The William Henry Miller Inn

About The Hotel

The William Henry Miller Inn at 303 North Aurora Street is a 5.0-rated (357 reviews) restored 1880s mansion bed-and-breakfast in downtown Ithaca, designed by William Henry Miller, Cornell University’s pioneering architect, with antique-filled rooms, a celebrated multi-course breakfast, evening desserts, gracious hospitality, and some rooms featuring whirlpool tubs and fireplaces (confirm this specific room type at booking). It is the highest-rated stay in Ithaca — guests consistently rave about the immaculate rooms, the generous breakfast, the thoughtful service, and the charming, intimate atmosphere. It is a historic B&B rather than a pool or hot-tub property; the whirlpool-tub rooms are specific room types to request and confirm at booking. A special-occasion inn perfect for couples who prioritize a top-rated, historic, romantic experience with an excellent breakfast and walkable downtown location near Cornell and the Commons.

What Guests Are Saying

“This was an excellent Bed and Breakfast in Ithaca. It was designed as a mansion for the Stonewall family by the Inn’s namesake, William Henry Miller — basically the architect for most of what is now Cornell University and Ithaca. It is self-check-in, pick up your key in the foyer and go to your room. Though the rooms are converted from the various original spaces, my room was very spacious and cozy, with sitting area and a gas fireplace, simulating the real thing. The private bathroom and shower were fine, with the bathroom amenities being very good. If you forgot something, there was a cabinet in the outside hall with other items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, band aids, sewing kits, etc. As with any good BnB there were a few parlors and a dining room. The two parlors were a nice place to just sit and read. Breakfast could be taken in the dining room or at tables in the parlors. As with most BnB’s, you got what the proprietor prepared. Breakfast was good and hearty, though; especially needed as the temperature had dropped the night before. From noon all through the evening, there were fresh-baked pastries, tea, and coffee available to consume as you please in the dining room. The house is in what counts as downtown Ithaca, so you are just a block away from the restaurants and shops. I will definitely book again for my next stay in Ithaca.” — Holder D., 5 stars

“Stayed this past weekend at the inn. What a lovely, amazing building! This mansion was beautifully decorated. We had the Library room, with a turret style window. Bed was very comfortable. Everything was clean. Nice, thick towels in the bathroom - 2 separate spaces for the shower and the toilet/sink. As per their description, there are no tvs or radios in the rooms. Breakfast was tasty - juice, fruit or granola, various egg dishes, potatoes, bacon or sausage, and pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Coffee and tea always available. There was a selection of homemade cookies available everyday. The inn is in easy walking distance of Ithaca commons, where there are a variety of restaurants to choose from, but be aware that a # of them are not open on Monday.” — jo A., 5 stars

“This is a hidden gem find in Ithaca. We have stayed so many times over the past 6 years I’m embarrassed this is our first review! Amy and her staff are kind, attentive and wonderful hosts. The inn is beautiful, clean and comfortable . The rooms are all unique but we’ve never had one we didn’t like. The breakfast is freshly made, delicious and hearty. They also leave home baked treats for dessert. The location is great near the commons and walkable to Cornell. We have less reason to visit Ithaca now but will always stay here when we do!” — alisontravel1, 5 stars

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A perfect 5.0 across 357 reviews — Ithaca’s highest-rated stay
• A beautifully restored 1880s historic mansion with unique architecture
• A celebrated multi-course breakfast and evening desserts included
• A walkable downtown location near Cornell and the Commons
• Some rooms feature whirlpool tubs and fireplaces (confirm at booking)

Cons:

• A historic B&B rather than a pool or hot-tub property
• The whirlpool-tub rooms are a specific category — confirm at booking
• A small, intimate inn — book well ahead, especially for weekends
• A premium price for the experience

The Location

In downtown Ithaca near the Commons and Cornell, walkable to the shops and dining. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.