La Tourelle Inn and Spa in Ithaca, New York, has expanded its operations by acquiring Firelight Camps, a glamping business that has shared the property since 2014.
The acquisition, which took place in May, marks a strategic move by the inn’s new ownership group to broaden its accommodation offerings while enhancing the overall guest experience.
Firelight Camps, founded by Bobby Frisch in 2014, offers 22 safari-style glamping tents situated on raised platforms.
Each tent is furnished with beds and other amenities, providing a rustic yet comfortable alternative to traditional lodging. The site includes a large central lobby tent with a bar, as well as multiple fire pits, according to a press release.
Positioned on seven acres of La Tourelle’s 15-acre site, the camp features direct access to nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park, offering guests outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural setting.
“Their guests are looking for an upscale camping experience without the hassle of going camping,” said Managing Director Bill Minnock. “And it really fits in beautifully on our 15-acre site, and they currently occupy about 7 acres.”
Minnock leads a team of primarily Cornell Hotel School alumni who purchased La Tourelle earlier this year. As part of the transition in ownership, the inn underwent a series of renovations aimed at restoring the property to its original quality.
These improvements included upgrades to approximately 75% of the guest rooms and bathrooms, a remodeled lobby, enhancements to the August Moon Spa, and the addition of a new lounge and restaurant.
“The goal of the renovation was really to bring LaTourelle Inn and Spa back to its initial design and quality because it was in need of renovation,” Minnock said.
“We focused on the lobby and adding the lounge/restaurant here in the public space. We renovated the guest rooms and then we also upgraded the August Moon Spa, and also the Buttermilk Ballroom to provide a higher quality experience for our guests.”
La Tourelle currently offers 57 guest rooms and the August Moon Spa, which remains open to both hotel guests and the public. The Buttermilk Ballroom, a 100-seat event space with a covered terrace, continues to host weddings and other gatherings.
In addition to the acquisition, the new owners are building on Firelight Camps’ existing programming.
The Firelight Live music series, held Tuesday evenings during the season, will continue, and a new La Tourelle Live concert series will be introduced at the Buttermilk Ballroom on an additional night each week. Firelight Camps is open annually from early May through the end of October.
For hospitality professionals, this integrated lodging model presents a case study in maximizing land use and diversifying guest experiences.
By combining spa services, event space, traditional hotel rooms, and seasonal glamping within a single property, La Tourelle demonstrates how businesses can appeal to a broader customer base while strengthening their brand identity.Reservations for both accommodations are available at LaTourelle.com.