Hotel Skyler (Syracuse, USA)

This is a beautifully renovated boutique hotel which was originally a temple. Exquisite architecture and chic decor throughout with a stunning stained glass piece in the lobby. Situated within easy walking distance or a short ride of Syracuse University campus, Syracuse Stage, Armory Square and Marshall Street. Plenty of restaurants and bars within a stroll. Ample free parking is available on-site with guest card access. Most felt this was a very safe area. Very environmentally-conscious amenities. The daily breakfast, served in the hotel foyer, is a must with tasty steel-cut oats, little quiches and locally-sourced yogurts. There is also a little refrigerated shop where you can buy organic snacks, fair trade coffee, and such throughout the day.

Stunning rooms have high ceilings, unique decor, speedy Wi-Fi, comfy beds with several pillows, lovely views over Syracuse University campus and/or the Carrier Dome, refrigerators, flat screen televisions, huge windows that cover nearly the entire wall, as well as smaller half-moon windows. Bathrooms are complete with excellent water pressure and rainfall shower heads. Weirdly, some reported no shower curtains or doors, however.

Charming, accommodating staff go above and beyond here. Plenty of attention to detail. The check-in procedure may not be top speed, but is always friendly.

Some found the walls and ceilings/floors so thin it was impossible to sleep. Housekeeping sometimes speaks loudly in the hallway and has been known to knock several times many hours prior to check-out. Others complained of the nearby mechanical room making loud noises and/or an in-room smoke detector light blinking brightly throughout the night.

Get clarity on card-access power for lights, air conditioning and other necessities at check-in.

The fitness room and trash cans throughout the premises are remarkably small.