inns of aurora

Inns of Aurora: Where Lakeside Magic Meets Modern Wellness

Inns of Aurora: Turn Moments into Lifelong Memories

As our small boat glided across Cayuga Lake’s mirror-like surface at sunrise, I caught my first glimpse of the Inns of Aurora through the morning mist. The collection of elegantly restored buildings seemed to rise organically from the shoreline, their historic facades glowing warmly in the early light. This wasn’t just another luxury hotel – it was a love letter to slow living and mindful restoration, both of buildings and of self.
 

Price Range: $$$-$$$$

Best For: Solo travelers, couples, and small groups

Signature Treatment: Aurora Custom Massage

Recommended Stay: 2-3 days

Best Time to Visit: Spring through Fall

The Inns of Aurora: A Lakeside Escape

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Cayuga Lake, The Inns of Aurora offers an enchanting retreat just an hour from Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The property spans five distinctive inns, each with its unique character and charm, scattered throughout the historic village of Aurora.

Your journey to this luxury haven is part of the allure. As you wind through rolling hills and past picturesque vineyards, you’ll feel a sense of calm anticipation. The estate’s proximity to major cities makes it easily accessible:

  • Syracuse: 1-hour drive

  • Rochester: 1.5-hour drive

  • New York City: 4-hour drive

a lakeside escape
A Lakeside Escape

Serenity by the Lake: The Spa Experience

The spa, housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse overlooking Cayuga Lake, is a masterpiece of design and tranquility. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, seamlessly blending the treatment spaces with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Wellness Amenities

  • Indoor heated pool with panoramic lake views

  • Finnish sauna and eucalyptus steam room

  • Meditation garden with seasonal herbs

  • 24-hour fitness center featuring Peloton bikes

  • Daily yoga classes in the lakeside studio

  • Seasonal outdoor meditation walks

Treatment Highlights

Begin your spa journey with a personalized consultation to tailor your experience. With over 30 services available, the spa’s menu ranges from traditional massages to unique healing rituals. Notable offerings include:

  • Aurora Awakening (90 minutes): Custom pressure massage, heated stone therapy, and aromatherapy

  • Organic botanical products and heated treatment tables

  • Licensed therapists with a minimum of five years’ experience

  • Take-home wellness kits featuring treatment-specific products

After treatments, unwind in the serene quiet room with organic teas, fruit-infused water, and light snacks. Wellness guides are on hand to discuss home care recommendations and future plans.

Beyond the Spa: Discover Aurora

While the spa is a cornerstone of relaxation, the surrounding area offers plenty of activities to enrich your stay. Explore local wineries, hike scenic trails, or enjoy water activities on Cayuga Lake. The historic village of Aurora, with its charming architecture and inviting streets, is perfect for leisurely strolls.

First Impressions: The Inns of Aurora

Walking into The Inns of Aurora feels like stepping into a refined country estate. The main reception area at the Aurora Inn welcomes guests with a crackling fireplace and inviting seating arrangements. Warm, attentive staff set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Each of the five inns blends history with modern luxury, preserving architectural details such as original wooden beams and period fireplaces. These touches tell the story of Aurora’s rich heritage while offering the comforts of contemporary design.

Accommodations That Define Elegance

Staying at the E.B. Morgan House, one of the five properties, exemplifies the attention to detail that defines The Inns of Aurora. The guest rooms range from cozy lakeside chambers to expansive corner suites.

Room Features

  • Custom-made Frette linens

  • Oversized windows with lake or village views

  • Heated marble floors in private bathrooms

  • Whimsical MacKenzie-Childs accessories

  • In-room fireplaces in select suites

comfort meets charm
Comfort Meets Charm

Room Categories

  • Classic Rooms: Intimate spaces with village views

  • Lakeside Rooms: Private balconies overlooking Cayuga Lake

  • Corner Suites: Spacious accommodations with seating areas

  • Directors’ Suites: The most luxurious option with separate living spaces

your path to serenity awaits
Your Path to Serenity Awaits

Special Touches What sets these accommodations apart are the thoughtful details:

  • Evening turndown service with house-made lavender chocolates

  • Fresh flowers from the inn’s gardens

  • Complimentary morning coffee and tea service

  • Custom-blended bath products from the spa

  • Nightly port wine service in the common areas

Comfort Meets Charm

The rooms strike a harmonious balance between historic charm and modern comfort. Original artwork from the Wells College collection adorns the walls, and amenities like individually controlled heating and cooling systems ensure a luxurious stay. The bathrooms, with their deep soaking tubs and heated floors, elevate every morning and evening routine.

Your Path to Serenity Awaits

The Inns of Aurora combines history, luxury, and wellness in an idyllic lakeside setting. Whether you come for the spa, the charming accommodations, or the enriching local experiences, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of calm and connection.

Dining at Inns of Aurora

The Inns of Aurora offers several on-site dining options for guests to enjoy:

1833 Kitchen & Bar

This upscale restaurant is the flagship dining establishment at the Inns of Aurora. Located at 391 Main Street, it features:

  • Farm-to-table cuisine using fresh, local ingredients
  • An award-winning wine list
  • Creative menus highlighting regional specialties
  • Lakeside dining with views of Cayuga Lake
  • Breakfast daily from 8:00-11:00 AM
  • Dinner daily from 5:00-9:00 PM
  • Weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
  • Bar open daily from 3:00-9:00 PM

Fargo Bar & Grill

For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the Fargo Bar & Grill. This neighborhood tavern, built in 1836, offers:

  • Creative pub fare
  • Local craft beer flights
  • A shady outdoor patio
  • Pool and darts
  • Open daily from 11:00 AM-9:00 PM (bar open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)

Aurora Cooks!

This demonstration kitchen provides unique culinary experiences:

  • Tasting experiences
  • Show-stopping dinners
  • Culinary classes to expand guests’ cooking knowledge

The Spa Café

Exclusively for spa guests, the Spa Café provides light fare:

  • Complimentary grazing table with coffee, tea, daily soup, and salad fixings
  • Seasonal proteins and vegetables
  • À la carte options including espresso beverages, wine, beer, and kombucha
  • Open Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

In-Room Dining

For guests preferring to dine in their rooms, the Inns of Aurora offers:

  • To-go options from both 1833 Kitchen & Bar and Fargo Bar & Grill
  • Pre-packed bites from the Village Market

These diverse dining options ensure that guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences during their stay at the Inns of Aurora, from upscale lakeside dining to casual pub fare and unique cooking demonstrations.

exceptional service
Exceptional Service

Exceptional Service

The staff at Inns of Aurora embodies genuine hospitality. From the sommelier’s wine recommendations to the housekeeping team’s attention to detail, every interaction reflects thorough training and natural warmth. Staff members know guests by name and remember personal preferences from previous stays.

Investment in Luxury

Room rates at Inns of Aurora reflect its luxury positioning, starting at $350 per night during peak season. The all-inclusive packages, which bundle accommodations with spa treatments and dining credits, offer the best value. The resort fee covers morning yoga, access to the fitness center, and seasonal activities.

Distinctive Experiences

  • Hydrotherapy circuits at the spa
  • Guided forest bathing sessions
  • Private lakeside bonfires with s’mores
  • Seasonal foraging walks with local experts

What We Loved

The Inns of Aurora creates unforgettable moments through careful attention to detail and genuine care for guest experiences. The property’s blend of historic charm and modern luxury sets it apart.

  • Spectacular lakefront location and views
  • Exceptional farm-to-table dining
  • Personalized spa treatments

Areas for Enhancement

  • Limited transportation options between inns
  • Some rooms in historic buildings have stairs only

Closing Thoughts

The Inns of Aurora stands as a remarkable retreat that honors its historic roots while offering contemporary luxury. The property particularly suits those seeking a peaceful lakeside escape with exceptional dining and wellness options. Couples celebrating special occasions and solo travelers looking for reflection will find this destination especially rewarding. The combination of intimate scale, pristine setting, and thoughtful service creates an experience that lingers in memory long after departure. First-time visitors often become loyal returning guests, drawn back by the unique charm of this Finger Lakes gem.

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