Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. If you go, you’ll find yourself located in an city filled with architectural gems. Gaze around and you’ll see buildings that reflect its rich past. In particular, there is a connection to the Erie Canal that was completed here in 1825. Today, though, this city in Upper New York State will keep you hopping with happening restaurants, shops, and pubs.
Located in vibrant Armory Square, this Syracuse hotel is in the heart of the action. Here, you can eat at a variety of buzzy dining establishments and watch shows at a number of entertainment venues. Make sure you take time to walk through this area, recognized as a National Historic District. When you are choosing from downtown Syracuse hotels, this one couldn’t be more convenient.
Next to Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites is a small paid lot where you can park your car. It’s easy to leave your vehicle behind while you stroll over to one of the city’s many cultural attractions. Check out the facts on the waterway that made this area famous at the Erie Canal Museum or go to an exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art. If you want to learn how things tick, go to the Museum of Science and Technology just down the street from the hotel.
Syracuse is a small city, with a population of around 150,000. But it is big on spirit since it is home to Syracuse University and alma mater to President Joe Biden. You’ll find it bustles with comings and goings connected to the university (students, parents, guest lecturers). The city also hosts the region’s largest employer, SUNY Upstate Medical University which is a research hub. Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites is well situated to serve you if you are there on business or to see family. It’s also an attractive spot if you want to explore the city’s storied downtown streets on foot.
Originally built in 1927, the four-star hotel was renovated in December 2022. Furnishing have been refreshed and when you check out the walls, you’ll see they are hung with historic Syracuse black-and-white prints. Take a look around the bright lobby and you’ll notice it is paneled with new, gleaming grey marble.
This Syracuse hotel offers 68 guest rooms in various sizes, all with kitchenette facilities. They range from a studio with one queen bed that sleeps two, to the extra spacious two-room Presidential King Suite that sleeps four. This is good for friends or family as it contains one king bed, dining area with table and chairs, living room with pull-out sofa, and work desk. There are also Corner King Suites with separate bedroom and 2 Double Bed rooms. Mattresses are pillowtop and blackout curtains help ensure a proper night’s sleep.
If you want to make a simple snack, the kitchenettes feature a refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, microwave, and sink. When you want to relax, you’ll note that the rooms all have flat-screen TVs with cable or satellite access and free Wi-Fi. For people with disabilities, the hotel has been careful to make public/common spaces accessible. Accessible guest rooms offer roll-in showers and fixtures at the appropriate heights.
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Buy Travel Insurance
Breakfast is included in the room rate. You can select yogurt, fruit, pastries, cereal, toast, muffins, scrambled eggs, and hot breakfast meats. The buffet is set up on one side of the lobby, and you can eat at one of the tables and chairs scattered throughout the space.
There is also a 24-hour exercise facility, so you can schedule your workout anytime. It features a stair machine, stationary bike, and treadmill. There are also free weights and balls. Guest laundry facilities are available, there is a business center with photocopying services, and a 650-square-foot conference room. You can pour yourself a coffee or tea in the lobby, available all day. In addition, you can pick up paid snacks and last-minute toiletry items from a shelf in the lobby.
Take a 10-minute walk to many outstanding pubs and restaurants, including the iconic Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Syracuse is the original home of this small chain known for its ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. It is also close to the Onecenter Civic Center Theaters, Upstate Medical Arena at The Onecenter War Memorial, and The Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center. If you need to get to Syracuse University, it is 1.5 miles away. The airport is a 10-minute drive.
Rates start at $190 and the suites offer great value for four people. Children 18 and under are free with one paying adult. Remember to leave Fido at home, pets are not allowed. Make your reservation directly with Best Western, or see if you can find a better rate on a hotel booking site like Expedia or Booking.com and make your reservations there.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Visit Syracuse arranged her stay for review purposes.