Travel: Treat Yourself to a State-Cation at The Lake House on Canandaigua
Travel: Treat Yourself to a State-Cation at The Lake House on Canandaigua
Visit the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes Region - a serene upstate getaway made for rest, comfort, and play
You have probably heard of a stay-cation where you vacation in your own locale, but have you ever heard of a state-cation? The thought dawned on me this past summer as I sat at my desk, calculating how many months were left before year’s end. As I daydreamed of a “pause” before the onslaught of the holiday madness, a press release about The Lake House on Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes region popped up in my inbox. Having only heard about the resort from social media ads, I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about.
To celebrate the end of fall, my five-year-old son and I drove from Chautauqua County to the city of Canandaigua in Ontario County, just over 20 miles southeast of Rochester, for an unforgettable stay at the resort. If you are looking for a quick getaway from Ellicottville or the surrounding areas, a night or two (or more) at “The Lake House” as it is endearingly referred to, is just the ticket!
Historically a former Sheraton Motor Lodge, The Lake House on Canandaigua got its start in the 1980s when investor Marvin Sands, a local businessman and the founder of Constellation Brands, purchased the property that would later become the first iteration of The Lake House. After a major overhaul and recent renovations in early 2020, the resort transformed into the magnificent 124-room luxurious lake house retreat it is today on the northernmost shores of the lake bearing its name. One of the largest of the eleven Finger Lakes, Canandaigua is approximately 16 miles long and is most well-known for its natural beauty and numerous recreational offerings, such as boating, fishing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing, to name a few.
Still owned by the Sands family and under the leadership of the newly appointed general manager, Alexander Schnoeller, this boutique resort offers all the amenities of a world-class five-star with the approachable warmth of Upstate NY hospitality: plush bedding, sensible interiors, soft color palates, beautifully decorated appointments, in-room coffee and tea, terrycloth robes and slippers, complimentary s’mores kits, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub opened year-round… and the list goes on. What’s more, the picture-perfect views of the lake extend for miles, and the expansive wraparound boardwalk makes it easy to grab that perfect, Insta-worthy shot at golden hour.
A LUXURIOUS LAKE HOUSE RETREAT
As you drive down NY-332 and turn onto North Main Street which feeds into South Main, Canandaigua Lake appears in the distance, framed by two tree-lined streets in the historic business district. The Lake House on Canandaigua’s entrance will appear on your right. Upon arrival, guests are immediately greeted as bellhops open doors and usher you into the two-story lobby of the main house - filled with natural light, the most intricately placed décor (pumpkins were aplenty as it was just after Halloween when we visited), views of the verdant grounds and the magnificent lake in the distance. We were treated to a special tour given by Fletcher, a “born and raised” native of Canandaigua and the resort’s concierge. Taking the time to lead us on a walking tour, Fletcher pointed out the boardwalk and pool area, two of the on-site dining options - the Rose Tavern and Sand Bar - as well as the Event Barn used for weddings and other special events. We walked past the many fire pits (for late-night s’mores roasting, of course), the cottage houses and guest rooms, and the two lake view barrel saunas outside of The Willowbrook Spa, the resort’s full-service spa. We were even able to catch a glimpse inside of the sunroom and relaxation room just before closing.
Generously appointed with clean lines, sleek furnishings, natural textiles, and an earthy palate that beckons the senses to slow down and stay awhile, the resort’s creamy beiges and grey tones pair well with the use of stark white, wood trim, and brass accents in the hardwood hallways. Guest rooms are bright and airy, with fluffy beds and cozy creature comforts. Think, walk-in rain showers, gracious vanities, a dedicated makeup towel (yes, ladies!) and bathroom cabinets outfitted with all your travel essential needs.
Our visit to the Rose Tavern for dinner was nothing short of spectacular. From the well-appointed, casual yet polished look and feel of the dining room and the adjoining greenhouse room, to the attentive service, the vibe was just right for either a date night or a cozy family dinner at this new American restaurant featuring a seasonally-inspired menu by Executive Chef Garrett Gray. The drink menu featured many local and regional highlights, including Dr. Konstantin Frank wines from Hammondsport off of Keuka Lake in the “FLX” (Finger Lakes region, for short).
As for my son and me, we opted for seasonal fare off the dinner menu, sampling house classics like the Rose Tavern gnudi, Farro Island salmon with chimichurri, and honey roasted heirloom carrots with a sidecar of maple dipping sauce. The meal left little room for dessert, but we could not turn down a scoop or two of house-made chocolate ice cream.
After a leisure dinner, we took advantage of the complimentary s’mores packages available at the reception desk. The patio off of our ground floor room lead out to a courtyard with fire pits and Adirondack chairs, and gorgeous views of the waterways. A picture-perfect setting for s’mores roasting and memory making!
Following a full day of relaxation and a dreamy sleep, the in-room Nespresso machine with its coffee and tea selection was just the ticket. For breakfast options, guests can enjoy a leisure in-room breakfast or sit in the Library next to a cozy fireplace to sample coffee and pastries. Or, for a most robust breakfast or weekend brunch, opt for dining in the greenhouse at the Rose Tavern. We chose the latter, and my son enjoyed topping his waffles with marshmallow and chocolate drizzle with graham cracker crumble which we had asked for on the side, while I feasted on a scrumptious (and filling!) breakfast burrito. With an almost 360-degree view of the lake, it was hard to leave even after the last of the morsels were eaten and coffee consumed.
A brisk morning bike ride was our next adventure. Equipped with complimentary cruiser bikes and helmets (a bike with training wheels is available upon request), my son and I took a leisure ride past the grounds towards the Canandaigua Lake State Park and pier. With a slight chill in the air, winter was no doubt just around the corner, but at least we had one last chance to savor the bounties of the fall season in the most picturesque of settings.
SPECIAL RATES AND WINTER PACKAGES
Situated about forty minutes southeast of Rochester, The Lake House on Canandaigua is easily accessible from Western New York. The fastest route from the Buffalo area is via I-90 East and is just over an hour-and-a-half drive. From Ellicottville, the drive will take about two hours of alternate route driving depending on the weather. Plan accordingly if you are considering traveling in the winter, as some routes may be impassible or closed off in the winter season.
Visitors from the New York and surrounding states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont) can enjoy a special Northeastern Rate, and a complimentary room upgrade with the Northeastern Neighbors package. Canadian guests can take advantage of the Canadian Resident Exclusive package, which includes a special rate for Canadian residents. Other ongoing special rates can be found on the resort’s Special Offers page.
New for the winter season, The Lake House is offering a Warm Up to Winter package, which includes 20% off a two-night stay or 25% off three nights or more with complimentary room upgrades. Terms apply and rooms and days are limited. Book directly through the resort’s website or call reservations at 585-394-7800.
Last but not least, skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the Lake House’s ski package offered in partnership with nearby Bristol Mountain. Included in the package are two full-day lift tickets, grab-and-go breakfast for two, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the resort to the mountain. Kids seven years old and younger will enjoy complimentary meals.
A beautiful state-cation in the Finger Lakes region can be yours this winter, so pack your gear and load the car for a quick two-hour drive to the shores of Lake Canandaigua. The Lake House on Canandaigua is located at 770 South Main Street in historic Canandaigua. To book your stay, visit the resort’s website at https://lakehousecanandaigua.com/ or call 585-394-7800.