William Henry Miller Inn

Description:

• The top B&B in Ithaca -- one of the most beautiful private homes in town -- has an enviable downtown location: just paces from The Commons. An 1880 Victorian built by Cornell's first architecture student (he of the inn's name), and owned by just two families before becoming an inn, the house combines rich details like stained-glass windows and custom chestnut woodwork. Seven rooms are in two floors of the main house, and there are a two-room suite and another room in the carriage house. Rooms are very handsomely decorated, with select antiques, but without the clichéd crush of Victoriana one often finds. Bathrooms are uncluttered and modern (several have Jacuzzi tubs), and several are simply huge. It's tough to pick a winner, but my favorite may be the soothing Library guest room. The charming and considerate owner, Lynette, has added ramps and a wheelchair elevator, making a couple of rooms completely accessible, a real rarity at a B&B. She also puts out home-baked dessert items in the evening, and serves a lovely breakfast.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010