Syracuse’s 100-year history is gorgeously represented as soon as you step foot into Marriott Downtown Syracuse. From its ornate ceiling to the murals on its walls, the lobby looks like it did when it opened in 1924 as the Hotel Syracuse. It’s earned awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and from Historic Hotels of America for its restoration work, which took place in 2016.
Not only was the lobby worth a moment of awe as I walked in, but its historic details throughout the building were pause-worthy, too, including its original curved “coffin” doors on some of its 261 modernized guest rooms.
After checking in at the beautiful and historic counter—and easy process made better by a friendly staff member—I found my room on the quiet fourth floor. Passing the curved room doors on the way (which still exist in only a handful of hotels around the country) made me imagine who might’ve been here in its heyday. It turns out five U.S. Presidents have stayed here, as well as countless celebrities—even John Lennon, who celebrated his 30th birthday and stayed an entire week!
Feeling special, I easily accessed my room which was outfitted with a king-sized bed; a spacious bathroom with a large shower and vanity; a full couch; a desk to write my solar eclipse story at; and other expected amenities like a flatscreen TV.
The stay was comfortable and quiet and I was able to work from the hotel easily with its stable, free Wi-Fi and ample workspaces. The only issues during my stay there were related to smaller details. I noticed my hallway’s floor needed a good vacuum during my two-night stay and one of the curtains in my room looked like one side had been ripped or fell from its rod. The corners of the shower could’ve been cleaner, too, and getting valet help at the entrance was very slow.
But Mariott Downtown Syracuse was a pleasant stay and provided a great home base that was so close to some of the best that the city has to offer.
Neighborhood:
The hotel is located within Downtown Syracuse, a largely historic area with more than 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places with plenty of good spots to grab lunch or dinner, shop and take in live performances. The neighborhood boasts the Everson Museum of Art, the Erie Canal Museum, the Landmark Theatre (a former movie palace that now hosts Broadway shows), and many boutiques, pubs, and eateries within the Armory Square area’s converted industrial buildings. It’s also very easy to walk, especially with the addition of the Onondaga Creekwalk—a 2.6-mile trail along Onondaga Creek connecting Armory Square to Onondaga Lake.
Closeby:
1. Everson Museum: A brutalist I. M. Pei-designed building that is a work of art itself and contains the largest collection of ceramics in the U.S. and an eclectic mix of impressive American artworks. It’s just a five-minute walk away.
2. Salt City Market: An airy and colorful food market of 14 kitchens representing cuisine from around the world, including Thai, Middle Eastern, Cali-Mex, Jamaican, Ethiopian, Vietnamese and more. Make sure to grab a Sinbun while you’re there, trust me. The market is across the street from the hotel!
3. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: The famous barbecue joint’s original location is just a five-minute drive away.
Time Out Tip: Get breakfast downstairs at Eleven Waters. I’d order from the menu rather than do the breakfast buffet.