Syracuse hotels

The Parkview Hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in Syracuse. It celebrates a hat-trick of amenities that no other city-centre hotel offers: free breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Forman Park is the hotel’s front garden, a lovely place for a morning stroll no matter the season.

In the winter, the roaring fire in the lobby welcomes guests to relax on comfortable couches. I love that the lobby also has board games and snacks – it’s a great way to make guests feel right at home.

As you’d expect from one of the best hotels in Syracuse, the guestrooms are just as inviting. Individual climate control really makes a difference in the heat of summer and cold of winter. Meanwhile, the Parkview Suite has a kitchen and fridge – a major bonus if you prefer to prepare your own food.

This Marriott is right in the heart of the city centre, making it one of the best hotels in Syracuse for location. The restored building dates back to 1924 and is a hub for travellers arriving in the city for business and leisure.

The bathrooms are the real standout feature of each suite. Clad in marble with double vanity sinks, these serene retreats combine with spacious guestrooms to offer a comfortable place to relax. Whether going to bed early on a pillowtop mattress or kicking back in a Stickley chair, these rooms guarantee plenty of rest.

I like that, along with the standard guestroom or suite offering, there are also larger options available. Their Oversized rooms offer M Club lounge access, while the Executive and Presidential Suites come with two bedrooms to create a home-away-from-home vibe.

‘Wow’ is the first word that comes to mind when gazing at the Hotel Skyler Syracuse, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This century-old building has a modern-day achievement that’s a first for the city’s hotels: a LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of this green building rating system. It’s quite a contemporary upgrade in contrast to the hotel’s Pantheon-style edifice.

The Skyler is one of the best hotels in Syracuse for more than just its grand aesthetic. Located in the University Hill historic neighbourhood, it offers instant access to Syracuse University and the city centre.

Despite having a different facade, the guestrooms and suites are exactly what I’ve come to expect from a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel. Single kings and double queen beds fill comfortable spaces that include sitting areas. If you can, I highly recommend splurging on the one-bedroom Treehouse Loft Suite, a dual-level room with two TVs, an extra sofa bed, and a mini-fridge.

This Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the top-rated hotels in Syracuse near the airport. The free airport shuttle provides quick and easy transportation to and from Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

Other handy freebies include on-site parking, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to the fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. The fitness centre and swimming pool are adjacent, so you can easily hop from one to the other.

Among the best hotels in Syracuse near the New York State Fairgrounds, the Hampton Inn & Suites has a range of guestrooms and suites. Many of the rooms have king beds, though I find going for the double queens instead of having the kids sleep on a sofa bed is a great option when travelling with children.

Embassy Suites by Hilton is next door to Destiny USA, the city’s huge shopping, dining, and entertainment centre. I can see why this is considered one of the best hotels in Syracuse for families. Having dozens of stores and restaurants, as well as leisure attractions like Apex Entertainment, WonderWorks, and Dave & Busters right across the street makes for an easy day of indoor fun.

And if you don’t have a car with you, no problem – the hotel’s free shuttle service takes you to the airport and within a five-mile radius of the property.

Speaking of having fun indoors, amenities like the complimentary evening reception and the indoor swimming pool are among my favourite perks of staying at Embassy Suites. The one and two-bedroom suites have more than enough room for a comfortable stay, and I especially like the corner suites bathed in natural light.

Set on Onondaga Creek, Aloft is one of the best hotels in Syracuse thanks to its unique waterfront location. The Empire State Trail is just beyond the hotel’s lobby, leading to the serene Onondaga Lake. Whether adding a cool-down walk after using the 24-hour fitness centre or taking a moment to sightsee along the lakeshore, Aloft’s Inner Harbor location is special.

Another great perk that livens up this lakeside property is the fact its W XYZ Bar is open nearly every hour. Good food and drinks are standard, but I think the real draw here is the live music nights and buzzy events.

With guestrooms looking down over Onondaga Creek and an indoor pool with equally alluring vistas, Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor is a win for any traveller who appreciates a great view.

This Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels in Syracuse for those keen to explore beyond the city itself. Practically on the I-690/I-481 junction, getting to the Finger Lakes or Green Lakes State Park from this Dewitt property is a breeze.

The hotel has a delicious Korean barbeque right next door, which makes for an easy dinner. The Hampton Inn & Suites has free hot breakfast covered, as well as films and shows to stream, a well-equipped gym, and an indoor swimming pool. Plus, this property is pet-friendly.

The guestrooms all come with sofa beds – ideal if you’re travelling with kids. If I’m flying solo though, I prefer the Studio Suites with desks, coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-fridges. These home-like conveniences always come in handy when I’m working remotely and need privacy that the business centre may not offer.

Technically located in Camillus, this Tru by Hilton is a Syracuse area hotel that offers a good alternative to staying directly in the city. It’s a great spot for travellers passing through and for those who want to explore the city.

Restaurants and shops surround the hotel, while venues like the New York State Fairgrounds, SRC Arena, and Syracuse University are 10 miles or less away. There’s no reason to get up and go right away though. Tru encourages overnighters to stay and make themselves at home.

After a free hot breakfast, use the free Wi-Fi for a bit of post-meal streaming or scrolling. Active afternoon entertainment is available via the indoor sports court and fitness centre. And if the mood strikes for cocktails and cinema, the Movie Tavern next door is a perfect nightcap.

Close to the airport yet only minutes from the city centre, this SpringHill Suites by Marriott offers the comforts of home. This all-suite property is ideal for longer stays, though those who stay only a night or two will also appreciate the sofa beds, mini-fridges, ergonomic workstations, and microwaves.

The fitness centre is open around the clock – great for fitting in a workout no matter the time of day. Though personally, I’m all for postponing exercise to take advantage of the indoor pool’s hours and the fresh food at the complimentary breakfast buffet instead.

With golf clubs and museums nearby, staying at this SpringHill Suites sets travellers up for an exciting day no matter the season.

The Craftsman Inn & Suites is outside of the city itself, making it one of the best hotels in Syracuse for those after a quieter stay. Set next door to Wellington House, a gorgeous wedding venue, the Craftsman Inn & Suites is a laid-back space where elegance and rustic design come together.

The hotel lives up to its name by showcasing Stickley furnishings – a century-old Upstate New York craftsman furniture company – in each of its rooms. Special suites offer a little more room to roam than the typical guestrooms, though all rooms feature mini-fridges, glass-enclosed showers, and luxury bath products. In-room dining is also available.

While the complimentary breakfast can be enjoyed in your luxurious Craftsman Suite, I wouldn’t miss the chance to appreciate the refined decor and main courses in the Craftsman Wood Grille & Tap House.