We spent an amazing weekend in Watkins Glen at the Harbor Hotel. It was a perfect getaway to enjoy the gorgeous area of the New York Finger Lakes.
Watkins Glen is a perfect weekend getaway spot from Rochester, New York. It is under a two hour drive and Watkins Glen State Park is one of my all time favorite places to visit.
You can plan a day trip to Watkins Glen but we decided to plan a weekend with a stay at the Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen.
It is a great location for those looking to spend a little more time in the area.
Review of Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen
Location
The Harbor Hotel is located at the end of Seneca Lake. It is also within walking distance to village restaurants and shops.
If you are planning a visit to Watkins Glen State Park expect a 15 minute walk or you can drive.
Cost
The cost of the Harbor Hotel is going to depend on the time of year you visit. In winter and early spring prices can be found for around $230.00/night.
In the busy season, summer and fall, expect higher rates. Check rates and book your stay!
Rooms
The Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen offers deluxe and spacious suites.
We stayed in adjoining rooms that had 1 King Bed and 2 queen beds with a balcony and lake view. The hotel rooms were clean and cozy. They offered ample space for our family of five.
The rooms are equipped with plush robes and an in-room refrigerator. Coffee and tea are complimentary daily on every floor.
There are standard rooms and suites, some overlooking Seneca Lake.
Amenities
Guests can dine at Blue Pointe Grill, which is delicious and has a kids menu. There is also a pool, fitness center, and outdoor fire pits.
Itinerary for Stay at the Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen
We arrived on a Friday evening and after getting settled in our room we headed down to dinner at the Blue Pointe Grill.
After enjoying an excellent dinner, we decided to take an after dinner walk on the pier. It is a really nice area to take an after-dinner stroll.
On Saturday we planned to get up early and go to Watkins Glen State Park, but the rain clouds had rolled in and we decided we would switch our plans.
We slept in a bit and then headed downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast was delicious and we all really enjoyed our meals at the Blue Pointe Grille.
During breakfast we decided to go for a drive to Keuka Candy Emporium in Penn Yan. It is about a 30 minute drive from the hotel and gave us something to do on this rainy morning.
The candy store was cute and we stocked up on taffy and other bulk items to snack on back at the room. As we started our drive home the weather began to clear up and we drove directly to Watkins Glen State Park.
I was really excited to visit Watkins Glen. The gorge trail boasts 19 waterfalls and it is a beautiful hike. We had last visited 4 years ago and I couldn’t wait to experience it again with the family.
The hike really is a must visit in the Finger Lakes, but be prepared for it to be busy. If you are visiting on the weekends or during the summer, it can be very crowded!
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is a 1.5 mile hike up stairs and around waterfalls.
After the hike we headed back to the hotel to relax. I sat on the balcony overlooking Seneca Lake while the kids relaxed and watched TV. It was a nice change of scenery.
In the afternoon we decided to take a swim in the hotel pool. We returned to our room and got ready for dinner.
On our last morning we took a walk along the pier. I am so glad we waited until early morning to do this. There was no else on the pier with us.
Seneca Lake pier is so pretty and serene. We saw fish and seagulls, and took in the calm quietness of the lake. It was a perfect way to end our family weekend in Watkins Glen.
After our walk we had to pack up and check-out. We were so happy to have a weekend away together and really enjoyed our stay at the Harbor Hotel.
More Attractions in Watkins Glen You May Want to Include
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Finger Lakes National Forest
- Seneca Lake Kayak
- Watkins Glen International Speedway-Drive the Glen
- Farm Sanctuary
- Keuka Candy Emporium
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail
- Corning Museum of Glass (18 miles away)
- Taughannock State Park (18 miles away)
The Harbor Hotel is a great option if you want to stay overnight in Watkins Glen.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.