Nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s university district, the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center offers a convenient and comfortable base for visitors to the area. With its prime location adjacent to Syracuse University’s campus, this hotel provides easy access to academic facilities, sporting events, and downtown attractions. Whether visiting for university functions, business meetings, or exploring the city, the Sheraton Syracuse delivers a blend of practicality and comfort that makes it a popular choice among travelers.
Location and Accessibility
The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel enjoys a strategic position at 801 University Avenue, just steps away from the main Syracuse University campus. This location proves invaluable for families visiting students, alumni returning for events, or conference attendees. The proximity to Interstate 81 also makes it easily accessible for travelers arriving by car.
Downtown Syracuse sits just a mile away, offering additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options within a short drive or about a 20-minute walk. For those flying in, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is approximately 7 miles north of the hotel, with the journey taking around 15 minutes by car or taxi.
The hotel’s university-adjacent location means visitors can quickly reach campus buildings, the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome), and other university facilities without needing transportation. This convenience factor remains among the primary reasons guests choose this property over downtown alternatives.
Accommodations and Room Options
The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel features 235 rooms and suites spread across 9 floors. Standard room options include king or double queen configurations, while club-level rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers. Suites offer separate living spaces for those requiring additional room.
All accommodations come equipped with the signature Sheraton Sleep Experience beds, renowned for their exceptional comfort. Rooms feature modern amenities including:
- Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
- Complimentary WiFi
- Work desks with ergonomic chairs
- Coffee makers
- Mini-refrigerators (in most rooms)
The décor embraces a contemporary aesthetic with subtle nods to Syracuse University, incorporating orange accents and occasional university imagery. While not ultra-luxurious, the rooms provide comfortable and functional spaces that satisfy both leisure and business travelers.
Many guests particularly appreciate the rooms with campus views, especially during autumn when the changing foliage creates a picturesque backdrop. Corner rooms typically offer more space and better vistas, making them worth requesting when available.
Dining Options
Rachel’s Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining establishment, serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features a mix of classics and regional specialties, with breakfast options ranging from light continental selections to heartier fare. Lunch and dinner menus include fresh salads, handcrafted sandwiches, pasta dishes, and entrées that change seasonally to incorporate local ingredients.
For more casual dining and drinks, the Sitrus on the Hill Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere with a bar menu featuring shareable appetizers, gourmet sandwiches, and a curated selection of local craft beers. The lounge often becomes a vibrant gathering spot before and after university events, creating an energetic atmosphere during busy weekends.
Room service is available during restaurant operating hours for those preferring privacy or convenience. Additionally, the hotel’s location puts guests within walking distance of Marshall Street, home to several popular student eateries and casual dining options that offer a taste of authentic campus life.
Meeting and Event Facilities
True to its name, the Conference Center component of the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel offers substantial meeting and event space. With over 10,000 square feet of flexible function areas, the hotel can accommodate everything from intimate board meetings to larger conferences and elaborate social gatherings.
The facilities include:
- The Regency Ballroom (can be divided into smaller sections)
- Several medium-sized meeting rooms
- Executive boardrooms
- Pre-function space for receptions
Each meeting area comes equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, and the hotel’s dedicated event staff can assist with setup, catering, and technical support. This comprehensive service makes the property particularly popular for academic conferences, corporate retreats, and university-related functions.
Wedding receptions and social events frequently utilize the elegant ballroom space, with customizable packages available that include catering, setup, and room blocks for out-of-town guests. The hotel’s extensive experience hosting university-related events means the staff is exceptionally well-versed in managing functions tied to academic schedules and campus activities.
Amenities and Services
The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel offers a range of amenities designed to enhance guest stays. The fitness center, though modest in size, provides modern cardio equipment and free weights for maintaining exercise routines while traveling. The indoor pool and whirlpool area offers a refreshing retreat for relaxation or swimming laps regardless of Syracuse’s notoriously variable weather.
Business travelers appreciate the well-equipped business center with computers, printers, and other office essentials. Complimentary shuttle service operates within a limited radius, helping guests reach nearby destinations without needing a car. This service proves particularly valuable for airport transfers and visits to downtown Syracuse.
Additional services include:
- Concierge assistance
- Dry cleaning and laundry
- Gift shop with Syracuse University merchandise
- Valet and self-parking options (fees apply)
Club level guests enjoy exclusive access to the Club Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening hors d’oeuvres in a more private setting. This upgrade often proves worthwhile for longer stays or business travelers seeking a quieter workspace away from the hotel’s public areas.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
While the Syracuse University campus itself offers numerous attractions, including the Syracuse University Art Galleries and the JMA Wireless Dome, guests will find plenty to explore beyond the university grounds.
Within a short drive, visitors can reach:
- Downtown Syracuse and Armory Square (vibrant shopping, dining, nightlife)
- The Everson Museum of Art
- The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology
- Destiny USA mall (one of the largest in New York State)
- The historic Landmark Theatre
- Several parks and green spaces
Sports enthusiasts visiting during the appropriate seasons can catch Syracuse Orange basketball, football, or lacrosse games practically next door to the hotel. The knowledgeable concierge team can assist with information about ticket availability and transportation for university sporting events.
For those interested in exploring the region’s natural beauty, the Finger Lakes wine country lies about an hour’s drive from the hotel, making for a delightful day trip when the weather cooperates. These excursions offer a perfect complement to the urban university experience.
Final Thoughts
The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center delivers a reliable, convenient option for Syracuse visitors, particularly those with university connections. While not the most luxurious accommodation in the region, it offers comfortable rooms, practical amenities, and an unbeatable location for university-related visits.
The property truly excels during university events when its proximity to campus becomes invaluable, though this also means it books quickly during graduation, homecoming, and major sporting events. Advance reservations are essential during these peak periods to secure accommodations.
For travelers seeking a balance of convenience, comfort, and value in Syracuse, particularly those with business at the university, the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel represents a solid choice that consistently meets expectations. Its strategic location, combined with reliable service and comfortable accommodations, creates an experience that satisfies the needs of most travelers without unnecessary extravagance.