Inns of Aurora
Upstate-elegant meets restorative retreat. Think antique-filled common rooms, Frette linens, afternoon wine, lake views, and a world-class hydrotherapy spa. No nightlife. No casino. Deliberately slow.
Book the spa well in advance — it requires a separate reservation even for hotel guests, and popular treatment times fill fast
Why It Matters
Founded in 2003 by Pleasant T. Rowland (creator of American Girl dolls) as a passion project to revive a fading village. Earned a One Michelin Key, Forbes Travel Guide Stars for both the Aurora Inn and the Spa, and a place on Travel + Leisure's World's Best list. The village of Aurora itself is under one square mile — the resort is essentially the town's anchor.
Seven historic properties — some dating to 1833 — spread across a walkable village on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, now operating together as a single luxury resort on 350 acres. Each inn has its own distinct character: the flagship Aurora Inn is formal and Federal-style, while Wallcourt Hall runs bold and colorful, and Zabriskie House leans calm and contemporary. The spa is its own campus on a hilltop above the village, and it's genuinely exceptional — ranked by Vogue among the 100 best in the world.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Aurora Inn — Deluxe
Standard deluxe rooms in the Aurora Inn flagship. Individually furnished with early American antiques and traditional styling. All rooms are well-appointed with premium linens.
Aurora Inn — Premier Lake View
Guest rooms in the flagship Aurora Inn with direct lake views. Built in 1833 by Colonel E.B. Morgan, the building has polished historic character with gas fireplaces in some rooms, chaise lounges, reading chairs, and rocking chairs on shared balconies.
Aurora Inn — Premier Suite
Top-floor rooms in the 1833 flagship, featuring wallpapered interiors, generous lounge areas, and en-suite bathrooms with egg-shaped tubs. These are the most spacious rooms at Aurora Inn and share balconies with lake views.
E.B. Morgan House — Rooms
Seven rooms in a dramatic Italianate lakefront mansion, combining cheerful décor with historic grandeur. Several rooms have working fireplaces. The property sits directly on Cayuga Lake with private waterfront access and a dock.
Orchard Cottage
A two-room private cottage from the 1850s, tucked on a quiet lane behind the main mansions. The only dog-friendly property and the only accommodation that welcomes children under 12. Comes with a full kitchen, living room, screened-in porch, and bluestone patio — the closest thing to a private house rental within the resort.
Rowland House — Rooms
Ten rooms in the most expansive of the inns, set on spacious lakefront lawns. The Whimsy Deluxe rooms on the upper floor lean into bold, pattern-rich MacKenzie-Childs décor. A Grecian temple folly and a two-story boathouse are on-site. Private waterfront and dock access included.
The Farmhouse — Rooms
Ten rooms in the resort's newest property, built in a farm-inspired aesthetic directly adjacent to the Spa campus. The best option for spa-focused stays — you can walk to the spa in minutes. The Ultimate Spa Getaway package (unlimited hydrotherapy) is exclusive to Farmhouse guests.
Wallcourt Hall — Rooms
Seventeen rooms in what was once a girls' school — now the most design-forward and colorful property in the collection. Bold art throughout, vibrant interiors, boutique hotel feel. The largest single inn by room count.
Zabriskie House — Rooms
Ten rooms defined by serene blue hues and contemporary interiors — the calmest, most minimalist of the seven properties. A good pick for anyone who finds the MacKenzie-Childs whimsy of Rowland House a bit much.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Learn traditional recurve bow archery with experienced resort guides. A paid add-on activity.
Seasonal winter activity available on the resort's grounds.
Complimentary art materials, board games, and lawn games for guests. Part of the resort's creativity and leisure programming.
Complimentary telescopes and stargazing kits available for guests — Aurora has minimal light pollution and excellent dark skies.
Fleet of complimentary bicycles available for exploring Aurora village and the surrounding scenic country roads.
24-hour access fitness center located in the Schoolhouse building, which also houses the Loft event space and Basecamp Adventure Center. Yoga classes offered on the activities calendar.
A paid wellness experience at the Spa — a sound bath and singing bowl journey. Check the activities calendar for scheduling.
Complimentary yoga classes held at the Spa. On the rotating activities calendar — check ahead for scheduling.
Guided morning nature hikes along the resort's trail system led by knowledgeable outdoorsmen.
A 3.5-mile trail threading through the landscape surrounding Aurora. Self-guided or with a guided morning hike led by resort outdoorsmen.
Guests-only waterfront access just north of Rowland House. Launch a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard directly onto Cayuga Lake. Watercraft available seasonally.
Complimentary shuttle service to Cayuga Wine Trail wineries. A practical perk for those who want to taste local wines without worrying about driving.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
ADA-accessible rooms available at all inns except E.B. Morgan House. Elevators in most properties except E.B. Morgan House.
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout all properties.
Organic and fair-trade coffee plus homemade granola bars provided each morning.
A glass of wine is included complimentarily each afternoon for all guests.
On-site village market with coffee, pastries, craft beer, gifts, and take-home meals.
Premium bedding with Frette linens and down duvets in all rooms.
Library available within resort for guest use.
Guests-only waterfront access on Cayuga Lake. E.B. Morgan House and Rowland House have private dock and swimming areas; Aurora Inn has shared lakefront lawn.
Lakeside fire pits with complimentary s'mores kits — a signature evening ritual at the Aurora Inn. Fire pits are part of each inn's exclusive common areas.
Resort gift cards available for purchase online.
Free 24-hour parking at each inn.
BUILD YOUR INNS OF AURORA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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