Complete Guide for Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes

Hector Falls Finger Lakes Megan dipping her toes

The Finger Lakes region is one of the best spots for a summer getaway for all kinds of travelers. The region is huge and impossible to see all at once which makes it difficult to choose where to stay in the Finger Lakes, one of the best lake vacations in New York. Whether you’re looking for a hotel in a charming town or a bed and breakfast Finger Lakes options to choose from we’ve got you covered in our guide to where to stay in the Finger Lakes.

We’ve dialed it down to the best towns, hotels in the Finger Lakes, and Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes locations in the region along with the amazing attractions nearby all our suggestions.

Don’t miss our picks and guide for best things to do in the Finger Lakes as well to help you plan your amazing trip! Also, check out our guide to the best glamping in Upstate New York as there are a few great options in the Finger Lakes region as well if you’re looking for something more unique!

 

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Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes: Hotels

Corning

Clock Tower in Downtown Corning NY

Corning is a great choice for where to stay in the Finger Lakes. This charming town not only has its own attractions to enjoy but you’re just a 30-minute drive to Hammondsport where you can explore the activities around the Keuka Wine Trail and a 30-minute drive to Watkins Glen where there are some of the best Finger Lakes waterfalls, Seneca Lake, wineries, and more! This is a great base for exploring this area of the region.

Check out our guide to Corning here.

Corning Attractions:

Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum a Smithsonian Affiliate, Shop along Market Street, Glass Blowing, Wegmans.

Suggested Hotel in Finger Lakes:

Radisson Hotel Corning is where we stayed and is walking distance to all the best things to do in Corning. The hotel has a terrific location, cozy rooms, great outdoor patio with fire pits, and just a few minutes walk to Market Street. There’s a fitness center on the property as well as plenty of parking.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Check out More Corning Hotels Here

Watkins Glen

Rainbow falls at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is a perfect spot for where to stay in the Finger Lakes. With gorgeous New York waterfalls and trails in Watkins Glen State Park, conveniently located on the scenic Seneca Lake Harbor, and easy access to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and breweries along the Beer Trail you can’t go wrong.

This was one of our favorite areas for where to stay in the Finger Lakes during our visit because of the beauty and location. It’s also easy to drive to Keuka Lake, Ithaca, and Corning from Watkins Glen, all of which are around a 30-minute drive away. But you can easily spend an entire vacation around exploring the best things to do around Seneca Lake!

Read our guide to Watkins Glen here.

Watkins Glen Attractions:

Seneca Lake Harbor, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Watkins Glen State Park, Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area, downtown Watkins Glen,  roadside attraction Hector Falls, Shequaga Falls Park, Deckertown Falls, Havana Glen Park, Aunt Sarah’s Falls, and Watkins Glen International Race Track.

Suggested Hotel in Finger Lakes:

We recommend the beautiful Harbor Hotel located right on the harbor at the south end of Seneca Lake. Some rooms even come with balconies overlooking the lake. Rooms are contemporary and have the most comfortable beds as well as a complimentary bottle of wine and cheese plate in your mini-fridge. Don’t miss out on the outdoor fire pits in the evening with a drink or the complimentary morning coffee and tea stations around the hotel. This is the perfect location for where to stay in the Finger Lakes.

Book Now | Read Trip Advisor Reviews | Check out More Watkins Glen Hotels

Ithaca

Megan looking at waterfall at Taughannock Falls

Another fantastic area for where to stay in the Finger Lakes is Ithaca. With over 150 waterfalls, Cornell University, and a great location right on Cayuga Lake, you can’t beat this amazing location and all the amazing things to do in Ithaca.

You could easily spend your entire vacation exploring all the Ithaca waterfalls and wine tasting around the Cayuga Lake wine trail, but if you want to explore more you’re only a 40-minute drive to Watkins Glen, 45 minutes to Auburn at the end of Owasco Lake, and 50 minutes to Corning.

Attractions in Ithaca:

Cornell University, Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, Cornell Botanic Gardens, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Triphammer Falls, Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Forest Falls, Ithaca Falls, and tons more waterfalls.

Suggested Hotel in Finger Lakes:

Ithaca is naturally a great choice for where to stay in the Finger Lakes region. We recommend The Hotel Ithaca in the heart of town. The rooms are brightly decorated and cozy, suites offer separate living rooms and parking is free. There’s a heated indoor pool accessible year round and a lovely deck with lounge chairs.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Check out More Ithaca Hotels Here

Elmira

The Mark Twain Trolley in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira New York

One of the more underrated destinations for where to stay in the Finger Lakes is Elmira. While Elmira isn’t actually located on any of the lakes it is located on the Chemung River and still is a great location and easily driveable popular spots in the Finger Lakes.

It’s a 30-minute drive to Watkins Glen, 20 minutes drive to Corning, and 40 minutes to Ithaca. This is also where to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re a lover of American literature as Elmira was the summer home to Mark Twain for over 20 years and he is actually buried here in Woodlawn Cemetery. Elmira inspired much of his work including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which were written in his study that you can visit today.

Attractions in Elmira:

Mark Twain’s Study, Woodlawn Cemetery where Mark Twain is buried, Finger Lakes House, Arnot Art Museum, Chemung Valley History Museum, Mark Twain River Front Park, National Soaring Museum, and Soaring on Harris Hill.

Recommended Hotel in Finger Lakes:

We recommend the Holiday Inn Elmira River view for where to stay in the Finger Lakes in this area. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk to the Arnot Art Museum and a quick drive to the local airport with a free airport shuttle service. These basic and comfortable rooms offer microwaves and mini fridges. Suites offer separate living rooms and pull out sofas. Don’t miss out on the fitness center, indoor pool, or lounge with regular live entertainment.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | See More Elmira Hotels Here

to Stay in the Finger Lakes: Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes

Hammondsport

Motorcycle from the Glenn H Curtiss Museum

Another amazing place for where to stay in the Finger Lakes is Hammondsport located right on the tip of Keuka Lake, the Y shaped Finger Lake. This small town is a great spot to stay if you’re looking to taste around the Keuka Wine Trail as well as easy access to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Better yet you’re only a 30-minute drive to Watkins Glen, 30 minutes to Corning, and 30 minutes drive to Naples and the Canandaigua Lake. While there are no big hotels here this is where to enjoy a bed and breakfast in the Finger Lakes.

Attractions in Hammondsport:

Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Finger Lakes Boating Museum, Urbana State Forest, Pigtail Hollow State Forest, Birdseye Hollow State Park, and Champlin Beach. 

Recommended Hotel Finger Lakes:

The Park Inn is hands down one of the best places to stay in the Finger Lakes located in the heart of downtown Hammondsport. Not only is this boutique property a great option for accommodation, but they are home to one of the best restaurants in the Finger Lakes too. They have five rooms and suites that are handsomely furnished and a historic manor with rooms about 10 minutes away. Book Now.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

18 Vine Inn & Carriage House Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes is an amazing option in Hammondsport. Located in a gorgeous, large house, the cozy rooms are perfect to make you feel right at home. This bed and breakfast has a pool and gardens to enjoy with 6 themed rooms to enjoy.

Book Now | Check out other listings in Hammondsport

Dundee

Fulkerson Vineyard View of Seneca Lake

Another great choice for where to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful countryside retreat on a lake is in Dundee. Located overlooking Seneca Lake you have access to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

It’s also an easy drive over to Keuka Lake since you’re in between the two lakes to explore and sip along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail as well. You’re only a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen and a 25-minute drive to Hammondsport.

Dundee Attractions:

Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

Our pick for something similar to a bed and breakfast in the Finger Lakes in Dundee overlooking Seneca Lake is this gorgeous Chateaux cabin rental that can sleep up to 8 people. They call it a ‘chateau’ and this property has gorgeous private balconies for watching the sunrise with a coffee or the sunset with a glass of wine. Cozy up next to the fireplace on chillier evenings and enjoy the entertainment room or firepit outdoors.  Less of a B&B and more a house rental since you have to rent out the entire home. Book Now 

Recommended Hotel in Finger Lakes:

Another pick Dundee right on Seneca Lake is the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars. This pick is better for couples since you may not want to rent out an entire house. Located right on Glenora Winery you can’t beat the view or location on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Don’t miss out on a delicious meal at Verasion’s restaurant on site either. Book Now | Check out more properties along Seneca Lake

Penn Yan

View of Keuka Lake at Keuka Spring Vineyard

Another beautiful location and choice for where to stay in the Finger Lakes is Penn Yan. This area is a bit more rural and quiet and the perfect place to find a bed and breakfast Finger Lakes location. You have easy access to the Keuka Wine Trail, food and crafts galore at the Windmill Farm and Craft Market, and a short drive to Seneca Lake and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Penn Yan Attractions:

Windmill Farm and Craft Market, Keuka Lake, Keuka Wine Trail, Wager’s Cider Mill, Apple Barrel Orchards, Seneca Lake, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Read our full guide to the best things to do in Penn Yan.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

Our pick for bed and breakfast Finger Lakes in Penn Yan is located right on Keuka Lake. The Willows Bed and Breakfast is an upscale B&B located on its own private beach. Besides enjoying your cozy room you can relax next to the garden, kayak, go on a boat tour, or fish on the lake. There are 6 different rooms to choose from for a relaxing and amazing vacation on the lake. Book Now | See More Options in Penn Yan

Lodi

View of Seneca Lake and Vineyard in Lodi New York at Wagner Vineyards

Another great place for where to stay in the Finger Lakes is Lodi. I actually grew up in a Lodi but not the one in New York, the one in Ohio! Located in the heart of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail you’ll find great wineries like Wagner Vineyards and Lakewood Estates just a hop and skip away.

Also located in between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake you also have access to the wineries around Cayuga as well. Just a 25-minute drive away from Watkins Glen, 30-minute drive to Ithaca, and a 30-minute drive to Geneva.

Lodi Attractions:

Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Cayuga Lake, Hector Falls, Finger Lakes National Forest, and Lodi Point State Park.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

Our Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes pick for Lodi is The Fox & The Grapes Bed & Breakfast.  This cozy countryside home is to die for. With homemade breakfast each morning, a porch to relax on with views of Seneca Lake, tons of nearby wineries, and 6 amazing rooms. Enjoy the amenities on site, view, and location in the heart of the region making it a perfect spot for where to stay in the Finger Lakes. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | See More Options in Lodi

 

Gathering-Hill-House-on-Seneca-Lake

Gathering Hill House on Seneca Lake

Another spot we recommend staying in near Lodi in Burdett right next to Hector Falls is Gathering Hill Farm. This is more of an entire home rental as opposed to getting a room in a typical Bed and Breakfast or hotel which is perfect for larger groups or a family trip. We stayed in this house in the fall time and it was absolutely beautiful. Each room is beautifully decorated with antiques and the house is large and ready to be your home away from home overlooking Seneca Lake.

If you needed the perfect place with a group of friends or family to get away, this is it. Rent on Airbnb | See More Options in Lodi

Canandaigua

Canandaigua is another great option for where to stay in the Finger Lakes. This quaint town is located on the Canandaigua Lake and just a 30-minute drive to Rochester, a 30-minute drive to Penn Yan and Keuka Lake and a 25-minute drive to Geneva and Seneca Lake.

Canandaigua Attractions:

Canandaigua Lake, Sonnenberg Gardens, Roseland Waterpark, Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, and Deep Run Beach, Naples, Honeoye Lake

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

Our Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes pick for Canandaigua is 1840 Inn on Main. This is a perfect pick for where to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re looking for an authentic bed and breakfast in a turn of the century Victorian House. You’re just steps away from restaurants and shops in downtown Canandaigua from your quaint and comfy room. There are 6 different themed rooms to choose from that all include continental breakfast.

Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | See More Options in Canandaigua

Owego

Aerial shot of Owego New YorkOne of the more under the radar places to stay in the Finger Lakes is the quaint and charming town of Owego. Owego isn’t on any of the lakes but is a great jumping off point to exploring the rest of the region and worth a night stay. 

Named as one of America’s coolest small towns (plus one of our picks for best towns in the Finger Lakes) and full of charm we recommend spending an afternoon and night here to see why so many visitors like ourselves fall in love with this town.

Located on and overlooking the Susquehanna River you can find plenty of things to spend an afternoon here from browsing all the antique shops, checking out all the independently own boutiques and stores (be sure to check out the book store), and plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat no matter what meal of the day.

Owego Attractions:

There are plenty of adorable mom & pop owned shops to explore in Owego’s historic town center, hiking trails and waterfalls at Waverly Glen, and Two Rivers State Park. Check out our post on the best things to do in Owego for more inspiration.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

We recommend the Belva Lockwood Inn as it’s more than just a hotel room for the night, it’s an entire experience. The owners take extraordinary care of their guests and make you feel like you’re at home away from home under their roof. This property was also featured on an episode of House Hunters and the owners have put their heart and soul into redoing this historical home and making each of their five rooms a unique experience.

Run by a local couple who restored a gorgeous home from 1872 into a 5 room quaint Inn that’s more than just a hotel bed for the night, its an entire experience. So much care is taken into your stay with each uniquely designed and restored room to the morning picnic basket breakfast delivered to your door.

Also, don’t miss out on the history lesson about Ms. Belva Lockwood herself, a former Owego resident who started fighting for equal rights at the age of 14 in the 1800s before women could even vote. She was also the first female to run for president, not once but twice in 1884 and 1888. Her history is truly fascinating and the owners are more than happy to share her history and help make more people aware of this incredible woman forgotten in history.

Book on Airbnb | See More Options in Owego

Geneseo

 

Letchworth State Park waterfall with bridge

Geneseo is another amazing option for where to stay in the Finger Lakes if you’re looking to be near Letchworth State Park and the gorgeous massive waterfalls within the grounds. Just a 30-minute drive to the park’s entrance and a 20-minute drive to Conesus Lake you can have the best of both worlds in Geneseo. Rochester is also a 40-minute drive away.

Geneseo Attractions:

Conesus Lake, Letchworth State Park, National War Plane Museum, Indian Fort Nature Preserve, Papermill Park, and Conesus Lake Marine Park.

Recommended Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes:

Our Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes pick for Geneseo is Temple Hill Bed & Breakfast. This is a fantastic choice for where to stay in the Finger Lakes and was once an all men’s academy built-in 1826. This beautiful estate has 4 rooms with private baths, a shared gorgeous veranda, sitting room, dining room, gardens, and swimming pool. You’re also just stepping away from downtown Geneseo for restaurants and shopping.

Book Now | See More Options Near Geneseo

 

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guide for where to stay in the finger lakes