Flying out of Syracuse

[dlhdisney]

We normally fly out of Buffalo when travelling to Orlando, but would like to find a direct flight this time, and possibly one of the participating airlines that we can use the resort check-in for luggage when departing.
(so that's probably JetBlue or Air Tran, United... )
We're familiar with Buffalo and airport hotels, but can someone provide recommendations on hotels near the Syracuse airport if we need to overnight prior to leaving and preferably one with parking included, and airport shuttle service.
We're driving from the Peterborough area and Buffalo is about an hour closer, but depending on price of flights and if they are direct I am considering flying out of Syracuse, about an hour farther drive.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[HARP]

We fly out of Syracuse when we fly to Florida. We just booked jet blue for our march trip $1194 return for the five of us. I just booked a room at a Clarion Hotel Comfort inn & suites airport. Cost of room $125.00. That is parking for the 11 days we will be gone and shuttle to the airport. This is more then I have payed before but the prices at all the hotels with parking and shuttles have all gone up. I hope this helps.

ps. My flights are direct to orlando.

 

[beachwarmer]

In February 07 we stayed at the Best Western Syracuse Airport. It is right on the grounds at the airport. We left our car there and took the shuttle to the terminal.

The hotel is very old. The walls are so thin that we could hear the conversations of the people in the next room as if they were sitting next to our bed. They arrived late discussed who was sleeping with who, the medical conditions of older females and other unmentionalable. We could even hear their alarm clock going off( and phone call wake up..then the other room calling to check they were up) ...as if it was in our room. They got up really early for a flight and had the conversations all over again. We flew JetBlue so our flight left at 9 so we did not need the really early wake up call. One problem I determined at 2 a.m. was that the connecting doors are wood, they are warped and might possibly be hollow. I talked with the other people who were waiting for the shuttle in the morning and we all had a great laugh over the conversations in our ajoining rooms.

Another thing that happened was in Feb they were having record snow storms off the lake. We even saw the reports on the news in Florida. The snow banks were over the height of snow plows. I would have paid the extra to have covered parking since we arrived back in a snow squall in the dark and had to dig the car out of a large snow bank. The drive down I81 was dangerous with low visibility and the road was not cleared. We decided to turn around and go back but there were no exits so we just had to keep driving and by the time the next exit came the snow was almost stopped.

We are going again this December and I think we will park in the airport parking garage and choose a newer hotel. I hope some other people on the boards can make some recommendations.

Hope this helps.

 

[cey]

We stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites in North Syracuse last March and have booked for this March as well. Address is 6701 Buckley Rd., (former Doubletree Club Syracuse), North Syracuse, NY 13212

MUCH better than the Best Western Airport Inn! Larger rooms, park and fly package for $120 with a lovely hot buffet breakfast included in the am. They had waffles, eggs cooked to order, bacon, bagels, fruit etc. You get to pre-book your seats on the shuttle the night before as well. The shuttle ride is maybe 10 minutes. On our return, the shuttle driver stuck around and provided us with light while we swept the snow off of our vehicle. We shared the shuttle with a USAir flight crew which always makes me feel better. If crews stay there, it must be OK!
Would recommend them highly!

Candlewood suites also gets a good review on Trip Advisor but we have never stayed there!

 

[Stitches12]

Have you considered flying out of Rochester instead of Syracuse ? Jet Blue and Airtran both fly out of there and the prices are typically lower out of Rochester. Flying out of Rochester in the winter may be a bit better than Syracuse as North Syracuse (where the airport is located) really gets a LOT of snow.

Not sure about hotels in Rochester but I thought this just might be a consideration.

Hope you have a great trip - we're leaving in 6 days !!

 

[dlhdisney]

Yes, I am also considering Rochester as I understand that they have a hotel right at the airport. Our major decision maker is airline that particpates in ME and hotel check-in for return flight, cost of flights and preferably direct flights. Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are all in reasonable 3-4 hour driving range. (my other choice being Toronto which is more than double the cost for 4 of us) This is a last minute trip prior to Christmas so snow may be a factor?
We usually stay at Comfort Inn in Buffalo which is less than 5 min to the airport and includes, shuttle, parking and a reasonable buffet breakfast. I haven't tried southwest which flies out of Buffalo and I believe they are the only regularly scheduled direct flight.
Shopping the internet daily and really appreciate comments or experiences to help me make a decision.
thanks

 

[siobhan1997]

Thanks for the reminder for my park and fly booking at Comfort Suites. Looks like there will be alot of us flying down on March 8th?

 

[cey]

We will miss you by a day Siobhan1997! We are flying out on Friday March 7th. The limestone school board added the Friday to our March Break!

Look for me at WDW! I have a DIS lime green Mickey head on my backpack!

___________________

Cheryl

 

[siobhan1997]

Sorry to hear that, but I am sure we will both have many fellow Canadians on board with us.

Great idea Lime Green Mickey I will keep my eyes open for you. We will be there for 3 weeks.