Welcome to The Otesaga Resort Hotel Blog

Exploring local flavor is one of the best parts of a visit to Upstate New York, and that includes the many wineries that are found in the nearby Finger Lakes region. With The Otesaga now open year-round, it's the perfect time to plan your getaway and pair some of the great vintages of New York with the seasonal flavors of our Hawkeye Bar & Grill menu....

During the COVD-19 pandemic, meeting planners have had to reimagine events to fit in a socially distanced world. With face-to-face communication crucial to networking and connecting with fellow attendees, planners got creative, employing event platforms to make the best of virtual and hybrid conferences. But what next? As people clamor for in-person events, yet still feel uneasy about large gatherings, how do meetings evolve? Smaller meetings are one solution to this problem; here are some things to consider as you plan for a more intimate work gathering....

With a setting steeped in natural beauty, Cooperstown is filled with romantic spots that are perfect for proposing to that special someone. If you're planning an upstate New York getaway for just the two of you, keep these picturesque and iconic places in mind when you're ready to pop the question....

When we think of fall drinks, pumpkin spice lattes and hot cider usually come to mind. Fall flavors aren't just for cafés, though, and we have the perfect seasonal cocktail for entertaining on those crisp evenings. Whether you're joining us here at The Otesaga, or looking to recreate some of the magic of our upstate New York hotel at home, a Cooperstown Harvest is the ideal sip-worthy drink to put you in the mood for all things autumn....

The Otesaga takes great pride in our gracious hospitality and exceptional customer service. We could go on and on, but what better way to show these qualities than to let our team speak for themselves? Meg Kiernan and Ksenia Hanlon of our Sales department took time to answer questions about the meeting experience at The Otesaga. Read on for their thoughts on what makes a memorable event and the new challenges the industry faces....

While the fall season typically brings to mind apples, pumpkins and foliage, there's another great draw for Cooperstown: craft beer. Once the center of hops agriculture, it should come as no surprise that our area is home to several craft breweries. If you're looking for a "beercation" this fall, look no further than Cooperstown, where a stay at our upstate New York hotel puts you a short drive away from award-winning brews and stunning autumn views....

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the displacement of offices to remote working. For businesses that already relied on remote workers, this was a more seamless transition. However, many teams found themselves collaborating in-person one day and meeting over Zoom, Whereby, or other platforms the next day. Even though workers have the ability to see each other and talk to each other on a daily basis, the lack of face-to-face interaction can leave your team feeling isolated from one another. Here are some tips for keeping coworkers connected while working remotely....

One of the best parts of a stay at The Otesaga is discovering the incredible bounty of fresh, local food right here in Cooperstown. From u-pick farms to farmers' markets and more, there's plenty of opportunities to taste the amazing flavors of our region. If you're planning a late summer or fall getaway to our upstate New York hotel, make sure you add these spots to your itinerary!...

While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted conferences, planners are thinking ahead to what events will look like next year and beyond. One solution that has been trending even before the worldwide shutdown is the hybrid conference model. Featuring both in-person and virtual components, hybrid events provide a way for participants to attend who are unable to travel, but also allows for face-to-face interaction, with adjustments for social distancing. Here are some best practices to keep in mind if you opt for a hybrid conference....

Are you ready for a summer getaway? We have a feeling the answer is a resounding, "yes!" The Otesaga is open for its 111th season, and we can't wait to welcome visitors looking to reconnect with nature in Cooperstown. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in America's Most Perfect Village, and a stay at our upstate New York hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day outside. Here are just a few ways to experience the beauty of America's Most Perfect Village!...

With conference itineraries jam-packed with informational sessions, how do you make yours the one that stands out, the presentation that attendees tweet about after it's over? With careful preparation beforehand, you can make sure your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Here are some tips for leading a buzz-worthy session at your next conference....

Cooperstown...the home of baseball legends. While fans flock every year to connect with their favorite teams and Hall of Famers, there's more to do in America's Most Perfect Village beyond baseball. While you're thinking about your summer getaway plans, here are some great ways to experience all that Cooperstown has to offer!...

Presentations can be the bane of anyone's existence. Whether you have issues with public speaking, or don't have confidence in your ability to design your presentation, many people feel anxiety when the time comes to stand before a room full of colleagues or potential new clients. A compelling presentation deck (your collection of slides, if you're new to the term) is the best way to walk into the conference room with your best foot forward. Here are some tips to ensure your next big meeting goes off without a hitch:...

While traveling is on pause right now, dreaming of future trips to relaxing destinations is still allowed! For guests at The Otesaga, one of the best ways to end the day of sightseeing is with a drink on the veranda or at Fire Bar, watching the sunset over Lake Otsego. It's a view that has attracted visitors since 1909, and we can't wait to welcome guests back to enjoy the natural beauty in The Otesaga's "backyard." For now, here is a recipe for Glimmerglass Lemonade, a delicious cocktail to sip as you imagine sitting in a rocking chair with the lakeview in front of you...

During the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have turned to videoconferencing as a way to keep things running as smoothly as possible. It's also been a useful tool for organizations to continue their meetings and annual conferences that were previously scheduled. As we all navigate this new terrain, here are some tips to keep in mind if you're new to the world of virtual meetings....

Flavor from Afar: A Recipe from The Otesaga One of the ways that many people are passing the time while home is in the kitchen, trying new recipes or inventing variations on old favorites. While we wish we could welcome guests to a memorable meal at The Otesaga right now, here is a recipe for Porcini Crusted Halibut and Peperonata Farro Risotto from Executive Chef Jim Perillo to tide you over until we can all be together....

For avid golfers, a trip to Cooperstown isn't complete without playing a round at Leatherstocking Golf Course, located at The Otesaga. While this challenging course is renowned for its scenic beauty, here are some interesting facts you might not know....

Choosing the perfect destination for your conference is a balancing act; everyone wants to travel to a locale loaded with attractions and stay at a venue with resort amenities and delicious dining. Those are the wants, of course, but whether or not they fit into the budget is a determining factor in picking the right place. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding the location for your next conference, and why our upstate New York hotel in Cooperstown is a home run for your attendees....

With so much natural beauty to explore in Cooperstown, visitors can fill their getaway with scenic views and hikes. One of the hidden gems of Cooperstown, Council Rock Park, is just a short walk or bike ride from The Otesaga. For travelers who want to combine a bit of history with their outdoor adventures, a stay at our upstate New York hotel is a must and Council Rock Park a can't-miss stop on your itinerary....