The Otesaga Resort Hotel

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Shana Robertson
a week ago
This is a very charming resort. We couldn't enjoy it fully because there was snow, low temperatures, and wind. The staff at the front desk as well as in the restaurant were extremely kind and helpful. The rooms reflect that it is an older resort. It was a comfortable bed. There is no refrigerator There's not a lot of space to store your bathroom supplies around the bathroom sink. We enjoyed our meals and drinks at the restaurant/bar. We went in the off-season so it was not crowded. We understand that in late spring until early fall that it is pretty crowded in Cooperstown.Noteworthy details: This resort is extremely charming and walkable to all of the attractions in Cooperstown shops, the baseball Hall of Fame, restaurants, and the amazing Schneider bakery!

  Brad Davis
a week ago
This hotel is a home away from home for us. We wish we could give the hotel and its staff 100 stars which they deserve. The staff is always the most friendly and accommodating. The hotel is always in perfect shape and very clean. We always look forward to coming back and frequent the hotel often for their Hawkeye Grill restaurant which is one of our favorite restaurants period. We love everything about the Otesaga.

  Peggy Brueckner
3 weeks ago
The Otesaga Hotel is stunning. This was our second stay within 3 months! We took advantage of the off-season sales. It's quiet, and the service is beyond outstanding. From the minute you walk in the door (thanks William for the friendly greeting) you feel welcomed and pampered. Reviews don't always mention the lovely employees who are the ones that make your stay perfect. Lance checked us in and we had a wonderful conversation, Dan was the best bartender ever, and we were served by Fellya. Every employee we encountered was friendly. Our dinner was outstanding and our breakfast was just as good. Rooms are spotless and you can't think of an amenity they don't provide. Thanks for a wonderful stay.

  T L
4 months ago
Beautiful hotel, beautiful views of the lake. Unfortunately, NOT a quiet peaceful room for a quick weekend get away.We were placed in a room over the ballroom during a wedding that I was not there for. The music was so loud and disturbing it completely ruined the zen we was going for by being in such a place during off season. The hotel manager should have informed us this event was to occur when we booked the room. We booked the room only a couple of weeks before we were to go so for sure that wedding was scheduled well in advance before our booking. People should be told so they can be mentally prepared for the racket or decide to stay somewhere else.Furthermore the guests for the wedding should be placed in the room over the ballroom not other guests staying at the hotel that have nothing to do with the wedding.Dreadful experience from a noise standpoint. As a point of reference I stayed in room 245. Ballroom is directly below this room.The hotel staff left their cleaning cart down our end of the hallway for two full days. It was unsightly and in the way. These carts should be stored in the closet when not in use. It made the hotel feel less than it was by having cleaning carts out all the time.Breakfast in Glimmerglass was very nice, the view was beautiful. However the breakfast is very expensive for what it was. I guess in this case you are paying for the view, although there is limited seating right at the windows. While the selection was significant, the buffet seemed a bit ridiculous in the off season. There was hardly anyone there when we went to breakfast. While you can be served at your table and not purchase the buffet the pricing is designed in a way that most people would purchase the buffet as it is basically the same price.With all this said, I would recommend this place but I would caution all to ask about weddings, party events and potential for noise and where your room is exactly before you book. Especially if you are looking for a quiet time.

  Bernadette Sweeney
a month ago
I have just come back from a long weekend at the Otesaga hotel and I had a wonderful stay. The hotel is gorgeous. The location is amazing. It sits right on the beautiful Otsega Lake and it's also a very quick walk into the very charming town of Cooperstown. The hotel is really well kept and it was so clean and comfortable. I loved the main lobby with the fireplace and easy outdoor access to the rocking chairs overlooking the lake.The hotel and grounds are great but the best thing about the hotel is the people who work here. I can't say enough about the staff here. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I was warmly greeted the minute I walked in the door not just by the doorman but by every employee in the lobby area.Justin at the bar is a great bartender and a real asset to the hotel. He is a really nice guy with a lot of great stories. We enjoyed his company so much we went back one night instead of going out in town. He's a keeper.Dawn at the concierge desk was also wonderful. She was really nice and welcoming not just to me and my party but to everyone that walked by her desk. I sat by the fireplace which is behind her desk and I could overhear all of her conversations. She had such a warm welcome for everyone and you could tell she was going above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy.I have been coming here once a year for about three years and I am so happy to have made this an annual February tradition. This place is a gem and I can't wait to come back!

  Robin
3 weeks ago
Beautiful, eloquent, one of a kind service. The kindest most attentive staff, our stay was so magical. We had a stunning view, took advantage of the in-room add-ons, enjoyed the spa and Hawkeye bar and grill. I can t wait to return, I would recommend over and over again. Dawn/Lindsay in concierge and Shawnee at the spa were beyond wonderful, every staff member was. Best facial and massage. The bottled water was so good. Every single thing was unique and thoughtful. The fruit and cheese plate was delicious. Great local ingredients. Turn down service with reading material and otesaga chocolate. Just a wonderful experience. I wish we had gotten married here just based on the magic of being a guest.Rooms: The nicest hotel rooms we have ever stayed in, old world charm.Nearby activities: Walking distance to the village of Cooperstown, the baseball hall of fame. Next door to a beautiful course and located directly on the lake with walking grounds. Down the road from the fenimore art museum and farmers museum. Perfect location.Walkability: This location is located two beautiful blocks to the Main Street.Food & drinks: The Hawkeye bar and grill is delicious. We ve eaten there on numerous occasions and have always been pleasantly surprised by the inventive and eloquent menu.Noteworthy details: Custom water, cheese, and chocolate all of which were amazing. Lake views, large spacious eloquent rooms with European charm. Large bathrooms. The hotel building is stunning. The kindest and best staff I have ever met. I felt lucky and special to stay here. Take advantage of the off season add ons, they made an already great experience even more fun and magical.

  Jamie Swetland
a month ago
Amazing! A beautiful inn on the Southbank of the lake. Gorgeous to wake up to the Sunrise on the lake. Outstanding service and amenities by the staff and location. Elegance in historical charm.Food & drinks: Food on site is phenomenal ! Drinks are right on par. A very imaginative and eclectic menu for food and drinks. Hints of flavors and dishes from around the world. Be sure food is a part of your experience!

  Alec Feducia
4 months ago
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  Neal Capone
4 months ago
Great views. Good food. Having drinks around the fire and sitting on the back porch next to the heaters made for magical fall evening experiences. Accommodations were nice but the bed was very uncomfortable and the bed pillows were too puffy.Rooms: Lovely historic rooms with great views and entertainment (TV s and shows). The bed was so uncomfortable though.Nearby activities: Lovely and picturesque town.

  Deborah Sadek
4 months ago
We stayed at the Otesaga Resort for a wedding. We decided to make a special treat of it, as it was also our anniversary weekend. We booked the Superior Room with a King bed for two nights at $679 per night. Our bill was $1,562.32 after taxes and fees.The arrival was great, and Ibraham who helped us with our luggage was exceptional. From there, everything fell apart. We were notified that there were "a few stairs", although I wasn't sure what that entailed. The top floor of the resort has no elevator service to the floor, and so you must exit the elevator and then walk up a narrow set of stairs to the top floor. The room was as advertised, but the view was not. I had reserved a "view room", paying more than my original reservation. Our window was a small dormer window and was covered up with a air conditioner unit, so we had no view of the lake.During the next two days, we repeatedly tried to have a meal in one of the resorts restaurants. Without exception, the hostesses were rude and condescending when we said we did not have a reservation (our first visit, we did not realize it was mandatory). We tried every one of the venues, to be treated the same each time.The absolute most unbelievable snub, however, was when we were sent a text during the wedding and told we would need to order the valet the night before in order to have help checking out. Since we were at the wedding, we didn't get the message in time. As we were on the top floor without elevator service, we had to carry all of our bags down the stairs and get the elevator, walk through the hotel to the parking lot to get to our car.After checking our, I sent a message with the survey to the management. I was never contacted.While this is a lovely old hotel, the management has no idea how to treat guests. For almost $800 a night, you would think they could afford some training.

  Reality Person
5 months ago
Absolutely a fantastic place, food is great, service was great, perfect sitting on the back porch looking at the 18th. green on the lake. Golf Course was nice and challenging and in great condition. Fairways were wide, plenty of trees and hazards, even if you miss left or right it's still playable, not a lot of woods to get caught up in, which is nice. Clubhouse manager was awesome, great guy and took care of us with options due to work on the back 9, but played that the next morning. The 18th. hole is a blast, you drive over a bride over the water, stop in the middle, walk down some stairs and tee off over the lake. Will definitely be back, great experience, great staff, just a beautiful place.

  steve cohan
4 months ago
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  Robert Besanceney
3 months ago
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  Nicki Harrington
6 months ago
For such a prestigious and grand hotel. The staffing could use some lessons in empathy and customer service skills.While staying the weekend in such glorious hotel, I was treated far from the expectations you would have for such a grand place. Prior to my stay I had been in contact with the hotel about rooms and serval other details as It was my wedding weekend and I was using their establishment for my hotel of choice for this monumental weekend. Through many phones calls the staff was fully aware that I was a bride for a wedding at another location in the area that weekend. I had even had my room upgraded to a suite by my father in law who was also staying there. While leaving the hotel the day of the wedding, 4 bridesmaids myself and my mother. We stepped out on the veranda of the hotel to capture some photos. Which to our surprise a staff women approached me and asked I had a gotten a photography permit for the day? (Not once was I told that this was something I was going to need in the many phone calls I had with this establishment) after explaining that I did not have said permits the women told me I was only permitted to take photos in my room and the she quickly ushered me off the veranda, And out to the parking lot for any more of my photos. I cannot explain how embarrassing that was to be a bride. The day you expect to have clout but instead was treated as second class citizen. There was no empathy or care in this women tone of voice. Just I needed to leave asap. Definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth for being treated so poorly on such a special day after all the money we had paid to the establishment between upgrades, room service and the hotel restaurant. That s the favor they returned.

  Charles D'Atri
4 months ago
Wonderful, classic resort hotel. Great, helpful staff in a beautiful, well maintained historic building. Whether or not you like baseball, Cooperstown is a great stop, especially in Spring or Fall, when it's less crowded.The Cooper family's commitment to their hometown gives you a wide range of attractions. Of course there is baseball in every form but there are also fantastic restaurants, cultural stops (the Fenimore Museum is the best small American and Folk Art museum I've ever had the privilege of visiting, the Farm Museum is also pretty great), and if you're a golfer there are several gorgeous courses including the resort's own which begins just across the parking lot from the lobby.Rooms are nice - historic and well appointed.

  Lucy Dee
3 months ago
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  Kaitlin Walton
4 months ago
If I could give this place NEGATIVE stars, I would. I am not one to leave reviews but this deserves to be heard. Had booked a two night stay at this resort , if you can even call it that. Was going for my husband s birthday with our one year old daughter, ordered the dessert add-ons and all to make it extra special. On the FIVE hour drive up to this nightmare from New York City after work, on a Friday, in rush hour traffic, our car started to overheat, pulled over on the side of the road, right before the Lincoln Tunnel, finally after waiting almost an hour we turned the car on and decided we cannot drive this far with our car in this condition, we called the resort no refunds nothing we can do. (I m sure your hotel was overflowing with people trying to book a room on a random Friday night). Saturday afternoon, we arrive at the hotel, front desk receptionist RUDE and uninviting, get to the room - all of the add-on desserts look like they have been sitting out since the day before (which I m sure they have) not to mention the LOUD creaky floors and doors, and cracks in the walls. Then come to Sunday morning, the bill, An EXTRA $120.00 charge ADDED ON to the $500.00 Friday night we were unable to make it. If you are ever thinking of staying here, DON T.

  Clem Dacier
7 months ago
We like to eat at the Hawkeye Bar & Grill in the Otesaga Hotel. The thing that really makes this restaurant great is the people who work here. All the servers are very special people with interesting back stories. The restaurant's views of the lake and the surrounding hills are truly beautiful. Hotel grounds are really nice. The food is pretty good, affordable, they use fresh ingredients. Relaxing ambience. Highly recommend this restaurant.

  Maggie C
a week ago
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  Brian I'm BAK K
7 months ago
This is a very well run establishment. From the minute we were greeted all the way to the moment we left every employee was very pleasant, helpful and friendly. The lunch server went to great lengths to review the menu and to help with wine pairings. The "Textbook' Cabernet was definitely the cherry on top! The shrimp dish was also extremely good.Food & drinks: It's worth the price of admission

  Tim Veazey
5 months ago
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  Sam Hurd (Photography)
3 months ago
absolutely loved photographing a wedding here this past weekend! the staff were total pros handling the unpredictable and fast moving rain. hope to return again! ig @iamthesam

  Valerie Smith
6 months ago
Had a birthday lunch here at the Hawkeye Tavern - the food was delicious, the service super, and the view can not be beat! Outdoor dining overlooking the beautiful lake! The food prices were so reasonable for the quality of the food and the ambience.Food & drinks: Great food!

  Ruth Adar
10 months ago
The Otesaga is a grand old resort hotel that has been gracefully brought into the 21st century. Our room is beautiful and comfortable. Climate control is easy to use and does the job.It isn't easy to make a historic building ADA compliant. I'd give the Otesaga a B, as a guest with mobility and hearing issues. Entering the building through a side entrance is a bit of a downer. The bed in our room was high enough to provide a challenge. However, the shower with bench in the bathroom was great, as was the turning room in both the bedroom and bathroom.We've enjoyed our stay very much.Walkability: The hotel is on the lake shore, but Main St is only a short walk away.

  Lindsay Long
6 months ago
We dined at the Hawkeye Bar & Grille restaurant what a wonderful experience. Erin was our server, and before drinks orders were even taken, we had a 20 minute conversation - she was just so lovely, we felt as if we had been friends for years. We sat outside and Erin was kind enough to get blankets to make sure we were as comfy cozy as possible. You canNOT beat the view the patio offers. It may very well have been one of THE most beautiful places I ve ever had a meal. We cannot say enough good about our experience. The food was delightful, especially the goat cheese br�l�e and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. My prime rib could have been warmer but it was a nice cut of meat.All in all, this was our second visit to the Otesaga and we cannot wait to return.

  Richard Hanna
6 months ago
Property is gorgeous. If a meeting or convention isn t scheduled (golf event Monday while we were here) it s peaceful and relaxing. My wife has cancer and is immunocompromised. They were extremely unaccommodating. We aren t able to eat inside. It was a beautiful morning in September and they were not serving the Glimmerglass breakfast or brunch outside. Many people filled the outside porch and would ve eaten outside. I asked and they said it wasn t open for outside. What?? Sunny and 65. They wouldn t let me get takeout either. Give me a break. Only other choice is the Mohican market. All they carry is sweet pastries or very fattening quiche like pies and sweetened yogurt and bagels. Nothing healthy w protein. Not even hard boiled eggs. This would be super easy to carry. All our breakfasts were awful. For this reason alone we wouldn t return.In addition, there s no microwave accessible for any guests. So if you get coffee and want to warm it up you re SOL. You have to ask if you want a fridge. Menus at restaurants are very limited and they admitted having staffing shortages.We also had a shower with lukewarm water and a clogged drain with water up to our ankles.The Otesaga, a resort that prides itself on its service, would do well to include those less fortunate than perhaps their typical well to do customers when training staff and being flexible with special needs accommodations. Those with cancer and other conditions who live in a world where Covid and other contagious illnesses still exist must be treated with respect and accommodated. Remember- it could end up being you as quickly as it did for my wife.

  Vincent Kearney
11 months ago
First time visiting Cooperstown & the Hall, and friends told us this was the absolute best place to stay (provided it wasn t closed out for a player s event). The place is absolutely gorgeous. The architecture, the views of the lake, the nicely appointed rooms and common areas. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and everything was clean and well-kept. A few minutes walking will get you to most of the main attractions within the actual Village itself, and you totally should walk most places in good weather because picturesque was a word created with this place in mind. Don t miss a sunrise over the lake either, and you can see for yourself why it s nicknamed Glimmerglass .

  Debra Firestone
9 months ago
We had seen The Otesaga Resort on a prior visit to Cooperstown, NY - and said the next time we came, we had to stay there. We visited again two weekends ago to celebrate our anniversary and this time we stayed at the Otesaga. We loved it so much, we will only be staying there from now on and plan to visit annually because we loved the Resort so much.From the very moment you arrive at the door with the front doorman through every part of your stay, each member of the staff are warm, inviting and greeting you with a smile. They truly want to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Each member of every part of the staff was amazing, but certain people deserve special kudos. Dawn Gertner the Concierge, Sharon V in Housekeeping, Lance at the desk, Rachel in the Spa (yes, there is a spa in the Resort itself) and every one of the doorman we encountered during our stay. All were absolutely exceptional. From start to finish, Dawn made sure every part of our stay went wonderfully and the massage and advice I received from Rachel in the Spa was extraordinary! I truly recommend contacting Dawn before your stay if you want to add any goodies (I had fudge delivered to our room), make reservations for dinner or if you have any questions. If you need any type of massage or relaxation service, Rachel is definitely the person you want to see!The resort itself dates back to 1909. It still has the charm of buildings from that era; but, also has all the modern conveniences. The hallways are bright and airy. There is an elevator; but, at times I chose to take the stairs trying to imagine visitors through the decades who used these same stairs. There is a beautiful lake on the property that you can kayak during the day and sit on benches on watch the sunset at night. There is gas fed fire pit to sit by at night and a beautiful covered area with rocking chairs for inclement weather. While we didn't have a chance to try it this time, there is a beautiful outdoor heated pool that we heard guests raving about. I can't wait to try it on our next trip!My husband and I were able to keep our room nice and comfortable even with the heat and humidity. The bathroom was big and spotless and the shower pressure was one of the best I have had at any stay, including five star hotels. The bed was comfortable and there were plenty of channels available on the TV to watch at night.You are only a half a mile walk from Main Street and The Baseball Museum. Parking in Cooperstown is difficult, but no issue if you are staying at The Otesaga. You park at the Resort and it's only a short walk on sidewalks, with lights if you are walking at night, to get to the museum, restaurants, stores and I lucked out that the Village Library was having their annual book sale with multiple tents full of $1 and $2 books! So easy to get around and we never had to worry about where to park our car or if the meter was going to run out before we were done. Plus, if you're a dog lover, there are many locals walking their dogs along the stretch that you can stop and say "hi" too.The only thing that might be an issue is that it is indeed an old building. Some light and sound do come in through the room doors. If you are light sensitive or noise sensitive when you sleep, you'll want to bring an eye mask and ear plugs. You can hear if someone is returning to their room late and even if they are talking in normal voices, you can hear them as they talk. This is no fault of the Resort, it is just part of when you stay somewhere with this much history.

  Jessi LeVeille
3 months ago
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  Adam Sheeres-Paulicpulle
7 months ago
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