The COLGATE INN, My choice in Hamilton NY.
Written: Apr 26 '04 (Updated Apr 27 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great location to Colgate University
Cons: Noisy at night.
The Bottom Line: The location and service make this a good place to stay.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Colgate Inn |
Work brings me to different parts of NY State. This time we visited Colgate University in Hamilton NY. Fortunately, though it's a bit of a ride from Long Island NY, I love driving through the rolling hills of central NY. This is repeat business and by chance we booked the Colgate Inn a few years ago. We have made that the place of our choice ever since.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The hotel has a Dutch Colonial style to it that has great street appeal. With its four, forty foot or so high columns it stands as an imposing structure overlooking the Village Green. It's situated in the main strip of town and has many stores and restaurants nearby.
It is just half a mile, if that far, from Colgate University. The Inn is actually owned by the University. This is the town of Hamilton and it is a college town. At night you will see many students walking the streets till 2AM or so. There was also a lot of police action from the sounds of their sirens blaring in the middle of the night. I wonder whether there was that much police activity or was it just overly zealous drivers in those cars zooming up and down the streets? At this time of year the windows of the hotels rooms are open for the fresh mountain air. Being so, the outside noises of the kids roaming the streets and the cars driving by are noticeably heard.
The LOBBY
The building was erected sometime in 1925. This was the same site for previous hotels of the 1800's. It has gone through many renovations over the years including a modernization of most rooms in 1995. As we entered I noticed the lobby just went through a face lift. Upon inquiring, I was told the work was completed just days earlier.
It is all done in colonial fashion and is quite attractive. You enter to the sight of a grand wooden staircase that winds its way up the three story levels of the hotel. There is an elevator in the lobby.
A few soft sofas and settings were arranged and small brass lighting fixtures were hanging from the ceilings and on the walls. The carpeting, which at first glance looks terrific, is spotted. It is brand new and shows no wear. It's just that the choice of colour was a light cream. I don't know who or what was the thinking when they made this choice but I don't see a long life to this carpet. Much of the lobby is covered in Oriental carpets too. Unfortunately its the entrance and high traffic areas that are of the light colour.
There is a sitting room, actually the Parlor Room, off the lobby that was nicely designed and also newly renovated. The large double doors with brass fittings and panes of beveled glass draw you into space that has a huge floral display and fireplace that anchor the room. Also placed inside is very comfortable fireside furniture and a large table with leather upholstered chairs. You have a view of the village green from here too.
The walls are nicely wood paneled as is the ceiling. On one wall is a book shelf that has some reading material about the area and a few novels by Colgate University authors. Board games were also in the shelving and available for guest use. I read that Internet jacks were set up in the room. I didn't notice when I was in the room.
SERVICE
Back in the lobby is the Registration Desk. It is small and unassuming. The people were very friendly, professional and helpful. Check-in and check-out were very quick processes.
I did ask at the desk what amenities might be available with the hotel. Though lacking a pool and workout room, I did learn the hotel had a deal with Colgate University. The desk attendant told me to simply bring the hotel key to their facility and you could use their pool and exercise equipment. I have never seen or made use of the offer. Update: In reading some information about the hotel it is said the facilities can be used at a nominal fee. I was not told this at the desk. Be sure to ask.
I did have a couple of cleanliness issues in the room this time. I'll get to them in a bit.
In having stayed at this place a few times I can say the overall service has been good. We have never stayed more than one night so I can't rate the housekeeping services daily work.
OUR ROOMS
When we go up to the University we are a small team of six so I get to see a few rooms. They are all very much the same.
Our small colonial style room had two single beds that were comfortable with one night table and wall mounted lamps between them. A cherry wood pair of chairs were placed at the table that had a coffee maker and a few tea bags. An ice bucket was also available with a few wrapped glasses. The table and chairs matched the headboard of the bed and the three drawer armoire holding a 19" TV that had about a 50 channel selection including all the major news stations I watch. A small closet, with hangers, iron and board, had a full length mirror on the doors.
Two small double hung windows gave a view of the Village Green. Small blinds covered the windows and did little to keep the morning sun out of the room. If you have to sleep during the day, this place is not a good choice.
The rooms individual A/C Heating unit was a little noisy when I turned it on to see if it worked. It did. The carpeting showed a little bit of wear but was clean.
A book is in the room with all Colgate University information. I could see it would be very useful to a first timer.
THE BATH
One of the draws this hotel uses is its offering of jacuzzi style bath tubs. These are regular sized tubs, roomy enough for one, with water jets that can be very relaxing. It's easy to use and has two different speed settings. It worked well.
The bathroom like the room is small but just large enough not to feel totally cramped. The fixtures are all new with a matching porcelain shelf above the sink. There is no other counter space so the area for personal hygiene needs is limited. There are plenty of hooks and towel rods. Two towels, not all that large, and two hand towels were issued
along with wash cloths.
Bath and Body brand shampoo, rinse, shower cap and body lotion were set in a small basket taking up the little shelf room there was.
I didn't like the lighting of two small florescent bulbs, one on each side of a cherry wood framed mirror. I'm used to bright bathroom light. A hair dryer was hanging near the mirror. The window opened in the room for circulation of air. I didn't care for the positioning of the bathroom. It was on the far side of the room furthest away from the entrance door.
Though the walls were half tiled and the shower/bath area full tiled, the floor was a piece of linoleum.
I was put off by a couple of strands of hair in the tub and fingerprints on the inside of the bathroom door. I haven't seen this kind of thing in the last few stays there.
RESTAURANTS
There are three restaurants in the place. The Corner grill serves breakfast. This is a very fine looking place with a colonial style and huge hand hewn beams on the ceiling and a warm looking fireplace. The prices are moderate for breakfast. The selection was good. We always happen to go across to a small "greasy spoon" restaurant that is more to the young guy's, I employ, liking. It is less expensive and serves huge platters. My deal is this; if they get up in the morning and get to the restaurant on time, breakfast is on me. This always seems to get them up and the guys, 19-24 years in age work better with a full stomach.
Another of the rooms is more of a pub setting with a full bar, TV, and paneled walls. It's called the Tap Room. They serve lunch and dinner. Another full restaurant is downstairs. I know nothing of it except they recently changed the name of the place to the Salmagundi Bar & Restaurant.
A FEW MORE DETAILS
We arrived fairly late and yet there were still a few parking spots that were not that far from the rear doors of the place. The hotel is accessible friendly with push button doors at the rear entrance from the lot and ramps where needed.
All in all we are comfortable enough and have not had any major issues with the place. If you are coming up to check out the University it's a good place to stay.
Colgate University
NEW YORK STATE So Much To Offer.
Recommended:
Yes
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