10 Great Hotels in the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes & Upper New York State ~ DownshiftingPRO

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When looking for a place to stay on a road trip, you have many options to choose from whether it is a quaint lodge on a quiet lake, a national hotel chain or a luxurious hotel in a small town. Each has its appeal whether you are travelling alone, for business or as a family. There is a large selection of inns, lodges and great hotels in the Adirondacks and upper New York State. Look no further than a place by the lake such as the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid or be charmed by a Historic Hotel of America in Glens Falls.

Although we are often tempted to think that New York City IS New York, there is a lot more to see in the Adirondacks. You can try repelling and rock climbing in Ausable Chasm, ghost hunting in historic Plattsburg or watch horse racing in Saratoga Springs. You can visit world-class museums in Rochester, Glen Falls and Corning. A road trip through upper New York State and the Adirondacks provides entertainment for the family, girls’ getaway or a romantic weekend. An added bonus is outstanding wine from the Finger Lakes region and locally sources food throughout the state.

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You can plan in advance to stop at any one of these locations on your road trip. That is exactly what I did last fall when I visited New York State three times in less than four months. In the fall I was in the Finger Lakes region for the TBEX conference and then followed up with a marvellous FAM trip to the Adirondacks.

Great Hotels in the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes & Upper New York State — **Pin it for Later**

The Finger Lakes region was new to me but the Adirondacks was not. It had been years since I had visited but I was happy to see this beautiful area after nearly 30 years away. I returned to the Adirondacks with my mother then ended up in Montreal for my high school reunion.

We visited museums, national parks, natural attractions and managed to get a fine meal everywhere we went. Lastly, I returned in the winter to Corning with my children to visit the Museum of Glass.

These road trips had me staying in many hotels as I am often asked where I stay when I travel, I wanted to share opinions on my accommodations for these regions. I have stayed in each one of these properties and am happy to recommend any one of them. I added a couple of hotels which I thought needed to be noted as they caught my attention.

Lake Placid & Plattsburgh – The Adirondacks

High Peaks Resort

2384 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946

I cannot say enough about this property. It is both luxurious and homey at the same time. There are three types of accommodations to choose from: (1) the main High Peaks Resort situated right downtown; (2) meander across the street to the mid-century modern-inspired inn known as The Lake House or (2) stay lakeside and poolside at the Waterfront Collection. All the properties offer unique experiences and different price points all year round.

Take in the beauty of the fall colours and have a cup of coffee early in the morning by Mirror Lake or stroll on main street for some shopping. You can also stop by the Winter Olympic Museum. During the summer months, you may want to take a paddleboard, canoe or kayak, on the resort’s waterfront. These amenities are available for guest to use along with the indoor and outdoor pools in the main resort and the outdoor pool (during summer months) by the Waterfront Collection.

We loved our stay in the main Resort as we were able to drive right up to the level of our hotel room. As I was travelling with my 85-year-old mother, the accessibility for her was priceless. This hotel has ample tiered covered parking for hot summer or snowy winter days. We also had a large room with a balcony that looked out to the outdoor pool. During the summer, I could see this as a great benefit for families.

For those considering a romantic getaway, the view of the sunset from the balcony was impressive. When I was there earlier in the fall, there were two wedding receptions going on. No question about it, Lake Placid is a fantastic location for any celebration or relaxing vacation.

Another unique activity at The Lake House is the fire pit surrounded by beautiful bright red Adirondack chairs while you enjoyed the view of the lake. For those seeking entertainment inside, there is a lodge bar with board games available for your use. Depending on the time of year, the High Peaks Resort has partnered with Gallery 46 and Lake Placid Center for the Arts to exhibit works of art from various artists. These exhibits are in the main lobby and surrounding areas for guests to enjoy and purchase. There is no question you may want a tangible memento of the beautiful scenery found in the Adirondacks. You can read more about this exhibit here.

Insider’s Tip: Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s Dancing Bear Restaurant. I loved the smoked salmon eggs benedict and my mother loved their special pancakes. Grab a table by the window and watch Lake Placid start its day. You will have a lovely view of the Lake House and the Waterfront Collection. Once you are done exit onto main street where you can do some fabulous shopping. There is a cute card shop nearby and a bead store where you can make your own creations. Watch the sun come up. It was the most peaceful morning. In this video, you’ll hear more about my thoughts on this amazing property.

La Quinta Inn and Suites

16 Plaza Blvd, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

There is nothing like a solid accommodation. I have always found the La Quinta chain of hotels a solid, safe alternative if you are unfamiliar with a particular area. I find that they are easy to find in smaller towns that don’t have the larger hotels available. Our room at La Quinta in Plattsburgh was exactly what I expected, clean, smallish but recently updated. The thing I liked the most is that the hotel had an accessibility chair for people with disabilities. This was so great to see. There is also a small but well-equipped fitness centre.

Valcour Brewing Company & Inn

49 Ohio Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 12903

Another great hotel in the Adirondacks is in Plattsburg. A little over one hour south of Montreal, this city is located by Lake Champlain. Based in Plattsburgh’s Historic Old Stone Barracks, Valcour Brewing Company offers exceptional craft brews, locally-sourced fare, an event space and a 6-room inn. This sweet find is located in army barracks built in 1838. This long building has an exceptional brewery and restaurant. This is more like a gastropub than a traditional pub so the food is very good.

I recommend you try a flight of beers with great names like Magnetic North, Big Ben Dippa and Drop it like It’s Hopped! Once you’ve had your fill of these amazing brews, you can stay at one of 6 rooms at the Inn. With modern amenities but traditional decor, you will love the experience. Be sure and spend some time on the long balcony with tables or rocking chairs. A unique accommodation alternative to be sure!

Saratoga Springs & Glens Falls – The Adirondacks

The Gideon Putnam and Roosevelt Baths and Spa

24 Gideon Putnam Road – Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

If you want to give yourself a special treat, you must go to the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. Located inside the Saratoga Spa State Park, you can walk throughout the park and locate a mineral water spring or visit the famous Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

This region became famous when US President Roosevelt convalesced in the Saratoga Springs found here. You can access the natural mineral water from a few different spots both in the park and in the town itself.

This property provides access to the steam room at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa or you can receive a discount for other spa services. There is a daily $25 Amenity Fee from Memorial Day to Labour day (May-Sept)above and beyond the hotel reservation. Take advantage of admission to the Saratoga Automobile Museum and the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame. If you are a horse racing fan, you can also take a complimentary shuttle to the Saratoga Race Course, downtown and other attractions.

The Amenity Fee includes valet parking during Racing Season (July 11 – September 2) as well as:

High-speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary Coffee Service
Bottled Saratoga mineral water
Use of Victoria Pool (typically open July – August; weather dependent)

Saratoga Casino Hotel

342 Jefferson St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

When I walked into the Saratoga Casino Hotel the words glam and luxury came to mind. Inspired by the majestic hotels that once lined Broadway, Saratoga Casino Hotel features rich architecture and decadent interior design that pays homage to the Capital Region. From the moment you step inside the grand lobby entrance, you’ll feel a part of the rich history of Saratoga Springs. Just steps away from all the excitement on the gaming floor, the Saratoga Casino Hotel is the most exciting place to stay in all of Saratoga Springs!

The 123,000 square foot hotel includes an indoor resort pool with spa whirlpool and outdoor terrace, Morton’s® The Steakhouse, lobby bar, café, 13 luxury suites and more than 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

There are so many reasons this is a great hotel to stay at not the least of which is having a casino on site, being steps away from a racehorse track and the large luxurious rooms. The bathroom was huge, the bed comfy and the service A+. The Saratoga Casino Hotel also has a complimentary shuttle service which can take you to downtown Saratoga Springs. It can drop you off or pick you up so you can enjoy a lovely meal or do some fabulous shopping. Take a stroll around Congress Park and enjoy the carousel!

Insider’s Tip: Although there was no racing going on the night I stayed, I think it would be pretty exciting to watch live horse racing. This area is all about horse racing whether it’s a visit to a horse farm where racehorses go to retire or the National Horse Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

The Adelphi Hotel

365 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

If you want to stay in downtown Saratoga Springs, you may want to try The Adelphi Hotel. In 1877, The Adelphi Hotel opened its doors to well-heeled vacationers seeking the lap of luxury among the natural spas and springs that made Saratoga a resort destination. Prominent politicians met with movers and shakers of the day at the famed Adelphi Hotel bar to pen deals bringing horse racing and casinos to the region, and the hotel was once considered a hub of Saratoga society. Through a visionary redesign, this remnant of 19th century Saratoga hospitality is reborn, prepared to welcome visitors once again.

I dropped in with my mother to see the renovated lobby and bar. I have to admit, I am tempted to go back and stay as I plan on returning back to Saratoga Springs. Visiting Congress Park, taking in the horse races, a dance production put on by the New York Ballet or a summer concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra (both summer in Saratoga Springs). I would happily go back for another delectable meal at Boca Bistro or Hattie’s

Insider’s Tip: You can have an authentic southern meal at Hattie’s. Located just off Broadway, this small restaurant is short on seating but large on great food and cocktails. We tried the fried chicken, collard greens, lump meat crab cakes, hush puppies and jambalaya.

The Queensbury Hotel

88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801

Only 25 minutes north of Saratoga Springs is the quaint town of Glens Falls. The Adirondacks made many small fortunes in the lumber industry for its residents. Glens Falls is one of those towns that grew around the grand forests of New York State. One of the legacies is The Queensbury Hotel. Established in 1926 it was recently awarded the designation of Historic Hotel of America. If you are a heritage and cultural traveller, looking for a girl’s getaway or a romantic weekend seeker, this is the luxury hotel for you. There may be many great hotels in the Adirondacks but the Queensbury Hotel stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Great Hotels in the Adirondacks Finger Lakes Upper New York State @DownshiftingPRO

The Queensbury Hotel has been renovating its hotel rooms and they are nothing short of spectacular. They are spacious with fancy mini-fridges and coffee makers and large screen HDTVs. They also have large walk-in closets and well-appointed bathrooms. You will love how spacious these rooms are.

We enjoyed our hearty breakfast in the newly renovated, Park 26 restaurant located off the main lobby. Park 26 features locally inspired, modern American cuisine served in a comfortable but elegant setting. Breakfast and lunch are served daily and dinner is now served Wednesday – Saturday. Plus, enjoy piano and jazz entertainment Thursday-Saturday nights in the lobby before or after dinner!

Insider’s Tip: You will love the location of this hotel as it sits across the street from City Park and is a short walk to great restaurants and theatre. During the summer months be sure and look out for music concerts in the park. I will also encourage to visit the amazing Hyde Collection. A private museum which has some exceptional pieces of art including El Greco, Rembrandt and Renoir. Housed in a complex of mansions, the story behind the location is just as interesting as the collection.

After you’ve spent the day at the museum, have a swim in the hotel’s pool and hot tub. It is well lit with large skylights. The hotel has spa services so be sure and ask at the front desk for availability. Another added bonus is the pub attached to the hotel with plenty of local beers on tap and the occasional musical guest. You can also enjoy a drink on their outdoor terrace which has heaters at the ready should you feel chilly.

Corning, Finger Lakes

Hilton Garden Inn – Downtown

Brand new and very well located in The Hilton Garden Inn is my favourite hotel in this region. If you are visiting the amazing Corning Museum of Glass, I highly recommend you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn – Downtown. They have a great Museum of Glass packages that includes a two-day pass to the museum. I was here in the winter with my kids during the Family (President’s) Day weekend and took advantage of the pass. Enough of a reason to stay here!

Corning is a very walkable city and a great destination for a long weekend or a minimum of two days. You can also consider a Weekend Getaway package and tour a winery or two or drive up to Watkins Glen State Park (check out my video) or go to the even more famous Watkins Glen Raceway for the day.

We enjoyed the outdoor fire pits and patio even in the winter. They have a spectacular pool and my daughter absolutely LOVED the exercise room. She thought it was the best equipped in any hotel that we stayed at and I would have to agree.

Insider’s Tip: You can easily walk downtown to restaurants and pubs by crossing the bridge in front of the hotel. If you chose to stay in there is a Wegman’s grocery store a few blocks away. Wegman’s has a fantastic food market where you can purchase ready-made food and either eat in or take back to the hotel. We had choices from pizza to sushi to amazing pasta.

Long Lake, NY

Long View Lodge

681 Deerland Rd, Long Lake, NY 12847

If you are looking for an authentic log cabin lodge experience this is where you need to be. Mainly because the bed frames are all made from logs. It has comfy comforters, large picturesque windows and a spectacular back lawn that looks to Long Lake. It was the most serene stay in our FAM trip. Be sure and ask for a room which faces the lake, unfortunately, our view was of a line of cedars at the side of the property but I did get a peek at the premium room. You can see the spectacular view below!

Each room has a small ensuite bathroom with super plush towels. Grab a coffee in the lounge then head down to the dock and just breathe. Take in the view of the lake and the forest. The mist in the morning was amazing. It was a great place to relax and get back to nature.

The highlight of this stay was the dinner. It was INCREDIBLE. Do not make the mistake of skipping out and eating elsewhere. You will get a delicious meal right here. Even at the end of the week-long FAM trip, we all agreed our favourite meal was at the Long View Lodge.

Insider’s tip: do not hesitate in ordering the New England chowder, beef Carpaccio and flatbread. The Chicken pot pie was a huge hit but the best was the beef. You cannot go wrong with the beef. Pair your meal with local microbrewery beers and you will have a wonderful meal.

Rochester

Hilton Garden Inn – University of Rochester

30 Celebration Drive, Rochester, New York, 14620, USA

Located adjacent to the University of Rochester and Medical Centre, this Hilton Garden Inn sits in the College Town Complex. This shopping plaza has a Barns and Noble, Starbucks and a few shops and restaurant adjacent to the hotel It is within a 15-minute drive to downtown Rochester and the Memorial Art Gallery and Eastman Mansion and Kodak Museum of Film and Photography.

This hotel is also located close to the airport and provides a free airport shuttle service. It has laundry facilities (for long term stays), a well-equipped gym and a 24-hour business centre. There is also a small indoor pool with a hot tub. There is an accessible chair for those who may need assistance. Parking is available on-site. Although this is not a great hotel in the Adirondacks, it is worth a stop in the upper New York Region.

Disclosure: My review was made possible by the TBEX conference with the gracious help sponsors. I received accommodation is some (but not all) hotels. My opinions are truthful and my own. I thank the CVB and DMO who facilitated these three road trips. #Sponsored

10 Great Hotels in the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes & Upper New York State