The Glen Motor Inn is now The Hotel Laurel
The Hotel Laurel at Seneca is a place that offers adventurous explorers, wine travelers, and other guests visiting Watkins Glen, NY, a breathtaking stay on Seneca Lake on their next trip. Our team works to accommodate guests’ needs, provide a cozy atmosphere, and help make the most of the guests’ vacation on Seneca Lake.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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