Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen Review: Picture Perfect Waterfront Hotel in the Finger Lakes

The delicate peach-colored accordion fold on a tissue tucked into the end of the toilet paper at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen said it all: “THIS HOTEL HAS ATTENTION TO DETAIL!” It didn't stop there. I was continually impressed with the accommodations at this beautiful waterfront hotel.

I loved taking pictures of its exterior and interior, as a photographer. And as an avid traveler, I was grateful for the comfort it provided during our stay. This review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen includes many photos and thorough information to make your decision to book even easier.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase, at no cost to you. We truly only recommend hotels, products and services we personally use. 

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen Curb Appeal

There is no doubt this hotel has some serious appeal from the moment you drive up to it. The care they took with the design and quality of their sign, alone, speaks volumes.

There are two ways to approach the hotel, which opened in 2008: first by the street, of course, and the second by boat on Seneca Lake. Both views are beautiful! The landscaping is really impressive and the colors of the plants and flowers add to this luxury hotel's allure.

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for a review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, with detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark
Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for a review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, with detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

Common Spaces

Any hotel with a fireplace in its lobby is communicating a warm welcome to its guests – literally and figuratively. Its hearth invites you to stay awhile. There are always fresh flowers on the center table along with the daily newspaper, and friendly staff to greet you at the front desk.

The common area in the “back” of the hotel (or side closest to Seneca Lake) also has a welcoming fire pit to enjoy during the day or in the evenings. It's the perfect place to cozy up to a loved one during a romantic weekend getaway. Additional Adirondack chairs line the pathway so many guests can enjoy a waterfront view and seat at all times.

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

Onsite dining is also available for three meals each day. Their Coldwater Bar is the perfect place for an evening or pre-dinner cocktail before heading to their Blue Pointe Grille for dinner. Or, in the morning, enjoy an outdoor breakfast on The Patio.

Guest Areas at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen

The hallways showcase the upkeep of the hotel is an utmost priority. The water color palette is matched in the guest room corridors. Bright daylight bulbs in sconces and overhead lighting illuminate the way through white wainscot panelling and cool-toned blue hued walls.

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

I opened the door to my room and was delighted by the “Cape Cod” inspired design. The colors were calming and the bed called to me! I am a huge fan of throw pillows, thus seeing them so elegantly placed on each bed made me smile; an embroidered “HH” on the front one was the icing on the cake.

The wainscotting from the hallways was echoed in the rooms from the headboards, to a table for two, to a vanity seat, and finishes in the bathroom.

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark
Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the vanity and using the provided cosmetic mirror and additional lighting to apply makeup before dinner that evening. It's a nice addition to the bathroom and I felt an important detail in this review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen.

Little things like that go a long way in helping them stand out amongst other hotels I've been to! So did the beautiful granite countertops, superior bath products, and full standing, completely tiled shower. Even the toilet paper and tissue box stood out!

Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

Here is additional helpful information regarding guest rooms and services at the Harbor Hotel:

  • Guests enjoy complimentary, high speed wifi
  • Hotel is 100% non-smoking
  • Each floor has coffee stations in the morning near the elevators – the Harbor Hotel has said “no” to unsightly, unsanitary brewers in the rooms (hallelujah) and fresh, complimentary coffee is available at the start of each day (just follow the smell of fresh java)
  • Guests are invited to use a state of the art fitness center and indoor heated pool
  • 24-hour room service is available with a limited menu
  • Each room has a high definition, flat screen tv
  • Safety deposit boxes are available at the hotel's front desk near the main lobby
  • Pets are not allowed in the hotel
  • Nightly turndown service is topped off with delicious chocolates on your pillow
  • Beds have high thread count, luxury cotton sheets
  • The hotel has 104 luxury guest rooms and suites
  • Check in is at 4:00pm and check out at 11:00am

Book Your Stay at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen

Here are a few things to consider when booking your stay:

  • Time of year: If you're planning on staying during a peak time (generally the summer) be sure to book very much in advance, especially for a weekend.
  • Promotional packages: The hotel runs a variety of wonderful getaway packages, from a romantic Valentine's Day special to Winter Weekdays, to something they call a Bed and Breakfast Package. Be sure to check current options.
  • Various views are available to book (for example, a Lake View and Village View) as are various room sizes, from your usual king and queen, to suites and rooms with jacuzzis.
  • Seneca Lake Wine Events: Consider yourself a wine enthusiast? Be sure to check out the many events on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail website to see if one corresponds to any dates you wish to visit the region. We especially loved visiting Point of the Bluff Vineyards nearby in Hammondsport.

Things to do Near the Harbor Hotel

There is a ton to do in the Finger Lakes. Within an hour or less of driving time, there are world-class museums, restaurants, towns to explore, and strong viticulture.

Here are a few things to do in Watkins Glen and its neighboring Finger Lakes towns:

We hope this review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen made your decision to book your reservation even easier if you're visiting the Finger Lakes!

Please note: We thank Visit Goldsboro for generously hosting us. We may make a small commission from affiliate links in this post if you click through and proceed with a purchase or action, and we thank you for supporting our small business, at no cost to you. All the opinions in this post are ours and we bring you genuine content with real facts, photos, thoughts and recommendations. Always.

Heading to the Finger Lakes? Also check out:

What's a favorite waterfront hotel you've stayed at or dream of visiting?
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Looking for Hotels in the Finger Lakes area of New York? We share where to stay for a weekend getaway or road trip to the area. This waterfront lodging will be perfect for your vacation, as it's very close to many things to do, from wineries, to Watkins Glen State Park with its beautiful waterfalls, to Seneca Lake. Click through for a review of the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, with detailed photos and information for this picturesque hotel. #FingerLakes #WatkinsGlenStatePark

18 Comments

  1. I love it when hotels do take care of the small details. The cosmetic mirror is something that really stands out and it’s quite useful, especially when you travel together. Reminds me of my latest stay where I put make-up on while standing in front of the room door and using that mirror instead of the bathroom mirror 😉

    1. That’s so true! I was there solo but had my partner been with me it definitely would have helped me put makeup on while he used the bathroom sink, for instance. Good call! Thanks, Melanie!

  2. Love the fact that they have a fireplace outside with chairs so you can relax outside even when it gets chilly! This hotel looks perfect for a weekend getaway. Hope you had a great time!

    1. I know! I completely agree. I grew up on LI and used to live in NYC – and spend about 40% of my time there still – so it’s really hard to forget it’s a TINY piece of the state!

  3. This hotel is so dreamy! The curb appeal is definitely nice but I liked the common area most. The hotel almost looks like a home with a really nice view of a river just outside. These are the types of hotels we love. But who doesn’t right!?

  4. I can see the wonderful details in your lovely photos. And your listing at the end has a few notables: 100% non-smoking and no-pets, coffee stations and centralized safety boxes, chocolates at turndown service. Enticing!

      1. Hi there I saw a review that while the hotel is 100% smoking the smokers congregate on the outside patios. Was this anyone’s experience

  5. The Harbor Hotel has a unique charm. It looks so different from your normal hotel. Love the immaculate decor of the hotel and how the premises have been seamlessly integrated with nature and the environs. The common spaces, especially the lounge chairs in the garden look so inviting, great to chill out there.

  6. I love the fireplace in the lobby. What a great place to hang out before check-in. I also really like the colour palette they have gone for. I think all hotels should have a turn-down service. It feels so luxurious.

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