The hype
Great location and friendly shuttle drivers, but the property feels a bit worn and noisy.
Holiday Inn Express Syracuse Airport
$122-163/ night
Book this if You need a quick, reliable layover spot with a free 24/7 shuttle to Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Why People Love It
- Free 24-hour airport shuttle with legendary drivers
- Less than 10 minutes from Destiny USA mall
- Free hot buffet breakfast to grab before early flights
Quick Take: It's a standard, slightly dated airport hotel with thin walls, but the shuttle driver is a hero and the location is unbeatable for early flights.
Reviewed by @dannsing1: I always book this Holiday Inn Express when flying out of Syracuse. The rooms are consistently clean, the beds are super comfy, and having free coffee downstairs is a lifesaver for early flights. It's my favorite practical stay.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You might not get a great night's sleep if you're a light sleeper, thanks to thin walls and heavy footsteps from the floor above.
- You have an early morning flight out of SYR
- You want to be close to Destiny USA for shopping
- You need free parking during your stay and a quick breakfast
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Some guests report clean, fresh rooms, while others complain about dirty floors and dusty hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but some complaints about moldy smells in the building and public bathrooms.
- Maintenance: The elevator is old and finicky, and the heating/cooling units can be loud or malfunction.
- Linens & towels: Beds feature premium bedding and are generally reported as comfortable and clean.
- Odors & scents: Multiple reports of a musty, 'dusty old hotel' smell, particularly in the lobby.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy footsteps from rooms above
- Neighbors' TVs through thin walls
- Kids running in the hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- The airport shuttle runs 24/7, but you should call ahead to arrange pickup when you land.
- Extended parking while you fly costs $16.20 per night.
- Early check-in and late check-out both carry a $25 fee.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out hallway noise and thin walls
- A swimsuit for the indoor heated pool (if it's open)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor rooms to avoid hearing people pacing above you
- Rooms far away from the elevator, public bathrooms, and housekeeping closets
Rooms to avoid
- Room 121 (specifically called out in reviews for terrible noise)
- First-floor rooms near the maintenance room (loud for early sleepers)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi, I'm a light sleeper with an early flight. Could I please request a quiet room on the top floor, far away from the elevator, ice machine, and public bathrooms?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport shuttle really 24/7?
Yes, and guests rave about the prompt, friendly drivers. Just call the front desk when you land.
Can I leave my car here while I fly?
Yes, but it's not free. Uncovered extended parking costs $16.20 per night.
How is the free breakfast?
It's a standard Holiday Inn buffet with pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Some guests miss the waffle makers, though.
Is the pool open?
It's an indoor heated pool, but check ahead—some recent reviews noted it was temporarily closed for maintenance.
Are there any hidden fees?
Watch out for the $25 early check-in or late check-out fees, and the $10 rollaway bed fee.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed. Only service animals are permitted.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a room on the top floor to avoid hearing heavy footsteps above you.
- ✨
Take the free shuttle to the Regional Transportation Center if you're catching a train or bus, not just the airport.
- ✨
Skip the chain restaurants and drive 10 minutes to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for legendary local food.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevator is notoriously old, finicky, and desperately needs a paint job.
💡The lobby occasionally smells like moldy water.
💡Youth hockey teams frequently stay here, which can turn the hallways into a playground.
💡The hotel was reportedly renovated in late 2024, but some areas still feel dated.
💡You can hear your neighbor's TV if they have the volume up.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Holiday Inn Express Syracuse Airport is located and what's nearby.