20 best resorts and hotels in Upstate NY: Wonderful places to stay on vacation (2024)

By Chuck D'Imperio and Deanna Fox | Contributing writers

We previously featured five great hotels and resorts in Upstate New York. We heard from many of you suggesting other ideas. So here is a more complete list of 20wonderful resorts and hotels to visit after a long day on the road in Upstate New York. Some are historic, some are unusual ... and all are worthy of your consideration.

Photo courtesy of Ocean Properties, Ltd.

The Sagamore, Bolton Landing

More than 100 years old, the Sagamore is the Grand Dame of the Adirondacks, overlooking the shores of Lake George. A full reconstruction of the resort in 1930 (in part due to two fires) continued to attract the wealthy elite of Manhattan. In the 1980s, the hotel was closed and renovated to keep with its original grandeur. Today, the resort has a place on the National Register of Historic Places and includes exquisite dining options and a world-class spa.

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Photo: NYup.com archive

The Otesaga, Cooperstown

If not for being so charming, The Otesaga might seem to overpower the rest of this town. Thankfully, many of the quaint features of Cooperstownexist in this resort — listed as a Historic Hotel by the National Trust for Historic Places — and it is the perfect base for a weekend exploring the home of baseball. The Otesaga is also known for its world-class golf course, so schedule a round in between exploring the breweries, museums, and bustling downtown Cooperstown offers.

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Photo: Heather Ainsworth for NYup.com

Geneva on the Lake, Geneva

Sitting on the northern tip of Seneca Lake is the Italianate mansion known as Geneva on the Lake. Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York's wine country, this resort started as a private home (with a brief interlude as a monastery) and was renovated to become today's resort. The views of the lake are breathtaking, and the gardens that surround the resort mimic the classic styling of Italy. Come by boat or by road, but either way make sure to indulge in some of the area's best local food and wine while visiting. (Afterwards, try your hand and a round of bocce, a nod to the Italian roots of the resort.)

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Photo courtesy of Gideo Putnam

The Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Springs

Some people flock to Saratoga Springsfor the horses. Others come for the see-and-be-seen culture, filled with music, dancing, and the arts. Historically, people came for the healing springs that are scattered around the city, and the Gideon Putnam resort still honors all of these traditions. Located within Saratoga Spa State Park, it is convenient to the equally-historic Race Track(home to thoroughbred racing) and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which is the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet.

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Photo courtest of Chautauqua Institution

Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua

As part of the Chautauqua Institution(an Upstate New York hotspot for arts, interfaith worship, and educational programming), Athenaeum Hotel was built in the 1880s in the Second Empire style. It's rootsbegan as a summer camp for the United Methodist Sunday School program, but is now open to all. It is located on Chautauqua Lake and provides ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and water sports. With so many activities available, it is a great location for family reunions or corporate retreats.

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Point Resort, Saranac Lake

Totally immersed in luxury, comfort and history. This "great camp" resort was built by William Rockefeller more than 100 years ago. Forbes magazine gave it a rare five-star rating, the only such rating awarded to a resort in Upstate New York. The Point takes the concept of a "log home" far beyond your wildest dreams!

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The Emerson Resort and Spa, Mount Tremper

Luxury, fine dining and unique spa and shopping all tucked away in the northern Catskills. And to top it all off ... the World's Largest Kaleidoscope!

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Photo courtesy of Belhurst Castle

Belhurst Castle Resort, Geneva

Stunning castle resort in the Finger Lakes. A full list of premier accommodations and amenities. They have their own winery, and wine tastings are very popular. Hard to imagine that this spectacular 1880s three-story castle was once a private residence! The views of Seneca Lake are unmatched.

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The Mansion on Delaware, Buffalo

This magnificent Second Empire mansion was Buffalo'sfirst restored historic hotel, opening in 2001. Considered to be an architectural masterpiece. Today it remains the jewel in the crown of Buffalo's urban hotels. Every amenity available is at your beck and call, including one we have not seen before: 24-hour butler service! This is Buffalo's first and only AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel.

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Cronin's Golf Resort, Warrensburg

Perfect resort for a family gathering, corporate event or just a weekend of golf. It has been a popular weekend destination since it opened in 1945. In 2014 it was named "Best of the Adirondacks" by the readers ofAdirondack Lifemagazine. The 18-hole championship golf course is one of the best in Upstate.

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Inn on the Lake, Canandaigua

Four-season getaway in the Finger Lakes. It has 134 rooms and features several lakefront Jacuzzi suites. Guests love the Sand Bar Lakeside Bar and Grill for some outdoor food and co*cktail fun at the lake's edge. Be sure and visit the New York State Wine and Culinary center, which is just steps away.

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Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid

This is Lake Placid'smost awarded hotel and resort. Opened by the Weibrecht family in the 1930s and still run by family members. Premier lakeside locale. Sumptuous, comfortable, historic and the epitome of Adirondack elegance. Top flight dining and accommodations. This hotel has been rated as "Exceptional" by AAA for 33 consecutive years, the longest of any Lake Placid resort.

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Sunny Hill Resort, Greenville

Located south of the Capital Regionand on the northern edge of the Catskill Mountains. A quintessential Catskills family resort. Family fun, comfortable rooms, 600 acres to explore, two of the Catskills best golf courses, outdoor movie nights, adult wine and cheese mixers, three family-style meals a day and much more. In 2016, Parents Magazinenamed it one of their "Top 10 All-Inclusive Family Resorts."

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Photo: Jeff Goulding for NYup.com

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz

One of the most-storied resorts and spas in America. Located on its own private areaatop the rugged Shawangunk Mountain ridge 90 miles north of New York City. In the same family since 1869. Victorian castle-like buildings spread out around its own private mountain lake. Surrounded by 40,000 pristine acres of woodland. Some say the Sunday brunch at the Mohonk may be the best you will find anywhere in the continental United States. Certified as a National Historic Landmark.

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Photo: Stephen Cannerelli | scannerelli@syracuse.com

La Tourelle Resort and Spa, Ithaca

Fantastic spa and resort nestled in 70 acres of Ithacawonderfulness. Remote and yet just minutes from the exciting buzz of Cornell University, the lake front, the Commons shopping district and more. Two award-winning restaurants here: The Bistro and the John Thomas Steakhouse. The steakhouse is located in an amazing 150-year-old farmhouse with original rough-hewn wood floors.

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Photo courtesy of Ocean Properties, Ltd.

Whiteface Lodge, Wilmington

Another classic Adirondack gem in the Olympic Village of Lake Placid. The inn was built as homage to the great summer camps of the millionaires of the past. Elegant and rustic at the same time, the Whiteface Inn was named "One of the World's Best Places to Stay" by Conde Nast magazine in 2012. There is even an old-fashioned ice cream parlor on the premises!

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West Branch Angler Resort, Hanco*ck

Something for the fishermen (and fisherwomen). Get away from it all here at the "Gateway to the Catskills" and close to some of the greatest trout fishing in the East. This resort will put you up in an upscale log cabin along their two miles of riverfront so you can roll out of bed and right into your wading pants. This full-scale angler resort has been open for 25 years. An onsite restaurant, River Run Restaurant, is a perfect way to end your day in the water. Book early!

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Photo: Kathe Harrington for NYup.com

Inns of Aurora

Located north of Ithacaon the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the Inns of Aurora are historic and beautiful and have become a destination for travelers coming through the Finger Lakesregion. Aurorais a tiny (population under 1,000) hamlet but has some interesting places to see. It is the home of Wells College (founded by Henry Wells of "Wells Fargo" fame), you will also find the big manufacturing and retail home of the popular MacKenzie-Childs tableware and home furnishings company. The Aurora Inn offers lakeside fine dining with linen tablecloths, silver utensils and a sunset that is unmatched. The inn received an Award of Excellence fromWine Spectatormagazine in 2016.

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Villa Roma Resort, Callicoon

One of the last places that retains the patina of the Golden Age of the Catskills. Golf, swimming, live theater, family fun and seven different places to eat or enjoy a co*cktail. The resort has been open for more than six decades. A Catskills family favorite in all four seasons.

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Pine Grove Dude Ranch Resort, Kerhonkson

For those urban cowboys who yearn for a bit of the country! Full family resort where the emphasis is on horseback riding, swimming, enjoying the great outdoors (the resort has 600 acres), outdoor games, campfires under the stars and unwinding to a live country band. Located in Ulster County with the Catskills as your backdrop. All-inclusive meal plan means you will never go hungry here!

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Read more: 10 quirky vacation rentals in Upstate NY

From sleeping on a boat (or a house built to resemble a boat), to staying in a renovated schoolhouse, here are some cool and unique vacation rentals in Upstate New York.