The 12 best Upstate New York resorts and hotels for 2026

💎 Best for: scenic relaxation

Nestled at the northern tip of Canandaigua Lake, The Lake House on Canandaigua offers both remote relaxation and with high-end amenities. As a long-time upstate New Yorker, I’m rarely surprised by a scenic vista, but this family-owned resort—set in what the Seneca appropriately called the “chosen spot”—is truly breathtaking. Whether you’re using the 124-room property as a home base for exploring wine country or simply want to curl up in the library with a book, the atmosphere is calming.

Why? Well, wellness is the beating heart of the experience here. The Willowbrook Spa is a standout, offering everything from outdoor barrel saunas with lake views to group sound baths and meditation. I found myself lingering in the sunny relaxation room long after my facial, lulled by the peaceful energy of the property. For those who prefer to stay active, the resort offers a robust fitness center, a year-round heated waterfront pool, and activities like kayaking and guided garden tours. The staff’s dedication to hospitality is evident in the small touches, from the welcome glass of sparkling Riesling to the elevator mats that are swapped out twice daily to reflect the time of day.

As for the food on offer, it emphasizes local products from the onsite garden. The Rose Tavern, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves sophisticated New American fare like butternut squash gnudi and braised short rib (oh, and the pumpkin cheesecake mousse is a must-order). For a more casual vibe, the retro-themed Sand Bar offers lakeside favorites like pierogies and burgers. 

Time Out tip: You can’t beat a dip in the terrace pool. 

Address: 770 South Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
Price per night: Starting at about $170 per night.
Closest transport: The closest regional airports are Rochester (ROC; 40 minutes) and Syracuse (SYR; 70 minutes); Albany (ALB; 3 hours) and Toronto (YYZ; 3.5 hours).

📍 Discover the best things to do in Niagara Falls

💎 Best for: traditional, secluded vibes

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 paneling, 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.

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 $396
Closest transport: Adirondack Regional Airport, an hour and five-minute drive away

📍 Discover the best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley

💎 Best for: pure romance

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. 

📍 Discover the best Airbnbs in the Catskills

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 decor 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, artifacts, 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, and Thai at Thai Spice.

Address: 165 College Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Price per night: Starting at $175 for standard rooms 
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 $294
Closest transport: New York City’s Penn Station and Hudson, New York are a 40-minute drive away

This historic property provides a great home base 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. Four of the rooms are also pet-friendly and welcome dogs for a $50 per night fee. 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.

Inside, the rooms have a rustic aesthetic paired with a more modern, elevated design sense. Designed by San Francisco-based firm Field Theory, the spaces highlight the original architecture of the Victorian mansion with original wood paneling, stained glass windows and vintage brass throughout. The hotel is located just a short drive from both Hunter Mountain and downtown Tannersville, which offer a variety of great food and drink options, as well as activities such as skiing, zip-lining, hiking, and more. (Speaking of hiking: a great hike out to the majestic Kaaterskill Falls is just a short drive away.)

The on-site food and beverage options are fantastic. Guests can take a seat in either the old-school wooden bar or the light, modern lounge to sample one of the tasty signature cocktails and enjoy a light bite.

What really sets Hotel Lilien apart from other lodging options in the area, however, is the friendly and welcoming service. Guests can expect hiking recommendations, activity tips and even a personalized guided nature walk from members of Lost Boys Hospitality Group, which opened the property in 2022. The cult-favorite hospitality company that owns the hotel also runs some buzzy properties in Panama and contributes greatly to the open and relaxed energy of this stylish mountain resort.

Time Out Tip: In the warmer months, be sure to take advantage of the on-site pool located directly in front of the hotel.

Address: 6629 NY-23A, Tannersville, New York 12485
Price: Rooms from $190 per night
Closest transport: Albany International Airport, a one-hour and 15-minute drive

This Lake Placid resort is regularly billed as one of Upstate New York’s best, and one look illustrates 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), and is done out in classic North American Arts and Crafts style. Huge windows give sweeping views of the epic scenery, and you’ll find amenities like black-out curtains and options to set the space out more conveniently for families. Suites and larger rooms for families are also available. 

Family-owned for 85 years, the whole place has a timeless quality, where cozy sitting rooms have roaring fires and plush leather sofas. The classic, elegant style extends to the dining rooms, too. There are two restaurants on-site, including the AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant, The View, which offers a fine dining experience with local, seasonal produce and an award-winning wine list. While The Cottage dishes up comfort foods, soups, and sandwiches in an Après Ski style. 

This is a spot for adventurers, with hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, tennis, swimming and boat tours all available on the doorstep. But there’s plenty of opportunity for relaxation, too. The full-service spa and sauna offers an array of treatments with SkinCeuticals products, as well as a luxurious heated 60-foot indoor lap pool, heated outdoor pool, a float therapy experience and a relaxing salt room. There’s also a luxury pampering salon where you can treat yourself to manicures and pedicures, or even a new hairstyle. You’ll be totally relaxed as the sun sets on another day in lakeside paradise.

Time Out tip: Sporty types can book personal training sessions with 4-time Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel-Burke and private yoga classes.

Address: 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, New York, 12946
Price: Rooms start from $345 per night.
Closest transport: Lake Placid Airport, a seven-minute drive

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, with winding paths leading you through glorious flower beds and chic touches like a Monet bridge and a koi pond – it has the feel of a private estate. The Village of Skaneateles is also a beautiful spot for a walk with quaint, tree-lined streets, 19th Century homes and quirky shops, galleries and restaurants. 

Take advantage of the nearby walking trails and fitness programs, which include activities like yoga, Pilates and fitness classes. When you’re not out and about, nestle up in the French chateau-inspired guest rooms, which all have an inviting fireplace, huge bathrooms equipped with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, and double sinks, and gorgeous views of the Monet ponds and gardens. There are also four freestanding Cottage buildings each with its own guest room, for even more privacy. 

The high-tech spa is also well worth checking out. It’s equipped with herbal-infused saunas, steam rooms and a heated whirlpool spa and private bar, as well as treatment rooms where you can indulge in massages, facials, body treatments and a nail salon. Grab a waterside seat at the impressive Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant (remember to book well in advance), which serves French-style cuisine infused with local flavors from the Finger Lakes for European takes on in-season, sustainable and locally sourced dishes. Look out for various wine collaborations and special occasion meals that will make your trip even more special. 

Time Out tip: Pick a hotel wellness membership to get access to a variety of fitness classes and special events during your stay. 

Address: 851 W Genesee Street Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Price: Rooms start from $532 per night.
Closest transport: Syracuse Hancock International Airport, 36-minute drive

This bliss resort and spa was originally built by the 18th-century entrepreneur and visionary Gideon Putnam. Surrounded by lush greenery, thanks to its location right in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park. There are plenty of nature walks, challenging hikes and strolls that pass beautiful classical architecture and historic landmarks. This area is also famous for its culture, with renowned theaters including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Spa Little Theater. 

The hotel itself is steeped in historic charm with a beautiful stone facade and manicured gardens. Inside, the guest rooms have all recently been renovated with elegant fixtures and furnishings. All rooms have large private bathrooms with a tub, or opt for a suite or premier room for an adjoining sitting room with views of the verdant surroundings. The hotel also offers dog-friendly rooms and other services for those wanting to enjoy their trip with their furry friends. 

One of the main draws of this spot is the luxurious Roosevelt Baths and Spa, which, established in 1935, houses a historic hydrotherapy spa experience which uses 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. Putnam’s Restaurant lets you sit in a traditional dining room and enjoy seasonally changing menus of stylish regional cuisine created by an award-winning culinary team. Meanwhile, in the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity for al fresco dining on the restaurant’s patio. 

Time Out tip: Look out for the spa’s wellness program of yoga sessions and other activities designed to support physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Address: 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Price: Rooms from $210 per night
Closest transport: The Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, 40-minute drive away

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. 

In the building itself, you’ll find quaint verandas, wood-paneled halls, and beautiful rooms full of elegant furnishings like cascading flower-print curtains, handsome antique furniture and thoughtful touches like plush bathrobes, soft Egyptian cotton towels, art from the Fenimore and indulgent Beekman 1802 bath products. 

There’s a plethora of on-site dining options, too. The Hawkeye Bar & Grill is the spot for casual lake-side dining with American classics like burgers and pizzas, and cocktails to wash it all down with. For special occasion fine-dining, the 1909 restaurant serves up steaks and seafood from executive chef Jim Perillo in an elegant setting, while the beautiful Glimmerglass dining room is the place for breakfast, and the Leatherstocking Golf Bar & Grill has a menu of chilled drinks and light snacks.  

In fact, golf is one of the main reasons to stay here. The Leatherstocking Golf Course set just off Otsego Lake was designed in 1909 by Devereux Emmet, and is one of the most scenic and challenging resort golf courses in Upstate New York. Once you’re done putting, head to the hotel’s boutique Hawkeye Spa, where you’ll find a curated menu of massages and facial treatments.

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.

Time Out tip: Keen golfers should look out for the Cooperstown Golf Package for the ultimate sporting stay. 

Address: 60 Lake St, Cooperstown, New York 13326
Price: Rooms start from $295 per night
Closest transport: Albany International Airport, one one-hour and 25-minute drive

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. Its grand facade is a sight to behold with towering, pillared archways embellished with ornate Victorian engraving. Inside, the lobby carries on the opulent antique air thanks to its grand fireplaces, staircase and old wooden telephone booth, but with plush modern seating and striking fixtures. 

The hotel’s 65 guest rooms and suites are classic in style and feature inviting beds with upholstered headboards and navy bordered bedsheets. They all come with an in-room coffee maker, Adelphi blend coffee, luxurious imported Italian soft goods like slippers, robes and throws and are decorated with Antique decor and artifacts from the original Adelphi Hotel. The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed with marble walls, penny-tile flooring, soaking tubs, anti-fog mirrors and Red Flower bathroom products. Take advantage of the complimentary, locally curated in-room mini-bar and refreshments, too. Some rooms even come with a spa bath or hot tub. 

There are two in-house restaurants. Salt & Char is a farm-to-table steakhouse serving up slices of meat with all the trimmings, while Morrissey’s Lounge and Bistro serves everything from brunch and lunch to dinner and sushi. Give yourself a treat and tuck into oysters and champagne on the grand terrace with city views. 

Continue the indulgence at the on-site salon and spa, which, as well as classic massages and facials, also specializes in state-of-the-art medical aesthetics, as well as exclusive IV drips and haircuts. Outside the confines of the hotel, the great outdoors beckons with the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains and waters of Lake George nearby for epic hikes. 

Time Out tip: For the adventurous among you, there’s free use of bicycles for guests, and golfing and fishing to be enjoyed locally.

Address: 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Price: Rooms starting from $395 per night.
Closest transport: The Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, a 36-minute drive

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. 

Each of the guest rooms looks like something out of a fairytale. Each one, nestled in four original log buildings, has its own distinct personality, from towering Medieval-style four-poster covered in ornate floral print bedding to cozy, wood-paneled hideaways with plaid furnishings. While each has its own flavor, all the rooms feature a sweeping view of the lake, a stone wood-burning fireplace, a private bath and outdoor seating areas, as well as original art from the early 19th-century Great Camp Era. This is rustic luxury with a side of pure opulence.

No expense is spared on the food either, which is carefully prepared by the executive chef. Guests are invited to dine together at around candle-lit dining tables with each course introduced by the chef as it’s laid down on the table. Or, opt for a summer or snow barbecue at the Lean-to, breakfast in bed, lunch on the terrace or even a specially-arranged island picnic. If you’re after something more casual, there’s also The Pub, where you can enjoy a night club while playing pool and cranking some tunes on the jukebox.

Take care of yourself by indulging in wellness activities like yoga, nature bathing, foraging, nature art excursions, an in-room massage and guided meditation. 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 stunning all year round.

Time Out tip: There is so much to do here, we advise you to book a few days to squeeze it all in. 

Address: 222 Beaverwood Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Price: Rooms from $3,400
Closest transport: Burlington International Airport, a two-hour drive