Boutique Hotel On Seneca Lake
ABOUT US & OUR HISTORY
Experience the gorgeous views of Seneca Lake from the boutique hotel while you stay in Watkins Glen, NY
Overlooking the timeless waters of Seneca Lake, The Hotel Laurel offers a beautifully reimagined take on the classic Finger Lakes motor lodge. Originally established as an iconic destination for travelers, our property has undergone a complete top-to-bottom renovation. Today, it seamlessly blends retro mid-century charm with the sleek, modern comforts today’s travelers expect.
Every single room on our property faces east of Seneca Lake, providing breathtaking panoramic lake views and a private balcony or patio space. It is the perfect, peaceful oasis to relax, unwind, and watch the sun dip below the hills after a packed day of local adventure.
OUR HISTORY ORIGINATES AS THE
GLEN MOTOR INN
1895
Nicholas Franzese left Italy
1945
Nicholas Franzese passed away
1950
Lake Breeze Cabins became the Glen Motor Court
2023
The new vision for the Glen Motor Inn
In 1895, the original owner Nicholas Franzese left Italy to pursue the American Dream. Nicholas and his wife, Nicolina, brought their children from Italy and settled on the land that is home to The Hotel Laurel at Seneca today.
After Nicholas died in 1945, the second youngest son, Joseph, and his wife, Helen, continued building on the property.
Over time the property added more rooms, a gas station, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and other facilities as the hotel and surrounding area grew.
In 2022, the Glen Motor Inn was bought out and went under new management, then went under a major renovation. The Hotel Laurel at Seneca opens in 2023.
FROM ITALY TO THE FINGER LAKES
FAMILY HISTORY
In 1895, Nicholas Franzese left Italy to pursue the American Dream. As he traveled from New York City to Canandaigua, he passed through the high hills of Seneca Lake. A vintner and farmer by trade, he realized the steep land along the lake was perfect for vineyards, and he decided this would be where he would live. Nicholas and his wife, Nicolina, brought their children from Italy and settled on today's land home to the Glen Motor Inn. Joseph Franzese, and his wife, Helen, had been married only two weeks when they rented their bedroom out to travelers for 50 cents a night in 1937. Two years later, they built two small lodging cabins offering overnight lodging.
LAKE BREEZE CABINS TO THE GLEN MOTOR COURT
GLEN MOTOR COURT
By 1950, they had expanded the property to have 12 rooms and even built a gas station. Over time, Lake Breeze Cabins became the Glen Motor Court, and the gas station transitioned to a coffee and souvenir shop which then became a full-service restaurant. As more people began to travel over the years to see the U.S., the family farm slowly disappeared as it was replaced by 40 rooms, a tennis court, and a swimming pool.
FROM ITALY TO THE FINGER LAKES
A COMMITMENT TO SERVE
HOSTING HISTORY
The U.S. Grand Prix brought people from around the world to Watkins Glen. Joseph and Helen became internationally famous hosts to celebrities from the entertainment world, politics, sports, and society. Many auto racing drivers and their teams stayed at the Inn and continue to do so today. A picture in the lobby shows the history of the Glen Motor Inn and its intimate relationship with racing which guests can enjoy.
The Hotel Laurel will honor this legacy of service while introducing new, updated amenities and experiences.
Connect With Us
- Make a Reservation
- Hotel (607) 535-2706
- [email protected]
- 3380 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
- ADA Help
- Make a Reservation
- Hotel (607) 535-2706
- [email protected]
- 3380 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Copyright © 2023 | The Hotel Laurel at Seneca