New York State has an appeal that is often subtle and slow to work its magic — at least in comparison to other nearby leisure destinations like historic New England or glitzy Manhattan. But after one trip to the Adirondacks or the Finger Lakes, many travelers are beguiled for life. Travel + Leisure readers, in particular, seem enamored with the Empire State’s charming small towns and the warm hospitality found at the best resorts in New York.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.
WIth the exception of No. 2, the Rockaway Hotel & Spa, near the beach in New York City’s Rockaways, and No.7, Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, on the eastern tip of Long Island, the hotels voted onto this year’s list of the best resorts in New York can all be found in upstate New York, which has seen a flurry of openings in the past several years. Some may be located near towering peaks and picturesque freshwater lakes, but all offer plenty of reasons to stay on the property. For one voter, No. 6 Whiteface Lodge cast a spell with its complimentary amenities like “skates for ice-skating at their on-site pond, bowling, a large movie room, and cozy lean-tos outside for fires.” Another voter, who booked a private lakeside cabin at Lake Placid Lodge (No. 8), appreciated having the opportunity to simply disconnect for a while: “We relaxed in front of the fire reading and playing Scrabble.”
Courtesy of Inns of Aurora
Food was also a draw, but not always in the ways travelers might expect. As one reader and fan of the Sagamore (No. 10) wrote, “Best lobster roll I’ve had in a long time, and it’s not even close to the ocean. Go figure!”
Still, it was the Inns of Aurora that readers found most captivating among the best resorts in New York. Find out why below.
- Inns of Aurora, Aurora
Courtesy of Inns of Aurora
This constellation of five inns set in a historic village on the shores of Cayuga Lake continues to win plaudits from readers for its fairy-tale setting and polished performance. “A wonderful combination of charm and modern amenities,” one reader wrote. “Each inn has a distinct personality, and the location on the lake is idyllic. It’s not to be missed if you’re visiting the Finger Lakes.” Multiple voters also praised the holistic spa, which is located on a hill overlooking the water.
Score: 95.46
Book on Tripadvisor
- The Rockaway Hotel & Spa, New York City
Kyle Knodell
Score: 95.06
Book on Tripadvisor
- Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
Score: 93.93
Book on Tripadvisor
- The Lake House on Canandaigua, Canandaigua
Courtesy of The Lake House on Canandaigua
Score: 92.00
Book on Tripadvisor
- The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown
Courtesy of The Otesaga Resort
Score: 91.29
Book on Tripadvisor
- Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid
Courtesy of Whiteface Lodge
Score: 90.93
Book on Tripadvisor
- Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, Montauk
Courtesy of Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina
Score: 90.31
Book on Tripadvisor
- Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid
Courtesy of Lake Placid Lodge
Score: 90.09
Book on Tripadvisor
- Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Lake Placid
Courtesy of Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
Score: 89.38
Book on Tripadvisor
- The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing
Courtesy of The Sagamore Resort
Score: 88.00
Book on Tripadvisor
New York State has an appeal that is often subtle and slow to work its magic — at least in comparison to other nearby leisure destinations like historic New England or glitzy Manhattan. But after one trip to the Adirondacks or the Finger Lakes, many travelers are beguiled for life. Travel + Leisure readers, in particular, seem enamored with the Empire State’s charming small towns and the warm hospitality found at the best resorts in New York.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.
WIth the exception of No. 2, the Rockaway Hotel & Spa, near the beach in New York City’s Rockaways, and No.7, Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, on the eastern tip of Long Island, the hotels voted onto this year’s list of the best resorts in New York can all be found in upstate New York, which has seen a flurry of openings in the past several years. Some may be located near towering peaks and picturesque freshwater lakes, but all offer plenty of reasons to stay on the property. For one voter, No. 6 Whiteface Lodge cast a spell with its complimentary amenities like “skates for ice-skating at their on-site pond, bowling, a large movie room, and cozy lean-tos outside for fires.” Another voter, who booked a private lakeside cabin at Lake Placid Lodge (No. 8), appreciated having the opportunity to simply disconnect for a while: “We relaxed in front of the fire reading and playing Scrabble.”
Food was also a draw, but not always in the ways travelers might expect. As one reader and fan of the Sagamore (No. 10) wrote, “Best lobster roll I’ve had in a long time, and it’s not even close to the ocean. Go figure!”
Still, it was the Inns of Aurora that readers found most captivating among the best resorts in New York. Find out why below.
1. Inns of Aurora, Aurora
This constellation of five inns set in a historic village on the shores of Cayuga Lake continues to win plaudits from readers for its fairy-tale setting and polished performance. “A wonderful combination of charm and modern amenities,” one reader wrote. “Each inn has a distinct personality, and the location on the lake is idyllic. It’s not to be missed if you’re visiting the Finger Lakes.” Multiple voters also praised the holistic spa, which is located on a hill overlooking the water.
Score: 95.46
Book on Tripadvisor
2. The Rockaway Hotel & Spa, New York City
Score: 95.06
3. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
Score: 93.93
4. The Lake House on Canandaigua, Canandaigua
Score: 92.00
5. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown
Score: 91.29
6. Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid
Score: 90.93
7. Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, Montauk
Score: 90.31
8. Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid
Score: 90.09
9. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Lake Placid
Score: 89.38
10. The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing
Score: 88.00
