NEWSLETTER
You may be on a budget, but that doesn't mean you need to stay home this winter. Off-season deals and cozy cabins make this the season for everyone. From oceanfront retreats to snowy mountain peaks—here are seven winter vacations for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers in New York.
Originally published: 11/7/2019 | Updated 12/12/2024
Budget: Montauk
Nestled amid the dunes, the deals at Montauk Manor take an otherwise lavish destination and make it pleasantly affordable during the off-season. The hotel offers specials throughout the year, such as a Murder Mystery weekend, so call and ask what's available. During your stay, stroll the sandy shores of Montauk Point State Park—free from crowds and tourists, you’ll quickly realize that the winter months reveal Eastern Long Island’s raw, unspoiled beauty. Montauk Point Lighthouse offers free parking over the winter, and while you can't go inside or on the grounds past December until March, the views from Turtle Hill and vantage point from Camp Hero make this stop a must-do any season. Later, warm up by tasting an array of blends and varietals at Channing Daughters Winery or visit Montauk Brewing Company to sample the latest craft brew creations.
Budget: Buffalo
Photo Credit: Joe Cascio
Just under a mile from Canalside, Hotel @ The Lafayette is a comfortable, budget-friendly place to rest your head. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown, you’ll enjoy easy access to the waterfront where ice skating, art, eateries, and free events run daily. Take a drive to nearby Niagara Falls for free access to the wonder of the Northeast or head to Anchor Bar for the spicy chicken wings that put Buffalo on the map.
Mid-Range: Lake Placid
Sure, you could go full-on luxury at Lake Placid Lodge, but there are other options for other budgets that are just as cozy. Try the Placid Bay Hotel, with rooms starting as low as $159 a night. As Lake Placid’s first-ever smart hotel, all of the rooms offer up-to-date amenities like smart TVs with streaming services, voice-controlled Alexa devices, contactless check-in, Keurig coffee makers, and top-notch WiFi. Spend your days adventuring in the Adirondacks, then return to your newly updated room to enjoy luxury linens and a spacious Scandinavian aesthetic. Add a little four-legged adventure to your trip with a nearby dog sled excursion.
Mid-Range: Hudson
Set in an old movie house, Rivertown Lodge (pictured) exudes warmth and upstate nostalgia from the lobby’s wood-burning stove to the vintage-modern ambiance in its thoughtfully decorated guest rooms. Known for outstanding service and delicious food, this boutique hotel offers equally delightful deals: Located in the heart of the village, you’re just a mile away from farm-to-table grub at Wm. Farmer & Sons and a short drive from Olana State Historic Site.
Mid-Range: North Creek
The Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown offers a wide array of amenities, and it's just a 20-minute drive from Gore Mountain and 30 minutes from Lake George, so you're guaranteed an unforgettable Adirondack vacation. This inn is perfect for a romantic getaway with rooms that feature Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, balconies, and classic cozy cabin decor. Take advantage of the on-site dining room and enjoy local, farm-to-table cuisine alongside a historic backdrop. For a more laid-back vibe, stop by the Birch Bistro for a warm and relaxing environment.
Luxury: Chester
Boost it up a notch for a luxurious weekend getaway at Glenmere Mansion in Chester, where wineries including Brotherhood, Applewood, and Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery are a 10- to 20-minute drive from the resort. Granted the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, the resort's multiple dining venues offer lavish settings and decor including candlelit tables, marble staircases, large fireplaces, full bar, antique furnishings and porcelain china. Enjoy their popular prix-fixe three-course Sunday brunch at $95.
Luxury: Saranac Lake
Relax by Upper Saranac Lake at The Point resort, a Relais & Chateaux property and Forbes five-star resort, where cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through Adirondack landscape offer an upfront look at a true winter wonderland. Nearby, the Wild Center's museum takes you into the depths of the Adirondacks. Back at The Point, weather permitting, ice skating at dusk and bonfires on Saranac Lake reveal the wilderness' romantic beauty. The resort has an executive chef serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the "Great Hall," where black tie attire is suggested on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and dinner jackets and cocktail attire are expected throughout the week.
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