In my last post, I reviewed August Moon Spa at La Tourelle Resort & Spa in Ithaca, NY - In the Fingerlakes region of New York State.  In this post, I'll tell you about the wonderful accommodations and activites at La Tourelle.

Resort Accommodations:

There are a wide variety of room accommodations available at La Tourelle.  From standard king rooms, to fireplace king rooms, to pet friendly rooms and specialty rooms like the upper and lower tower rooms and the three-bedroom yellow barn suite.

The original 35 rooms are on a constant renovation cycle.  The newer wing of the building houses 19 French-named rooms.  I stayed in the Paris room, an executive fireplace suite with four-poster king size bed, seating area, balcony overlooking gazebos and ponds, and a ceiling mounted projection TV.  Although we were on a girlfriend’s spa getaway, the Paris room would be perfect for romantic special occasions.

Paris room at La Tourelle Resort & Spa

The pillow top mattress, triple sheeting, at least 6 pillows and down comforter was like sleeping on a cloud.  The room had plenty of natural lighting for daytime, yet room darkening damask drapery for privacy and nighttime.  It had an apartment-like feel to it, with furnishings, artwork, sculptures and vases unlike a traditional hotel room.  Wood floors were covered in oriental area rugs.  Two louvered door closets hid essentials like an iron/ironing board, robes, fridge, DVD/VCR and a recycling bin.  Ithaca is indeed a very “green” city.  A wall of bookshelves holds an eclectic selection of books for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Speaking of hiding the essentials, a trek down the hall to get ice from the ice machine revealed a neat surprise - no ice machines here!  Ice is hidden away in “ice chests” – coolers tucked inside a treasure chest.  Very classy.

The bathroom features a dual headed shower and an oval shaped jetted tub.  Bath products were from Lord & Mayfair.

My team of spa girlfriends each had their own King fireplace rooms with small balcony, jetted tub, and double sinks.

Resort Activities:

In a city like Ithaca where the main attractions are the stars, activities at La Tourelle serve in a supporting role.  Nevertheless, the hotel has two tennis courts, two walking trails named Buck and Doe and the property is adjacent to Buttermilk Falls State Park.  Want to head out the door and hike the downward 1 ½ hour journey to the bottom of the falls, but too tired to climb back up?  Guests can simply call the hotel for a ride back up when they’re ready.

La Tourelle features an Adventure Center Concierge to help guests plan their itinerary of activities during their stay.  The concierge can arrange hikes, wine tours, golf, and theatre, just to name a few of the many activities available in the area.

Complementary coffee is served in the hotel lobby 24 hours a day.  From 5 to 6 pm each evening, La Tourelle hosts a wine reception featuring private label wines from local vineyards.

During our visit, we explored the best of Ithaca and the surrounding area.  We visited the Ithaca Farmer's Market, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and four nearby wineries:  Americana Vineyards & Winery, Lucas Vineyards,Bellwether Hard Cider and Sheldrake Point Vineyard.

Planning a trip to visit the Finger Lakes to enjoy the wineries or waterfalls?  Request a free quote from the Travel Specialists at Tripology.com.

In my next post, I'll talk about the dining experience I had at Simply Red Bistro at La Tourelle Resort & Spa.