Nestled in Upstate New York’s pristine Finger Lakes region, the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa in the charming village of Aurora is an unforgettable wellness experience and lakeside retreat that makes guests feel right at home.
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Situated on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, this historical Finger Lakes town is home to the private liberal arts university, Wells College, plus a slew of quaint shops and restaurants. Five beautifully restored 19th-century homes occupy the Inns of Aurora: the traditional Federal-style Aurora Inn, Italianate limestone-clad E.B. Morgan House, cozy & contemporary Rowland House, vibrantly-emblazoned Wallcourt Hall, and the design-forward Zabriskie House.
Restoring the properties chronologically, Pleasant Rowland — educator, journalist, philanthropist, Wells College alumna, and founder of American Girl — first repurposed the earliest 1833-circa Aurora Inn, constructed by Colonel Edwin Barber Morgan. Stately columns and a brick exterior lead to modernized 19th-century interiors: marbled bathrooms, symmetrical antique fireplaces, and rich wood furnishings adorn the ten guestrooms and shared spaces. Ruins from the old-age Grist Mill add to the stay’s rich historical past.
With a limestone Italianate-style stone façade, the former home of E.B. Morgan appears unwelcoming with its Gothic architecture. However, the bright-colored seven-room inn is swathed in punchy orange, pink, and red-hued accents, ornate chandeliers, and contemporary artworks from Rowland’s exquisite collection. Its wraparound outdoor deck, freckled by coral-colored fauna, softens its haughty exterior.
Rowland House, once Pleasant’s Aurora homestead, imbues a chic lakefront essence equipped with an innkeeper who oversees guests’ every need. Playfully-colored motifs meshed with modern art pieces dress the two parlors, private dining space, and ten guestrooms. Its prized third-floor “Whimsy Rooms” are decorated in whimsically-patterned MacKenzie-Childs ceramics from head to toe: room eight boasts hand-painted monochrome checkered walls with an eye-catching floral headboard to boot.
Perched on a hilltop across the road from E.B. Morgan House, Wallcourt Hall is vibrantly decorated stay: persimmon orange-toned accents, Dalmatian-dotted bathrooms, and hand-woven Italian fabrics cover the cleanly fashioned abode.
Considered the brother property of Rowland House, Zabriskie House is refurbished with cool-toned decor, ranging from deep blue to lime green and white-trimmed upholstery, evoking a lighter, minimalist look that emphasizes the artwork. At the helm of Rainbow Chair — a famed art installation by Patrick Norguet with only one other existing copy in the MoMa — stands prominently in the foyer.
Regarding the holistic experience, the stunning minimalist farmhouse spa situated on 350 acres of serene farmland is ensconced by fragrant lavender fields, providing an all-encompassing wellness journey. Spa-goers can indulge in the facility’s six indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, meditation lounges, saunas, steam rooms, outdoor patios, and an Ayurveda-inspired treatments menu. We recommend booking the Results-Driven 80-minute treatment, where a professional esthetician performs a detailed consultation to discover your precise skin needs.
Sticking to the homey atmosphere, each dining option serves home-cooked culinary-style dishes and American cuisine classics. Dining at 1883 Kitchen & Bar feels refined, while the Fargo Bar & Grill offers various small bites, alongside cheeseburgers, sandwiches, and salads. At Aurora Cooks, guests sit front-row on Chef Lou Donato’s countertop and observe a top-notch meal cooked right before their eyes.
Needless to say, when it comes to Upstate New York stays, Inns of Aurora is truly a home away from home that’s perfect for some R&R.
Top Takeaways
Location: Aurora, New York
Address: 391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026
Rating: Four-Star
The vibe: A historic lakeside retreat that feels like home.
Food + Drink: Expect an emphasis on farm-to-table style dishes and casual American cuisine. At Fargo Bar & Grill, try the Loaded Tots with bacon, cheddar, green onions, and malt aioli on the side, as it’s a guest-favorite dish. The aforementioned Aurora Cooks and 1183 Kitchen & Bar are tasty choices as well.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: A hyper-cozy reading nook inside the sunshine-yellow-painted “Whimsy Room” at Rowland House is the perfect spot to get lost in a good book. Plus, the Grecian temple out back adds a unique historical nod that we love.
Amenities: Spa; Fitness center; Yoga classes; Outoorsmen Guides; Nature trails; Lakefront; Campfire; Restaurants; Bar
What’s Nearby? Cayuga Lake; Wells College; Women’s Rights National Historical Park; Cayuga Lake Wine Trail; MacKenzie-Childs Aurora; Victorian Morgan Opera House
Any personal neighborhood recs? Drive along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the oldest wine trail in the country, for vineyard-tasting spots, lakefront restaurants, and a medley of attractions.
Rooms: 56
Pricing: Rates start at $215/night
Closest Airport: Syracuse Hancock International Airport
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