ARGOS INN - ITHACA'S BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Ithaca

Argos Inn - Ithaca's Boutique Hotel - Historic mansion with art collection near Cornell University

Located in downtown Ithaca, this LEED-certified historic mansion is 2.5 km from Cornell University and 0.5 km from The Commons shopping area. The environmentally-friendly property features a sun porch, outdoor stone patio, and award-winning Bar Argos serving classic cocktails and local beverages. The hotel showcases meticulously restored architectural elements including wood, stone, plaster, brick, and glass details. The building, formerly the Mayor's Mansion and Duncan-Hines world headquarters, received the Preservation League of NYS Award of Excellence in 2017. Geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting, and other green building features are incorporated throughout. The Argos Warehouse event space accommodates up to 100 guests for cocktail receptions. Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport is 10 km away.

Additional perks of the hotel

Collection of 20th century artwork including original Salvador Dali and Joan Miró pieces

Complimentary espresso, tea selection, snacks in first-floor solarium

8am-10pm front desk service with late-night key box available

Semi-private event space with communal table seating for 20

Living-wage jobs created in compliance with low-interest urban renewal loan

Weekly educational series about alcohol science and history

Copper and wood bar with Moroccan details

Proximity to Finger Lakes Wine Trail and local waterfalls

Unique Rooms

The hotel offers 13 individually furnished boutique rooms, each blending historic details with modern amenities. Room options include queen and king bed configurations, with some featuring enclosed sunrooms or writing desks. Premium bedding, first-run movies, and separate sitting areas are provided. Bathrooms include walk-in rain showers, with one room featuring a clawfoot bathtub. One wheelchair-accessible (ADA compliant) room is available on the first floor. The third-floor Top Deck Suite overlooks the back patio and trees with refinished plaster walls and unique original windows.

Other conveniences

Air conditioning with Samsung thermostats

Floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes

Flat-screen TVs with Apple TV

Refurbished antique French furniture

Restored turn-of-the-century bergere chairs

Private bathrooms with tumbled marble tile walls

Bluestone slab floors in select units

Writing desks with vintage chairs