The 16 best upstate resorts in New York

There aren’t many places left in the Adirondacks that truly evoke the feeling of the famous Great Camps of the past—those lavishly rustic homes that the Northeast’s elites once “vacated” to every summer. Whiteface Lodge is a place where that tradition feels alive and well. From the moment you drive past its entry gate and approach its grand main lodge with its rustic timber design, you’re hit with an overwhelming sense of place. This is a resort that brings the outside in and, as a result, you’ll never forget that you’re on vacation in one of the country’s most scenic regions.

For a resort with so many historic references, the lodge itself is relatively new, having opened in 2005. It was developed by a former Olympian and has been recognized as one of the largest investments in the Adirondack’s tourism industry in the last decade. In addition to the massive main lodge with its large fireplaces, grand central staircase, timber construction, taxidermy and rustic textiles, the property also has a separate building (connected by an underground tunnel) that houses spaces for fitness classes as well as an indoor/outdoor heated pool. An underground level houses a movie theater, ice cream parlor, indoor bowling alley and a spa, while nightly campfires can be found outside. You’ll also find two unique lean-tos outside that are enclosed on three sides and allow guests to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains while indulging in cocktails, cigars and hors d’oeuvres. (Phones from the lean-tos connect directly with a concierge.)

The lodge is an all-suite property with 96 rooms that feel more like private cabins than hotel rooms. The main living areas feature Adirondack-style furnishings, including wood panelling, a gas fireplace, and a full kitchen. You can also eat at the lodge’s main restaurant Kanu, which serves American cuisine inspired by the region. In the morning, there’s a generous breakfast buffet.

This impressive luxury lodge combines the best of the Adirondacks’ natural offerings with upscale dining and amenities. 

Time Out tip: Treat yourself to a visit at the Whiteface Lodge spa, which is an oasis of rustic serenity on the lodge’s lower level, offering many interesting treatments inspired by the region. Unique treatments include a Lodge Mud Wrap, an Apple Cider Masque and an Outdoorsman Facial. Down the hall from the spa, a 56-seat surround sound movie theater hosts multiple screenings a day.

Address: 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, 12946
Price: From $320 to $1,500
Closest transport: Adirondack Regional Airport, an hour and five-minute drive away

You’ve likely daydreamed about running away to the Catskills for a soul-resetting, romantic trip at some point in your life, and The Woodhouse Lodge in Greenville makes this dream a reality. The whole experience feels like staying in an extension of someone’s dream home, which is not far off from how the story of The Woodhouse Lodge began. 

When artists-turned-hoteliers Megan Pflug and J. Penry first came across the property—the former 1962 motor lodge called Birmann’s Rainbow Lodge—they were looking for an old Hudson Valley farmhouse and a place to set their upstate business plans in motion, and the place feels lovingly restored, full of character and layered with stories. Inside and you’re met with an escape that feels like an upstate magazine spread. Think vintage, check-print lawn chairs, textured pillows and rugs, natural light and rooms designed with intention. It’s woodsy and modern yet warm with French influences peppered throughout, but it’s still distinctly Catskills.

The grounds of the hotel are breathtaking. String lights, black spruces and that lush Catskills backdrop create the kind of setting that makes you believe in magic. Every detail has been curated with care. The beds are dressed in premium Brooklinen linens, and they’re soft enough to make you cancel your dinner plans and stay in. Bathrooms are stocked with deluxe products and complimentary Ursa Major face wipes. You’ll also find all the essentials in every room: WiFi, a refrigerator, a kettle, an ice bucket and a hair dryer.

With a modest number of rooms, the hotel feels intimate but social as you can easily mingle with other guests around the fire pit. Woodhouse Pizza, the on-site restaurant located in a separate tavern across from the property, offers woodfired pies that range from nostalgic to unexpected. It also offers simple, well-crafted cocktails. The staff are always ready with thoughtful recommendations for nearby adventures–there are plenty of natural wonders and hiking trails nearby. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood for a meal offsite, head to The Tasting Lab, just under ten minutes away. You can build your own burger, dip into garlic parmesan wings that taste like they were flown in from Buffalo and choose from a massive draft list.

Address: 3807 County Route 26, Greenville, NY  
Price per night: Rates start at $225–$250 on weekdays and $300–$375 on weekends. The Suite (sleeps six) starts at $500 to $550. 
Closest transport: Hudson, NY train station, 35-minute drive away. 

Among the eclectic Gothic, Second Empire, Colonial Revival, and Modernist eye candy that dots the 1,000-acre campus of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, the smoky brick and sleek glass of The Heartwood at Vassar stand out. The new 50-room boutique hotel was built with vintage-inspired style, an eye-popping original art collection, and a slew of sustainability measures. Inside, the cozy community atmosphere of the hotel and its farm-to-table restaurant, the Salt Line, feels very much a part of the small college that has been nurturing curious minds for 164 years.

The Heartwood might have a 160-plus-piece alumni-created art collection drawn from Vassar’s acclaimed Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, and a chic midcentury aesthetic of clean lines and saturated hues, but it still feels relaxed and homey. The abundance of natural wood pays homage to the more than 230 species of elms, maples, beeches, hemlocks, and other trees that comprise the campus arboretum, and as Vassar’s first net-zero-emissions building, The Heartwood features state-of-the-art technology for heating, cooking, and air conditioning. 

The restaurant and bar are open daily for dinner and breakfast; the latter is complimentary for hotel guests. The food menu highlights local products in international recipes, while the cocktail and wine lists feature beverages from around the world. 

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and have full bathrooms with Debaser amenities. All have flat-screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, a mini fridge, and an Illy espresso maker. On the work desk, look for a souvenir notepad styled to look like an old-school composition book. Meanwhile suites, which sleep up to four, have a king bedroom, seating area with pull-out sofa, kitchenette, half bath, and full bath with a soaking tub.

The décor is approachable midcentury, with ivory walls, wood tones that range from blonde to walnut, and shapely furniture and accessories in rich jewel tones and scaled-down geometric patterns. 

Eat at The Salt Line restaurant, where New York City‒trained Chef John Bush has created an elevated but never snooty menu rooted in American ingredients and borrowing from global flavors and culinary traditions. Early birds and night owls alike will appreciate the small but well-equipped fitness center, which is open daily from 6am until 11pm; however, the art collection is undeniably its most unique feature. Look for the first-floor installation of two nearly floor-to-ceiling wood-and-glass cabinets filled with art, artefacts, and vintage newspaper clippings, photos, and other objects from Vassar’s archives. 

Time Out tip: If you need a snack fix outside of the Salt Line’s operating hours, head just a couple blocks up Raymond Avenue. There you’ll find Bagel World, and Jamaican food at Yanweh Cafe and Grill, Italian at Savona’s Trattoria, Thai at Thai Spice.

Address: 165 College Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Price per night: Starting at $169 per night for standard rooms and $269 per night for suites
Closest transport: Poughkeepsie Station, 10-minute drive away 

Windham is one of the best easy-to-reach destinations for New Yorkers looking for a weekend escape from the city, with some of the region’s best ski destinations and gorgeous hikes to spots like Kaaterskill Falls and the Wylder Windham is an excellent base for an outdoorsy getaway. The 20-acre resort, consisting of seven different buildings—all built at various times over the last 140 years means there are different lodging experiences to choose from. 

The Main Lodge is located next to the Batavia Kill and houses the resort’s front desk and on-site restaurant, Babblers. Across the street, the Pines Inn, built in 1854, provides sweeping views of trees and mountains with a spacious lobby. Next door to that, Evergreen Lodge provides motel-like accommodations with gigantic rooms and private balconies overlooking Windham Mountain. On the other side of the street, Spruce Cottage, Tamarack Lodge and Manor Inn provide a mixture of rooms and suites with varying layouts. 

Across all of the buildings, there’s a rustic yet modern aesthetic with light wood, rich carpets and country charm. In the winter, guests can take advantage of an ice skating rink and private wood-fired sauna. In the summer, there’s a heated outdoor pool, firepits, river tubing and plenty of outdoor activities. A recreation room in the basement of the Main Lodge has board games and arcade games, perfect for children. In addition to the on-site restaurant Babblers (don’t miss the meaty and rich Sunday Everyday Pasta Bolognese) a coffee shop and bakery serve up drinks and treats daily, including a must-try Strawberry Rhubarb pie.

Time Out Tip: If you’re staying at Wylder Windham in the winter, you’re probably looking to ski at Windham Mountain. Take advantage of the free shuttle service to the mountain from the resort in a badass vintage Land Rover Defender 110. Just be sure to make it back in time for weekend apres ski at Babblers.

Address: 19 NY-296, Windham, 12496
Price: Rooms start at $169 to $1,000 per night
Closest transport: New York City’s Penn Station and Hudson, New York are a 40-minute drive away

This Lake Placid resort is regularly billed as one of Upstate New York’s best, and one look will probably illustrate why. Located right on Mirror Lake, and with the Adirondack Mountains as the compellingly beautiful backdrop, the setting here is a doozy. But the resort itself goes big on luxury, too. Each room has a private balcony (with views of the lake and mountains), plus there's a full-service spa and sauna, as well as tennis courts, two pools, and world-class dining in the aptly-titled restaurant, The View. Dine on tasty pub fare as the sun sets on another day in lakeside paradise.

Mood? Sweet mountains and sweeter memories. 
Location perks? Sauna, spa, and pools galore. Enjoy.
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.

Located in the heart of Onondaga County, the Mirbeau Inn and Spa resort sits right at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake. You can explore the lake or nearby Syracuse, but we think you might be tempted to spend most of your stay exploring the exquisite grounds here. They really are something special. The high-tech spa is also well worth checking out (be sure to try the outdoor hot pool, too), and a waterside seat at the impressive restaurant is a must if you can – just remember to book well in advance.

Mood? Nature's paradise. 
Location perks? The landscaping here is top-notch. Time for a stroll?
Budget range? On the pricey side.

This bliss resort and spa was originally built by the 18th-century entrepreneur and visionary Gideon Putnam. You'll find everything you could ever need here. It houses the luxurious Roosevelt Baths and Spa, with natural mineral water captured from the city’s famous underground springs. But that's not all. Don't forget to make use of the other spa services, including massages, facials, scrubs, body wraps, and salon styling. There is also a restaurant on-site, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own leisure. And in the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity for al fresco dining on the restaurant’s patio. 

Mood? Grand on grand. 
Location perks? Nestled in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park – spa vibes all round. 
Budget range? A good range of options.

Overlooking the stunning Mirror Lake, and wrapped in a bowl of mountains, the Crowne Plaza resort offers rustic luxury from the get-go. From tennis courts and a putting green to an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, there's plenty of activity to do while you're here. Not in the mood to cook? Book a reservation at MacKenzie's, the on-site restaurant, and enjoy some delicious Italian-American fusion cuisine. Keen to explore the great outdoors? Take a stroll along the private beach before setting up camp for the day and unwinding to the soothing sounds of the shore. Ah, bliss. 

Mood? Outdoor explorer. 
Location perks? Despite the stunning mountain range, we rate the indoor pool takes the cake this time. 
Budget range? Very cost-effective. 

Here at this stunning resort, you couldn't get closer to Saranac Lake if you tried! The Saranac Waterfront Lodge sits right on the water's edge of Saranac Lake and offers guests a unique experience lakeside. Typical amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-con, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, while the luxuries include the indoor pool, the wraparound terrace overlooking the water, and stunning interiors throughout. Rooms are super spacious and modern and the location makes your break feel like an instant retreat – even if you're only here overnight! 

Mood? Waterfront living.
Location perks? Did we mention the water?
Budget range? Very affordable.
Time Out tip: Rent a boat from the hotel's own outlet for a guaranteed day of fun out on the water.  

Just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, you’ll find the majestic Otesaga Resort Hotel – a luxurious lakeside inn reminiscent of a bygone era of elegance and atmospheric charm. The resort itself offers a plethora of upscale amenities including spa treatments, award-winning golf courses, first-class dining, and a one-of-a-kind fire bar where you can sip on a soothing autumn peartini as you soak in breathtaking views of Lake Otsego. And when you’re ready to explore more, you won’t have to travel far. The iconic National Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, and Ommegang Brewery are just a few miles away.

Mood? Stunning opulence. 
Location perks? The gorgeous lake on your doorstep. 
Budget range? More expensive than most. 

Opened in 1877, this four-star in the heart of Saratoga Springs still very much carries that nineteenth-century charm, except with all the mod cons you'd want of an overnighter. Some rooms even come with a spa bath or hot tub. There are two in-house restaurants (a bistro and a steakhouse), as well as a sushi menu and a grand terrace with city views. Plus, for the adventurous of you, there's free use of bicycles for guests, and golfing and fishing to be enjoyed locally.

Mood? Victorian glamor.
Location perks? The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame are less than a mile.
Budget range? Mid-range.

Chautauqua’s Athenaeum Hotel offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will reset both your body and mind. Established in 1881, the grand hotel sits prominently on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution – the historic adult education center and summer resort made famous for its ecumenical teachings on art, music, dance, theater, and writing. During the summer season, hotel guests can enjoy a Chautauqua Institution gate pass, which grants access to a selection of on-site events offered daily. There's opera, themed lectures, and yoga – and yes, there's a whole lot of Shakespeare.

Mood? It's giving White House.
Location perks? The seemingly endless grounds. 
Budget range? Pricey.

This resort and casino include a sprawling complex of modern yet elegant accommodations nestled in the heart of Central New York. Here, you’ll find lodging to fit any preference of style – you can stay in the lodge, hotel, tower, or inn. But trust us, you won’t want to spend too much time ordering room service while watching free HBO – the resort houses a casino, spa, golf dome, and boxing venue alongside multiple restaurants, lounges, and bars. There's so much entertainment here, you'll be absolutely spoiled for choice.

Mood? Hedge your bets.
Location perks? If a great place to rest your head after a long flight is what you're after, this resort is the one. 
Budget range? Very affordable. 
Time Out tip: Catch a live show at the casino for a real night on the town.

This lakefront oasis is pretty gorgeous all year round, but winters here take the cake. After all, there's nothing like a fresh sheet of snow, hitting the slopes, shacking up by the fireplace with a gooey S'more, and wobbling along on the outdoor rink. Set in NYC's Finger Lakes Region, The Lake House is like a modern, wintry escape like no other: rooms are bright and elegantly dressed in cream, with brass finishes and beautifully crafted wood. They offer waterfront views and luxury goodies like plush robes, Nespresso, and filtered water.  

Mood? Cozy lakeside retreat.
Location perks? Yoga and wellness classes, Skiing, brewery tours, and more.
Budget range? On the higher end, but so worth it.
Time Out tip: Soak in the ambiance some more by going for a dip in the terrace swimming pool.  

This family-friendly spot has everything you need for a short break with all the modern creature comforts. Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully furnished with sleek decor and pastel blue and soft brown shades for a cozy touch. All rooms include essentials like a baby cot (on request), fridge, work desk, and private bathroom.

Mood? Clean and modern. 
Location perks? Close to Sonnenberg Gardens Mansion State Historic Park.
Budget range? Pretty affordable.
Time Out tip: The pancake machine is a must-try at breakfast.

The Point Resort is the epitome of rustic elegance. Well-known for being the Rockefeller family’s Great Camp during the Gilded Age, this Adirondacks resort boasts finely crafted native timber log mansions replete with grand stone fireplaces, original hand-built fixtures, and ornate antiques – all along the mirrored edge of Saranac Lake. Outdoor activities include everything from sailing and bass fishing to fiddlehead fern and morel gathering, set in the stunning backdrop of luscious tall evergreen trees that look like a fairytale all year round.

Mood? Rustic luxury. 
Location perks? So. Much. To. Do. Be sure to book a few days to squeeze it all in. 
Budget range? Suuuuuper spenny.

Situated on the southern end of Lake George’s Green Island, the Sagamore Resort offers 72 acres of rest and relaxation – in true upstate style. There are endless activities to try here, from fishing and boating to wakeboarding and tubing. And once you've had your adventurous fun, why not wind down in the spa with one of the amazing day packages? Sagamore also offers a 10,000-square-foot pool deck equipped with chaise lounges, al fresco fare, and cooling libations – perfect for a summer break from the city.

Mood? Boujie AF.
Location perks? From private cruises to fine dining alfresco, this resort has it all. 
Budget range? Expensive but worth it. 
Time Out tip: Book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment – this resort gets busy! 

This historic property provides a great homebase for those looking to explore the Great Northern Catskills in any season. Built circa 1890, the renovated Victorian estate exudes an elegant, lived-in charm paired with modern conveniences and amenities. The 18 guest rooms in the hotel include a wide range of layouts from full beds to suites, providing options for many different types of traveling groups. Continental Breakfast is included in a stay and an on-site library, with original 1890s wood paneling, invites guests to while away a leisurely afternoon. 

Mood? Old-world charm.
Location perks? Whether you're drinking an old-fashioned at the cocktail bar or hiking at sunrise, there's so much to enjoy here. 
Budget range? Very well-priced.

It’s no surprise this 266-room Victorian beaut is on our list of the best resorts in upstate New York. Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, the national historic landmark sits on a pristine mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and scenic hiking trails. Make the most of your R&R by row boating and hiking by day and indulging in exquisite farm-to-table feasts by night. And when in doubt, always agree to the outdoor massage. It's magic.

Mood? Resort vibes. 
Location perks? It's the Hudson Valley, need we say anymore?
Budget range? Spenny AF.