15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (2024)

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (1)

Head to these upstate New York resorts for a relaxing escape and some glorious nature-based R&R

© The Otesaga Cooperstown

Written by Marion Bernstein & Chiara Wilkinson

Contributors: Danielle Goldstein & Alex Floyd-Douglass

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Sometimes, just sometimes, living in a city that never sleeps can get a little too much. And you knowwheredoes sleep? Upstate. NY State is filled withincredible resorts fit for relaxing in once the city has gotten too much.Luckily, upstaters do much more than just snooze. Upstate New York resorts are packed with wonderful activities, from paddleboarding, fishing, and golf, all the way through to wineries, hiking trails, and picturesque apple-picking farms. Plenty of stuff that you just don't really get in the concrete jungle.

There are so many differentthings to do, all around upstate, that it can be difficult to know how best to spend your time. And once you've had a taste of the chillaxation on offer, you'll surely be back. These are some of our favoriteupstate New York resorts, handpicked by our team of experts. We're sure we'll see you soon.

RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Hudson ValleyRECOMMENDED: T

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see ouraffiliateguidelines.

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Best New York upstate resorts

1.The Saranac Waterfront Lodge on Saranac Lake

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (3)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (4)

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.

2.The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (5)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (6)

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.

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3.Wylder Windham in Windham
Photograph: Courtesy Wylder Windham/Joshua Brown

Wylder Windham is a scenic, 20-acre compound consisting of seven different buildings—all built at different times over the last 140 years. Thanks to the large scale of the resort, one of its best attributes is the wide range of accommodations available to guests and its amazing, outdoorsy amenities.

Mood? Big nature energy.
Location perks?From rolling hills to majestic trees, there's endless nature to explore.
Budget range?A great price point.

4.The Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Spa

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (9)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (10)

This bliss resort and spa was originallybuilt 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 canenjoy 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.

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5.The Crowne Plaza in Lake Placid

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (11)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (12)

Overlooking the stunning Mirror Lake,and wrapped in a bowl of mountains, theCrowne 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 atMacKenzie's, theon-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, werate the indoor pool takes the cake this time.
Budget range?Very cost-effective.

6.The Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (13)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (14)

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 sureto 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.

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7.The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (15)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (16)

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.

8.The Belhurst Castle in Geneva

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (17)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (18)

There are few thingscooler than staying the night in a 19th-century castle, which is one of the reasons why Belhurst is so sought-after.There are only 14 rooms to choose from, each of which has a different decorative personality, so book up as soon as you can. Its stunning location on the northwestern shore of Seneca Lake is another draw, along with the canopied beds, cast bronze fireplaces, and nearby Belhurst Winery where you can sample award-winning Rieslings and ice wines. Of course, there's also a selection of signature spa treatments so you can leave feeling asmanicured as your surroundings.

Mood? Live like a royal for a night or two.
Location perks?The winery nearby is a pretty big win.
Budget range?Surprisingly affordable.

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9.The Adelphi in Saratoga Springs

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (19)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (20)

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 steakhouse and gastropub), 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 , while Saratoga Racetrack
Budget range? Mid-range.

10.The Athenaeum Hotel in Chautauqua

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (21)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (22)

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 toa 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.

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11.The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (23)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (24)

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, fromfishing and boating to wakeboarding and tubing. Andonce 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!

12.The Point Resort near Saranac Lake

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (25)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (26)

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 ofluscious tall evergreen trees that look like a fairytale all year round.

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

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13.The Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona

15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (27)
15 incredible upstate resorts in New York for 2024 (28)

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.

14.The Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz
Photograph: Courtesy Mohonk Mountain House

It’s no surprise this 266-room Victorian beautis on our list of the bestresortsin 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 hikingby 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.

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15.Hotel Lilien in Tannersville
  • 5 out of 5 stars

  • Recommended

Photograph: Courtesy Hotel Lillien

This historic property provides a great homebase forthose 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 co*cktail bar or hiking at sunrise, there's so much to enjoy here.
Budget range?Very well-priced.

Discover more of New York State

The best places to visit in New York State
  • Things to do
Photograph: Shutterstock

Luxury seekers may enjoy an afternoon at the beach in Montauk or a trip to some of the best Long Island wineries, whereas more adventurous types might opt for a hike through the Adirondack mountains.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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