After an extensive renovation of the lobby and guest rooms this past winter, The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, New York is primed for a renaissance. A perfect weekend destination from New York City, New Jersey or Connecticut, the seasonal property offers everything you could want under one roof—or within a five-minute walk.
The hotel, which has been owned and operated by the Clark family since it first opened its doors in 1909, sits on the southern shore of stunning Lake Otsego (made famous by author James Fenimore Cooper in The Deerslayer and The Last of the Mohicans). The staff is friendly and accommodating (one attentive member of the housekeeping staff even found our missing diamond earring), and the property is flush with amenities, like a heated pool, water sports, the world-renowned Leatherstocking Golf Course and numerous rocking chairs on the patio overlooking the lake—the perfect venue for diving into a good book.
The resort’s renovated lobby
The resort offers many dining options as well, including the casual Hawkeye Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner, the more formal Glimmerglass dining room (along with an abundant breakfast buffet, included in the room rate) and two lounges. Our favorite discovery for a cocktail pre or post-dinner was the newly installed octagonal fire table (an updated version of a fire pit) on the lawn.
The property attracts families (many with a keen interest in baseball: the Baseball Hall of Fame is a short walk away), couples and groups staying for special events or conferences—there were three weddings going on when we visited! We can’t wait to go back and enjoy the breeze off the lake in the summer months ahead or maybe even spend a quiet winter weekend by the fire watching the snow fall.
Below, the Otesaga’s general manager Jim Miles tells us about the most sought-after room on the property:
The most requested room:
Room 326. It’s a suite with a lake view located in the heart of the resort.
What makes it so special?
It’s a perfect place to curl up by the fireplace with a cocktail made from your personal in-room wet bar and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Otsego.
The rate:
The average is $649.
A view of the resort
Celebrity guests:
The Otesaga does not share such information, however, each year the hotel closes down to the public to host Major League Baseball stars coming into town for the annual Hall of Fame Induction. Some notable names of past inductees include Cal Ripken, Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson.
Your personal favorite:
Room 340.
Because…
It offers extraordinary 180-degree views of the lake and is the largest guest room at the resort. On clear days, it’s hard to tell where the lake ends and the sky begins. The room also has a homey feel that I love when staying at a hotel.
Fun fact:
For years, the hotel was rumored to have paranormal activity. From 1920 to 1954, the hotel was the Knox School for Girls, a private girl’s school, and guests and staff have reported hearing voices and children playing in the halls when no one is around. Apparitions also have been spotted in different areas of the hotel. Syfy Channel’s Ghost Hunters came to visit in 2010 and confirmed that the historic hotel is haunted with friendly spirits.
MORE ROOM REQUEST!
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