the argos inn –
beauty restored
About The Inn:
​
The Argos Inn is a beautifully restored, nationally registered historic mansion in the heart of Ithaca, NY. The hotel is a modern take on a classic inn, meticulously decorated with whimsically refurbished antique french furniture and a collection of 20th century artwork, including original masterpieces by Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, and a plethora of other internationally and locally known artists.
​
Enjoy an award winning cocktail at Bar Argos’s zinc parlor bar or relax on the back patio under the floating chandeliers and moroccan lanterns. For a late night drink head next door to the Argos Warehouse with it’s custom-designed 20’ green velvet couches and vintage copper bar.
While a guest at the Argos Inn, your time away will be filled with beauty, whether you are venturing out the front door into the colorful Ithaca landscape or relaxing within the warmly textured plaster walls of the Inn.
​
It is our goal that our guests, whether locals or travelers, will feel a touch of the exotic, that magical feeling of being in a far off place with all the comforts of home.
Location:
​
The central downtown location of the Argos Inn is ideal for visitors seeking convenient access to Cornell University and Ithaca College. The Inn is just steps from The Commons, Ithaca’s pedestrian shopping and dining thoroughfare. Ithaca is also a launching point for the Finger Lakes Wine Trail and is surrounded by magnificent waterfalls and famous gorges.
Historic Renovation:
​
In 2017, The Argos Inn won the Preservation League Of NYS award of Excellence In Historic Preservation; it is the first building in Ithaca to receive this honor. Their press release states:
​
“Built as a private residence and contributing to the East Hill Historic District, this property had been used for office space for many years and was in poor condition in 2009. The building has been given new life as a boutique hotel and gathering space. The restoration employed local artisans to restore or fabricate intricate architectural details that were lost or covered over – including more than a mile of millwork. The Argos Inn has created living-wage jobs in compliance with a low-interest loan secured from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency“
The Argos Inn also received Historic Ithaca’s Preservation Award in 2014.
The historic renovation of the Argos Inn showcases the building’s meticulously restored wood, stone, plaster, brick, and glass details . Rejuvenating these classic architectural elements makes the space feel fresh, new, and vibrantly alive.
​
The Argos Inn is a LEED (Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design) certified building. Contributing green building features include: geothermal wells under the parking lot which provides the heating and air conditioning, low wattage LED bulbs, low VOC building materials, low flow faucets, and a variety of energy efficient building materials.
​Building History:
​
The property was inhabited by two different families of Ithaca Presidents from when it was built in 1831 until it was turned into apartments in the 1920's.
​
In the 1940's, Roy Park turned the property and the neighboring warehouse into the world headquarters of Duncan Hines Foods. From the 1960's - 2000's a variety of other business occupied the building such as a hair salon, accounting firm, Buddhist publishing company, and various non profits.
​
In 2009, Avi Smith purchased the property from Unity House, spent four years renovating the building, then opened it as the Argos Inn in late 2013. Avi grew up on a strawberry farm ten minutes from the Inn, then lived in San Francisco for ten years before moving back to Ithaca to purchase the building.
Staying at the Inn:
​
Check-in & Check-out Policy
Check-in is 4pm. Check-out is 11am.
We are currently unable to accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs. If you are unable to vacate your room by 11am, a fee of $100 will be charged by noon. If your stay goes beyond noon, the next night's full room rate will be charged to the credit card on file.
​
Deposit
The first night of your stay is charged as a deposit at the time of your booking. Unless you book at a 'non-refundable' rate, you can cancel your booking up to 48 hours prior to arrival and receive a full refund.
​
Guest Services
Call Guests Services at 607-319-4437 for any questions or requests, day or night, for any reason!
​
Housekeeping Service
For longer term guests, you'll receive a text in the morning asking if you'd like your room serviced for the day. Please let us know by 1pm. Additionally, feel free to text or stop by the front desk for fresh linen or additional amenities. Please note: A 2% Hotel Gratuity has been added to your room rate at the time of booking. 100% of this fee goes directly to the Front Desk and Housekeeping staff.
​
Late Arrival Check-in
We have built an outdoor key box for your late night arrival needs. Our front desk is staffed from 8am-10pm. If you have not checked-in by 9pm, our staff will reach out to you with further instructions.
​
Smoking
Absolutely no smoking is permitted in guest rooms, public spaces or outdoor public spaces other than the designated smoking area. There is a marked designated smoking area outdoors on the upper terrace, in the back of the house. If it is found that a guest has been smoking in a prohibited indoor area, a $1,000 cleaning fee with be charged to the credit card on file.
​
Pets
We are unable to accommodate pets at Argos Inn, excluding service animals. A $250 cleaning fee will be charged to the credit card on file if a pet is discovered on premises. According to the US Department of Justice, service dogs must be under their handlers control at all times. A $250 feel will be charged if a service dog is left unsupervised or causes destruction.
​
Children
We are unable to accommodate children under 12 years of age at Argos Inn. We are a unique property that is not well-suited for children.
Public Area Quiet Hours
We welcome you to relax and enjoy all of the public areas Argos has to offer! Please help us create a welcoming environment for all by keeping quiet hours beginning at 10:30pm indoors and 1am outdoors.
​
Parking
There is parking available on-site for one vehicle per booking. 'Overnight Guest Only' signs reserve spaces for you. You're welcome to park anywhere available though.
​
Coffee, Tea & Snacks
Automatic espresso maker, tea selection, snacks and ice available in the first floor solarium for free for hotel guests. Bottled water is provided in the hotel rooms.
​
Keys
Failure to return any guest room key issued during your stay will result in a $50 lost key charge, to be applied to the credit card on file.