Returning to the Finger Lakes brought me back in time to my first visit twenty years prior, when B&B’s were largely the order of the day and while the wine route was most definitely a draw, it wasn’t as heavily publicized like it is today. No one has ever needed to tout all the wow moments you can have in upstate New York since I grew up in the Adirondacks — there’s no shortage of breathtaking views, challenging hikes, serene lakes, great fishing spots, antiquing and quaint small towns.

Like the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes is fortunate to have resorts and hotels on many of their well renowned and not so well known lakes in the region. The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on Lake Seneca is one of those lodging gems, boasting incredible views of the harbor from any of the front-facing rooms. The lake itself is different than our Mirror Lake and Lake Placid experiences last summer, from temperature and altitude to size and scenery. Dusk and dawn are the best places to take walks along the rocks or have a cuppa Joe or glass of wine facing the changing skies.

This stylish wine-country hotel is in right in the town of Watkins Glen, and on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, 7 miles from Watkins Glen International racetrack. Contemporary rooms and suites have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and seating areas and many include patios or balconies and lake views and some suites have Jacuzzis. We had a lake view with a patio on the top floor and I spent at least a half an hour on the balcony each day taking in the glorious views below me and of the lake beyond.

The hotel itself is a Four-Diamond AAA rated award winning hotel which has all the amenities you’d want for either a romantic getaway or that semi-luxe family stay. There’s an indoor pool, jacuzzi and fitness center, which makes it a great option for families during those colder months as well.

They have a professional concierge on-site as well as a restaurant and bar. You can dine inside or in warmer months, sit on the patio of the Blue Pointe Grille or Cold Water Bar which faces the harbor and has a spectacular view of Seneca Lake.

Adirondack chairs are scattered around the front lawn area, which are a huge plus during the day and later in the evening for gathering with friends, family or simply grabbing a sun downer with your significant other. We love the fact that there’s a fire pit in this sitting area as well, which means you can breathe in that Finger Lakes air even if it’s a bit chilly outside.

There are complimentary coffee stations on each floor, 24-hour room service and an event space, which can be used for business functions or special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.

I’d describe the decor of the rooms as “happy” and “bright,” but in New England motif, with plenty of blues and greens that go well with the nautical outside views. There are seating areas as well even if you don’t go for a suite. Our room had a small but incredibly useful kitchenette area with a fridge, which was great for storing left overs from our dinner beforehand and keeping our bottled water cold.

The hotel is close to Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka Wine Trails and only a few minutes from historic Watkins Glen Franklin Street, and shopping. Also worth noting are some of the Summer and Fall Area Events including:

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We were hosted by the hotel but all opinions expressed are entirely our own.

Renee Blodgett

Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.

She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.

Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.

Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.