<p>cortland is a good alternative. D # 2 is graduating SUNY Cortland this week-end so I know the place well. 30 to 40 minute drive (tops) to Ithaca. Good roads. Not the typical dark windy roads that you find driving out of Ithaca. Bunch of hotels in cortland including Hampton Inn, Ramada, Days Inn and a new Country Suites. There are a few others too
if you can’t get a room in Ithaca, I’d look into getting a room in Cortland. Has a Dunkin Donuts and Applebees too. What else do you need.</p>
<p>btw- my b-i-l can be a bit of a stick in the mud. I too think staying in a dorm would be fun. I don’t think i realized it was an option when we made reservations when we dropped my freshman d off at cornell.</p>
<p>this is one of my favorite parts about college confidential. Passing along practical info that may be real helpful to others.</p>