Auburn New York Accommodations

When should you visit Auburn, NY?

Auburn's location just between Syracuse and Buffalo means the town is subject to the same weather patterns as its larger neighbors. In other words, don't plan on visiting Auburn in the winter unless you love frigid temps and tons of snow! If you enjoy sledding or are dreaming of a white Christmas, then winter is your time. Otherwise, make your way to Auburn any time from spring through autumn.

Whenever you choose to travel here, however, the only time you'll likely encounter peak season rates is in July. Each year the local theater company presents the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival — a week of contemporary, classic, and new musical productions that consistently garner rave reviews.

If you're planning to hit the waters of nearby Owasco Lake, book your trip during May through September. Beyond that, the water will probably be too chilly for swimming the lake's beaches, though you can still take advantage of the boat ramps, walking paths, picnic shelters, and swings at Emerson Park. There's no wrong time to visit Auburn's other historic landmarks, such as the William H. Seward House or the Cayuga Museum of History & Art.

What are the best discount hotels in Auburn, NY?

If you're a military service member or a senior citizen looking for a good deal, the Days Inn Auburn Finger Lakes fits both criteria. AAA members will also receive a discount, but you must present your membership card at check-in. The hotel is no frills but offers guests all the essentials, such as free toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, and even free breakfast. Arguably the best thing about the Days Inn Finger Lakes is its close proximity to downtown Auburn.

Furthermore, one of the city's major attractions is located just across the street from the Days Inn Finger Lakes: the William H. Seward Mansion and museum. Downtown Auburn is in also just moments away and includes attractions such as the Cayuga Museum of History & Art and Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center.

What are the best value hotel options in Auburn, NY?

For the best combination of value, amenities, and location, the Inn at the Finger Lakes is hard to beat. This hotel offers cozy rooms, Wi-Fi, and other essentials, including a fitness center. However, this property really shines when it comes to service. The staff is known to be friendly, and concierge service and room service are also available to guests. On select evenings, the Inn at the Finger Lakes offers a complimentary reception during which guests can enjoy a glass of wine or beer. An outdoor terrace garden is also a favorite spot for guests to unwind. If you're a military service member, your stay at the Inn at the Finger Lakes will cost less thanks to the establishment's military discount.

Nearby, the Holiday Inn Auburn - Finger Lakes Region is one of those hotels that doesn't seem so far from home. Somehow, its décor manages to be homespun and welcoming, from the breakfast area, where guests enjoy affordable meals to start the day, to the rustic interior of the on-site restaurant and lounge. You can book a room here at a competitive rate, but if you have a AAA membership, you'll score even better prices for your stay.

At the Holiday Inn Auburn, you'll find a roaring stone fireplace to warm you up in the cooler months. The Holiday Inn Auburn's biggest attraction, at least for kids and families, is its huge indoor pool. It's heated, so you can enjoy a dip in this pool any time of year.

What can you learn about history in Auburn, New York?

William H. Seward began his career in Auburn, serving terms as a New York state senator and New York Governor and later a U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, and Secretary of State under both President Abraham Lincoln and President Andrew Jackson. With his wife, Seward opened his home as a stop on the Underground Railroad, helping fugitive slaves find freedom, safety, and escape on their way north. Seward also sold a plot of land to Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, and suffragist Harriet Tubman, whose home and several other connected facilities are also located in Auburn. All of these sites are now operated as museums and are open to the public.

In 2018, the city of Auburn announced plans to establish an Equal Rights Heritage Center, celebrating the region's historic significance as an incubator for human rights movements that changed the nation, from abolition to women's suffrage and beyond.

The new facility will be coupled with a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in its historic downtown, guaranteeing that Auburn will be an upstate New York destination for years to come.