Hello! I could use some advice to help us plan our family vacation in June. We are driving from Columbus, Ohio to the Boston area and Cape Cod. It will be me, my husband, and our two young children, ages 2 and 5.

We're taking the New York State Thruway (I-90) across upstate NY both ways. We have found this to be much nicer and faster than I-80 through PA or I-76 through WVa and PA. (We do this trip often to visit family)

At some point during the trip, we're going to need to stop for the night. With two young children, we won't even try to make it in one shot!

Any recommendations for a decent place to stay, off I-90 or very close to I-90 in the stretch between Rochester and Utica? I'm predicting we'll be ready to stop somewhere around Rochester, Syracuse, Oneida, Utica. Just a decent place to stay overnight with the family, eat a good dinner and breakfast, and maybe explore a few shops or a point of interest before we hit the road again.

Thanks in advance!

There are a nice selection of hotels right near the Thruway exit (Carrier Circle) in Syracuse. In the same "complex" are restaurants that range from Ruby Tuesdays to a place called Justin's that is more upscale. As far as activities you would be driving a short distance from the hotels to shopping or a movie, but a few of the hotels there have pools so maybe a swim and dinner and call it a night?

I also suggest the area around exit 35 and 36 too. Once you get close the Turning Point Casino (exit 33) the prices go up considerably, especially weekends.

There is a Travelodge in Fultonville (exit 28) right on the Mohawk River and directly across from the thruway ramp which looks nice .. they used to have a great restaurant but it's changed hands & I haven't tried the new one.

Check the website www.roomsavers.com or pick up one of their coupon books on the interstate.

A couple of chain hotels near the Thruway in Utica (Ex 31?). with a couple of chain restaurants nearby. Dumpy interstate/roadside area in my opinion, but ok for a nights stop. Nothing what I would call a point of interest at Utica.

Also, no good place to stop between Utica and Albany - a couple of misc hotels like the one rb mentioned.

I don't know the area west of Utica, but it looks like grantop gave some good ideas

If I am remembering correctly we get off at Carrier Circle in Syracuse and stay at the Red Roof Inn. This is our room choice only because we are travelling from Michigan to Cape Cod with our dog (they allow dogs). There is a good Italian restaurant next door, but can't remember the name. Many hotel/motel choices at this exit though.

Kay

The restaurant you are thinking of is "Joey's" it's very good. Several hotels, from the Red Roof to the Marriot to choose from.

I live near Rochester. The closer you can get to Syracuse means the less driving you'll do on day 2.

We're about 7.5 to 8 hours from Boston. Getting to Syracuse would shave it down by 60 - 90 minutes.

Thank you all very much! Your input has been really helpful!

Dontknow - do can you recommend a place, or a good exit in Rochester for our return trip from the Cape? Last year we got off the Thruway at Rochester and found a motel, but were less than thrilled. Don't remember the details. Thanks.

Kay

If you stay in the Liverpool area near Syracuse Exit 36(7th North Street off Route 81 S..very near the thruway)You can easily get to the Carousel Mall which is the biggest mall in the area. Its also pretty close to the Dinosaur BBQ..a restuarant NOT to be missed.
dinosaurbarbque.com

If the budget allows, Lodge at Woodcliff is extremely nice. It's not too far off the the Thurway. www.woodclifflodge.com

dontknow - thanks for the link, but alas they do not allow pets and we will be travelling with our dog, who loves our visit to Cape Cod each summer.

Kay

The Red Roof Inn (Syracuse x 35, Utica, Albany) and Motel 6 (Syracuse x 35, Albany) allow dogs, I believe.

I didn't realize you had your dog with you; if you decide to stop in Syracuse you might want to look into the new Hawthorn Inn & Suites right off of Carrier Circle. It used to be Cresthill Suites and they did some renovations with the name change. When making your reservation choose "East Syracuse" otherwise you will be booking the Hawthorn in downtown. Friends of our just stayed there for a week and they had their dog. Light meals are served (complimentary) in the evening, as is a hot breakfast buffet.

A note about the Syracuse Motel 6: only stay there was about 14 months ago and I only point out the existence of it. Nuff said. I have no problems with "the Roof", however.