The Cornell campus stands out among the beauty of Ithaca, NY. The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration campus elevates that natural beauty with an air of elegance from the hospitable nature and professionalism that flows through Hotelie students, faculty, and staff. Experience the Cornell Nolan School through our virtual tour of the Cornell campus.
The Hotelie community is tight-knit, and the Nolan School surroundings help facilitate connections between students, faculty, and staff. The academic building and teaching hotel set the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration apart from other educational institutions in the industry. The Statler Hotel also makes the Nolan School campus a premier destination for those in New York state and across the country.
Our campus tour provides a window into the spaces that foster the emotional connections setting apart graduates of the Nolan School.
The Marriott Student Learning Center (MSLC) at Statler Hall is an elevated library/multiuse space. The space is used by Nolan School students to study, work collaboratively, and grab a delicious coffee. Included in the center are the Nestlé Library, Tsai Family Atrium, Club Room, and the George B. Mallory ’54 Student Lounge.
The Tsai Family Atrium is the two-story main entrance into Statler Hall from East Avenue. The atrium hosts events with up to 100 people and can be rented by the community when classes are not in session. The space is open and airy, a wonderful introduction to the openness of the Nolan School community.
Added to Statler Hall in 1956, it is one of the largest classrooms on campus. The Alice Statler Auditorium has a capacity of 715 people. The space is used for lectures, presentations, and other special events. In addition to the auditorium, there’s also the Alice Statler Lobby located directly outside the auditorium proper.
Robert A. and Jan M. Beck CenterThe Robert A. and Jan M. Beck Center honors former Nolan School dean, Robert A. Beck. Beck was Nolan School dean from 1961 to 1981. In 2004, the addition to Statler Hall was dedicated to Beck and his late wife. The addition includes a lecture hall, two case study rooms, an expanded computer center, a three-story “curtain of glass,” and study/meeting rooms.
Howard B. Meek was the first dean of the Nolan School. In 1948, when Statler Hall was constructed, Dean Meek saved a white oak tree that was set for removal. The tree was in the way of the building plans. Thanks to Dean Meek, the plans were altered instead. In 1986 when Statler Hall was renovated, Dean Meek’s Tree was incorporated into the design. In 1990, Dean Meek’s Tree was added to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of historical trees. Dean Meek’s Tree can still be seen on campus.
Nestlé LibraryThe Nestlé Library in Statler Hall features one of the world’s largest collections of research material in hospitality and real estate. Library staff are experts in their field and can assist students as they gather resources to guide them through coursework. In addition to personalized in-person or email research guidance librarians have also curated research guides on popular topics.
The Statler Hotel offers four unique dining experiences. The culinary excellence includes casual fine dining at Taverna Banfi and the lavishly modern Regent Lounge. Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy cuisine from around the world at the made-to-order Terrace Restaurant. When classes are in session, Mac’s Cafe offers delicious pizza.
Weddings at The Statler Hotel bring together world-class luxury, scenic views, and the energy found at an Ivy League university. Couples getting married at the Statler can choose from the ballroom or a more intimate venue for their nuptials, and all weddings can use the event planner to get everything just right.
Guests of The Statler Hotel will experience top-rate service from full-time staff and student workers. The students of the Nolan School work at the hotel through the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP). Because of this program, the hotel not only offers an elegant stay to guests, but it is also a place of learning for Nolan School students.
All guest rooms at The Statler offer luxurious amenities. However, certain rooms provide guests with a superb view of the Cornell University campus. Exceptional views are offered in guest room and suite options. Those staying in these rooms can spend their morning enjoying complimentary Keurig coffee with a view of Cornell’s McGraw Tower.
Part of the Nolan School experience is the proximity to the vibrant city of Ithaca and the Collegetown neighborhood. Collegetown in particular offers off-campus dining, shopping, and housing within walking distance to Nolan School students, faculty, staff, and alumni visiting campus. Ithaca and Collegetown boast both a tight-knit community feel and an exciting nightlife experience, allowing individuals to find just what they want in the area.
Collegetown Bagels is an Ithaca institution, and many consider enjoying their food a necessary introduction to the Cornell lifestyle. Collegetown Bagels offers bagels, other baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and coffee to keep the Nolan School community going.
2 Stay 2 Go is a student-run eatery opened in October 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm-to-table restaurant features four entrees a week. Week to week, the two top-performing entrees stay and the lowest-selling two are replaced. The rotating menu creates a unique experience that the community can repeatedly come back to.
Wings Over Ithaca has been a Cornell staple for years, and in 2017 four Cornell alums purchased the entire Wings Over franchise. Wings Over Ithaca on Dryden Road serves wings, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads, among other items. Open until at least 1 a.m., Wings Over Ithaca can fulfill the Nolan School community’s late-night cravings.
The Nolan School community is vibrant thanks to the continued involvement of alumni. The collaboration of seasoned alumni, recent grads, and current students provides members of the community and the Nolan School campus with never-ending learning opportunities. The energy of the Nolan School family encourages alumni to return to their home away from home.
Nolan School buildings are just a conduit for the growth opportunities offered through our various academic programs. The education provided to students amplifies their natural passion for hospitality and provides them with a network of like-minded individuals in the industry.