10 Best Finger Lakes Hotels (For A Dream Getaway!)
Named for the eleven finger-shaped lakes that cut through forested green hillsides and rolling pastures in the center of Upstate New York, the Finger Lakes region is one of the most stunning and diverse regions of the state. Whether you’re interested in a wine tour, a camping and hiking adventure, or just a good old summer getaway by the lake, the Finger Lakes is the best destination in Upstate New York to consider.
Looking for where to stay in the Finger Lakes on your ultimate upstate getaway? From glamping camps to luxe lake houses, these are the ten best Finger Lakes hotels to consider for your trip.
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Best Finger Lakes Hotels
As you plan your trip to the Finger Lakes, you’ll discover just how large this area is – it takes at least two to three hours to drive across the entire region. In some cases, more. Where you stay in the Finger Lakes will be largely determined by where you want to base yourself.
Location aside, these are our top recommendations for the best Finger Lakes hotels for your trip. Any of these spots will ensure a fabulous stay in the Finger Lakes, with plenty to see, do, and experience on the property and in the surrounding areas.
Top 3 Fingers Lakes Hotels
- The Lake House on Canandaigua – The best all-around place to stay in the Finger Lakes.
- Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa – The best place to stay in the Finger Lakes for a spa experience and great wine tours.
- Firelight Camps – The best place to stay in the Finger Lakes to get in touch with nature.
We particularly recommend The Lake House on Canandaigua after staying there ourselves and having the BEST time. Easily accessible to Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse and located directly on the gorgeous Canandaigua Lake, this charming hotel seems to have it all.
Rent boats or gear for watersports like kayaks or paddleboards, hit the spa, or attend a concert at CMAC. Staying here is the best way to enjoy an unforgettable getaway to the Finger Lakes.
Hotels in the Finger Lakes
1. The Lake House on Canandaigua
Our hands-down pick for the best among Finger Lakes hotels is The Lake House on Canandaigua. Located on the northern tip of the gorgeous Canandaigua Lake, this stunning 124-room hotel has the perfect combination of beautiful accommodations, delicious food, an incredible lakefront property with plenty of amenities, and a perfect location for your ideal Upstate New York getaway.
Kick back on the hotel’s expansive lawn space, by the pool, or at the spa for some much-needed rest and relaxation. For those looking for a more adventurous day on the water, make use of the hotel’s kayaks, paddleboards, or water bikes to explore the shores of Canandaigua Lake. Guests can also rent either of the pontoon boats or speed boats to get out on the water, or join one of the daily cruises around the lake.
Rooms are comfortable and modern yet cozy, each offering a spacious private patio or terrace for enjoying waterfront views. Dining at The Sand Bar and Rose Tavern offers guests and locals both casual waterfront bites and brews as well as a more elevated dining experience.
The location of The Lake House on Canandaigua couldn’t be any better. Canandaigua Lake is just 30 minutes south of Rochester if you’re flying in, and easily accessible from other major cities in the state like Buffalo, Syracuse, and even just a weekend trip from New York City. The hotel offers shuttles to and from the airport in Rochester and free shuttles around Canandaigua for guests looking to explore.
The Lake House on Canandaigua is also just 5 minutes away from CMAC, a great concert venue that hosts an incredible lineup of performers every summer. Combine a concert with a stay at The Lake House on Canandaigua for the perfect long weekend in the Finger Lakes.
Reviews and Bookings – The Lake House on Canandaigua
Our First-Hand Review
The Lake House on Canandaigua | Ultimate Finger Lakes Escape
2. Belhurst Castle
Waterfront Belhurst Castle is one of the most historic Finger Lakes hotels, with all the charm and beauty you’re looking for on a getaway to this gorgeous region of the state. Built in 1885, this hotel has a long history and is now one of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes.
Located near the charming small town of Geneva at the top of Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle is easily accessible from the rest of the state via the thruway, making it easy to get here no matter where you’re traveling from. It’s also perfectly located for a wine or brewery tour of the region, with a high concentration of some of the best wineries in the state located between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake.
Guests can choose to stay in the historic castle or two additional buildings. These include the 1900s farm manor down the street known as White Springs Manor and the modern Vinifera Inn on the main Belhurst Castle property.
Lakefront Belhurst Castle is home to two different eateries, including a casual tavern and a fine-dining steakhouse in the historic castle. While there isn’t much else to do on the property itself, it’s one of the best Finger Lakes hotels for enjoying the highlights of the region.
Reviews and Bookings – Belhurst Castle
3. Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
One of the most beautiful and charming Finger Lake hotels is the impressive lakefront Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa. This collection of five historic residences turned inns and a private cottage makes this lakeside resort in the heart of the Finger Lakes one of the most memorable Upstate New York getaway destinations.
There are an impressive number of activities and amenities on the property that make it a great choice for a well-rounded getaway. Guests can take out kayaks or canoes on the lake, grab a bike to explore the town, or even enjoy walking tours and coffee tastings, all included as part of a stay. Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa also offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby wineries and breweries.
The world-class spa is its own highlight. Perched on a hill overlooking the lake, this state-of-the-art facility offers everything from hydrotherapy and massages to facials, body treatments, and multi-day spa treatment experiences.
Located on the eastern side of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a bit further from major highways, so it can be a bit more of a drive to get here. However, once you’re in Aurora, you’ll love this charming, historic lake town and all the beauty of the area.
An easy drive from all the activity of Ithaca, the endless wineries along the lake, and the gorgeous rolling hills and plunging waterfalls of the region, the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is really one of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes.
Reviews and Bookings – Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
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4. Geneva On The Lake
Located on the shores of the gorgeous Seneca Lake, Geneva On The Lake is bursting with charm and is one of the best Finger Lakes hotels for a true escape. Sprawling, manicured gardens and a lakeside pool make are highlights of the hotel’s impressive grounds, while 29 rooms and studios among the historic inn and newer buildings on the property offer plenty of accommodations choices for your stay.
One of the highlights of a stay at Geneva On The Lake is the delicious food. Meals are all farm-to-table and show off the best of the Finger Lakes. Craft cocktails and a local wine and beer list are the perfect introduction to a weekend spent visiting all the local wineries in the area.
While the hotel is lakefront, it doesn’t offer any lake access, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking to get out on the water – we’d recommend The Lake House on Canandaigua if is this the experience you’re after! However, for a beautiful and relaxing getaway in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Geneva On The Lake is an excellent choice.
Reviews and Bookings – Geneva On The Lake
5. Firelight Camps
If you’re headed to the Finger Lakes looking to enjoy the natural beauty and bounty the region has to offer, there is no better place to stay in the Finger Lakes than Firelight Camps. Set on a gorgeous, wooded property just outside of Ithaca with access to the Upper Buttermilk Falls hiking trails, it’s easily one of the best Finger Lakes hotels, despite being far from a traditional hotel stay.
Don’t let the tents fool you; staying at Firelight Camps is by no means roughing it. Tents come complete with plush beds, hardwood floors, and beautiful furnishings, as well as battery-operated lamps. Four tents on site also offer electric heaters, fans, and outlets.
Activities include easy access to the area’s best trails, as well as on-site yoga classes, guided hikes, and a full schedule of activities to introduce guests to the best the Finger Lakes has to offer. The property offers a large “lobby” tent with a full bar and extensive lawn space with a number of communal fire pits perfect for long evening chats or evening s’mores.
The campsite also offers a series of concerts and gatherings that are free and open to the public throughout the summer months, making these weekends a particularly festive time to visit. With its easy access to Ithaca with all its hip and hippie restaurants, cafes, breweries and wineries, you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay in the Finger Lakes than Firelight Camps.
Reviews and Bookings – Firelight Camps
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6. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles
Among Monet-inspired garden paths in the quaint lake town of Skaneateles, the French-inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles is one of the best Finger Lakes hotels for a tranquil escape. A large spa with 16 treatment rooms draws guests from around the state and beyond, while delicious food at the hotel’s bistro is popular even with locals.
Located just outside of Syracuse, the town of Skaneateles sits on the north shore of a sparkingly clear lake of the same name. While Skaneateles is a small town, somewhat removed from the more vibrant parts of the central Finger Lakes near Seneca and Cayuga Lake, it has a great mix of amenities and a laid-back, small-town vibe for an easy getaway.
Reviews and Bookings – Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles
7. John Joseph Inn
Set on a beautiful hillside among the forests and rolling farmland of the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake, the John Joseph Inn is one of the best Finger Lakes hotels if you’re looking for a country getaway, totally removed from the hustle and bustle. Home to just six rooms and an independent cottage, this historic farmhouse-turned-boutique hotel is a hidden gem you’ll want to consider before booking your Upstate New York getaway.
Spacious rooms, each with a unique design, offer modern amenities in a historic setting and are designed for the ultimate in relaxation. Another highlight? The Inn’s owner is a trained chef and hosts regular Chef’s Tastings events as well as arranging private group dinners at the restaurant.
Despite its bucolic surroundings, the John Joseph Inn is just a few minutes from the lakefront Myers Park, where visitors can rent kayaks or take boats out on the water, and only a 15-minute drive from the heart of vibrant Ithaca. It’s also near some of the area’s best wineries and breweries.
Reviews and Bookings – John Joseph Inn
8. The Inn at Gothic Eves
With its charming bed and breakfast feel and luxurious style, The Inn at Gothic Eves is one of the best small Finger Lakes hotels for guests looking for a charming and historic place to stay. Highlights for guests include a delicious, home-cooked breakfast and on-site spa services.
Located in the small town of Trumansburg on the west side of Cayuga Lake, The Inn at Gothic Eves is perfectly located to enjoy everything there is to do in nearby Ithaca while being perfectly located for wine tours. Much of the Finger Lakes region has wineries, breweries, and cideries, but this area between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake has perhaps the greatest concentration, contributing to the Inn’s popularity!
Reviews and Bookings – The Inn at Gothic Eves
9. The Park Inn
Home to just five suites, The Park Inn is one of the best Finger Lakes hotels for the boutique, personalized experience of a bed and breakfast alongside the amenities of a larger hotel. A full 60-seat restaurant, the best in town, offers incredible farm-to-table cuisine, with fresh ingredients provided by the Inn’s very own farm.
The Park Inn is located off the town square in the charming town of Hammondsport – one of the best lake towns in the country! – on the southern end of Keuka Lake. Smaller and more laid back than some of the larger lakes in the Finger Lakes region, it can be a great choice for a relaxing, laid-back Upstate New York getaway.
The Park Inn also has an additional property, The Glenn Scott Manor, located about 10 minutes away but is also run by the same people. This beautifully-restored historic farmhouse has space for up to nine guests and is booked as a single property. Next door, the manor has a sister winery, Point of the Bluff Vineyards. It’s the perfect spot for a family reunion, bachelorette trip, or getaway with a group of friends.
10. Argos Inn
In the heart of downtown Ithaca, Argos Inn is one of my personal favorite Finger Lakes hotels. While it doesn’t have the lakeside views of some of the other Finger Lakes hotels on this list, its historic character, welcoming hospitality, and enviable location among one of the region’s most vibrant towns make it a hidden gem you have to experience first hand.
Located just steps from the Ithaca Commons, Argos Inn is surrounded by cool shops, hippie cafes, and some of the best restaurants in the Finger Lakes. This beautifully restored national landmark mansion fits in perfectly, with both the historic charm and modern flare to match this cool college town.
Thirteen rooms in this boutique property, each uniquely designed, welcome guests like old friends. The hotel’s popular Bar Argos downstairs and the backyard patio space, strung with fairy lights, also create inviting spaces well-loved even by locals.
Some of the region’s most beautiful hiking spots – Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park – are just a few minutes drive away. The Cascadilla Gorge Trail, just a few blocks away from the hotel, is another favorite, taking hikers from downtown Ithaca to the gorgeous campus of Cornell University in just 20-30 minutes.
Just minutes from the shores of Cayuga Lake, rimmed with wineries and breweries, as well as Ithaca favorites like the must-visit farmers market, Argos Inn is easily one of the best Finger Lakes hotels for enjoying the very best of this enchanting region.
Review and Bookings – Argos Inn
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.