I'm writing this review solely based on the tavern experience at the Colgate Inn., not the inn itself. Staff: We made reservations and were greeted by the hostess upon arrival. Staff were very accommodating and even helped fix a table that was slightly wobbly. Server was nice and the ambience was pleasant in the dining area. Not too loud, and wasn't packed. Food: the food was very good. We started off with a couple drinks and plentiful amounts of breads. I ordered a simple craft beer and my partner had the winter margarita which was exceptional with great presentation. We ordered the whipped feta skillet for an appetizer and it was very good as I never had anything like this before. My main course consisted of the braised short ribs (exceptional by the way) and my partner ordered the ratatouille (exceptional as well). Presentation and flavor for both and outstanding. I appreciate the black slate plates which were a nice touch. I hope the pictures do justice because the food was very good. . As expensive this place is and with the newer and younger staff, they did appear knowledgeable in how to navigate the restaurant world. In my opinion. The 1 star reviews might not really be necessary for this establishment because you felt slighted a bit, so reader be wary of allowing other bad reviews Influence your choice on eating here. Check their rating history, and if it's typically 1 star reviews, maybe it's just them? Overall we felt it was a great experience, the ambience and fireplace were nice , food was very good overall! We would come back, everything seems to be going up in price now adays, so it wasn't "too" unreasonable overall. They do offer some rich history with old photos of neighboring towns which I thought was very cool to see the historic side of things. read more

See all

We thought the Colgate inn was the Hallmark Xmas movie that became a real-life-lived encounter. Beautiful white snow, a hot chocolate station, Xmas trees everywhere, festive red and green, etc. Right down town. I saw a bunch of deer while walking at night. This spot is reasonably priced too. Way better and cheaper than the Marriott I am currently waiting to leave. For love, for life, for the Colgate Inn. read more

I've been dining at the Inn for two years now in the summer, and honestly I don't understand what all the grousing is from Yelpers. We always enjoy our meals here, even if they are not perfect in every way. I reserve a few days in advance, and we're immediately seated upon arrival. On my most recent visit, we were able to get prime outdoor seating by booking slightly early in the evening. Wait staff is appropriately attentive - in this case, McKenzie deserves a shout out for taking such good care of us. Nice draft beer list, and fine selection of wines by the glass as well. Deputy Yelper got the strip steak, and let me assure you, it was the largest serving of meat we've ever seen, kind of coiled up on the plate and resembling a large, over-baked sticky bun. However, DY gave it only a 3 -- the sauce was reportedly very good, but the cut of the steak was a bit tough (hm, and I thought that was typical of a strip steak, but what do I know?). I had the roasted cauliflower with quinoa - excellent. We started with a salad, which was a real winner. Kale with cherry tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries, and if my memory is correct, some goat cheese in a vinagrette dressing. Excellent! read more

This is for the restaurant only. Not a stay at the Inn. This was middle of the road fare for the price. I got the "wyagu" burger. However the description said beefsteak tomato and butter lettuce. It was served with a subpar tomato and romaine lettuce. I told the server yet it was mostly just dismissed. It was a lovely evening to eat in the patio. A fan would have been nice to keep the flies at bay though. I hope my next experience is a better one. read more

One of our "go to" stops when in the area, They have really upped their bar program and the food selections are varied and exceptionally well prepared. We stopped in on a Sunday night and sat at the bar for an hour enjoying a few cocktails and chatting with the bartender, then were seated for dinner. We had the house burger and fries, and the salmon dinner. Both were perfectly done. Just a real nice evening with super friendly servers and a relaxed atmosphere near the fireplace. read more

Colgate Inn - Cookie Cocktail - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

See all

What a great looking place and nice atmosphere. We ordered our food but 25 minute later, waitress came back and said she used the wrong menus, handed us new menus and we ordered a second time. 30 minutes later - still no food. So after a 55 minute wait we walked out. Not sure what the heck was going on there and the staff didn't either. Too bad - its a great looking place. read more

The Colgate Inn is lovely. Seems like it's the only place to stay if visiting Colgate University. Be aware...it's pricey given the rooms are small and the bathrooms even smaller, but they are very clean, beds comfortable, towels luxurious and bath products lovely. The Tavern is cozy with a beautifully large fire place roaring and a fun inviting bar. The food was ok, but the quaintness of the Tavern and the fact we didn't have to leave the building on a cold evening made it worth it. Plus, I am not sure there are any other options nearby. As we checked out we noticed coffee and pastries in the lobby - a very nice touch. All in all it was a lovely visit and would stay there again if visiting Colgate University. read more

Five of us dined here on a Sunday evening. We got here about a half hour before our reservation time & they were happy to seat us & serve us drinks. The bartender and also the waitress Zoey were extremely personable and very welcoming. We had the fried pickles as an appetizer & they were good! Three pasta dishes that were ordered were excellent, as was the fish barramundi & Caesar salad. The chocolate cake cake that was shared was delicious! read more

Another great visit to the Colgate Inn tonight. We've always had great meals and service and tonight was no exception. The Squash soup was thick and hearty, the French onion soup was gooey and the croutons inside were perfect, the chopped salad was good and the summer pasta was good but could have used a little more seasoning. Once we added salt and pepper the summer pasta was amazing. I highly recommend giving this place a try if you're in the area! read more

Colgate Inn - French Onion Gratinee - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

I'm curious, is the Colgate Inn under new management? The last few times we've eaten here over the past year, it has progressively gotten worse and worse. Saturday, the day before Mother's Day, four of us went for dinner at 5:30, we had a reservation. When we arrived, we went to the hostess stand and weren't even acknowledged, which set the tone for the entire experience. Once we finally established we had a reservation, we asked if we could be seated near a window, and were immediately told "no" in an annoyed way and without explanation. For some odd reason, they decided to seat us right next to another table of people in a room with 95% free tables. Once seated, we looked at each other a bit perplexed as we scanned the vast emptiness of the room, but yet we were put directly next to another table. Just why? Our server was sweet and obviously new, but clearly not trained at all. She lacked basic server training in a place that you think would have higher standards of operating. She didn't know how to properly hold or distribute our drink order, which was kind of funny (in a sad way) as she fumbled to figure it out. We also ordered appetizers, which no one ever cleared away before our entrees came out. No one even checked in to see if we needed anything else throughout our entire meal. Drink refill? Good luck. The standards here have really slipped. With that much empty space and that many staff on duty, you'd think there would be a little higher degree of attentiveness to the customer. I doubt we'll be returning here anytime soon. Do better. read more

I recently stayed at the Colgate Inn (for the first time) during the 4th of July weekend. As an alumn of Colgate, I had spent a lot of time eating at the Inn but never stayed at the hotel. What a gorgeous hotel! The rooms were beautiful and well maintained. The staff were helpful and friendly. The food and drinks were also delicious. I had the fish tacos which were full of flavor and very fresh. I'm looking forward to staying here again! read more

Colgate Inn - Fish tacos - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

See all

We were there for Thanksgiving. Their "serve yourself" food was wonderful. Sorry they open this so seldom.

Do not do the brunch at the Cogate Inn. Absolutely horrible! pancakes like hockey pucks Hi realize hockey is big at Colgate) but the pancakes shouldn't be hard as rocks. No fruit on the brunch set up. Overall lousy brunch NOT worth the money. Go somewhere else. read more

In town visiting from Arizona and had a fabulous meal with great service by Zoey! The menu was creative and the food well-prepared.

The Tavern food and service is abysmal. We ate there two nights, the food was very disappointing the second night. We ordered the scallops that were supposed to come with grits; they served the dish with mashed potatoes without even asking if the substitution was OK. We also ordered the shrimp and grits, which was a mixture of mashed potatoes and grits because they ran out of grits. We ordered a salad which came with very under cooked sweet potatoes and were told that's the way they are served. The food and beverage manager was very rude when we complained about our food. For the price of the hotel, you would think they would have better food and certainly better service. read more

Colgate Inn - Quinoa salad with hard sweet potatoes, supposed avocados, although it was more like an avocado paste. - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

The Colgate Inn is located in Hamelton NY. It overlooks the center of town where there is a pleasant looking park. You would think a hotel or town dominated by such a liberal arts college as Colgate would have working electric car chargers... but no. The two in the hotel parking lot were not working. I was told by the pleasant front desk attendant that there were also two chargers at the municipal parking lot across from the hotel. And they were free for hotel guests. Ah, nope. They were damaged and not free to anyone! Anyway... the Colgate Inn is a musty dilapidated old place. It might have been special years ago but not now. Plus there is major construction going on across the street from the hotel so it is far from peaceful. And naturally, even though the hotel was far from 100 percent occupancy, I was given a room directly overlooking the construction. Bang bang. Boom boom. Beep beep. I am sure if I complained they would have moved me but upon review most rooms appeared to be dominated by the construction. Whatever! When I checked out the next morning there was no one at the front desk to take my key etc. Bye bye. read more

The menu needs to have a wider variety. Portion size can be larger. Ordered the ravioli and received 5 small ones. For the price they could have included a salad also. Last time I shall visit this establishment. Hannah was an excellent server. Also the table was very sticky! read more

Kali and Joe made our birthday dinner a great experience. Great food, great drinks and great atmosphere. We sat in the tavern by the bar and roaring fire and had a great time! read more

Over priced and small portions. Not sure who the menu planner is, but they need a little wake up call.

Last week, approximately 50 of my wife's relatives from around the country invaded the Colgate Inn for the family's annual reunion and Sir Humphrey Pumphrey Croquet tournament. Having graduated from Colgate many years ago, I could not have been more proud of my school's namesake Inn and all of Hamilton, New York. The Inn was spectacular and, even greater than its wonderful charm, it was really the professionalism and friendly manner of Dennis Kochem and all of his spectacular staff colleagues who combined to make the family reunion such a memorable and enjoyable event. Folks as far away as California, Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina all remarked that this year's reunion was one of the best ever! Thank you to everyone at the Colgate Inn for their gracious and professional manner in making us all feel so welcome! read more

We recently had a group of almost 50 stay at the Colgate Inn for a family reunion. The accommodations were lovely and the service from every single employee was outstanding. We are still talking about the great hamburgers that we had our first evening eating on the terrace outside the grill room. Hamilton and the Inn made a wonderful venue for our group. We had family members from all over the country. We were a bit nervous having made the recommendation to our group to try the Inn after years of gathering in Vermont. It couldn't have been better and we thank you for doing such a great job. read more

My husband and I went to the Colgate Inn for breakfast and dinner often when we were students, but upon this return to campus we were really impressed with how delicious the menu was and how great the staff is. Kaylee was our server, and she was kind, personable, efficient, and went out of her way to ensure we had a great dinner. What a great experience! read more

Mother's Day Brunch was very disappointing. Service was poor at best, hot and cold beverages were never refilled, plates cleared from table in an untimely fashion. No made to order omlet or pasta stations were offered as in past very sadly missed. Foods seemed to be rationed leaving pans with very little in them. Desert table was all but totally empty. Have made Colgate Inn a definate place to celebrate Mother's Day in the past, however for the price cannot recommend or return to this establishment.​ read more

Absolutely not worth the wait! Poor service completely non responsive. Sad... I don't understand how they are So out of touch with their clients to at least acknowledge their shortfall. read more

Lunch today was excellent: Caesar, BLT, beers. Shannon is a 5 Star wait server. Loved the old time fell of the Inn with its fireplace roaring. read more

The fixings were good but $18 for an overcooked grey frozen beef patty was not expected.

We had a micro-wedding here February 11th for a total of 17 family members. With the assistance of their Sales & Catering Emily Barnes we enjoyed overnight accommodations, meals, room service and cocktails from The Tavern and event services in The Parlor & The Library. I have been planning events personally & professionally for almost 30 years and this was the best venue experience I have had, bar none. From our initial consultation, the communication to settle the rough draft of our event down to the specific details, to the hands-on support you provided throughout the day of...they were nothing but friendly, calm, proactive & all around delightful. From getting our family recipe on the menu to walking us all through our media crisis...their services were invaluable & made it such an enjoyable day. The food & drinks were delicious & well presented. I'd also like to mention the staff at the Inn. I wish I could remember the names of the individuals, but I remember their specific roles...facilities, managers, front desk staff (day & night), waitresses, bartenders...everyone conducted themselves as though they were personally a gracious host at the Colgate Inn & played a part in making our day a relaxed, joyful celebration where all of our needs were met seamlessly. My only suggestions for improvement was that the chairs in our well appointed room were threadbare. How's that for my only complaint? read more

Colgate Inn - The setup in The Parlor for our family wedding dinner for 17 - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

Shannon k was an exceptional waiter and bar tender very punctual very kind went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of

Kali suggested the Shrimp Cocktail and so glad she did!! Amazing :). Not your average Shrimp

We had a wonderful, tasty lunch on a beautiful afternoon. Our server, Shannon, was so kind and helpful. Loved the spinach quiche!

Had the brunch on Sunday and it was terrible. Food wasn't very warm. Food was barely diner grade. Never offered coffee or any other beverage. Nobody waiting tables, had to get the bill while leaving. read more

My wife, a friend, and I had drinks, a Gouda appetizer, a very good fish meal and a tavern burger at the Colgate Inn at the centrally located main 5-way intersection in Hamilton.The dining experience was terrific. Kay Lee, our server was very pleasant, informed and efficient.with other staff dropping by to make sure everything was satisfactory. read more

Had a great burger, and wings. Shannon was our server and was totally delightful . The atmosphere was cozy and quaint

I would highly recommend the Colgate Inn for dinner. My wife and daughter had the filet mignon and I had the salmon. Our waiter was professional. As previous reviewers have stated, the salmon was awesome. My wife and daughter loved the filet as well as the mash potatoes. We finished off dinner with the toll house pie - a must have! read more

Colgate Inn - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

I came here for dinner and it was a good experience. I got the lobster Mac n cheese and for dessert the orange creme brûlée. Everything was delicious. Service was also good. Price was a little on the steep side, but it was worth it. read more

Colgate Inn - Orange creme brûlée - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

My son and father took my mother and I here for their Mother's Day brunch. We had a reservation for 11am. We were seated and our drink orders were brought to the table which took about 20 min, and then were told we could go to the buffet. We went out and the trays holding the food were pretty much empty, and the dessert area was empty except for about 7 macaroons. What we were able to get food wise, it was cold or luke warm. For the price of 50.00 per person, it wasn't worth it at all. My father and son felt so bad and apologized over and over. We had been to the Colgate Inn in the past for their Mother's Day buffet and it was fabulous. I don't know whats changed with this establishment, but its went downhill...sad. read more

Colgate Inn is a "decent" establishment, that caters to a college alums and parents visiting their kids at the college. It is nothing fancy, but up to par. However I had to write this review because of your most recent visit. We asked to change room in order to avoid the none-scenic parking lot, and instead we where put in a room where the wallpaper was falling of, the "fire sprinkler" were hanging out of the celling, the window was broken and we found handprints and smudges on doors and in the bathroom. Bringing this to the front desk we were meet with a standoffishness disguised under a thin vail of politeness. They immediately knock 50 USD of the price even without looking at anything, in what felt like a shut-up-and-don't-bother-us service. We are not thin skinned people but being greeted by the front desk with a "What's up" and passive agressive attitude is not what anyone should be expecting in a place like this. Extremely disappointing. read more

See all

Lovely setting, but...this is my third time here in three days and two I times had to go and find a server. She handed me menus and told me she would find us a server.... Ten minutes later, we got water and still waiting. ..... I come back because this is really the only place in Hamilton to sit outside and enjoy a cocktail. On my third visit I wondered if the staff had read my review, because they were tripping over themselves trying to be kind and accommodating The staff seems to have a problem communicating; perhaps there is no manager. I was teLly disappointed that they choose to over enforce Sunday blue laws by refusing to serve alcohol until noon . read more

Colgate Inn - Outside patio is a lovely spot to sit and eat/drink. - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

The Colgate Inn was a fantastic experience. The entire building was remodeled in the Spring and it looks fantastic. The decor is a modern rustic look that has a great feel. If you also like to eat, drink, and be merry this is the place in Hamilton. There is a full dining area with several banquet rooms, but my favorite area was certainly the bar. A fantastic selection of wines and beer, and the food was amazing. The food and accommodations were so good but I have to end the review on the high note of the service. There is no "chain" service here. Nearly all staff can make their own decisions to make you feel comfortable. It appears they actually enjoy working here and like being in the hospitality industry. read more

Colgate Inn - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Hamilton, New York

Yum Yum Yum Yum!!!! This was the second time I've been to The Colgate Inn since the renovation. What a beautiful improvement. Go see Glenn at the Tavern. He not only does he make Delicious libations, he has great recommendations from the menu. Must Haves!!! Crab cakes, Grilled Chicken Wings, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Burgers... Enjoy!!! read more