The Otesaga

Posted on July 5th, 2017

It’s been almost two years since I last stayed at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown (and almost two years since I last blogged about it!), but it remains one of my five favorite places to stay.  Ian and I were dithering around about whether to stay in the city for the weekend or skip town, but when we saw one lone room pop up at the Otesaga thanks to a cancellation, we knew it was kismet, and we booked.  I’m so glad we did!

It’s not easy to keep a 108 year hotel looking fresh, but the Otesaga works at it and succeeds while still staying true to their original aesthetic.  Each time I come, something has been tastefully updated.  One of the Otesaga’s key assets is its location on Otsego Lake (yes, the spellings are confusing).  Whether you’re sitting in white rockers on the veranda sipping morning coffee, sitting at the new outdoor firepit enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail, or eating at either of the lakeside restaurants, you’re appreciative of being in such a gorgeous spot.  The location could not be more relaxing, but it’s right in the heart of Cooperstown and an easy walk to the village’s amenities.

Insider’s tip: the Otesaga has a killer breakfast buffet, they make all their own pastries, and their donuts are dreamy.  The food in general is one of the highlights, which truthfully isn’t always the case at similar hotels.  Even as we explore the area beyond the resort, we rarely eat anywhere else on our Cooperstown visits.

I can only hope I age as gracefully as the Otesaga.  Now that I’m living in the same state, I’m even more confident I’ll be back!