Cicero Grand: Syracuse's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Amenities!)
Cicero Grand: Syracuse's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Amenities!) – My Unfiltered Take
Okay, people, let's talk Cicero Grand. They're calling it Syracuse's best-kept secret. And honestly? After staying there, I’m leaning towards… maybe they're right? This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review. This is me, spilling the tea, the cappuccino, and maybe a little bit of the wine (happy hour was…well, we'll get there).
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First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me because, honestly, I’ve been stuck in some nightmares of hotels that claimed to be accessible and…weren't. Cicero Grand? They've actually thought about this. Elevator? Check. Smooth pathways? Check. They even have facilities for disabled guests that are seriously impressive. I didn’t need them personally, but I peeked (don’t judge!) and was genuinely impressed. Makes me feel confident recommending it to anyone with accessibility needs. Hats off, Cicero Grand. Seriously.
Now, let's get into the good stuff.
Amenities - Oh. My. Goodness.
Where do I even START?!
Internet: Okay, so in this day and age, free Wi-Fi is a given, right? Well, Cicero Grand delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Check. And good Wi-Fi too, not that dial-up speed nonsense. They also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services. I had to actually work a little (bleh!), and it was surprisingly smooth.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good)
- Restaurants: They have several, and most of them are fantastic. Especially the one doing International cuisine in restaurant, and specifically the pasta. Oh, the pasta! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. There’s also a Vegetarian restaurant if that's your jam.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get a little…wonky. The Breakfast [buffet] was good, but not mind-blowing. They had the basics - Western breakfast, Asian breakfast options too, with Coffee shop and Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is a lifesaver. And the Breakfast takeaway service is a win!
- Room service is 24-hour. Thank GOD, because jet lag is a real thing, and sometimes you just want a burger at 3 AM.
- Poolside bar: Pure bliss.
- Happy hour: Highly recommended.
Ways to Relax: From Bliss to…Well, Almost Bliss
- Spa: The Spa is the star. The Body scrub and Body wrap? Heavenly. I swear, I think I actually shed a few years.
- Pool with view: The photo doesn't do it justice. The pool is gorgeous, and the view is… well, let’s just say someone should probably bring a proposal ring there.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All excellent. I spent so much time in the sauna I think I sweated out enough toxins to solve world hunger.
- Fitness center: Decent, but I'm not going to lie, I spent more time at the bar. No judgement.
- Massage: Book it. Seriously.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Modern World Necessity
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know.
- Hygiene certification: Solid.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Makes you feel better.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Essential.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It's a hotel - it can be hard!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Kudos.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfy, and with All the Bells and Whistles
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in Syracuse.
- Blackout curtains: Necessary for sleeping in.
- Bathrobes, Slippers, and fancy Toiletries: Nice touch.
- Free bottled water: Gotta stay hydrated!
- Mini bar: Always welcome.
- In-room safe box: Check.
- Wake-up service: Not needed with the in-room soundproofing. Amazing!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential.
- They provide complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker.
- I even saw an extra long bed, which is good for some of us.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus. My room was spotless.
- Doorman: Makes you feel fancy.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Ironing service/Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Saved me!
- They also offer safe deposit boxes, currency exchange, cash withdrawal
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Stuff They Don't Tell You (and the Realness)
Okay, so everything isn’t perfect.
The front desk [24-hour] staff are amazing but, sometimes, it took a beat to get things done. They were genuinely trying, but the system… well, sometimes it felt like they were wading through molasses. The hallways don't have much personality. Kind of a bland beige.
For the Kids
They have Babysitting service and Family-friendly which is good. And some Kids facilities.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer is brilliant.
- Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus. Parking in Syracuse can be a pain.
- Taxi service is available.
My Verdict: Is Cicero Grand Worth Your Time (and Money?)
Absolutely, yes. Despite the minor hiccups, the good far outweighs the bad. The amenities are impressive, the spa is DIVINE, and the staff, while occasionally slightly overwhelmed, were consistently friendly and helpful. It's a solid choice for a romantic getaway, a solo recharge, or even a business trip (if you can tear yourself away from the pool).
Here's My Unsolicited Sales Pitch (and a VERY Unofficial Offer):
Tired of hotels that promise the world and deliver a shoebox? Craving real pampering, stunning views, and a place that actually cares about your comfort?
Book your stay at the Cicero Grand today!
Why?
- Unbelievable Relaxation: Indulge in world-class spa treatments (you deserve it!), lounge by the Pool with a View (seriously, the view!), and let your worries melt away.
- Culinary Delights: From delectable international cuisine to poolside snacks to endless breakfast and coffee, your taste buds will thank you.
- Accessibility is Not an Afterthought: Travel worry-free, knowing that Cicero Grand prioritizes comfort and convenience for everyone.
- Impeccable Service: Even with the occasional system hiccup, the staff are truly the best.
- Because you deserve it!
But wait, there’s more! (Not really, but if I was selling it…):
Book in the next 24 hours (before I change my mind and keep it my own best-kept secret!) and get a complimentary bottle of local wine and a late check-out (subject to availability, of course).
Cicero Grand: It’s not just a hotel; It's an experience. (And, yes, they do take Cashless payment service.)
Book Now. You Deserve It! (Don’t forget to tell them I sent you. No, wait. Forget that! I want it to stay a secret… Kidding!)
Moriarty's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Because this isn't just a travel itinerary. This is…well, it's my travel itinerary. And let's be honest, my organizational skills are about as reliable as a chihuahua on a caffeine bender. But hey, at least it’ll be entertaining, right? We're hitting up Cicero, Grand - Syracuse North Cicero (NY). Let's go!
The "Cicero Chaos" - My Totally Unstructured Adventure
Day 1: Landing in the Slightly-Less-Than-Glamorous Reality
Morning (Like, REALLY morning, ugh): Fly in! Yup, finally touching down at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). My first reaction stepping off the plane? "Is that…snow? In April?" (Trust me, I'm from Florida. Anything above 50 degrees is practically a heatwave). The car rental place…well, let’s just say the "compact" car they gave me looked more like a shoebox with wheels. Panic sets in. Where's my luggage? Ah, there it is, miraculously intact, except for the inexplicably missing sock. Damn you, black hole of suitcase contents!
Mid-Day (Lunchtime, aka, where do I even eat?): Okay, first order of business: FOOD. I'd heard rumblings of a place called Twin Trees Tavern… apparently the wings are legendary. Finding it, however, is proving to be a challenge. GPS is yelling at me, I'm convinced I've taken a wrong turn, and my stomach is growling louder than that aforementioned chihuahua. Finally, FOUND IT! The wings…were…okay. Good, but not life-altering. Maybe I hyped myself up too much? (Always a possibility.) The beer selection was decent, though. Saved by the suds!
Afternoon (The Great Hotel Hunt and the ensuing existential crisis): Checked into my hotel, which, thankfully, is clean, quiet, and doesn't have any obvious signs of bedbugs. Room service is offering comfort food I shouldn't be ordering and I'm feeling pretty down…
Evening (An evening of self-discovery…or just Netflix?): The hotel, thankfully, had a decent pool. Spent a couple of hours swimming in the water, and all the worries and burdens of the day vanished.
Day 2: The "History" Bit (and a near-disaster with a map)
Morning (Attempted Culture): Okay, time to be a cultured traveler. I'm aiming for the Salt Museum (apparently, salt is kind of a big deal around here - who knew?). Finding it involved a LOT of U-turns and me swearing under my breath at a particularly confusing traffic circle. The Salt Museum…eh, it was interesting. Lots of dusty artifacts and information about…salt. Looked cool regardless.
Midday (The food part again, but more important): Lunch, yet again, at Gianelli's Pizza. This place, however, was worth a thousand salt mines! Their pizzas are legendary, and the smells…pure bliss. I went for the classic, pepperoni. One of the best I've ever sunk my teeth into. The sauce! The cheese! The crust! Pure perfection. I'm pretty sure I devoured half a pie and didn't even feel a shred of guilt.
Afternoon (Finding my Chill): I'm determined to actually enjoy this trip. So, after the pizza-induced food coma settled, I decided to hit up a park. Just me, the trees, and a good book (gotta keep the "cultured" vibe going). Found a nice spot, sat down, and realized I'd forgotten my book. Sigh. Instead, I watched various people. An old man trying to teach his dog to fetch. Families playing games. Everyone seemed so happy.
Evening ("This is going to be a great night!") - and it very much was not: I thought I would visit a local bar. A dive bar. The old school kind. sigh
Day 3: The "Goodbye" Feeling (plus another Pizza Run)
Morning (Contemplation - and a potential caffeine overdose): My last morning. Feeling weirdly melancholy (and slightly hungover from that awful dive bar). Grabbed a coffee, staring at the snow-covered landscape. The world has become pretty, even though I'm leaving.
Mid-Day (Last hurrah!): One last pizza run! To pick up a pizza for the road, of course.
Afternoon (Departure): Back to the airport, back to reality, and back to the land of sunshine and (hopefully) less snow.
Evening (Reflections and regrets…and plans for next time): Sitting on the plane, I think. It wasn't perfect. I got lost, I got grumpy, I overate… But it was real. I met some nice people. Saw some interesting things. And I had pizza that I'll be dreaming about for weeks. Cicero, you weren't what I expected, but you were…good. Maybe next time, I'll actually embrace the chaos more. Maybe…
Imperfections, Quirks, and Utter Chaos: My Signature Style
- Pacing: Chaotic, like my life. Some days were packed, others felt like a gentle meander.
- Mood Swings: My emotions are as unpredictable as Syracuse weather. One minute, I'm ecstatic about pizza; the next, I'm contemplating the meaning of life while staring at a snowdrift.
- Food Focus: Let's be honest, I'm a foodie. Food is a major player in my travel experiences. Good food = happy me.
- Embrace the "Meh": Not everything was amazing. I'm okay with that. Life isn't a highlight reel. It's the messy, imperfect moments that make it memorable.
Okay, there you have it. My Cicero adventure. It’s probably not the most practical itinerary, but it's honest. And, hey, if you end up in Syracuse, maybe check out Gianelli's. You won’t regret it. And maybe, maybe, I'll learn to use a GPS next time… probably not, though. ;)
Escape to Michigan's Gem: Comfort Suites Benton Harbor!
Cicero Grand: Syracuse's Best Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Amenities...Seriously?) - The Honest Truth (and My Rambling Thoughts)
Okay, is Cicero Grand *really* Syracuse's "best kept secret"? I mean, that's a bold claim. Spill the tea!
What amenities actually blew you away? Don't be shy! Was it the legendary pool? The supposed "world-class" spa? Give me the good stuff!
Okay, spill the tea on the rooms. Are they as luxurious as they claim? Any weird experiences happen?
What about the food? The restaurants? Any worthwhile dining experiences? (You've mentioned the room service... which is a big deal)
Okay, now for the big question: Would you *actually* recommend Cicero Grand? Is it worth the price? Be honest!
What about the location? Is it convenient? Close to anything interesting?
The service? How's the service? Because bad service can ruin EVERYTHING.
So, in a nutshell: Secret? Amenities? Worth it? Sum it up! Lay it all on me.
