Spa Hotels in Rochester, NY

One of America's first boomtowns, Rochester, New York rests along the shores of Lake Ontario and is known for its many museums, old industrial buildings, beautiful gardens, the Erie Canal, and of course, The Garbage Plate. Nicknamed the “Young Lion of the West,” Rochester is a city focused on development and expansion, and with its now vibrant downtown area offering a thriving metropolitan center, this town is a hub for endless creativity and diverse business. Home to multiple universities and colleges, Rochester is buzzing with students, great nightlife, and all the elevated food you’d want while on vacation. So pack a jacket and some good walking shoes, as you’re about to cover a lot of ground while staying at the best spa hotels and resorts in Rochester.

Today, Flower City is best known for its vibrant downtown, part of which is fueled by vast culinary explorations. So get excited about the wealth of food wonders to explore when coming to town— there are many, including the infamous Garbage Plate! Consisting of a large helping of macaroni salad or baked beans topped with a meat of your choosing (hamburger, hot dogs, or chili) and served with fried potatoes, this dish is the stuff of legend and Rochester's most renowned culinary creation. But it doesn’t stop there! While in town, you can expect to find other local favorites like White Hots (a hot dog consisting of uncured and unsmoked pork, beef, and veal), Cannoli Pancakes, Tomato Pie, and Beef on Weck (a roast beef sandwich served on kummelweck bread).

As the fourth-largest city in New York State, Rochester offers an array of fascinating museums and fun attractions that promote learning and exploration, perfect for touring during your stay. For a fun-filled day with the kids, head to the Strong National Museum of Play. The kids will delight in the many dolls and toys on display, while you learn more about the mission of the museum, and view the collections of American and European decorative arts, prints, paintings, Japanese crafts, and advertising ephemera. Then, get tickets to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, which operates the Strasenburgh Planetarium, for an afternoon of exploration! This complex offers a planetarium, hands-on displays, and ever-changing exhibitions. Dedicated to community education in science, technology, and local history, the center also offers a series of themed, behind-the-scenes tours to share its collections vaults.

When staying at a spa resort in Rochester, if you’re looking for a lovely day in nature, make a trip to the Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre nature preserve near Naples, New York. Nestled in the Finger Lakes, this nature scape is run by the Rochester Museum & Science Center and offers 15 miles of hiking and ski trails, a bustling Visitor Center, and year-round events and education programs.

Enjoy your time in Flower City, and don’t forget to check out our top spa hotels nearby in Asheville, Florence, and Atlanta.