Finger lakes NY
 

Can anyone recommend a great place to stay on the finger lake area?
Thanks

When someone asks a question like this I always wonder what they mean.

Do you want the most luxurious hotel?

Do you want a bargain hotel?

Do you want specific amenities?

Do you want the most typical of the area?

Do you want a hotel for a family? Or a senior couple? Or a group of young friends?

I can imagine that "great" could mean about 14 different things.

Which do you want?

Point taken.
We are recently retired -in early 60's
We would like a nice resort, comfortable, with good restaurant options at the resort or close by. Scenic views or scenery.typically a 4 star rating or higher.
I want to feel pampered, not " I should have stayed home"!
Hope this is more clear.
Thanks

Much better. We have had questions from people asking for a "great" place to stay who are looking for something super budget - or a hostel with lots of partying - and complained when aimed at more upscale hotels.

Nytraveller

You are right!
I am new to this forum.
Now- can you recommend a place?
Thanks

I gave you two of the best 4 diamond hotels in the finger lakes.... forget about nytraveler... a lot of posters here think they are superior to new members... enjoy your trip

Garyt22

Great advice.
Thanks for your info.
I appreciate it!

Garyt22
I like "Geneva on the lake" by the sounds of the website.
Have you stayed there?

Lodging options at the south end of Seneca Lake/Watkins Glen.
http://www.watkinsglenlodging.com/
If you have a rainy day, check out the Corning Museum of Glass.

We did a wedding stay there some years ago and found it to be at the highest standards... certainly for the region... I don't recall the rate we paid but it was a bit pricey, but worth it...

It does depend on your feelings on high end properties and Luxury accomodations vs a more casual property, but if want a special stay... that's the place... have fun

We just spent a lovely weekend up in the Finger Lakes in an area called Starkey-Dundee (on the west side of Seneca Lake). We were a group of 7 and stayed at a lovely B&B called the Starkey House Bed And Breakfast Inn (www.1922starkeyhouse.com).
Fabulous breakfasts and nice pre-dinner snacks were included. Very hospitable hostess (Cathy)took great efforts to make our stay very enjoyable.
Recommend making reservations at Glenora restaurant (we didn't and couldn't get it.) Enjoy the area. Be sure to check out Watkin's Glen State Park. Hike the Gorge Trail.

Wonderful inn & spa, close to nice restaurants (including one on-site) shopping, wineries, galleries all nearby. Mirabeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles, NY
www.mirbeau.com

My husband and I stayed at a wonderful B&B on Seneca Lake, but it sounds as if you want more of a resort type place. I have heard absolutely wonderful things about the Aurora Inn and EB Morgan House off Cayuga Lake. Depending on where you wish to be located, etc, it may be worth a try!

Have been away from fodors as we went down to ogunquit Maine for a week.
It's an area we love but a long 11 hr drive.
We break it up by staying in north Hero Vermont.
That's why we are looking to go somewhere closer- like finger lakes.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

Well, Garyt: Your great recommendations were borne out of NYTraveler's request for clarity from Fleuvee! I wouldn't ignore NYtraveler's recommendations....

Re. Geneva on the Lake: I have stayed there several times; once for a wedding and once for a getaway. My experience was Much better as a wedding guest. Weddings take over this resort; if you're not part of the party, you're in the way. Ask, at time of booking, if there are weddings going on during your stay. Weddings also affect room availability, access to the restaurants and outdoor spaces, etc., all the things you think a wedding would impact.

And 'Thanks' NYtraveler, for asking for specifics!

I would check your choices on Trip Advisor. They have listings with photos of all types of lodging options including hotels and b&b's.

Pupchick: The two B&Bs you suggested (Aurora Inn and E.B. Morgan House) are top notch and are getting great reviews. Trip Advisor has photos of both on their reviews page.

I prefer a B&B in the Finger Lakes over the large corporate feeling and wedding venue hotels in this area. Many of the B&Bs in the area feel like intimate boutique hotels that still offer privacy and a high standard.

Noodle around the Trip Advisor travelers' photos, ignore most of the written reviews there, and see what you find.

Hi Fleuvee -

For the elegance and pampering you are looking for, hotels you may want to look at are:
~Geneva on the Lake (http://www.genevaonthelake.com) in Geneva, NY
~Belhurst (http://www.belhurst.com) also in Geneva, NY
~Inn on the Lake (http://www.theinnonthelake.com) in Canandaigua, NY
~Mirabeau Inn and Spa (http://mirbeau.com) in Skaneateles

If you're interested in B&Bs and Inns, some of the finest include:
10 Fitch (http://www.10fitch.com) in Auburn
1795 Acorn Inn B&B (http://www.acorninnbb.com) in Canandaigua
Aurora Inn & E.B. Morgan House (http://www.aurora-inn.com) in Aurora, NY
Esperanza Mansion (http://www.esperanzamansion.com) at Bluff Point (North end of Keuka Lake)

Enjoy!
Carol
The Finger Lakes Travel Maven

Re: Belhurst Castle in Geneva. We stayed there this year and truly enjoyed our stay and our wine tours around the Lake. The Belhurst gets mixed reviews and while there I determined why. The older part of the hotel is not updated. We walked thru and enjoyed the magnifacent wood and the feeling of yesterday's glory but were glad we did not choose one of the rooms offered there. We stayed in the newer addition and it is lovely! Lake views, tub for two, fireplace and lots of amenities! The first hotel I've ever stayed at that provides and 8 cup coffee pot and full size soap! This is what I recommend: http://www.belhurst.com/about-the-vinifera-inn.html