I stayed at the Statler while attending a conference at the labor relations school nearby. Was impressed by the quality of the service, both from students and from older (full-time?) employees, who clearly loved working there and dealing with customers. Food was excellent; room nice--clean, great view, maybe a bit small. Absolutely the best (ony?) place to choose if you have business at or are visiting Cornell.
The hotel is located right on campus, if you are visiting your son or daughter, this is the perfect escape from their dorm. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. It's also great listening to stories from the student employees! They sold my daughter on the school! We appreciated the free internet and advice from the concierge!
Although the Statler does offer a certain degree of luxury (in relation to the rest of Ithaca), it's dull. Unless of course you get a kick out of staying in a "teaching" hotel (this is the training ground for the Cornell School of Hotel Management).