We recently snagged a room at The Hotel Laurel at Seneca for a weekend escape, and let us tell you, the experience was immediately... unique. While we were enjoying a leisurely Saturday exploring the region, we received a text message announcing the hotel had "activated their touchless check-in process" and providing us with our access code. When we pulled up to the hotel around 3:30 PM, the scene was almost comically serene: the parking lot near the office was completely empty, and not a single car was parked near any of the room entrances. It was like anything we had ever experienced! Despite the eerie quiet, we trusted the hotel's great online reviews and went with the flow, excited by the promise of a peaceful getaway.

Our initial hesitation about being the only guests quickly dissolved the moment we opened the door to our room. The room itself, while compact, was expertly laid out, spotlessly clean, and embraced a lovely, slightly mid-century retro vibe, exactly as promised on their website. The furnishings were comfortable, modern, and in excellent condition, ensuring a relaxing stay. While there wasn't a traditional closet, the convenient hanging rack served our one-night stay perfectly. The bathroom was small but thoughtfully appointed, featuring those lovely soaps and hair products that make a boutique stay feel special. And the view? Absolutely stunning! We looked down across a sloping field toward Seneca Lake, watching several deer graze in the late afternoon sun—a true Finger Lakes postcard moment. Plus, the modern flat-screen smart TV had all the streaming functions we could possibly want.

The hotel’s location made it an easy, quick drive down to downtown Watkins Glen for dinner, which was fantastic. When we returned later, a few more cars had appeared, but the place maintained its peaceful, almost dream-like quiet—it was still far from bustling. Overall, The Hotel Laurel is a fantastic little independent hotel that expertly blends boutique style with the gorgeous natural surroundings. It appears that it would be absolutely phenomenal during the summer when the balconies (which every room features, according to the website!) are in full use and Seneca Lake is busier. If you’re looking for a quiet, clean, and perfectly appointed base camp for exploring the region’s wineries and Watkins Glen State Park, we highly recommend this charming spot!

Learn More at https://thehotellaurel.com/