After the chaos of the holidays comes to a close, you deserve a recharge. And what better way than holing up in one of our state’s gorgeous inns? Experts say that short weekend escapes are important for our emotional and mental health, so no excuses—sit down to book that getaway right now. And since planning a trip is a stress you don’t need this time of year, we did the hard work for you. Here are some of the loveliest inns New York State has to offer, compiled into one neat little package. Simply pick one, book, and then get back to your holiday parties knowing that a relaxing, quiet January weekend awaits.
The Fox and The Grapes
The Fox and The Grapes (thefoxandthegrapes.com) is in one of the prettiest spots in the Finger Lakes region, boasting stunning views of Seneca Lake. The main home that makes up the B&B radiates Victorian charm (it was built in 1885!) but has all the modern amenities.
Taking its name from the Aesop fable, the inn is near some of the best wineries upstate, plus several breweries and distilleries. The friendly owners, Wendy and Russ, are always available, and anyone who has trouble sleeping should note—you can choose your room based on mattress preference.
The Maker
Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, The Maker (themaker.com) really has something for everyone. The décor is incredible (a perfect fit for artsy Hudson), down to the one-of-a-kind wallpaper, stained glass and bohemian style. Each of the 11 rooms is unique and adorned with impressive art. (The owners like to say that every room “has a story to tell.”) “The Gardener” has turn-of-the century charm with wrought iron accents, whereas “The Artist” looks a bit like a Parisian studio, and “The Apartment” has a mid-century modern vibe.
Inness
Inness (inness.co) is an expansive property set on 220 acres in the Catskills, and all of that land is put to good use. Stay in one of 28 private cabins (those mountain views!) or set up shop in one of the 12 charming farmhouse rooms. All accommodations are impeccably decorated with a high-end minimalist vibe, and there’s even a membership option to create a home-away-from-home that offers a lot of services for families.
The on-site restaurant offers up delicious Mediterranean fare and craft cocktails, often sourcing ingredients from the inn’s own garden. Next year, there will also be a wellness retreat on the grounds, which promises a world-class spa and gym. There’s already a golf course if your inevitable return trip is during warmer months.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
More of a hotel, The Lake House (lakehousecanandaigua.com) still retains that cozy inn feeling, as if you have the stunning property all to yourself. Captivating views of Canandaigua Lake never get old, and neither do the timber barn and on-site restaurants (yes, that’s plural).
Rooms are a mix of luxury comfort and unique modern and antique furnishings. There’s also a great spa on site (its signature treatment is a private barrel sauna ritual) to take relaxation to a new level.
Cedar Lake Estate
The stunning Cedar Lake Estate (cedarlakeestate.com) embraces winter, offering snowshoeing, bonfires and igloos that can be set up for spa treatments, private dinners or cocktail hours. Set on a whopping 500 acres in Orange County, accommodations are storybook cottages set in a winter wonderland, with “winter getaway” packages starting December 30.
Mirror Lake Inn
There’s a reason this beautiful Lake Placid resort wins award after award. Mirror Lake Inn’s (mirrorlakein.com) stunning views of the glass-like lake, classic Adirondack décor, spa (with its indoor heated pool and saunas, you could easily spend the day there), library rooms in which to enjoy a cocktail or two, and over-the-top fine dining make for an escape you will never want to escape from.
The Point
When you need that only-for-the-grown-ups getaway, The Point (thepointresort.com) on Upper Saranac Lake is all inclusive and just about perfect. The theme is high-end Adirondack “Great Camp,” of the Gilded Age era. The property in fact was built by the Rockefeller family as a retreat from the hectic life in New York City—you can even book the stunning “Mohawk” room in the main lodge, which was once the Rockefellers’ master bedroom. Surrounded by wide-open spaces, this Inn is pet friendly (remarkably with no additional charge!), offering bowls, treats and “Bowser beer” for your fur baby.
Lisa Arcella is a travel writer and blogger whose work has been in People, The Wall Street Journal and Westchester magazine, and is a former editor at Rosie O’Donnell’s magazine. You can follow her at passportandticket.com.
