The Lake House on Canandaigua opened in 2020 as the first ground-up luxury resort development in the Finger Lakes, and it immediately redefined what was possible for hospitality in a region previously dominated by historic inns and roadside motels. The property sits directly on Canandaigua Lake with a private beach, a rooftop pool and bar, a full-service spa, and Rose Tavern — a restaurant that emphasizes local sourcing and seasonal menus. The architecture is contemporary and lakeside-modern, a deliberate departure from the Victorian and rustic-inn traditions that characterize most Finger Lakes lodging.

Rooms are appointed with a clean, Scandinavian-influenced design sensibility, and many feature lake views or private patios. The spa draws on the region's agricultural products for its treatment menu. The overall experience targets an audience that wants Finger Lakes scenery and food culture with resort-level amenities — the kind of traveler who might otherwise look at the Hudson Valley or the Berkshires. Rates are among the highest in the Finger Lakes, and the polish matches the price point.

The FLX Finest Silver for Best Hotel/Lodging in 2025 reflects both the property's quality and its competition: Geneva On The Lake and The Gould Hotel captured the boutique categories, leaving The Lake House to contend in the broader hotel field. That it earns the recognition despite being the newest and most expensive option in the region says something about what it delivers. For a Canandaigua Lake weekend — particularly for visitors who value design, spa access, and a rooftop cocktail with a sunset view — The Lake House is the definitive choice.