Exploring Historic Hotels in Seneca Falls

Looking for a new twist to your summer vacation? And you want to consider an historic hotel for your accommodations in or around Seneca Falls, New York? Great! Seneca Falls, birthplace of women's rights, is just one of the many villages in the "Finger Lakes" region. Whether you are looking for the authentic experience of living in a canal town or if you want more of the story line associated with your historic hotel, Seneca Falls could be your place.

First let's get some of the primaries out of the way when seeking out accommodations at any historic hotel. If you are a Gen Xer, an Echo Boomer or just a newcomer to sleeping in old hotels, you may want to ask a few questions.

1. Are the rooms air-conditioned; do they have individual heating/cooling units for your control and comfort? Don't laugh-this was the first mistake I made with a beautiful historic hotel out west. No air conditioning. I had a great time but did have a few "close" nights.

2. Does your room have a toilet, sink and shower/tub unit? Do you share "dorm" style? You may not draw a line here but I do!

3. For allergy sufferers, beware of down pillows and comforters. I just spent the Fourth of July weekend with an adult child who sneezed, coughed most nights. The setting was a beautiful cabin in the Ohio Amish country but those down pillows brought discomfort for a traveler who knew better and forgot.

4. For the high tech-a truly historic hotel may not have all the electric outlets, phone and internet connections you require. Inquire ahead if your technology needs to vacation with you.

5. "Other Amenities," do they include.....coffee maker, microwave? What about in-room dining or are restaurants nearby? Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

If I was driving into Seneca Falls this summer, I would consider the Barrister's Bed & Breakfast. While a full photo gallery is available on-line at http://www.sleepbarristers.com, this B & B has addressed many of the issues I have discussed above. Add to that a beautiful stone-walled patio, a large front porch to greet friends and I am registered! Barrister's offers a special group rate for large parties looking for a "home away from home" vacation spot.

Another definite housing consideration for me would be the Hubbell House on Van Cleef Lake. It is an 1855 Gothic cottage located on the New York Canal System. Within village limits, this Bed & Breakfast is walking distance from several museums and parks. Amenities include use of a full-screened wrap porch and private docks for boaters. Check out the room accommodations at www.hubbellhousebb.com.

For travelers with pups (and we are a family of dog lovers), the John Morris Manor, viewable at www.johnmorrismanor.com, has accommodations for "dogs and their well-behaved owners" (cited from Manor's home page). The appearance of comfort is warmly conveyed from this hilltop Bed & Breakfast located three miles outside of Seneca Falls. The web site has an on-line gallery of accommodations, amenities and a guest book signed by many happy four-legged customers!

Historic hotels can be a great change for your summer vacation with a polished B & B transforming that experience into the most pleasant memory. The big question remains, "Are you ready for an historic hotel?" If you are looking for a destination that you can park your car, silence the sounds of subways, traffic and sirens for your entire stay, a historic hotel is waiting for you in Seneca Falls, New York.