The 8 Best Resorts in the Finger Lakes NY – 2025 Update
We analyzed all the options and found the best resorts in the Finger Lakes New York.
From lakeside retreats to historic inns, these resorts offer luxury, comfort, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re looking for a spa indulgence, outdoor activities, or fine dining, these are the top choices in the whole Finger Lakes region.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best resorts in the Finger Lakes NY, we reviewed thousands of traveler ratings and expert reviews.
Our research considered Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia ratings. Factors like amenities, location, family-friendliness, dining, and proximity to the lakes were key.
Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
The 8 Best Finger Lakes NY Resorts
8. The Lake House On Canandaigua
Key Highlights:
- 125 guest rooms and suites
- Full-service spa with lake views
- Located directly on Canandaigua Lake
Featuring classic design and lakefront views, The Lake House on Canandaigua combines modern luxury with a warm, welcoming feel. Guests enjoy access to an expansive pool deck, fire pits, and a state-of-the-art spa.
Dining options include locally sourced dishes at Rose Tavern, with a seasonal outdoor bar for lakeside cocktails. Rooms range from cozy studios to suites with balconies overlooking Canandaigua Lake.
The resort is also within minutes of wine trails and historic sites.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast – Most Affordable
Key Highlights:
- Five romantic suites with whirlpool tubs
- Historic 1885 Victorian mansion
- Minutes from Canandaigua Lake
This charming bed and breakfast offers a cozy alternative to larger Finger Lakes resorts. Each suite features period décor, fireplaces, and luxurious bedding. The gourmet breakfast is a guest favorite, with locally inspired meals served daily.
The property is a short drive from Canandaigua Lake and features gardens, walking paths, and a relaxed atmosphere. Wine lovers will also appreciate its proximity to several top-rated vineyards.
Plus, it’s one of the most budget-friendly Finger Lakes resorts, making it the perfect choice for those looking to save a bit of cash.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Idlwilde Inn
Key Highlights:
- 18-room Victorian mansion
- Large wrap-around porch with lake views
- Located in Watkins Glen, near the State Park
This historic 1892 mansion provides a tranquil retreat with antique-filled rooms and elegant common spaces. Guests appreciate the laid-back atmosphere, expansive gardens, and stunning views of Seneca Lake.
Morning breakfasts are hearty and homemade, setting the tone for a relaxing day. Watkins Glen State Park, wineries, and local breweries are just a few minutes away, making it a prime location for both relaxation and adventure.
Overall, Idlwilde Inn is one of the best resorts in the Finger Lakes New York for those who love classic and historic spaces over modern retreats.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. The Black Sheep Inn And Spa
Key Highlights:
- Five-room boutique inn
- On-site spa with holistic treatments
- Near Keuka Lake and Hammondsport’s wineries
This eco-friendly inn is housed in an octagonal 1859 building. It offers wellness-focused experiences, including organic breakfasts and an extensive spa menu. Guests appreciate the sustainable approach and personalized service.
The location is ideal for exploring Keuka Lake’s wine country, with many top-rated vineyards nearby. The inn’s peaceful setting, combined with spa treatments and gourmet meals, creates a memorable stay.
The Black Sheep Inn And Spa is one of the most intimate luxury resorts in the Finger Lakes, which makes it perfect for couples looking for a getaway.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- 104 stylish and spacious rooms, many with private balconies overlooking the lake
- Indoor heated pool and a fully equipped fitness center
- Unbeatable location right on the shore of Seneca Lake
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is, in a way, a rare blend of high-end comfort and that easygoing lakeside charm that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Everything here feels polished yet welcoming—whether it’s the elegant design of the lobby, the soft luxury of the bedding, or the friendly staff who seem to genuinely love the place as much as the guests do.
Blue Pointe Grille, the on-site restaurant, serves up dishes that could make you rethink your definition of comfort food, featuring fresh local produce and some seriously well-prepared seafood.
The location is nearly perfect, sitting right on Seneca Lake and within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park, where some of the region’s most breathtaking waterfalls and hiking trails await. It’s a prime pick for couples, families, or anyone who appreciates a peaceful lakeside retreat with access to both nature and upscale amenities from a Finger Lakes resort.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Brickinn
Key Highlights:
- Four meticulously restored boutique-style rooms
- Exceptional homemade breakfast using locally sourced ingredients
- Just minutes from Letchworth State Park
If small-town charm could be bottled up and turned into a boutique inn, Brickinn might be the closest thing to it. Tucked away in Mount Morris, this beautifully restored brick mansion feels more like staying in a friend’s luxurious country home rather than a typical hotel.
Each of the four rooms is designed with a balance of old-world elegance and modern comfort. The beds are impossibly comfortable, the attention to detail is impressive, and the overall experience is one of warmth and personal care.
Mornings here start with a gourmet breakfast that could rival any high-end café, featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and locally roasted coffee.
Just a short drive away, Letchworth State Park—often called the “Grand Canyon of the East”—offers jaw-dropping gorge views, endless hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls.
If your idea of a perfect getaway includes fresh air, good food, and a stay that feels both intimate and refined, Brickinn is an absolute must.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. La Tourelle Hotel & Spa – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- 54-room boutique-style resort with a countryside ambiance
- August Moon Spa offering full-service luxury treatments
- Situated near Buttermilk Falls State Park
For those who appreciate the finer things in life without wanting to break the bank, La Tourelle Hotel & Spa delivers an experience that is both indulgent and refreshingly down-to-earth.
Nestled on the outskirts of Ithaca, this family-run retreat has a way of making guests feel like they’ve stepped into a secluded oasis without sacrificing modern comforts.
The rooms are spacious, bright, and thoughtfully decorated, with oversized windows offering views of rolling hills and quiet gardens. At August Moon Spa, you can sink into deep relaxation with a full range of treatments, from aromatherapy massages to rejuvenating facials that leave you feeling completely refreshed.
The property’s bistro serves up locally inspired dishes with a cozy, farm-to-table vibe, and nearby, Buttermilk Falls State Park offers some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in the region.
Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a peaceful solo retreat, La Tourelle has that perfect balance of comfort and affordability among all the Finger Lakes NY resorts out there.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- Five impeccably restored historic inns with unique character
- 15,000-square-foot world-class spa featuring hydrotherapy pools
- Farm-to-table dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients
There are resorts, and then there are places like Inns of Aurora, where the experience is so well curated that it feels almost tailor-made for every guest, which is why we think it is the best resort in the Finger Lakes.
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Cayuga Lake, this collection of five beautifully restored inns creates an atmosphere that is, in some respects, more like an immersive retreat than a traditional resort.
Each inn has its own distinct personality—whether it’s the warm and inviting atmosphere of the Rowland House or the refined elegance of the E.B. Morgan House. No matter which one you choose, you’re met with a level of comfort that feels both lavish and deeply personal.
The spa, spanning a massive 15,000 square feet, is nothing short of extraordinary. Guests can unwind in hydrotherapy pools, detox in a salt sauna, or indulge in wellness treatments designed to leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Beyond the spa, the resort offers curated experiences like yoga classes, guided wine tastings, and kayaking excursions.
Dining here is just as thoughtfully designed as the accommodations. Each meal is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and the culinary team focuses on flavors that feel both comforting and elevated. The farm-to-table approach means menus shift with the seasons, making every visit a fresh experience.
For anyone looking to experience the absolute best of what the Finger Lakes has to offer, Inns of Aurora sets the standard, making it the best luxury resort Finger Lakes offers.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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