by saying I am very picky about hotel/motel rooms. The Grayhaven Motel exceeded my expectations! They are beyod dog friendly, they provided a dog bowl, towel to wipe paws & a gourmet dog cookie upon arrival. The room is a great mid century style with giant windows for bird watching. The grounds are beautiful - with trails, fire pits, hammocks, and even a small fenced in area for the dogs to run and play! Beds are very comfortable and room was extremely clean, we loved the personal touches of bottled water and a smores kit! My only negative is that there was a slight musty smell in the room when we arrived, but we just turned on the air conditioner and it cleared it up! We will definitely be staying here any time we are visiting Ithaca!
Cute as heck and just outside of town. A lovely little getaway, especially if you want something closer to homey.
This is a historical roadside motel on the periphery of Ithaca, NY. It is an extremely charming place. There are a number of buildings on the property with different types of rooms. The Grayhaven is exceptionally dog-friendly, although dogs are only allowed in the Treman Lodge rooms. The rooms show their age to some extent but they are extremely clean and the current owners of the Grayhaven are currently restoring the property to a mid-century aesthetic which makes for a very unique experience, like stepping into the past. The beds in the Treman Lodge are very comfortable. The property is well maintained and offers a lot of nice amenities: picnic tables, BBQs, fire pit, walking trails, bocce and other lawn games, and overall a very nice and friendly atmosphere. The office has a lot of optional supplies and food available for purchase as well, just a text away. During our stay, each room got a complementary bundle of firewood and fire-starting materials which we enjoyed with a smores kit we pre-ordered for our stay. You should definitely consider the Grayhaven if you want to experience a hotel with a very Ithaca vibe. You wont be disappointed--especially if your dog is traveling with you.
My husband and I had to schedule a last minute visit to Ithaca . We were traveling with our dog and needed to find accommodations that could include him. We were able to secure a room at the Grayhaven that was spacious, clean and comfortable in every way. The surroundings were quiet and the staff was friendly and helpful. Ithaca is my hometown and I return there a couple times every year. The Grayhaven will be at the top of my list for a return stay .
A reasonably priced, well appointed, comfortable motel. Recently renovated with a vintage style, this gem of a motel has an undeniable charm. The room was very nice, as was the location. I particularly liked the free to use fire pits, and the shower that actually got hot. I would definitely stay again next time I am in Ithaca.
Had a great stay here for a couple of nights! The rooms are simple yet comfortable and cozy, and the location is a nice spot near Ithaca and all the other nearby attractions. Each room has a birdfeeder supplied by birdwatching books, so it provides a nice touch to the rooms. You can tell the owners care about keeping the rooms clean and up to date, especially during COVID right now, and if you need anything theyre willing to help. Overall, this motel is perfect for anyone looking to stay in Ithaca for a week, but arent looking for anything too fancy.
I have stayed at Grayhaven a number of times with my boyfriend and our dogs. I have to say we always have an exceptional experience. The rooms were very comfortable and clean with all the amenities we needed. I love that they are not only dog friendly but also go the extra step to offer treats and dog bowls. The owners are a very cool young couple in the process of growing a vintage motel into an awesome boutique experience. We were lucky to be staying on an evening that was gallery night where local artists exhibited their work in the lobby and a food truck was parked in the front with some of the best tortas I have ever had. We will definitely be coming back and look forward to the fun new changes Grayhaven has made this our last trip.
If you are visiting Ithaca, stop looking for a hotel now and stay at the Grayhaven Motel. The rooms are immaculately clean and very comfortable with high-quality sheets, towels, and bath products. The decor ranges from charming to gorgeous and recently fully renovated. The owners, Alexis and Marc did everything to make sure we were comfortable. They serve excellent coffee and light breakfast items in the super nice reception area thats full of beautiful art. The motel is a quick drive from downtown Ithaca, Ithaca College, Cornell, and Cayuga Lake. The price is right. Why stay anywhere else?
Lovely small motel with a great dog run area, nice reception with coffee and pastries and friendly young couple who run the place. Rooms are clean with comfortable beds and plenty of space. We had joined rooms with a small but clean kitchen that was perfect for our family and a few guests who came over one evening. So far this has been the best place weve stayed anywhere near Ithaca. Great value too.
I fell in love with this place before even completing check in. The owners are incredibly welcoming and seem to go out of their way to make customers feel at home. Our room had clearly been prepared for us, with a lamp on, the air nice and cool, and a bottle of water with glasses waiting on the table.While we didnt make use of them, I appreciate the fact there were fire pits and outside chairs available. The hotel is small and older, but has been updated and has a ton of charm.If I ever return to Ithaca I wont even bother looking at other motels.
We booked a large number of our rooms for our wedding back in October 2018. Alexis and Mark were honest up front that such a large block was new territory for them. They were very accommodating to our requests, and went above and beyond our expectations, despite it being a first for their business.In the several months that elapsed between when we visited to book the block and when the big day came, they really had made quite a few major renovations. We loved the quaint charm, location, and generally relaxed feel. This is not a traditional motel in terms of what one may think of the term. It is much more warm and cozy. The amenities are humble, but so is the price tag. We booked a wide range of room types, and everything from the common areas/lounge, to the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchenettes, was very pleasing.They even helped coordinate, including pickup, a small catering setup so we could provide a nice custom breakfast for our wedding party staying on site. Definitely beyond standard customer service. The owners seem to enjoy what they are doing, and it shows in their interactions. They are involved with every aspect of keeping this a great place to stay, from booking to cleaning, maintenance, and even live on site themselves!Clean, friendly, and responsible. Its an easy 5 stars for value and a unique experience. We are planning to book a room for our one year anniversary!
Nicest people! Adorable property, well-maintained and accommodating. Good vibes all around, simplistic and stylish. Love the location (near Brewery, nature and not far from center of everything). They even let us change our check out time to later in the day because it was Easter Sunday and we needed a place for the dogs! Very dog friendly place
TLDR: This family owned-and-operated, dog-friendly motel is a great stay being so budget-friendly and so close to the parks and town center (>10 minutes). 10/10 recommend.Stayed the weekend with one other guest and I have nothing but rave reviews for this place! We happened to come on the first Friday of the month which is a special day for the Grayhaven. The owners host an art opening in their main office, The Good Food Truck (a modern take on Mexican that had vegan and non-vegan offerings) sets up in their parking lot and serves food 6-9pm, which is directly followed up by an outdoor movie for the guests and community to enjoy.Our room (cottage #10) was impeccably clean upon arrival and the perfect size for 2 -4 guests! There is a private bedroom and a futon that folds into a rather sizable bed. The shower and bathroom were separated, which can help with getting ready in the morning. They have natural bath products and plenty of towels provided, and the water is super hot and has great pressure (rest assured!). The kitchen was another great perk, with a full sized fridge+freezer, stove/oven.The motel is very close to Treman and Buttermilk (with a trail connecting the two expected to come soon!), and only about a 2 mile drive to the center of town. You will not be disappointed with your stay at the Grayhaven!
Fantastic mid century modern motel! The owners are the most delightful people that are very accommodating.There was a gallery show in the main house/check in that was very enjoyable. Fantastic place I look forward to staying at again! I cannot say enough about this place. Especially great with its close location to so many of the waterfalls and Downtown Ithaca. This place is a gem.
Great mid century themed room! So close to two fantastic parks. Comfortable beds. Loved watching the gold finches outside our window. Only thing I wish there was better lighting at the entrance for nights. We missed the turn a few times when getting back at night because it really sneaks up on you!
I agree that the reviews look good, but not at all what we expected. We booked multiple rooms, you think the owners would make sure they were all ready. Rooms were very out dated, very bad musty, damp, smoke smell, TV broken. They just want us to put up with it. Moved to a lot better motel. Well, dont stay there!
A great place to spend the night or a few days. The guest rooms are clean bright and very well maintained, fitting beautifully with the park-like grounds. The enclosed dog parking is a great extra, especially if your canine companions have a tendency to wander in new locations...Though amenities are limited, there is free Wi-Fi on site and the motel is conveniently located near multiple dining options.
Demi was very helpful at check in/out. I love the aesthetic of your place. Clean welcoming and no plastic anywhere😘😘😘The filtered water was delicious and I loved the vintage cooler. The linens smelled like they had been dried outdoors. Yummy
Great place to stay! Much nicer and a better deal than the chain hotels in the area. Rooms are clean with new and very comfortable beds. Common area is very relaxing (NO TV!) and charming. Owners are wonderful people. Will definitely stay there again.
My family of 5 stayed here (2 adults and 3 kids under 6). Plus, we had family members rent rooms... around 10 rooms in total for a my sisters wedding. When I had called to book a room the owner was so rude! She basically told me that she didnt have room for my family with kids, even though my sister had blocked out rooms. So I looked elsewhere, but because it was a busy weekend, I could not find anything. So, I called back and talked with Robin, a very kind worker. She helped me book one of the cottages with a kitchen and an extra room with a futon.When checking in the owner told my husband to watch our children because the cottage is special....whatever that means. When opening the door to our room it smelled old and musty. We stayed in cottage 9. The bathrooms are very small. My husband is 61 and had a very hard time using the bathroom and brushing his teeth because there is no room to bend down to spit. The size of the bathroom might be something to mention! The shower is across from the bathroom in a closet with little to no room to dry off. We are not overly large people and it was just not comfortable. On the website it states that you need to be of normal size to stay in this room. What?My husband went to ask for 3 extra pillows (because the ones in the bed were small and flat. They also had yellow stains on them). The owner gave my husband an attitude and said, you now have 8 pillows in your room for 5 people! If you want more your going to have to take them off my bed!One of my aunts said she had mold in her room.It may look friendly and a great place to stay, but from our experience, we will not be returning. Our room was expensive and there was a note in the kitchen to use the cleaning supplies provided to clean it before leaving. I understand doing your own dishes, but scrubbing the kitchen? Isnt that why you get a room.We left cottage 9 in great shape. We were so afraid the owner was watching us and the possibility of getting charged an extra $50 for breaking a rule freaked us out.Not very comforting and friendly. I do not suggest staying here at all!!!
I stayed in the Grayhaven Motel in early June 2018. It is under new management. The motel is just outside Ithaca. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, recently renovated. The hosts Mark and Alexis are both artists as well as managers. They had an interesting art show in the main house, based on early 20th century art. They also have screenings on Fridays of movies with hotel/motel themes. They are warm, friendly and always accommodating. The motel is close to downtown Ithaca, which is a wonderful small city. There are grounds for picnics, and get togethers. Behind the motel is land that Mark is developing for a nature preserve. I highly recommend the motel
I loved staying here. It was simple but comfortable. I felt safe staying here with their Covid protocols. Some of the rooms have a wall of windows and you can bird and wildlife watch. It’s the best.
The location is perfect for when were visiting relatives in Ithaca. The rates are reasonable and the rooms are clean but the rooms are dated and it shows. The staff is friendly and coffee and a baked goods are provided in the office. Dogs are allowed at this hotel.
We loved our stay at Grayhaven motel, clean rooms and a pandemic friendly way to have a get away with contact less checkin and checkout. The kids liked exploring the trails behind the property and we saw a bunch of waterfalls.
Very clean, responsive customer service, and personalized out stay
It was a great experience. Nice and clean place, the owners are really helpful to make your stay comfortable and welcoming. Definitely recommend to anyone whos looking for a place that is budget friendly. Were definitely going back to stay at The Grayhaven
Great place to stay near Ithica! Our room was clean and cozy. The staff is helpful and welcoming. We had a kitchen and sitting room in addition to the main bedroom, but we still paid less than a chain hotel. If you want a nice place to stay near Ithica- this is it!
As advertised...vintage style, clean rooms, dog friendly with an extremely helpful staff. Much more enjoyable than staying at a big box hotel down the road. We’ll definitely be back.
Nice quiet weekend getaway. Definitely recommend.
A large room, very clean and a 5 star rating for pet friendly. Has a mini dog park, pet bowls, towel and sheet in room.No refrigerator or microwave in our room. There is a cooler. Excellent instructions and great wifi.If there was a coffee pot in the room we may have rated it a 5 star.
The Grayhaven Motel is a family owned establishment just recently bought by Mark and Alexis. Many new updates have taken place recently to bring out the modern vintage feel. Some of the many reason you should stay at Grayhaven Motel are -*Family run since 1954 - must be doing something right* clean and quiet motel* nessetled in between two state parks within a mile* close to two large colleges - Cornell University & Ithaca College - 10 minutes* minutes from the center of Ithaca* dog friendly with fenced in dog yard* fire pits for evening relaxation* dozens of board games that can be checked out*First Friday of the month - Gallery event from a local artist - displayed all month long*Movie night outside night of gallery event*Local food truck night of gallery event* Very competitive rates* Walking trails* Absolutley amazing owners and staff
Cozy little rooms. Amenities were a little less than expected. Lights in the rooms are just bulbs hanging from cords, the TV was broken, and no mini fridge or microwave available. People are very friendly and the property is well kept.
A bit old but it was clean. Bed was fine but pillows were flat and sheets werent the best. TV didnt get a lot of stations. Front desk person isnt there all the time. The room was big, we had one queen bed. Overall nothing major wrong.
Had a wonderful visit, great remodeled cottage unit, bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, and at a great price. Left a couple belongings and Alexis mailed them right away. Will definitely recommend and return to the Grayhaven Motel~
The bad google reviews reflect the old owners. The new owners are a very nice younger couple that treated us very well and did everything they could to make sure we were comfortable and happy in our stay. This is a very great place and highly recommended.
The front desk girl Robin used our family tragedy to harass our family. My grandmother died and several of our family members stayed there because it seemed decent. Then this girl starts a gossip fest that gets all the way back to family in Florida. The very day of the funeral we had to decide how to handle the situation. We decided it would be best to check out, move on and never return. This woman was absolutely unprofessional!
Have stayed her 2 times and both times I hate leaving. The new owners are great and friendly and the rooms are clean and well cared for with fresh paint and even provided plates and silverware.
This is a great place to stay if youre passing through Ithaca. Cozy and rustic rooms, caring owners, and just down the street from Buttermilk Falls. Highly recommended.
This hotel is very pet friendly. There is a fenced in area where you can let your dog off leash. The rooms were ok but a little musty and dated.
Clean motel and very nice and quiet. I loved the hardwood floors and the feeling of home. I would recommend this place for a weekend get away to anyone.
Very clean and recently renovated with new fixtures and flooring. The rooms were very chic and comfortable and the owners are very helpful and nice. Highly recommend!
What a perfect pick we made coming to Grayhaven Motel! Friendly owners. CLEAN rooms! 😘 Thank you for all you do to make your motel as great as it is!
This place is a gem. Right as you drive past buttermilk Park, right when the woods are green and the houses get old and you c as nt see the glare if Walmart, out room was there. Perfect, down To Eevery detail invcluding a record player with 78 lp.
One of the cleanest motels Ive stayed in! Friendly staff, big rooms, welcoming and comfortable. Half the price of nearby competition and far superior.
We did not read the instructions carefully and accidentally showed up with our dog without notifying. The owners were extremely understanding and magnanimous. Highly recommend!!
Bad experience: Staff was rude; rooms are old; bed bugs; no wifi in rooms; pricy.This motel should be avoided. There are a number of good motels nearby.
I stayed here with my husband and 2 children it was nice and cozy but when i woke up the next day i had a back ache and neck ache but it was minor overall i would still recommend this place because of its Nice and Welcoming Staff and very nice rooms!
The rooms are very nice, clean, & big the hotel is old but very well kept. Some of the rooms are like a one room apartment & comfortable would defiantly recommend this motel to anyone
Beautiful people run the Grayhaven but the rooms need to be rehabed. Reasonably priced rooms. Dog friendly.
Clean, comfortable and priced right. Awesome little motel. Would definitely stay again.
Very nice owners dog friendly nice setting. We love the rooms.
It was nice especially if you have a dog watch for the toads bad for dogs poison and the breakfast could have been better beautiful place
Lovely atmosphere and green space to enjoy. Quaint rooms, but thin walls.
I dont see a reason to stay anywhere else next time Im in Ithica. Grayhaven is perfect.
Neat little motel, served our needs.
Very homely place. Well maintained and good service. Would love to visit it again.
Clean and priced right. We enjoyed our stay.
Great location. Very charming. Would stay there again.
A hidden gem! Cant wait to return to this charming getaway.
Nice and clean with a dog park
Great place for a short stay.
Love pet park!
Awesome
Nice quiet beautiful inn
Great for dogs
Cozy little place...
Wonderful ❣️
CLEAN, CUTE WITH BREAKFAST AND NICE ENVIRONMENT!
Total reviews rating 4.6
78 Reviews for Grayhaven Motel 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-05Absolutely amazing stay at the Grayhaven! My Dad and I were in town for the Cayuga 50 race and booked their Shasta compact camper and ended up having one of the best and most unique stays we’ve ever had! The camper was awesome and fitted with a super comfy bed and a very nice porch facing the woods and fire pit area. The camper also came with a separate room with power, a couch and a bathroom making it very convenient. The staff had the best service and were super nice and accommodating definitely setting the bar high for all other hotels and motels in the area. Overall the stay in the camper never felt confined between the outdoor space they give you and the separate room. I would highly recommend a staying here on your next trip to Ithaca if not for the outstanding customer service but the great atmosphere and the amazing little camper!
Review №2
2022-02-27Weve had two wonderful trips here. The motel grounds are beautiful and offer amenities such as fire pits and charcoal grills. Both times weve brought our pup and stayed in a dog friendly room in the Tremane Lodge. These are beautifully spacious rooms with lots of rustic charm and comfortable beds (the firm mattresses take a little getting used to, but youll sleep like a baby). Unfortunately on this last trip I got sick and we had to leave a day early. The hotel managers were extremely understanding and helpful. I cant say enough good things, and were already planning our next trip.
Review №3
2022-03-14My experience at the Grayhaven Motel was incredibly relaxing and comfortable. The staff really went above and beyond to help me feel welcomed and accommodated. I loved the fact that it has a minimalist aesthetic and isnt the typical corporate hotel vibe or an overly cluttered Airbnb. The unique art in the room is a plus. Being able to look out the window into the woods beyond the property was nice. I really appreciated the convenience factor of staying minutes from town, easy access to parking, and not having to lug my things through a lobby.I sleep with a white noise machine on every night and l was so happy to see that they had the same brand in the bedroom as the one I use at home-- the classic Dohm. Being able to take advantage of their winter off-season mid-week special (one extra night free when you book 2) made a great value even better.The only thing I thought could be slightly improved was the lighting in the kitchen/ living room area in my suite-- I prefer softer, more indirect options for relaxing. That being said, I am much more sensitive and picky about lighting than the majority of people, and I had LED candles with me so I made it work. Overall though, it was perfect and I hope to return next time I am in town!
Review №4
2022-06-06I ran the Cayuga 50k and found Grayhaven in a small mention from the race director. Then I stumbled on the Shasta camper!! I brought my son and we absolutely loved it! The small details were appreciated so much such as the fixings to make s’mores, firewood waiting with a fire starter kit, flashlight and a guide to anything we could ask for. The owners were so friendly and you can tell their genuine efforts to accommodate their guests. Initially I was concerned about booking the small camper but it was the best idea ever! I will definitely return to stay in the camper!
Review №5
2022-06-28Clean, nice extras, such as access to fire pit, barbecue grills. I took advantage of using the provided large Coleman cooler while attending a car race at Watkins Glen. The owners have done a fantastic job modernizing the rooms, while still retaining their 50’s look.
Review №6
2022-03-20We were happy to stumble upon this motel after our Airbnb fell through. My husband and I were in town for Cornell and this was a short drive to campus with many restaurants and grocery stores on the route. We enjoyed the king carriage house for the week. It was clean, spacious, and the kitchenette was a useful amenity. There aren’t many solid hotels and Airbnbs in Ithaca, so I would recommend checking out Grayhaven for a great option. Only drawback is the highway noise, but coming from our house in the city this was not a big deal for us (and there is a sound machine if necessary). Lastly, it was very affordable with their 20% for a week deal.
Review №7
2022-06-14The Grayhaven Motel is charming, comfortable, and clean. Situated on a lovely piece of land with nice woodland scenery to take in with your morning coffee- we will definitely stay again when in the area!
Review №8
2022-06-11Retro Motor Inn. Love the nostalgia of stepping back in time to a classic vibe. Rooms are spotless and staff provides impeccable and friendly service. Looking forward to future stays in beautiful Ithaca and of course, Grayhaven!
Review №9
2022-06-22Charming place with great local recommendations for things to do and many activities to do on the property itself. Hosts were very helpful and accommodating.If we are ever in the area again, we would love to stay here!
Review №10
2021-04-12Loved our stay here. Grayhaven is close to town while respectful of budget and the staff does an amazing job of making you feel welcome and cared for. We loved the hammocks and proximity to great eats like Ithaca Beer Co and Maxies. Nowhere we went during our Ithaca stay was more than 20 minutes away (most were 10) and it was approximately 3 minutes from Buttermilk Falls. Because of the older air conditioning and retro vibes I wouldnt recommend for any finicky travelers, but for those looking to support a local place that is cute, cozy, and wonderfully maintained - this is the place!