Colonial Inn & Creamery

For travelers seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" in the popular Finger Lakes destination of Watkins Glen, New York, the Colonial Inn & Creamery presents itself as a budget-friendly and conveniently located option. Situated at 701 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA, this establishment combines basic lodging with the appeal of an on-site creamery and pizzeria, providing a unique stay experience. You can reach them by phone at (607) 535-7545 or via mobile at +1 607-535-7545.

The Colonial Inn & Creamery boasts an "amazing" location, frequently highlighted by guests as its strongest asset. It is nestled in the heart of Watkins Glen, placing guests within an extremely short walking distance of some of the area's most famous attractions. Watkins Glen State Park, renowned for its stunning gorge and 19 waterfalls, is just a 2-minute walk (approximately 0.2 km) away. Seneca Harbor, offering scenic views of Seneca Lake and opportunities for boating or relaxation, is an 8-minute walk (about 0.7 km) from the inn. The local area is highly walkable and popular with nature enthusiasts, with diverse dining options just steps away.

The immediate surroundings offer a variety of restaurants catering to all tastes, including seafood at Seneca Harbor Station, ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, and various local eateries like Village Marina Bar & Grill, Curly's Family Restaurant, and Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill. For those craving specific cuisines, Chinese options and fast food like Subway and Burger King are also nearby. Shopping opportunities exist at places like F & J's Touch of Country. While the inn's building itself dates back to 1855, giving it a colonial architectural style, it operates as a straightforward motel, providing a functional environment rather than a luxurious one.

The Colonial Inn & Creamery offers essential services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable, albeit basic, stay. All 14 air-conditioned accommodations include free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected. Each room is equipped with a microwave and a flat-screen television with cable channels, offering convenience for storing snacks and beverages, and in-room entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers and complimentary toiletries are standard in all rooms.

A distinctive feature of the Colonial Inn & Creamery is its on-site food establishments: the Colonial Pizza and Grill, an artisanal brick oven pizza bar, and the Creamery, serving ice cream. While these are popular features, guests should note that their operating hours, particularly for the pizza/creamery, can be limited or seasonal, especially during the off-season (e.g., late March, as noted by a reviewer).

The property offers free self-parking on site, which is a significant convenience in a popular tourist area like Watkins Glen. Daily housekeeping is provided, although some reviews suggest varying levels of attention to detail in room cleanliness beyond the initial appearance. The hotel also has outdoor furniture and a picnic area, providing a space for guests to relax outdoors. A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests, as there is no traditional front desk at the property; guests typically access their accommodation through a private entrance. The property accepts credit cards, but not cash.

The Colonial Inn & Creamery is characterized by its focus on providing a clean, cozy, and affordable place to sleep, rather than a luxury experience. Rooms are described as "very basic, but cozy." Available room types include queen beds, full beds, king beds, and two-bedroom suites, accommodating various party sizes. Each room is designed with simple wood furnishings and light colors. Essential in-room amenities like hairdryers and ironing facilities are also provided.

A notable feature for guests is the water pressure in the bathrooms, which a reviewer found to be "good," though it was noted that hot and cold handles might be switched in some rooms. While the hotel aims to be clean, some specific guest observations have indicated areas of dust and dirt in corners or window sills. The hotel has a "No smoking on site" policy, with only one designated smoking room, and general smoking limited to designated areas. The age of the building (built in 1855) contributes to its "old-world charm," blending with modern comforts.

The "innkeeper, Mario," was specifically highlighted in a positive review for being "very kind and helpful," and "very flexible with our check-in as well as our check-out time." This personalized service from staff can be a key feature for guests. The property also has safety features, including a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, security system, and a first aid kit.

The Colonial Inn & Creamery is promoted as offering "affordable luxury" and "exceptional value for money" in Watkins Glen. Its average room price is significantly lower than the city's average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. The direct booking website highlights its "comfortable accommodations" and "delicious pizzeria, and an on-site creamery that serves up the best ice cream in town." It emphasizes its prime location for exploring Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.

However, guest reviews reveal a mixed experience. While some guests find it a "nice place for the money" and appreciate the "friendly people and kind" staff, others have had significantly negative experiences. Critical reviews mention issues with cleanliness beyond initial appearance, ripped curtains, and a general feeling that the actual condition of the rooms and property does not match online pictures. One particularly disturbing review detailed a highly concerning interaction with a male staff member at 1 AM, which led to the guests feeling unsafe and leaving the property without a refund. This highlights a critical need for potential guests to "set realistic expectations" and to "read ALL reviews before booking."

The combined ratings for the "inn" and "creamery" can sometimes lead to a higher overall rating than the inn might receive on its own, as some guests are primarily reviewing the food establishments. This makes it crucial for prospective guests to carefully filter and read reviews specifically pertaining to the lodging experience.

In conclusion, for those seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" in Watkins Glen, the Colonial Inn & Creamery offers an economical stay with an unbeatable location close to major attractions. While it provides essential amenities and the added benefit of on-site dining, guests should prioritize its affordability and location over expectations of luxury or consistently pristine conditions, and consider the varied nature of past guest experiences, particularly regarding service and safety.