Site Inspection: The Lake House at Canandaigua

Location

The Lake House at Canandaigua is located in Upstate New York on Lake Canandaigua, the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes. The area is a destination for boating, swimming, hiking, skiing and wine tasting. It is just under five hours from New York City and 90 minutes from Buffalo, and less than two hours from Niagara Falls.

Hotel

The Lake House is a casually elegant retreat that immediately welcomes guests into its spacious and light-filled lobby, made bright by an artisanal chandelier, custom furniture (the front desk and large console table are made from a large willow tree from the site) and large windows overlooking the lake. The hotel's 124 guest rooms are divided over several buildings, and many of the rooms have generous balconies. Connecting rooms are available for families. Rooms are available with queen or king beds, and suites come with a king bed. Rooms are decorated in blonde wood and light neutral tones, with hardwood floors and luxury linens, and have a clean, classic feel.

The grounds are a highlight, painstakingly maintained by the resident master gardener. Expect beautiful native plantings, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, bright seasonal flora and thoughtfully placed adirondacks and fire pits for marshmallow roasts. The outdoor pool is heated year-round, and the pool deck provides a beautiful view of Lake Canandaigua.

Dining

There are several dining options on site: espresso, other coffees and pastries are available in the library each morning; the Rose Tavern, with its large open wood fired hearth, serves locally sourced gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and the Sand Bar is a true haven of “lake life” for casual meals and cocktails near the resort's boat docks. The cozy lounge across from the Rose Tavern is a perfect place for an intimate cocktail. The garden is again a source of inspiration, supplying botanicals for craft cocktails and organic produce for the Rose Tavern.

Activities

The lake is the star attraction, with boats (bring your own or rent one from their fleet), captained lake cruises, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding. Explore the resort or the nearby downtown on one of their adorable loaner bikes. They offer whiskey and woodburning classes, perfect for a unique keepsake to remind you of your time at the Lake House. Nearby, the Canandaigua Lake WIne Trail and the wineries of the Finger Lakes region make the perfect day trip. Hiking, breweries, cooking classes and other outdoor adventures are also nearby.

Spa

The Willowbrook Spa offers multiple treatment rooms, a creekside spa garden and outdoor barrel saunas (available for private sauna and detox sessions), and a botanically inspired spa menu.

Image 1: Barrel sauna; Image 2: King room

Events & Corporate Meetings

The Lake House is a dream wedding destination, with a lakeside timber-frame event barn and a beautiful and spacious bridal suite. Weddings in the spring or fall would be gorgeous. There are also smaller function rooms, perfect for corporate meetings or retreats.

This resort is perfect for families, multigenerational events, or those looking for a restorative getaway.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York. In need of further inspiration? Check out Claudia Love’s guide, Solo Weekend in New York.