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Cooperstown, New York, offers an excellent choice
of charming inns, resorts and bed and breakfasts, as well as more
modern motels and hotels...
Bayside Inn and Marina
Bayside Inn and Marina.
There's nothing quite like a traditional, family-oriented lake motel
vacation, especially when it's in Cooperstown, N.Y.
As a child growing up in the 1960s and 70s, taking a family
vacation to a Cooperstown motel located on a lake with a private beach
was definitely on the "A" list of my childhood joys along with the
local ice cream stand, playing baseball with friends at the park and
having family barbecue chicken dinners on the charcoal grill in the
backyard. What special memories, the type that you wish there was
some way to return to in our more faster-paced modern world.
Happily, the lakeside memories from yesteryear still exist today at
places like the Bayside Inn and Marina in Cooperstown, an ideal, clean,
updated, pleasant, reasonably-priced family-oriented motel that has all
the earmarks of a classic motel lake vacation destination from the past.
It's real testimony to the magic of the Bayside when you get goosebumps
by just pulling your car into the parking lot. For starters, hanging
flower baskets and colorful rockers outside the sunny-looking, white
wooden house-like main lobby building sets a most welcoming tone.
Inside, the classic carpeted, dimly-lit lobby with friendly desk help
provides a warm greeting, while the adjoining family room with board
games like Twister and a television with cartoons playing leads out to
a fabulous, large wooden deck where one can see the timeless beauty of
nine-mile long Otsego Lake. The deck features tables and chairs under
umbrellas and offers wonderful scenes of an inviting BBQ pavilion, the
updated, renovated 1950s-style motel complex, pleasant-looking
family-style cottages (that can accommodate up to 10 people) and in the
near distance -- beyond the majestic pine trees -- the small beach with
its crystal clear waters. Here, kids throw away their carry-along
technologies to get out to run, swim and play, while parents breathe in
deeply the special Cooperstown mountain air to rid themselves of
suburban and urban stresses.
Early morning sun at the Bayside Inn and Marina beach.
For added fun, the Bayside offers kayaks and canoes, free of
charge. There’s also a gazebo at the beach, a perfect place to
bring your own breakfast or just kick back and relax and revel in the
lost art of doing nothing. Add a game room and fitness complex back at
the main lobby building, and you really have an all-inclusive lodging
destination. This is a different all-inclusive lodging destination,
however -- it’s not forced to you through marketing hype and big
advertising budgets. Rather, you generate the special memories on your
own the minute you arrive to find your instant friends behind the desk
and in the form of one of New York State’s most beautiful lakes.
Kayaks at the Bayside Inn and Marina.
Back in your cozy motel room with the laundry-fresh smell, there's a
great mix of old-time and modern day amenities: cable TV, HBO, in-room
phones, high-speed wireless Internet access, room-controlled heat, air
conditioning, small refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, iron and
ironing boards, and private baths. Nothing fancy, but truly a great
foundation to enhance your stay by the lake and all that Cooperstown
has to offer (we recommend you browse the entire site for vacation
ideas in this special central Upstate New York region).
The Bayside Inn and Marina is ultimately a lodging destination with
character and personality and where pride of ownership and a
one-of-a-kind location help create memories for a lifetime. In our
modern world of society striving to find the best things in life --
often carrying a certain social status and hefty price tag -- it's nice
to know that the family motel on the lake is still alive and well.
These places might not make the "front cover" in our "I want it all
now" world, but for those who have taken the time to slow down, connect
with each other and enjoy the simple things in life, the lake motel
vacation remains a most remarkable tradition. The Bayside Inn and
Marina captures this very special essence, to the highest degree
possible.
Bayside Inn and Marina
Toll-free 866-547-2371
Email baysideinn@juno.com
7090 State Highway 80
Cooperstown, NY 13326
The Lake 'n Pines is also a worthy
contender when it comes to lake
motel vacations in the Cooperstown area with its gorgeous views of
Otsego Lake. With well-kept motel rooms and cabins, a swimming area,
boating and an indoor pool, the Lake 'n Pines is a great family lodging
choice and less than 10 minutes to the Village of Cooperstown. The mix
of tall pines, the glistening lake, nice rooms and a pleasant staff
make the Lake 'n Pines the top lodging choice outside the Village.
Great place, but I would go first with the Bayside Inn and Marina.
7102 St Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY - (607) 547-2790.
We haven't been to the following lodging destinations for a while, but,
based on our last visits, were excellent places to stay...
The Inn at Cooperstown is a
tremendous lodging destination. The rooms,
so classy but informal, make for a great night's sleep. The dining and
living room area evoke a more elaborate version of the old-time feeling
of your grandparent's house. Everywhere you look there is a nuance that
sticks in your mind, long after returning home. The Victorian
furnishings, antiques, a fireplace, the comfy couches, and
old-fashioned chairs make one want to stay indoors all day long. The
long front porch, with its wonderful rocking chairs, gently puts
everything in perspective by allowing you to unwind in the grand
Cooperstown Village atmosphere. Perspective can be gained here as
everyday life -- high-rises, rush hours, cell phones and other aspects
of the ironic use of the word, "civilization" --seems secondary to the
slower pace and grace of this Chestnut St. location.
16 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY - (607) 547-5756.
Inn at Cooperstown, Cooperstown.
The Nelson Avenue Pines is
close to Otsego Lake and all Cooperstown
Main Street activities. A stunning 1870s Victorian set to Country
French decor and antiques, the Nelson Avenue Pines is located on a
street (Nelson Ave., of course) of magnificent large homes, close to
Main St. The Nelson Avenue Pines is spotless on the inside with some
very pleasant rooms, including a full third floor for families and
others wanting more space. Owner Penny Gentile is a gracious host and
one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She knows how to run a bed
and breakfast, and more, importantly she truly loves the work she does
-- that makes the stay delightful. The Nelson Avenue Pines is
kid-friendly, and offers perhaps the best breakfast in Cooperstown,
with incredible aromas of freshly roasted coffee, daily baked
delicacies, and house specialties of crepes, Belgian waffles, or French
toast a l'orange, as well as a great tropical fruit salad.
20 Nelson Avenue, Cooperstown, NY - (607)547-7118.
The Landmark Inn is a great
example of stately Victorian architecture,
residing on a large (and pretty) Chesnut St. lot. Recently remodeled
(it was great before that), the Landmark Inn, built in 1856, offers
first-class accomodations set to high ceilings, exposed cherry and
chestnut floors in the living room, dining room, and guest rooms, a
grand staircase, internal and external flourishes with every step, a
wonderful backyard perfect for outdoor receptions, and a short walk to
the downtown. We have not been to the Landmark under its new ownership,
but look forward to doing so. Past owners Linda and Bob Schuermann ran
the Inn beautifully with warmth, grace and professionalism. Word is
newest
ownership has kept that magic combination and an eye for restoration,
which is good news for those looking at staying at, pardon the pun, a
true "landmark" in Cooperstown.
64 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY- (607)547-7225.
The Barnwell Inn is a true
hidden gem at 48 Susquehanna Ave. in
the Village (Tel. 607-547-1850). Tara and Mark Barnwell own this
elegant yet informal and friendly 1850 Victorian home with furnishings
and antiques that match the era. With freshly brewed coffee in the
morning, sherry in the afternoon, an apple tree to sit under and some
very charming first and second-floor rooms, the Barnwell Inn feels like
a relaxing getaway, yet it's just a few minute's walk to the heart of
Cooperstown Village. What's more, the breakfast in the beautiful,
old-world dining room is memorable with fresh fruit, quiches, meats,
breads and juices that help start your special day off on the right
foot. Tara and Mark are really special and unassuming people, the
ultimate bed and breakfast hosts who just might remind you of your
favorite relatives!
Those preferring a chain hotel near Cooperstown Dreams Park on Route 28
and yet close to the village would do well with Best Western Cooperstown.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Grand, historic hotel in the Village of
Cooperstown. Scenic Otsego Lake Views. Fabulous lakeside resort
amenities. Memorable dining options. Easy walk to to National Baseball
Hall of Fame and Museum and
quaint, charming downtown. Reserve A Room At The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Cooperstown Marketplace
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