Whispering Winds

Location: 4223 E Genesee Street Rd, Auburn, New York, 13021, Auburn, US

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Motels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 5:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Wheelchair accessible
• Outdoor pool - seasonal
• Picnic area
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Free self parking
• Stair-free path to entrance

Rooms Available

• Signature Room, 2 Queen Beds, Private Bathroom, Garden Area

  2 Queen Beds

  Overlooking the garden

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, free bottled water, and dining table

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, iron/ironing board, and desk; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dining table
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
  • Desk chair

• Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  1 King Bed

  Overlooking the garden

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, free bottled water, and dining table

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, iron/ironing board, and desk; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dining table
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
  • Desk chair

• Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

  2 Double Beds

  Overlooking the garden

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, free bottled water, and dining table

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Yard, iron/ironing board, and desk; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available, toothbrush and toothpaste not available

  Non-Smoking

  Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dining table
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
  • Desk chair

Guest Reviews

• Lori (4/5): - We had trouble finding the place as the sign out front was so faded it was unreadable. The front desk was not manned but the owner was there quickly. They put us in one room but had to switch us when someone else started moving into our unit. We were able to have covered parking with our unit. The room was very dark with limited lighting. The bathroom was very small but if you wanted to rest your head against the wall while using the toilet, you could the sink had come off the wall but had been repaired. Floor was dirty but the shower had decent pressure and hot temperatures. Overall, I would not stay here again.
• Robert (8/5): - The property is pet friendly, our room was clean and parking was fine. My interactions with the staff were great.
• Matthew (10/5): - The staff I dealt with are extremely friendly and hospitable. Room is at a very affordable rate and clean comfortable and enjoy every time we stay here.
• Devin (6/5): - Rooms need to be more clean and staff can be a tiny bit more friendly.
• cornelis (6/5): - The property has a nice gazebo for outside seating. The room was clean and the bed comfortable. Other than that this facility needs a lot of TLC and is in poor technical shape.
• James (6/5): - The room was clean, and the adjacent parking space was convenient. The bathroom could use an update. It is very small. The road noise was a negative.
• Mary (6/5): Embrace it - Someone bought an old motel and tried to update with a very low budget. The beds are new and super comfortable but the rooms remain very basic and dated. However it was clean. You have to be up for this old style no frills motel thing though.
• Matthew (4/5): - There was dust everywhere. Mold in the tub and hair on the floors.
• Jacob (6/5): Good dive motel in great location. - First this location alone made it worth it. You are right next to lakes and parks and trails. There were certainly some things that could have been better but overall worth it if you don't care about too many comforts. The AC unit did not work at all and left a puddle of water on the floor and dresser. I defrosted it to at least get rid of the water issue but that was it. Luckily it was pretty cool the week I was there so no big deal. The windows were all broken in one way or another. To close the bathroom window takes two people, one pushing the window from the outside and one cranking on the inside. Not great. The fridge was very nice and roomy but filled with ice. I defrosted that as well and worked pretty good after that. Then there was the usual motel things, terrible shower head that you need to bend over for to get your head wet, mold in the bathroom and a shower curtain that was about a foot too long. Again, I am not picky and none of this was a deal killer. The number one thing that really made the stay tough for me was the smell. The staff coated all the bedding, including pillows in a thick coat of fabric softener. So much so I had to remove my bedspread to alleviate my headache from the smell. The sheets still smelled but less so. I found out on the last day there they also had an open gallon bucket under the bed of gain fabric softener to add to the mix. The smell was so strong that even with all the windows open it was difficult to get to sleep. Unnecessary
• mary (6/5): - Cute rustic motel type accommodations. Convenient location. Definitely needs TLC
• Anne (6/5): - The motel does not have a front desk service for most t
• Sam (10/5): - Super quiet. Will stay here again
• Joan (4/5): - Bed was terrible, AC was unbearably loud, sink faucets wouldn't turn off, coffee tasted like water, very cold sterile room with poor mattresses. Very uncomfortable stay.
• Craig (10/5): - Our stay was cozy and staff very nice! I highly recommend
• Paula (10/5): - The room
• Robert (8/5): - Liked the old wood panelling rooms. Comfortable beg. Pool had very short hours and was uninviting.
• Samantha (4/5): - First, this property is no longer Whispering Winds, it is now the Skaneateles Inn. All of the positive reviews in the past are likely from previous property/owners. Although the staff was very pleasant and accommodating (we were able to switch the night we had originally booked), the room itself was extremely unpleasant. When you flush the toilet, the water in the sink slows to a trickle, so difficult to wash your hands. Then the shower pressure was awful (unusable). The water was scalding hot and once I had put shampoo in my hair, the water stopped coming out of the shower head altogether. I tried multiple times to get the water to come out of the shower head with no success. I had to kneel (on my flipflops bc I wasn't comfortable going in the shower without them) and put my head under the slow running, scalding hot faucet, to get the shampoo out. After a wonderful day on the lake, the experience really put a damper on our getaway. Other issues: no sheet on one of the beds (they quickly brought one when called), was supposed to be a king bed and got two double, light out in the bathroom (which I notified on checkout, so not sure if it was fixed) and the AC unit is ridiculously loud! Would not recommend this motel, unless there are MAJOR updates made to the property.
• Bethany (10/5): Cute Motel - Lovely little spot. Very quiet and a bit hidden. Check in was very quick and the stay was nice. We were just in town for the night, and it was a perfect fit.
• Debra (8/5): - Overall, good. Place is older and new owners who are updating.
• Kelly (8/5): - It was a great spot for me and my family to lay our heads for the night. It truly would’ve been a 5 star review if the bathrooms were scrubbed down a little better. Unfortunately the pool hours (11am-5pm) didn’t work for our quick little stay. The outdoor area was beautiful at night filled with fireflies!
• Melissa (8/5): Vintage vibe - This is an old-time motel but well maintained. Check-in required ringing at office and waiting for someone to come from another building, went smoothly after that. The room was tiny, especially with a king size bed, but comfortable. Love the wood paneling! Bathroom also small but very clean. Coffee service in room didn't have decaf available. Bottled water and sodas were cold in fridge, a nice touch, with payment on the honor system. All in all, a satisfactory overnight stay. Pricey for the type of accommodation but one of the least expensive in this popular vacation arra.
• Brenda (2/5): - Couldn’t sleep due to a dog barking in the room next to us and a cat meowing in the room on the other side of us. The pillow cases were dirty. The carpet, bedding , bathroom were so outdated and the water was so cloudy that I couldn’t shower or brush my teeth. There was a dead bug on the bathroom floor. Paid for a garden view room. There was no garden. People were partying out side until late. It was an awful experience and I’m ashamed that I paid for a room like that
• Jennifer (4/5): - Very outdated mattresses are old and uncomfortable. Air conditioner was old and settings didn't function
• Kassandra (10/5): - We had a great experience at Whispering Winds! The staff was super friendly and the check in process was quick. This is a very cute little roadside motel - the rooms are more like tiny bungalows than a hotel room. Everything was clean and well cared for. The whole place is a little dated but honestly, that really added to the charm for us. Our only complaint (and it's a small one) is that the walls are paper thin, so you can here everything going on outside very clearly. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a budget friendly, cute little spot!
• Susan (10/5): - This place is kind of old school, and adorable. Neat as a pin, and way quieter than a regular hotel.
• Tracy (6/5): - Property is older and a little run down. Mostly clean other than some areas of the floor. There were some stink bugs in the room. It’s a no frills kind of place.
• Karen (2/5): - Stink bugs everywhere! Alive and dead. On the ceiling, under the beds, in the bathroom. They came and got rid of them the first night, but we got back too late to call them on the second night and that’s when we realized there were dead ones under the bed.
• James (10/5): Clean - Clean and quiet
• Chantell (2/5): - This place was filthy. The ceiling was caving in. The entrance door didnt allow for any safety or privacy. Our toilet wouldn't flush. The shower curtain was filled with slime and dirt and the place smelled like mold. We were extremely disappointed with our stay.
• John (10/5): - Eclectic property. Manager apparently lives on site. Communicates through Ring doorbell. Easy check in/out. Convenient to cute town of Skaneateles. Close to Syracuse. Happy I stayed there.
• Malia (8/5): - I liked the place we were staying in but definitely bring your own blanket cause they only give you one. The bed was huge and and comfy and the room felt like a cabin which was cool and it was a pretty big room. The only thing was the bathroom was a little dirty when we got there but just the shower. I would stay here again!
• Steven (10/5): - Property management contacted us while we were en route to let us know about their holiday hours and that our room and check-in had all been handled making for a super smooth check in process and easy stay after our long drive. The property is dated but quaint and adorable. An affordable, nostalgic stay.
• Ted (4/5): - I stayed for 5 days. Towels and linens had spots. The shower did not work, the staff fixed it but water pooled in the bottom of the shower every time I used it. The TV never had reception. The walls were paper thin and I could hear my neighbors carrying on into the night. Stay only if desperate and everywhere else is full....
• Verified traveler (4/5): Deceptive - Will not be staying there again. Very dated and needs a tremendous amount of TLC. Clogged drains, significant mold, misuse of extension cords and power strips. New owners have their hands full with this money pit and we wish them luck, but their photographs are misleading and deceptive.
• Thomas (4/5): - Staff friendly, good location. Rooms in desperate need of complete renovation including fixtures, mechanicals and furniture.
• ALEXANDRA (2/5): Stink bugs. - The room I booked looked nothing like the pictures provided of other rooms. Outdated, cold (they did have a space heater in the room, but did nothing for the bathroom). As I slid into the bed I felt something crawling on my leg, to find it was a stink bug. That was just the beginning… over the next 30-45 minutes I had found over a dozen more stink bugs throughout the room. I had enough so I called property management. They ended up moving us to the Skaneateles Inn next door in which at quick glance was much more cleanly. But upon waking up in the morning I found another stink bug in the bathroom. I booked this place because of the price point and decent numerical rating, however I would not recommend staying here.
• Leslie (10/5): - Kind and accommodating owner, spacious and comfortable room
• Sheri (8/5): - Price was good. Property is a bit run down. Lighting was bad and surfaces had not been cleaned including the table and floors. Staff were very helpful and the beds were very clean. New pillows are needed. We kept our shoes on.
• Chaithra (8/5): - Heater in the room was not efficient.
• jonathan (4/5): - Old worn out hotel, ceiling falling and pair peeling
• Dagmar (4/5): - Dirty floors (bathroom corner) and window sills. Broken toilet seat
• Jane (8/5): - I really liked the layout and decor. Even though it is your basic small motel room the furniture is sleek and had room and surfaces for spreading out as we do for even a short stay. Clean and comfy!
• William (8/5): Okay for one night - Room/cabin had rustic looks, antique style bed and decor. Bathroom was small and needed some TLC. Shower was small, box style. Price was a little high for what you get. But reviews were better than other hotels in the area.
• Andrea (10/5): Very nice stay - Very kind and accommodating
• Andrew (10/5): - Great location, good staff, clean
• Karen (8/5): - Convenient location. Property owners were courteous and helpful.
• Candace (4/5): - Only thing good was less expensive. Otherwise both beds had bugs;shower filthy; crack around entrance door so not tight
• John (8/5): - Old but clean and comfortable
• Rick (2/5): - The motel gave our room to the wrong people, had to wait for them.to get back from dinner to get my room, Then there was a sign not to usethe wateras it was not clean
• Sarah (10/5): Clean, comfortable, reasonably priced - We wanted a reasonably priced stay near Auburn and this was it. The place is definitely older and there’s no fix for that, but it was scrupulously clean and very comfortable. The staff was polite and accommodating and our room was quiet, even though I think the place was full. The bed was very comfortable. It felt like a throwback to an older time, but with AC and a fridge. Would stay again.
• Annette (8/5): - The bathroom needed updating/ shower curtain was gross, shower needs a soap dish, and bathroom sink the water when turned on hit the sink needs a new faucet
• Verified traveler (4/5): - Dated. Not enough lights or electrical outlets. Bathroom cramped. Mildew spots on bathroom ceiling.
• Steven (10/5): - Quiet clean
• JERE (6/5): - Very basic facility.
• Lori (4/5): - The proprietor was friendly, but the publicized breakfast was not available. That was a perk offered by the prior proprietor, we were told. The door to our room couldn’t be locked, and both the heat and the air conditioning were on at the same time. The shower curtain was soiled on the bottom and there were many suspicious dark spots (mold?) on the shower walls. However, the king bed was very comfortable and it was wonderfully quiet!
• Saar (2/5): - Don't book this place! It is dirty and decrepit and there is no service and no one at the office. It feels unsafe to stay here. On the day we left there was a creepy person hanging out in their car all morning. AVOID!!
• Remi (8/5): - We motorcycle across Northeast America 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 and love to find original places to stay. This «roadside » motel was perfect with its vintage feel. Loved it.
• Donna (8/5): - Sheets didn’t fit. But staff replaced the next morning. Also no fire alarm. The owner got one for us the next days. Cleaning staff said none had fire alarms in the units. But we did have a ring to but the alarm in. Owner was very helpful. I would stay for short term again. But would make sure they had a afire alarm
• Frank J. (8/5): - Clean, friendly. Somewhat small bathroom. The bed was comfortable
• Tina (6/5): Good price for the area - Tons of other people’s hair in the bathroom. Gross. The girl at the front desk was super friendly. The rooms are like stepping back to the 70’s or 80’s, electric baseboard heating, and all. If you want to be close enough to the touristy area, without it costing an arm and a leg, this is a good choice. Hopefully, you’re doesn’t come with complimentary stranger hairs in the bathroom.
• Karen (8/5): - Older hotel that needs updating. Small bathroom. Met our needs for an overnight stay, but was expensive for what was provided.
• David (4/5): - The place looks like it hasn’t changed a bit since the 60’s. Walked to the bathroom and the bottom of my feet turned black. The room didn’t feel very secure. Definitely won’t stay there again. It was cheap though and available at the last minute.
• Ed (4/5): Unsatisfactory - Sheets dirty. Shower dirty did not use. TV did not work
• Brandy (10/5): - The owner was great and very accommodating.
• Erin (6/5): - Nice people. They put forth effort to make us happy. The place needs some work.
• Richard (8/5): - Old-style motel, but staff very helpful.
• Karen (8/5): - A little pricey for accommodations but overall great experience
• Robert (8/5): - Cool backwoods area with lodge feel. Would stay again.
• Zoila (4/5): - I did not like that the rooms were very close to each other, I could hear the people snoring in the next room.
• patricia (6/5): - There apparently is no sound proofing between rooms. The people talking next door (when we were trying to sleep) sounded as if they were in our room. After a few hours of sleep (finally) their talk awakened us at 4am.
• James (10/5): CLEAN, friendly, would recommend - Nice place, CLEAN and nice service.
• George (6/5): - For an older motel, it was in fairly good shape. Bed was good, but the laundry items (sheets , towels etc.) all had a heavy perfume odor , most likely the detergent they use or dryer sheets. That happens to be a pet peeve of ours and we will learn to ask ahead. Most everything else I would say was made up of inexpensive repairs and cheap furniture. Par for the price I would say.
• Gregory (10/5): - This is a classic American roadside motel, and the experience was wonderful. Clean, safe, and comfortable. We would stay here again if traveling this way.
• George (4/5): - Nothing special and not cheap.
• Bridget (8/5): - Convenient to town.
• Lindsey (8/5): - Its quiet and the motel management are honest and trustworthy. Only complaint is the shower is cold and the coffee is week.
• Donna (10/5): Cute place - Great place for a little get away. Our room was clean and nice for the price. Staff was friendly.
• Debra (10/5): - Very clean
• Deighton (10/5): - Very great value and clean room. Super friendly and helpful staff!
• Verified traveler (2/5): - We did not stay. Nobody at Check-in desk but a paper & key. Used key to look at the room. Did not match advertised pic & was not suitable. We put key back on desk (still no one there) and left to go somewhere else.
• Pauline (8/5): - Whispering Winds was our option for a couple of nights while in town for a wedding. Looking for a more cost effective stay, they were a great option. It was easy to check in and out and within a 3-5minute drive to all we needed.
• John Brian (8/5): - Front desk staff was extra considerate, called to verify late check in.
• Philip (8/5): - The manager was extremely friendly and helpful and made the experience decent. The property is in fair condition. We unfortunately were housed next to some very rowdy people. The place will work for you if higher end properties are not available or you are just looking for a comfortable bed.
• Kevin (8/5): - Nice
• Stephen (4/5): - Summary: An overpriced, faded, unmaintained property with a shower I wouldn't step into. What a disappointment! I figured staying on old US20 just outside of Skaneateles would be pleasant. In entering the driveway, it was obvious the grounds are not maintained. Grass uncut, "farm art" vehicle parked in front, poor paint, etc. I could go on. Somewhat like an Airbnb there was no one to check in with, but rather a phone number to call to get the lockbox key code. We got in without any fuss. The only time we saw any "caretaker" was the morning after to collect payment (he came to our room door to do this). Any notion of a nice "family motel" does not apply here. The room was (once) as pictured but the interior of the building was at least as bad as the exterior. The bed was OK. The bathroom was in desperate need of a remodel, and even without the there is no excuse for its dirty condition. The shower curtain had substantial mildew along the bottom, and the floor of the shower was quite dingy. (Irony alert- there is an envelope on the dresser so you can be sure to tip the housecleaner. Is there one?) A terrible value- possibly the worst value of any stay in the last 20 years. Expedia won't let me mention cost. I would urge you to avoid this property.
• Gregory (4/5): - The door to our room was an inch off the ground allowing bugs to come in. They were all over the room. There was no way to check in when we got there. Finally the owner showed up. I do not know how this place has an 8.4 rating.
• Thomas (2/5): - The grounds were not kept up. Shabby. Pool closed and broken. We were put next to a room with a trashed car and loud and abusive “guest”. Will no be back. Sad place
• Mark (8/5): Nice stay on a budget - Showed up pretty late our first night and the owner had called me to see when he could expect us to arrive. Owner was very helpful. Room was clean. Certainly not a 5 star hotel, but good enough for a 2 night stay. Bathroom was a little small, but clean and we had no issues. Window A/C unit was pretty loud, but we kept it running all night for some white noise. Beds were comfortable. No complaints.
• Margaret (10/5): Our getaway weekend - Clean and comfy room...an old fashioned look motel with a pool (which unfortunately wasn't working the weekend we were there) but so much to do down in Skaneatlas, NY..very pleasant owner. Flat screen TV, fridge and coffee maker in the room. Chairs to sit on right outside your room...no need to stay in a big fancy hotel when this little gem is waiting for you.
• Susan (10/5): - Quiet and very clean.
• Karen (8/5): - Small roadside motel. Doesn’t look like much from the outside, but room was spacious and clean, and management was super courteous , friendly, and accommodating. Would stay again !
• Andrew (10/5): - The property manager went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed - way above and beyond our expectations. The room was very clean and there was covered parking right outside the door. There was even an outdoor sitting area complete with a citronella candle! It was also a nice surprise to be given a list of local places with a short description about them and what they were known for. We would definitely stay here again.
• Brian (10/5): - Nice comfortable stay. Clean and quiet spot to relax
• Karen A (8/5): Broken toilet - Everything was excellent except the toilet didn’t flush.
• Sandra (10/5): Felt like a cabin in the woods. - Old fashioned mom and pop motel that we love. The curb appearance is a little shabby, but the room was clean and perfect for our one night stay. Close to Skaneateles and Auburn which was convenient. The owners were very personable.
• Melissa M (10/5): - loved the carport and outside table area! nice, quiet and clean.
• Martin (10/5): - We enjoyed our stay immensely. Fresh and cleam rooms. Easy parking and great WIFI. Marty W. Winfield , NY
• Mary (10/5): - The motel was quaint and cute .
• Amanda (10/5): Whispering wind SCREAMS "great!" - I wasnt sure at first about the rooms because of how much cheaper they were than everything close by, but was plesantly surprised to find a cute, clean room with a comfortable bed, plenty of pillows and the option of snacks! The shower water stayed hot for an extra long shower and had a hanging shelf for toiletries! The covered parking is a hige plus, and there is also outdoor seating with a table to relax outside. I only wish I had come later in the season when the pool is open!
• Robert (8/5): Good except… - Everything was good except… no breakfast as advertised, and no one to contact about it.

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