Disclaimer: I received a discounted media rate for my overnight stay.
Over Valentine’s Day weekend my boyfriend and I decided to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some relaxing, quiet time. We wanted somewhere that was relatively close, had activities on-site, and felt luxurious. So, it was a no-brainer that The Lake House on Canandaigua was the perfect fit!
Upon arriving after the four hour drive from Cleveland, I knew it was going to be an amazing 24 hours. We checked in and were immediately greeted with a glass of wine, which I obviously loved! We decided to enjoy our drinks in the lobby and took in all of the sights. It’s situated right in the middle of everything, and overlooks the beautiful lake.
And one of first things you notice is how incredibly chic, yet cozy, the decor is. It was so fabulous that I felt as if I were stepping into an interior design magazine. We were really impressed and enjoying looking around for a while, that we didn’t realize we should probably check into our room!
THE LODGING
There’s several buildings that you can choose from at The Lake House on Canandaigua, and we stayed in the Cottage Building – which has a stunning view of the Willowbrook Spa and the lake! The view was picturesque during the winter, but I can only imagine how beautiful it is during warm weather.
As with the entire property, the decor was front and center throughout everything – and our room was no different. I mean, it was phenomenal. I wish I had gotten a photo of the bathroom, but we left saying it was the best shower we’ve experienced. Beautiful AND relaxing! They also had the most amazing custom-made body products that smelled and felt wonderful.
The best part, however, are the patios. No matter which building you’re in, there’s not a single bad view. Even though it was cold, we couldn’t help but sit on the patio and soak in the scenery. And the cherry on top was the delicious cheeseboard and sweet note waiting for us upon arrival! It showed true thought and care, and we were so appreciative.
THE DINING
Sand Bar
We visited Sand Bar twice – both for lunch and dinner – and it was delicious! Sand Bar is more of a casual, down-to-earth and nautical vibe, but still has a touch of elegance. It’s situated right on the water with expansive windows, so the view is incredible no matter the weather. They also have live entertainment until 6pm while you’re enjoying your meal! And of course the decor was well thought out and on-brand, with a hanging boat in the center of the space!
And while I mentioned that the vibe is more low-key, the food certainly is not! They have a wonderful menu with a variety of yummy options. During both of our meals we tried (and highly recommend) the mussels and clams, grilled caesar salad, oysters, scallops and risotto, and halibut with lentils. We were also treated to the most delicious dessert that both of us deemed as one of the best we’ve had! Does it get any better than a homemade donut with pumpkin ice cream?
Rose Tavern
Rose Tavern is probably the most popular dining option at The Lake House, and I can totally see why. It’s a charming and chic space, and the menu is inspired by the Finger Lakes area with locally sourced ingredients. We didn’t get a chance to eat dinner here, but we did have the most delightful breakfast! While the restaurant has a large space, there’s also an intimate parlor area where you can eat, too. We had the egg breakfast (which came with two eggs, thick-cut bacon, purple potatoes, toast, and a side salad) and the french toast with mixed berries. Both were very delicious and we were very impressed. The whole place is focused on your experience, and it’s very obvious when it comes to the food!
The Library Bar
The Library Bar was one of my favorite spaces, and rightfully so! The space is painted in this gorgeous moody blue color and totally sets a certain vibe. We stopped by after checking in and hung out for a bit with glasses of wine. We then headed there for a nightcap after dinner and it was such a fun stop! There’s plenty of comfortable seating, board games, a cozy fireplace, and a bartender who knows what he’s doing. We each had a dirty martini and espresso martini, and were very impressed. The band that plays at Sand Bar heads over to the lobby during the evening, so you can listen to live music while enjoying your cocktail, too!
The great thing is that this spot turns into a coffee bar during the daytime, so you don’t need to venture off property for your morning fix.
If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Willowbrook Spa which looks phenomenal. We were short on time so didn’t get a chance to experience it, but it’s definitely on our to-do list for next time. They offer a variety of services – including facials, skin treatments, massages, and more. The best part, however, are the amazing barrel sauna’s situated right on the water! We could see them from our room, and they looked so unique and relaxing.
When we come back we’re also hoping to take advantage of some more activities. Each week they have a variety of different things to do, and during our visit they had a wine tasting and paint and sip. We’re also going to hang out by the pool and head out boating on the water.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience and a truly enjoyable weekend. We can’t wait to head back to The Lake House on Canandaigua!
Photos by me
