Skaneateles has a superb supply of B&Bs, inns, and small hotels clustered around the lake and downtown, including a couple of the best inns in the entire region. Among the many (predominantly Victorian in style) B&Bs -- apart from the real standouts -- in Skaneateles are The Benjamin Porter House, 10 State St. (tel. 315/685-8611; www.benjaminporterhouse.com; $225 double), a very elegantly decorated, comfortable, and sophisticated 1805 Federal building in the heart of the village; Lady of the Lake, 2 W. Lake St. (tel. 888/685-7997; www.ladyofthelake.net; $124-$165 double), a large (and pet-friendly) lavender Queen Anne Victorian just off the main drag and facing the lake; Gray House, 47 Jordan St. (tel. 800/891-7118; www.gray-house.com; $99-$160 double), 1 block from the lake; and Frog Pond Bed & Breakfast, 680 Sheldon Rd. (tel. 315/685-0146; www.frogpondbandb.com; $150 double), a 180-year-old stone house 2 miles north of Skaneateles on 125 acres.
More inexpensive lodging is available in motels on the outskirts of town on the way to either Syracuse or Auburn, such as Whispering Winds Motel, Route 20 (tel. 800/396-7719; www.skaneateles.com/whisperingwinds; $59-$99 double), open May through October; and the recently renovated but simple Colonial Motel, Route 20 (tel. 315/685-5751; $79-$89 double), both of which have outdoor pools.
