Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region in New York has 11 long lakes. It covers a huge area, so a trip here feels like visiting many different places.

Where you decide to stay is the most important choice you will make. It sets the tone for your whole vacation.

You could pick a busy town on Seneca Lake or a quiet village like Skaneateles. Your home base will shape everything you do and see. This guide will help you sort through the options and find the right place for your trip.

How to Pick a Home Base

To plan your trip, you should know that each lake has its own vibe. The towns, history, and land around each one are different. You cannot easily see the whole region from one spot because the lakes are very long.

So, picking a lake really means picking your trip's focus. If you love wine, you should stay near Seneca or Keuka Lake. If you prefer hiking or fancy resorts, look at Cayuga, Canandaigua, or Skaneateles.

This chart compares the main lakes to help you decide.

Seneca Lake: For Wine Lovers

Seneca Lake is the center of the region’s wine scene. It is the biggest lake by volume and is 38 miles long. The lake is very deep, which helps create a special climate around it.

This climate is perfect for growing the grapes used to make wine. That is why the wine industry is so big here.

Because of this, Seneca Lake has the state's biggest wine trail. You will find lots of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The area is busy and feels like the center of everything.

Key Towns:

• Watkins Glen: This village is at the south end of the lake. It is known for Watkins Glen State Park, where a stream flows through a deep gorge creating 19 waterfalls. It is also famous for its racetrack and racing history.
• Geneva: Geneva is a city at the north end of the lake. It has become a great spot for food lovers with many farm-to-table restaurants. On weekends, one of its streets closes to cars for outdoor dining.

Who Should Stay Here:

This lake is best for people who love wine. It is also a good choice for first-time visitors because it is so central.

Where to Stay:

You can find many different places to stay here. There are historic B&Bs and inns with great views along the wine trail. Geneva has several chain hotels, and Watkins Glen has a large resort right on the water.

Cayuga Lake: For Nature and Culture

Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes. Its vibe is a mix of intellectual, artistic, and outdoorsy. The area is known for its gorges, over 100 waterfalls, and lively culture in the city of Ithaca.

The lake has two very different main spots. Ithaca is a busy cultural hub, while Aurora is a quiet, luxury village.

Key Towns:

• Ithaca: At the lake's south end, Ithaca is famous for the phrase "Ithaca is Gorges." It is a college town with Cornell University and Ithaca College. The city is full of art, good food, and great parks like Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls.
• Aurora: Aurora is a quiet "storybook village" on the eastern shore. It is known for the Inns of Aurora, a group of historic inns turned into a luxury resort. The feel here is all about wellness and quiet elegance.

Who Should Stay Here:

Ithaca is great for hikers, foodies, and families with older kids who enjoy museums and trails. Aurora is a destination for people looking for a high-end, relaxing spa getaway.

Where to Stay:

Ithaca has many city hotels and unique inns. Aurora’s lodging is almost entirely the Inns of Aurora. You can also find farm stays and cabins on winery land in the surrounding area.

Keuka Lake: For a Quiet Getaway

Keuka Lake is called the "Crooked Lake" because it is shaped like a Y. This unique shape gives it amazing views. The atmosphere here is much more relaxed and less crowded than on Seneca Lake.

While Seneca is the busy hub, Keuka is where the region's wine industry started back in 1860. This gives the lake a historic, relaxed feel. It is a great alternative to Seneca's busy wine scene.

Key Towns:

• Hammondsport: This village at the south end of the lake was once named the "Coolest Small Town in America." It has a charming village square. It is also known as the "Cradle of Aviation" because of flight pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss.
• Penn Yan: This historic village is at the lake's north end. It is the main starting point for the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. It is a good place to get supplies before exploring the wineries.

Who Should Stay Here:

Keuka Lake is for travelers who want a quieter, slower trip. It is perfect for couples on a romantic trip. History fans will also love its unique aviation and wine past.

Where to Stay:

The places to stay here are mostly charming and relaxed. You will find lots of cozy cottages for rent. There are also many historic Bed & Breakfasts in the villages.

Canandaigua Lake: For Resorts and Families

Canandaigua Lake feels more polished and upscale. It has a resort-town vibe with city-like comforts. The focus here is on water activities, boating, and enjoying the busy waterfront.

Key Towns:

• Canandaigua: The city on the northern shore is the lake's main attraction. It has a beautiful public park called Kershaw Park for swimming. It also has many nice waterfront restaurants and attractions like the New York Kitchen.
• Naples: This small village at the south end is famous for grape pie. It is known as the "Grape Pie Capital of the World" and has a big festival every September. The village is also a great starting point for hiking.

Who Should Stay Here:

Canandaigua is the best choice for travelers looking for a full-service luxury resort. It is one of the best lakes for families, with parks, beaches, and a waterpark. Boaters also love the active waterfront.

Where to Stay:

This area has seen a boom in new luxury hotels. The lodging is mostly large, new resorts. You can find places like The Lake House on Canandaigua and the Hotel Canandaigua right on the water.

Other Lakes: Skaneateles and Owasco

These two lakes in the eastern Finger Lakes both offer a quiet escape. But they are very different from each other.

Skaneateles Lake:

• Atmosphere: Often called the "Jewel of the Finger Lakes," Skaneateles is upscale and clean. The lake has some of the purest water in the country. The village is charming and walkable, with nice shops and restaurants.
• Who Should Stay Here: It is a great spot for a luxurious and peaceful escape. It is perfect for couples on a romantic getaway.
• Types of Lodging: Lodging is high-end, with historic inns and luxury hotels. It is also home to world-class spas like the Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

Owasco Lake:

• Atmosphere: Owasco is quiet in a different way: simple and private. It is a hidden gem that offers a calm lake experience without crowds. There is not much commercial development here.
• Who Should Stay Here: This lake is for visitors who want a simple, peaceful lake trip. It is great for families or couples who want to avoid the busy scenes on other lakes.
• Types of Lodging: The market here is mostly private vacation homes. You will find many lakeside cottages and cabins for rent.

Find a Place Based on Your Trip

Now that you know about the different lakes, you can pick a place based on what you want to do. This approach helps you choose a home base for the purpose of your trip.

For the Wine Enthusiast

If your main goal is wine tasting, where you stay is important. Driving around a 38-mile-long lake can take a lot of time.

• Focus Areas: The best spots are Seneca Lake, which has the biggest wine trail, and Keuka Lake, which has a more relaxed, historic trail. Staying in a central spot is a good idea.
• Ideal Lodging Types:
  • Inns on Winery Properties: This is the best way to be surrounded by the wine experience. Places like The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake have rooms overlooking the vineyards.
  • B&Bs Along the Wine Trails: Many Bed & Breakfasts are located right on the main wine routes. This makes it easy to get around.
  • Centrally Located Rentals: Renting a house in a town like Watkins Glen, Geneva, or Penn Yan gives you a good base for exploring.
• Benefits: Staying right on the trail gives you beautiful views and makes getting around easy. You can easily hire a tour service so you do not have to worry about driving.

For a Family Vacation

Families visiting the Finger Lakes have two great choices. You can stay at a full-service resort or rent a spacious private home.

• Focus Areas:
  • Canandaigua Lake: This is the best choice for a resort-style family trip. It has easy access to parks, beaches, and a waterpark.
  • Cayuga Lake (Ithaca): This area is great for families with curious kids. It has a science museum, a natural history museum, and many easy waterfall trails.
• Ideal Lodging Types:
  • Resorts with Pools: Hotels on Canandaigua Lake are destinations themselves. They often have outdoor pools and lake access.
  • Vacation Rentals: This is a top choice for families who want space and a kitchen. Rentals with multiple bedrooms are common, especially on Cayuga and Owasco Lakes.
• Key Amenities: Families should look for places with lake access for swimming. A pool, multiple bedrooms, and a full kitchen are also helpful.

For a Romantic Getaway

The Finger Lakes is a great place for a romantic trip. You can choose between a pampering, high-service stay or a quiet, private escape.

• Highlight Areas:
  • Skaneateles: The village is elegant and has upscale dining and shops. It makes for a perfect romantic setting.
  • Aurora (Cayuga Lake): This village is built for romantic getaways. The Inns of Aurora is a luxury destination focused on wellness and quiet escapes.
  • Keuka Lake: The charm of Hammondsport and the relaxed pace of the lake create a naturally romantic mood.
• Featured Lodging Types:
  • Luxury Inns & Spas: Properties like the Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles are perfect for couples who want to be pampered. Belhurst Castle on Seneca Lake is another top choice.
  • Private Cabins: For couples who want to be alone, there are many secluded cabins. They often come with a private hot tub and a fireplace.
  • Secluded Bed & Breakfasts: Many B&Bs are for adults only and offer a personal touch for a romantic stay.
• Key Amenities: Look for fireplaces, private hot tubs, and private balconies with lake views.

For the Budget-Conscious Traveler

A trip to the Finger Lakes can be expensive, especially on weekends in the summer. But you can find affordable options with a little planning.

• Suggested Lodging Types:
  • Campgrounds (State Parks): This is the best value in the region. Watkins Glen State Park offers campsites with access to a huge pool and the famous gorge trail.
  • Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains: The bigger towns like Geneva and Ithaca have plenty of affordable hotel chains. They offer a reliable and low-cost place to stay.
  • Off-Lake Vacation Rentals: A rental house located in the woods between the lakes is much cheaper. This saves you money on the nightly rate, and you can cook your own meals.
• Tips for Saving Money: The best way to cut costs is to think about when you travel. Visiting in the spring or late fall is cheaper. Staying mid-week from Sunday to Thursday will also lower your lodging costs.

Types of Places to Stay

The region has many kinds of lodging, from historic B&Bs to new luxury resorts. Here is a look at what each type offers.

Hotels, Resorts, and Inns

This includes familiar chains like Hilton and Marriott in the cities. It also covers unique historic properties and large lakeside resorts.

The main benefits are convenience and amenities. These places have on-site staff, daily housekeeping, pools, and restaurants.

They are best for travelers who want full-service amenities. They also work well for short stays, business travelers, and families who want a pool.

Spotlight: Top Hotels and Resorts

A big trend in the Finger Lakes is the rise of luxury destination resorts. These places are experiences in themselves.

• Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel (Seneca): A centrally located hotel on the water in Watkins Glen, right in the heart of the action.
• The Lake House on Canandaigua: A beautifully designed luxury resort with a high-end spa and lakefront pool.
• Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry Collection (Canandaigua): A new resort-style hotel with an outdoor pool and tiki bar right on the lake.
• Inns of Aurora (Cayuga): A unique resort made of five restored historic homes, focused on wellness and art.
• Mirbeau Inn & Spa (Skaneateles): A French-country style inn with amazing water gardens, built around its world-class spa.
• Belhurst Castle (Seneca): A 19th-century stone castle on the lake with its own winery and spa.

Bed & Breakfasts

This is the classic Finger Lakes lodging experience. B&Bs are known for being personal and intimate. Stays are often in beautiful historic homes.

The main focus is on connection. Innkeepers are local experts who can give you great tips. A major highlight is the multi-course homemade breakfast.

B&Bs are best for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a personal touch. They are great if you value charm and hospitality over a long list of amenities.

Vacation Rentals (Cabins, Cottages, Lake Houses)

The vacation rental market is huge and is a top choice for families and groups. You can find everything from rustic cabins to large, modern lake houses.

The key benefits are privacy, space, and full kitchens. A rental gives you a private space with more room, which is ideal for groups. The kitchen lets you cook your own meals, which can save a lot of money.

Rentals are best for families, especially with young kids. They also work well for longer stays and groups of friends.

Campgrounds & Glamping

This category covers two types of outdoor stays: basic and stylish.

• Campgrounds: This is the most budget-friendly way to stay in the region. The State Parks offer the best deal. Watkins Glen State Park has a famous campground with a pool and direct trail access.
• Glamping: This is a growing trend that is like a "boutique hotel" outdoors. You can stay in yurts or safari tents with plush beds, electricity, and private bathrooms. Firelight Camps in Ithaca even has a bar and lounge.

Campgrounds are very affordable and offer direct access to nature. Glamping offers a unique and comfortable way to be outdoors without giving up comfort.

Camping is best for hikers, budget travelers, and families who love the outdoors. Glamping is great for couples looking for a unique and romantic trip.