Ithaca is a vibrant and lively city in New York, home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. It has a great mix of natural wonders and exciting downtown culture. Take the family to Sciencenter, a museum with tons of interactive exhibits and educational programs. You can also check out Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art which houses over 40,000 works in its permanent collections.
Ithaca is home to some great trails such as those in Taughannock Falls State Park which features a 400.0-foot (121.9-meter) gorge. It’s a great place to hike, camp, and have picnics. Ithaca is also home to Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, the two largest Finger Lakes. There are tons of wineries in the area, and the water is great for activities and relaxation. Book your stay in any of these best lakefront hotels near Ithaca, New York, to experience more of the city and its lakes.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. 41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham (from USD 117)
Located right in front of Seneca Lake, this hotel has spacious and cozy rooms, some with views of the water. Parking is free, and there’s a gym and an indoor pool for your workout needs. You can use the business center or the workspace in the units to get some work done too. The hotel provides free internet access as well.
Seneca Lake State Park is a 6-minute drive away and has great trails, picnic areas, a beach for swimming, and kids’ playgrounds. This hotel is about an hour’s drive away from Ithaca.
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham
Address: 41 Lake Front Blvd
47.17 km (29.4 mi) from Taughannock Falls State Park
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2. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel (from USD 179)
Priced at $369/night, the hotel offers a beautiful and clean experience.
The hotel features a pool, hot tub, fire pits, and a coffee bar on each floor.
Conveniently located near Watkins Glen State Park and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
The hotel's restaurant and bar offer delicious food, with breathtaking views of the lake.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a romantic getaway situated right in front of Seneca Lake. The rooms are clean and will make you feel right at home. The heated indoor swimming pool is available to all ages and is open all year round. You can also make use of the fitness center, or relax in the hot tub.
This hotel is roughly a 35-minute drive away from Ithaca. Furthermore, Watkins Glen State Park is only an 11-minute walk away and is a great place for hiking and fishing. You can also watch the sunset on Watkins Glen Beach on Lake Seneca, it’s only a 17-minute walk away from the hotel.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Address: 16 N. Franklin St.
28.9 km (18.0 mi) from Taughannock Falls State Park
3. Geneva on the Lake (from USD 269)
A luxurious home fronting Seneca Lake, this accommodation has charming rooms with plush furnishings and kitchens. The onsite parking is free, and you can avail yourself of a daily continental breakfast for an additional charge here as well. Take advantage of the spa services, or relax on the terrace or garden. For more active fun, enjoy the gym to burn off the vacation gains. However, if you are looking for outdoor activities, go kayaking and fishing. You can also rent bicycles for free to explore the nearby attractions.
Moreover, Ravines Wine Cellars is also a 7-minute drive away and is great for wine tastings for groups. However, if you want something a little more casual, WeBe Brewing Company is a 6-minute drive away and offers a great menu of beers and food.
Geneva On The Lake
Address: 1001 Lochland Rd.
45.83 km (28.5 mi) from Taughannock Falls State Park
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our room or suite i should say was wonderfulHost:
the staff were all excellentstaff was very friendly and the surrounding gardens were very nicefirst the good - great staff beautiful grounds and excellent locationRead more reviewsLocation:
an excellent place to relax
Other nearby lakefront accommodations
4. Spacious home on Cayuga Lake (from USD 430)
With the perfect location to enjoy the beautiful sunset, this home is right on Cayuga Lake. Its three bedrooms are all spacious and comfortable, with each having its own bathroom. This home has a boat dock as well as huge decks with plenty of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the water while dining. It’s easy to go swimming here too since there’s a shallow end and a deep end for your convenience and safety.
Moreover, Treleaven Wines is close to the house and is a great spot for wine and beer tasting or hearty meals with your group. Also, Ithaca itself is roughly a 30-minute ride away.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
a clean place to kickback and enjoy the beauty of the lakeHost:
communication with the owner and property manager was quick and efficientour entire experience was terrific lisa was very helpful and made sure we had everything that we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
we had so much fun the house was totally equipped and a great location
5. Beautiful Cayuga lakeside home with large deck (from USD 350)
Nothing is quite more invigorating than waking up to the quiet sounds of the water and breathing in the clean and fresh air. This home on Cayuga Lake will give you just that. This three-bedroom property has cozy rooms and an incredible deck that is perfect for outdoor dining. Relax by the fire pit, or head into the water using the kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes available on the property for a thrilling adventure.
The house is right by the water and ready for you to jump in and enjoy. King Ferry Golf Club is just about 0.2 miles (0.3 kilometers) away, and Treleaven Wines is about a 5-minute drive away as well.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cottage was clean and decorated very tastefullythe place is clean well equip and comfortable for my family of fiveHost:
the hosts were wonderfuldon was an attentive and helpful hostkeith at don's marina was super helpful would definitely recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
the neighborhood is quiet and friendly
6. Lakeside Tranquility (from USD 217)
An open floor plan cottage with stunning views of the water welcomes you to Cayuga Lake. The bedrooms here are cozy and spacious, and the kitchen is fully equipped so you cook up a storm for the whole group. There is also a wrap-around deck that beckons you to relax and enjoy the lake views and the sunset.
Furthermore, this property is right on the water, making it very easy to go swimming, fishing, or kayaking at any time of the day. It’s also only about a 40-minute drive away from Ithaca.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
had wi-fi and smart tv which were very importantCleanliness:
house was very clean and well equippedRead more reviewsLocation:
great place for walking the dogs
7. Cayuga Lake cottage with stunning lake views (from USD 310)
Wake up to the sounds of the water in this charming lakeside cottage. This place can easily house a small family or a small group of friends. The main area has an open floor plan, with sliding doors leading out to a deck with views of Cayuga Lake. There is another dock and a small pier below the house, right by the lake, with plenty of seating so you can relax and take in the breeze and the wonderful views of the water.
Located in the heart of New York’s wine region, this home is within walking distance of Sheldrake Point Winery. Taughannock Falls State Park is also about an 11-minute drive away and has great campsites, fishing spots, and hiking trails.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cottage was very comfortable and clean - exactly as picturedHost:
the hosts were wonderful and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a fabulous place for a relaxing vacation in the finger lakes
8. Sunset Haven (from USD 330)
This two-bedroom home sits right on Cayuga Lake, and has a wraparound deck, offering stunning panoramic views of the water. Furthermore, there’s a patio and another deck found below the home, perfect for catching some sun while relaxing in the sun loungers. You can even make use of the waterslide, the two inflatable tubes, and the two kayaks for some water fun. Alternatively, end your day relaxing in the hammock or soaking in the hot tub.
Long Point Winery is a great place for wine tasting or for a nice evening meal and is only a 3-minute drive away. Also, a 3-minute drive away is Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes, a great waterfront park which has playgrounds for kids, and great picnic grounds.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
house is clean and very well stocked in the kitchenHost:
paul and debbie were so helpful quick to respond and understanding given weather/road conditionsRead more reviewsLocation:
overall house and location were great only two things to think of
9. Sheldrake Solitude (from USD 185)
This charming waterfront cottage has a beautiful open floor plan with four big windows letting in plenty of natural light and fresh air. There’s a porch and a dock with outdoor seating, so you can relax in the morning with a cup of coffee, or wind down at sunset with a glass of wine. Additionally, there are two kayaks you can use. You can also wade right into the lake when you walk out of the front door.
Moreover, this property is about a 30-minute drive to Ithaca where there are plenty of trails and parks. It’s also about a 14-minute drive away from Taughannock Falls State Park.
10. Fully equipped lakeside cottage on Cayuga Lake (from USD 250)
An ideal place for a family getaway or a fun trip with friends, this lake house has cozy furnishings. There is a grassy backyard and a deck with a hot tub you can use to relax and get rid of the day’s stress. The yard is even great for sitting by the fire pit and making s'mores with your loved ones. While here, you’re only a few steps away from the shore, and the extended dock is perfect for swimming into the deep end to beat the heat.
You can also make use of the paddleboards, kayaks, and life vests on the property. Besides that, it’s only about a 4-minute drive to Treleaven Wines.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
place was very cleanwe had to watch our water use as their well was dry but made it work just fineHost:
adam was a gracious host and provided a wonderful experience for our first girlfriend getaway in a few yearsadam was a helpful and responsive host and we would be happy to stay at this cottage againthanks for everything adam (great communication with the owner)first communication with owner was excellent very prompt and complete answersRead more reviewsLocation:
super nice to get away from the suburbs life as everything was quiet and peaceful on cayuga lakethe location is perfect the property and cottage are exactly as pictured and make for a relaxing vacation
Experience the magic of nature in Ithaca
Nothing says rest and relaxation more than a vacation to a lake. The serene waters, the beautiful sunset, and the fresh air is the perfect combination to help you recharge. These best lakefront hotels near Ithaca, New York, are the ideal stay for a great holiday.
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