The Best Hotels to Book in the Finger Lakes, New York

Nestled into Cornell University’s vibrant campus in Ithaca is the elegantly laid-back Statler Hotel in the Finger Lakes, hosting panoramic views of Cayuga Lake. Students from Cornell’s world-renowned School of Hotel Administration work here under the guidance of hospitality professionals to deliver exceptional service while giving guests the experience of bustling campus life. Get swept away by the majestic gorges, eclectic architecture and the real community spirit. This is the best Ivy League experience you can be a part of.

Found between the two largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga and Seneca, this hotel is the ideal location to explore over 100 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. The Inn at Gothic Eves is one of the most sophisticated retreats in the area, offering a choice of deluxe suites: picture a wall of windows above your bed, pillow-top beds made up with fine linens and cathedral ceilings, all looking out over beautiful gardens and the 165-year-old maple tree.

Overlooking the beauty of the natural green landscape, La Tourelle is a family-run establishment welcoming those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Breathe in the fresh air away from the city, stroll around the green grounds and stop at the peaceful pergola by the pond, or play a game of life-sized chess tucked away under the shade of oak trees. If you’re looking to put your feet up, enjoy a treatment at August Moon Spa with herbs and flowers grown locally in their gardens, or maybe take up the offer of the nightly Finger Lakes wine reception to meet fellow guests and share stories of local experiences.

The 100-year-old Gould Hotel in the Finger Lakes is rich in history and social importance, adjacent to attractions such as the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. The decor features intricate scrollwork, amidst grandiose archways topped with a chandelier over every bed. Keeping its traditional elegance, there’s still a modern feel to this hotel with pops of color in the abstract artwork and contemporary relaxation areas in the open-plan bedrooms.

This casino and resort in the Finger Lakes is a game-changer when it comes to in-house activities. With 23 betting kiosks, 1,000sqft (93sqm) of LED video screens and 1,700 slot machines, you have guaranteed entertainment. The location of the hotel is also a good deal, providing a perfect base for exploring the Finger Lakes region rich in wildlife, history and wineries.

A stay on this 10 acre (4ha) plot immerses you in gardens brimming with bluebells, dancing with daisies and bursting with rivers and lakes. This Finger Lakes boutique hotel was founded by Norbert H. Schickel Jr. in 1981 to be a “little island of beauty, peace and friendliness in a busy world.” Savor an exquisite caprese salad on the terrace, take a dip in the picturesque 70ft (21m) swimming pool, or relax in scenic beauty in the Adirondack chairs with a spectacular view of Seneca Lake.