Argos Inn

Argos Inn, a Michelin Key Selected property in the Finger Lakes region, particularly in Ithaca, New York, is widely celebrated as a distinctive boutique hotel that masterfully blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. Housed in a meticulously restored 1831 mansion, formerly the Mayor's house and Duncan Hines world headquarters, the inn consistently receives high praise from guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Argos Inn is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an "exceptional" and "superb" experience. Expedia reviews show an "Exceptional" rating of 9.4 out of 10 based on 386 reviews, with a significant majority rating it as "Excellent". Booking.com also reflects this high regard with a "Superb" rating of 9.3 out of 10 from 260 reviews. The Michelin Guide itself gives the hotel an impressive 19.7 out of 20 for the overall experience. Guests often call it a "true gem" and praise its unique ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The inn is praised for its "charming interior," "beautiful spaces throughout," and a "retro-Victorian, 2017-style" design that thoughtfully integrates original architectural details with modern furnishings. It's noted for feeling like a "European and French boutique hotel". The property is also LEED certified, emphasizing sustainability.
• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently commended for being "helpful," "attentive," "personal," and "friendly". Specific mentions include "Jeff at the front desk was superb. 11 on a 10 point scale" and other staff being "equally outstanding".
• Location: Its prime location in downtown Ithaca, "just off the commons," is a major draw, allowing guests to explore the city's restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions on foot. Cornell University is also easily accessible, located just across Cascadilla Gorge.
• Amenities: The popular craft-cocktail bar, Bar Argos, is a significant highlight, known for its inviting ambiance and expertly mixed drinks. Guests also appreciate the coffee machine (including cappuccino), outdoor patio, free in-room WiFi, and complimentary self-parking.

3. Room Quality

Argos Inn offers ten rooms and three suites, each "individually furnished and decorated," ensuring no two rooms are quite alike. Rooms are described as "delightful, clean, aesthetically pleasing," and "cozy," balancing historical character with modern comfort. Guests appreciate features such as "premium bedding," "Egyptian cotton sheets," comfortable beds, and "lovely bathrooms" with rainfall showerheads and eco-friendly toiletries. Modern amenities include air conditioning, laptop-friendly workspaces, and 40-inch flat-screen TVs with streaming services. Some larger rooms even feature unusual layouts or exposed brick walls.

4. Dining Experience

While Argos Inn does not consistently offer a full breakfast, guests can enjoy coffee and tea in common areas, with a Jura coffee machine providing cappuccino. The highlight of the dining and social experience is undoubtedly Bar Argos, a craft-cocktail bar known for its expertly made drinks and vibrant atmosphere, sometimes featuring live music and public events. There's also "Argos Warehouse" mentioned as an on-site restaurant option.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Argos Inn consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently describe the staff as "warm and welcoming," "attentive and personal," and "wonderful". The front desk staff, in particular, has been singled out for exceptional service, with one guest stating that a staff member was "superb. 11 on a 10 point scale." Many reviews emphasize a feeling of being well-cared for from arrival.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 408 E State Street in Ithaca, NY, Argos Inn boasts a highly convenient and accessible downtown location. It is "just steps from downtown Ithaca," placing guests within easy walking distance of Ithaca Commons, the State Theatre of Ithaca, and numerous local restaurants, bars, and shops. For those with academic interests, Cornell University is a short distance away, "just across Cascadilla Gorge." The inn offers free self-parking, and a bus stop (Seneca Street Station - Route 10) is conveniently located nearby.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property, Argos Inn offers a refined experience, and its pricing reflects this. As of January 27, 2026, a 1-night stay for two adults could start from approximately $120.0, excluding taxes and fees, though prices are subject to change. While one guest mentioned it might not be the best "value for money," the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest that many find the unique ambiance, high level of service, and quality amenities justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some minor criticisms and policies have been noted by guests:

• Room Furnishings: One guest mentioned that some deep pile rugs, cushions, and throws made of "hairy, fur-like fabric" seemed difficult to keep clean over time.
• Bed Comfort: A specific review mentioned that the bed in Room 103 was "not as comfortable this time" compared to a previous stay in Room 204.
• Desk Setup: One guest found the small folding chair at the desk to be uncomfortable, noting the desktop was "shoulder height."
• Amenities (Minor): A lack of an ironing board and iron was mentioned by one guest.
• Noise: One reviewer noted "traffic noise."
• Local Area Perception: A guest expressed that "The commons is a neglected not clean area and not attractive," suggesting alternative locations closer to Cornell or natural areas for those with a car.
• Hotel Policies: Argos Inn has specific policies, including being unable to accommodate children under 12 or pets (excluding service animals).
• Internal Staff Feedback: While not directly from guests, internal employee reviews indicate some dissatisfaction with "inn management," describing them as "rude & unhelpful," although praising the "bar staff & ceo."

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. cayugawinetrail.com
4. argosinn.com
5. expedia.com
6. booking.com
7. booking.com
8. ithacahotels.net
9. indeed.com