Where to Stay in NY State (and Get Treated Like a VIP)
Hi there! I would like to reintroduce myself. I am Julie and I started Small Beautiful Moments in January of 2021. It started out as a boutique travel service offering custom travel itineraries along with a blog written by me, about my travels. In September of 2023, I took the leap and applied to become a Travel Advisor with Fora, a modern, tech-forward travel company. I was accepted and was excited to have access to preferred partners, exclusive perks and upgrades. This really opened up my ability to plan one of a kind itineraries for my travelers.
If you have read this far, I promise you I have a point! I thought it would be great for me to share about some of the incredible properties that Fora partners with to offer extras in my home state (and also my favorite state) of New York. I have chosen four properties to showcase and can personally attest to how great they are since I have stayed at all of them. Plus it costs nothing to book through me. My hotel booking services are free!
Let’s get into it!
Starting out with a bang is one of my favorite properties! I have stayed here several times and sent several clients here and everyone loves it. It is perfectly situated for enjoying lake life in the summer, skiing in the winter, hiking in the fall and wine tasting in the spring. It’s truly a beautiful destination in any season! This property is located in the town of Canandaigua, NY in an area known as the Finger Lakes.
I am talking about the Lake House on Canadaigua!
The perks offered if you booked through me are: Breakfast for Two Daily • $100 Hotel Credit per Stay (to be used on services such as spa, dining, or selected amenities valued at $100 or more) • Hotel Welcome Amenity and Welcome Note • Complimentary In-Room Internet • Room Upgrade (subject to availability) • Priority Check-in and Check-out (subject to availability)
Two of my favorite things about this property are: The fabulous restaurant located on the property (The Rose Tavern) and the cozy library bar with views of the lake.
The Willowbrook Spa is located on the property if you are looking for some extra relaxation. Plus there is a pool that is heated year round and as you can see from my pictures below, they give you a fabulous robe to take with you on those colder nights!
Prices can vary throughout the year, so visiting in the off season is the most affordable. A standard room starts around $300 and a resort fee of $38 per night applies.
The second property on my list is also located in the Finger Lakes, but is located on the Eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. I have had the pleasure of staying here and have also sent several clients here. This is the perfect place for a quiet, low key getaway. This property also really shines in the summer due to being right on Cayuga Lake, but it is fabulous any time of year. The town of Ithaca, New York is only a short drive from the property and if you love the outdoors, there are over 150 waterfalls all within an hour drive.
I am talking about the incredible Inns of Aurora Resort and Spa.
The perks offered if you booked through me are: Breakfast for Two Daily • $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi •*Virtuoso Amenities are available only for the Aurora Inn, EB Morgan House, Rowland House, and Zabriskie House
Two of my favorite things about this property are: The complimentary shuttle to the local wineries ( heck yeah) and the list of changing daily activities to fit the seasons. There is even a daily wine and cheese hour! You can do as much or as little as you want here and still have a fabulous time.
The Inns of Aurora Spa is an absolute must if you stay here. You will never want to leave. Plan on spending at least 4-5 hours here to take advantage of all of the amenities. The outdoor pool is heated year round and don’t miss the cafe where you can sip on hot teas and grab a soup or salad and it’s all complimentary!
There are five Inns that make up the property and each can have a different price point. Prices can vary throughout the seasons and certain times of the year there is a nightly minimum stay. If you choose to visit in the off season, you are more likely to have a lower rate. A standard room starts at around $400.
Resort Policy: Children under 12 are generally not accommodated, with exceptions for private residence rentals.
Third on this list is located in the Hudson Valley in the town of Gardiner. This is a favorite of many New York City residents because of its proximity to the city. I was lucky enough to stay here in the month of September when the days were warm and the nights were cool. I have yet to send any clients here but I cannot say enough great things about my time here and can’t wait to send someone here!
I am talking about the fabulous Wildflower Farms: Auberge Collection
The perks offered if you booked through me are: Daily $90 breakfast credit at Clay restaurant • $100 Hotel Credit per Stay • Hotel Welcome Amenity and Welcome Note • Room upgrade at time of check in when available • Early Check In / Late Checkout based on availability
Two of my favorite things about this property are: The great porch with it’s incredible views of the Shawangunk Ridge ( the perfect place to have a cocktail) and the amount of unique experiences they offer their guests. Some of the experiences are complimentary while others do have a cost associated with them. If I can, I highly recommend taking the Rising Blooms Focaccia class. It was so fun and you get to eat your creation!
The Thistle Spa is definitely worth visiting and the indoor pool is the perfect place to relax. There are trails to walk, a farm to visit and plenty of opportunities to be in nature. There is also an incredible restaurant on the property. Clay is a true farm to table dining experience and even if you never get the chance to stay at Wildflower, I would recommend coming here for dinner if you find yourself in the area.
Staying at Wildflower is a bit of a splurge but it is a fabulous option if you are looking for a quiet, but luxurious stay. It would be perfect for a girls weekend ( split the cost!) or a couples getaway. You can be as busy or as chill as you’d like and there is plenty of space to explore. Rates start around $1000 per night, but vary based on the season and cabin type.
The fourth and final property on this list is also located in the Hudson Valley in the town of Amenia. The location of this property is perfect for exploring the small towns of Connecticut and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. It’s the perfect place to write, relax or have a couples getaway.
I am talking about the very special Troutbeck Inn
The perks offered if you booked through me are: Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $300 during stay) • Complimentary In-Room Internet • Upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability) • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Two of my favorite things about this property are: How absolutely serene and quiet it is here. It is a true retreat with roaring fireplaces at every turn and cozy libraries with comfy leather chairs. My second favorite thing would be the grounds.. hammocks to lay in, tennis courts to play on, a pool with plenty of cabanas to relax in and a garden that was bursting with dahlias during my visit.
Troutbeck does have a spa, but it is small. That being said the treatment I had was lovely and I left there feeling so relaxed. There are unique wellness offerings like forest bathing, astrology and sound baths, even acupuncture.
Rates for a stay at Troutbeck start around $600 and vary based on the season. There are a few different buildings on the property that you can choose from. I had the pleasure of staying in the Manor House, which is also the main building where you check in and where the restaurant is located.
“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show”
The wonderful thing about living in New York State is the abundance of amazing places to visit and stay. Some as easy as an overnight and others that are perfect for that week long getaway. As always, I share about these beautiful properties in the hopes that it inspires you to visit a new place, book that girls trip, spend time with your significant other or even treat yourself to a solo getaway. I would love to help you make those memories so leave a comment, send me an email or find me on IG at @jtfago if I can help you!
As always, thanks for reading!
x, Julie