The Best Hotels in the Finger Lakes

The 12 Best Hotels in the Finger Lakes

Renowned for producing excellent wine and being home to stunning natural landscapes, the Finger Lakes have a lot to offer visitors. Explore the region, and you’ll find gorge trails dotted with waterfalls, wine trails that will take you through world-class vineyards, and lakeside villages brimming with unique cideries and gourmet farm-to-table restaurants. 

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this gorgeous vacation destination! Located in central New York, the Finger Lakes are only a short distance from New York City, Toronto, and Montreal, making this one of the best places to visit for a weekend getaway if you’re in the Northeast!

The Finger Lakes are most popular from late spring through summer. You can enjoy water sports on the lakes, explore stunning waterfall trails, and tour some of the best wineries on the East Coast during prime wine season.

Even in the winter, the Finger Lakes have plenty to offer – from skiing and snowshoeing expeditions to ice skating and ice fishing on the frozen lakes and ponds. Plus, you’ll get a front-row ticket to the ice wine harvest!

Storybook villages replete with boutiques boasting antiques, unique gifts, and exclusive culinary concoctions dot the shores of the Finger Lakes. Culinary festivals happen nearly every month, so you’ll never leave empty-handed or hungry no matter the time of year.

The Finger Lakes region is dotted with all sorts of historic boutique hotels, luxury spa resorts, and incredible inn-style estates. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in the Finger Lakes to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Hotels in the Finger Lakes

Where to Stay in Finger Lakes

Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes: Best Hotels

The Finger Lakes region spreads across central New York. It’s hard to narrow down the list when there are so many incredible places to stay around the Finger Lakes. Whether you want to stay in a revamped historic estate in the heart of the romantic Wine Country, a tranquil lakeside resort, or a luxury bed and breakfast with a personal touch, there’s sure to be something for you.

Ithaca is on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. It’s a small college town home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University. This charming area is full of restaurants, entertainment venues, and short gorge hikes. This is a great central location to base yourself in while you venture into the nearby Taughannock Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Further east, you’ll find Skaneateles Lake, with Skaneateles Village on its northern tip. This is a great location if you’re looking for a relaxing and luxurious lakeside retreat. The area is tranquil, the waters clear, and the village itself is a pristine historic district in the heart of New York State.

Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes, which provides the perfect environment for growing grapes. Many Finger Lakes wineries are based near Seneca, making for the famous “Seneca Lake Wine Trail” experience.

The lakes themselves are gorgeous, and there are also beautiful swaths of land filled with woodlands and gardens for you to enjoy a little further inland. No matter where you want to stay in the Finger Lakes, you’ll have plenty of incredible hotels to choose from!


The 12 Best Hotels in the Finger Lakes

1. New Park Venue & Suites

Where to stay in Finger Lakes New York: New Park Venue & Suites
Photos: New Park Venue & Suites

Situated on an 18-acre property just north of Ithaca, New Park is just 10 minutes from Taughannock Falls. With beautiful grounds and a multitude of accommodation options available, there’s bound to be something for you, whether you’re traveling solo or with a party.

This estate was once reserved for private events and has only recently opened to overnight bookings. That’s why New Park retains an exclusive air, and if you’re looking for unique places to stay in the Finger Lakes, this is it! 

It’s located in an enchanted forest in a prime part of Wine Country and bordered by a tall privacy fence, so it will really feel like your own special hideaway.

We especially love the Key Cottage. This incredible private cottage features massive circular windows, a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, and a kitchen where you can prepare meals. It’s easily one of the most unique stays in the Finger Lakes area! 

All suites at New Park are beautifully appointed with natural stone walls and Brazilian purpleheart flooring. The beds are a dream, and furnishings are a mix of fresh, classic, and cottage styles. You’ll love that each one has a special feature, like a garden tub, stained glass windows, or a hanging chair.

If that isn’t enough, the grounds feature romantic gardens, rolling lawns, babbling creeks, and communal fire pits. 


2. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles

Finger Lakes Boutique Hotels: Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles
Photos: Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles

If you’re looking for European elegance near Skaneateles Lake, then Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles is one of the best hotels in the Finger Lakes. This luxury property was inspired by Monet’s estate in Giverny, France. Take a look around, and you’ll find chateau buildings and French cottages curving gracefully around tranquil ponds and gardens.

You’ll have a choice between a guest room in the manor or in a freestanding cottage. Every room exudes luxury, and the custom-made Italian linens feel perfectly plush after a long soak in the French-style tub. Plus, you can gaze out at the lake and gardens while sipping Lavazza espresso with a cozy fireplace burning in the background.

The world-class Spa Mirbeau cannot be missed. The exclusive Giverny Gardens treatments infuse luxury skincare with flowers and plants that could have been plucked right from the French countryside. After you’re done, relax in the heated whirlpool spa or the herb-infused steam room or sauna. 

This estate offers everything, including a relaxed and refined bistro and wine bar, where you can enjoy classic French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, you might want to stroll into Skaneateles, which is located right on the north shore of the lake. This beautiful village features tree-lined streets, antique shops, art galleries, and so much more!

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3. The Inn at Gothic Eves

Where to stay in Finger Lakes New York: The Inn at Gothic Eves
Photos: The Inn at Gothic Eves

The Inn at Gothic Eves is located in Trumansburg, right in the middle of the amazing Finger Lakes Wine Region. A blend of luxury and comfort, this boutique inn and spa contains only eight suites, making it one of the coolest places to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re looking for intimacy, quiet, and relaxation. 

You can choose between the six suites in the Main House or the two “Grande Suites,” which are located right above the spa in the Potter House. Book a massage downstairs, then go right back up to the Seneca Suite for a nap on the elegant four-poster bed. Either suite you choose, you’ll love the plush pillow-top bed, classic and chic furnishings, and smart TV with a Roku and Netflix.

One of the many things that makes this one of the most unique hotels in the Finger Lakes is the two-course gourmet breakfast. You’ll love enjoying a homemade breakfast each morning with ingredients from local organic farms and garnished with flowers from the gardens right outside. 

There’s no shortage of things to check out right outside your door, either! On the grounds, you’ll find one- and two-person hammocks, two hot tubs, and a fire pit. Be sure to take advantage of this inn’s prime location, and check out one of the vineyard-studded wine trails nearby.


4. Inns of Aurora

Best Finger Lakes Hotels: Inns of Aurora
Photos: Inns of Aurora

Not your average lakeside resort, the Inns of Aurora have been around since 1789. Tucked into the historic Village of Aurora, this unique hotel concept is comprised of five charming inns, meaning that there truly is something for everyone! Staying at any of these boutique inns will feel like you’ve stepped right into a storybook.

Each of the five Aurora inns has a distinct character and unique history. We love that Wallcourt Hall once had another life as Miss Goldsmith’s School for Girls. Now, it’s one of the most unique hotels in Finger Lakes. You’ll love the modern art, classic writer’s desks, and elegant ensuites with whimsical Dalmatian dot walls and William Roam toiletries.

Historic charm and modern luxury also permeate the other four inns. Rowland House features elegant rooms right on the shores of Cayuga Lake, while Zabriskie House contains a stunning three-story staircase, and E.B. Morgan House is a historic stone mansion right on the lake.

If you want an extra-special private experience, we’d recommend the Premier Suite at the Aurora Inn. Go up your own personal set of stairs, and you’ll love relaxing on the plush king-size bed, mixing drinks at the full wet bar, and luxuriating in the soaking tub in the bathroom.

We could go on, but these beautiful, historic, and lovingly restored properties on the shores of Cayuga Lake can speak for themselves!


5. The Argos Inn

Cool Hotels Finger Lakes New York: The Argos Inn
Photos: The Argos Inn

In the heart of Ithaca, you’ll find The Argos Inn, a historic mansion that has been lovingly restored by local artisans. It has won multiple preservation awards and features sustainable, energy-efficient materials and fixtures. This is truly one of the best boutique hotels in the Finger Lakes because it also happens to contain one-of-a-kind artwork by the likes of Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. 

Common spaces and rooms alike are bedecked in restored vintage pieces, many of which date back to the turn of the century. Originally built in 1831, The Argos Inn carries the history of being a hair salon, a Buddhist publishing company, and the home of Ithaca’s mayors at different times. Now, it’s a boutique inn, a bar, and an event space.

You’ll be staying in boutique rooms that showcase majestic brick walls, velvet drapery, and historic trim. Plus, you’ll love the modern luxuries like Apple TVs, heated floors, and rain showers. If you’re looking for the perfect balance between artistry and practicality, the marriage of antique sensibilities and industrial amenities at The Agros is sure to impress!

After a long day of venturing around majestic waterfalls and Ithaca’s famed gorges, you can sip on an artisanal cocktail at Bar Argos’s zinc parlor or the lantern-lit patio.

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6. The Bond 1835

Finger Lakes Boutique Hotels: The Bond 1835
Photos: The Bond 1835

As its name evokes, The Bond 1835 is a Victorian-era Skaneateles farmhouse that has been restored as an incredible boutique hotel. This property overlooks Skaneateles Lake, the perfect location for a relaxing retreat and unrivaled sunset views.

What makes The Bond 1835 stand out among other Finger Lakes hotels is the perfect harmony of Pinterest-worthy decor and beautifully restored rustic furniture in every room. It’s charming, classic, and modern, all at the same time.

The Bond Suite made us gasp! With a freestanding clawfoot tub, rebuilt fireplace, and 18th-century Belgian antiques, this attic room is something special. 

With only five suites on the property, this is truly a home away from home at the Finger Lakes. Coffee is available at all hours of the day, and you’ll be treated to a delicious homestyle breakfast after a perfect night’s sleep in luxury linens.

The Bond 1835 oozes personality, hospitality, and style, and it’s hands down one of the coolest boutique hotels around Skaneateles and the Finger Lakes. You’re only a short ride away from town and nature, and this is the perfect home base to return to after spending the day experiencing the beauty of the region!


7. Watkins Glen Harbor

Boutique Hotels Finger Lakes New York: Watkins Glen Harbor
Photos: Watkins Glen Harbor

Located right on the shores of the picturesque Seneca Lake, this luxurious harbor hotel has a lot to offer. From here, you can rent a boat and take it onto the water, explore the region’s wine trails and breweries, and enjoy the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park!

The accommodations at Watkins Glen Harbor invoke classic boathouse chic with white wood furnishings, navy accents, and tasteful decor. Plus, many rooms feature panoramic views of Seneca Lake.

If you’re here for a longer stay, the Admiral Suite offers a 1-bedroom stay featuring lovely French doors and a balcony overlooking the lake. You’ll get a wine fridge to store wine and any newly acquired spirits and a wet bar to enjoy them.

Bigger groups will appreciate the 3-bedroom suites at the Harbor House, which offer the full lakeside living experience, complete with a 50-inch TV and game room.

In terms of amenities, you can relax around the indoor pool or take a dip in the hot tub. If you’re feeling peckish, local flavors and fresh seafood are always on offer at the hotel’s Blue Pointe Grill. Afterward, shimmy next to the fire pit with a cocktail at the Coldwater Bar and Patio!

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com


8. 2W Lake

Finger Lakes Boutique Hotels: 2W Lake
Photos: 2W Lake

This beautiful boutique B&B overlooks Skaneateles Lake. For those hunting for a true home away from home, you’ll find it at this Victorian lake house. With only two guestrooms, this property oozes elegance and intimacy, and it’s one of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat.

Both rooms offer plush beds, luxury Italian linens, and sophisticated Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. We love the elegance of the club-style armchairs and upholstered headboard in the West Lake Room. Meanwhile, the Genesee Room features ornate windows that illuminate warm wood and woven accents.

Every morning, you’ll be able to enjoy a full breakfast made with seasonal produce from local farms. Wall-length windows and a crystal chandelier in the dining room create a luxurious atmosphere you’re sure to love!

The property is beautifully furnished with a mix of turn-of-the-century antiques and contemporary pieces. Plus, the wonderfully preserved architecture and design of the home is a treat unto itself.

You’ll be within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in the quaint Skaneateles Village and just a short drive away from all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer!

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9. Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Cool Hotels Finger Lakes New York: Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Photos: Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Just a few minutes from the northern tip of Canandaigua Lake, you’ll find Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful property is situated on five acres of land consisting of well-kept gardens and swaying trees.

This boutique hotel captures the charm of an entire era, all the way from the entrance parlor to the lights gracing the tower. Polished silverware, a roaring fireplace, and a 200-year-old copper beech tree mark the long history of this special house.

Each of the five rooms has a distinct mood, but they all convey the signature romantic touch that Sutherland House is known for. You’ll love how vintage furnishings and cozy fireplaces grace each room.

We love the warm red and gold appointments of the Parker House Suite, where you’ll find a chandelier hanging right above a double whirlpool tub in the bathroom. Move to the bedroom, and you can cozy up in the four-poster bed while the fireplace roars or catch up on your reading in one of the armchairs, which are right next to the beautifully preserved bay windows.

As if that isn’t enough, Sutherland House offers guests a three-course gourmet breakfast served alongside candlelight and soft music each morning. There’s something different on the menu every day, so look out for homemade baked goods, sumptuous entrees, and fresh fruit dishes.


10. Quinta Rosa Estate

Finger Lakes Boutique Hotels: Quinta Rosa Estate
Photos: Quinta Rosa Estate

This 55-acre estate offers idyllic country charm right in the heart of central New York, only 10 minutes south of Ithaca. This 1901 Queen Anne Victorian home has been carefully restored and renovated and retains its original trim and details.

Rooms are soundproofed and equipped with luxurious queen mattresses for a perfect night’s sleep. Each of them blends old-world vintage and modern chic. We personally love the attitude of the La Mer room, which features a showstopper of a blue velvet bed and a roomy whirlpool tub.

Amenities on the ground include a sunny sitting room, a professional kitchen serving fresh breakfast every day, and a large back deck. Explore the grounds, and you’ll find a picturesque babbling brook and railroad tracks that cut through the property. It’s a great spot for capturing unforgettable photos!

Perfect for a special occasion, you’ll find that this estate is full of unique, individual details like a garden swing and chicken coop. You can also expect incredible hospitality from the husband-wife duo who operate the estate and personally host each guest.

Once you’ve emerged from the sprawling estate, you’ll find that Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls state parks are a short drive away. 

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11. Firelight Camps

Cool Hotels Finger Lakes New York: Firelight Camps
Photos: Firelight Camps

Firelight Camps is perfect if you’re looking for a stay that will allow you to immerse yourself in nature but that doesn’t sacrifice the luxury or comfort of a boutique hotel. If you’re looking to go glamping, this is easily one of the most unique hotels in the Finger Lakes!

All tents are outfitted with hardwood floors and fully furnished with a plush bed and a battery-powered lantern. You can wake up to birdsong and lush greenery, settle into a rocking chair on your tented porch with some tea, and do a bit of journaling at the writer’s desk before nipping off to a sunrise yoga class.

This eco-friendly camping resort offers a locally-sourced breakfast, eco-friendly bath products, and hot showers. You’ll have access to freshly brewed coffee at all hours, a grilling area, and communal campfires.

Firelight Bar offers full service every day, with a curated menu featuring micro-produced spirits, wines, ciders, and beers. Keep an ear out for live music by talented local musicians on certain evenings!

Another benefit of staying at Firelight Camps is that you’ll have immediate access to the Upper Buttermilk Falls hiking trails from right outside your tent. You can explore the beautiful nature of Finger Lakes on foot, either independently or on a guided foraging walk.


12. La Tourelle Hotel & Spa

Cool Finger Lakes Hotels: La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
Photos: La Tourelle Hotel & Spa

La Tourelle Hotel & Spa is a local institution, sprawling over 70 acres of land just minutes from Ithaca. This boutique hotel in the Finger Lakes region has been in operation for over 30 years, and that history shows in the impeccable hospitality on offer.

With the warmth of a country manor and the style of a French chateau, La Tourelle offers a traditional luxury experience with added coziness. Room service arrives on traditional silver platters, wood-burning fireplaces adorn the rooms, and vintage rugs sprawl over polished hardwood floors.

Every room is charmingly outfitted, but if you’re in town for a special occasion, the Yellow Barn Suite is a three-bedroom affair spread out over three stories of beautiful vintage architecture and design. 

The downstairs atrium seats 10 people and bookshelves line every wall. If it gets chilly, just turn on the gas fireplace and get cozy! You’ll have access to silver, china, and glassware for serving special meals and a private outdoor seating area right next to the pond.

We’d recommend checking out the bistro for breakfast and the John Thomas Steakhouse for dinner. There’s an open wine tasting every afternoon, and the famous Finger Lakes wine trails and falls are just a short drive away.

That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in the Finger Lakes! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in the Finger Lakes? Comment below so we can add them to the list!


Didn’t find the perfect Finger Lakes hotel? Try searching here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hotel in Finger Lakes has the best spa?

If you’re looking for European elegance near Skaneateles Lake, then Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles is one of the best hotels in the Finger Lakes. Their world-class Spa Mirbeau cannot be missed. The exclusive Giverny Gardens treatments infuse luxury skincare with flowers and plants that could have been plucked right from the French countryside. After you’re done, relax in the heated whirlpool spa or the herb-infused steam room or sauna.

What hotel in Finger Lakes has the best amenities?

Quinta Rosa Estate offers idyllic country charm right in the heart of central New York, only 10 minutes south of Ithaca. Amenities on the ground include a sunny sitting room, a professional kitchen serving fresh breakfast every day, and a large back deck. Explore the grounds, and you’ll find a picturesque babbling brook and railroad tracks that cut through the property. It’s a great spot for capturing unforgettable photos!

What is the best glamping hotel in Finger Lakes?

Firelight Camps is perfect if you’re looking for a stay that will allow you to immerse yourself in nature but that doesn’t sacrifice the luxury or comfort of a boutique hotel. If you’re looking to go glamping, this is easily one of the most unique hotels in the Finger Lakes! You can wake up to birdsong and lush greenery, settle into a rocking chair on your tented porch with some tea, and do a bit of journaling at the writer’s desk before nipping off to a sunrise yoga class.

What is the most luxurious hotel in Finger Lakes?

Located right on the shores of the picturesque Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen Harbor has a lot to offer. From here, you can rent a boat and take it onto the water, explore the region’s wine trails and breweries, and enjoy the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park! The accommodations at Watkins Glen Harbor invoke classic boathouse chic with white wood furnishings, navy accents, and tasteful decor. Plus, many rooms feature panoramic views of Seneca Lake.

What hotel in Finger Lakes is best for wine lovers?

La Tourelle Hotel & Spa is a local institution, sprawling over 70 acres of land just minutes from Ithaca. This boutique hotel in the Finger Lakes region has been in operation for over 30 years, and that history shows in the impeccable hospitality on offer. We’d recommend checking out the bistro for breakfast and the John Thomas Steakhouse for dinner. There’s an open wine tasting every afternoon, and the famous Finger Lakes wine trails and falls are just a short drive away.


About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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