Welcome to The Otesaga Resort Hotel Blog

Over the past year, hybrid meetings have gained in traction as an option for larger groups, as well as teams working remotely across the country, to gather together for an exchange of ideas. While everyone is suffering from screen fatigue, it's more important than ever to make sure that the content for your hybrid meeting is consistently engaging for all of your attendees....

Many of us circle Valentine's Day on the calendar as a one day celebration, but why not take a few days to show that special someone that you care? Fill your romantic getaway with all the things you love, whether it's getting outside for some hiking or cross-country skiing or staying cozy indoors with a glass of wine....

With 2020 behind us, it's time to turn the calendar page for a fresh start. A small team retreat is a great way to reset after a stressful year, providing an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges, and set the tone for your team's mindset moving forward. Here are some ideas to consider as you plan your retreat...

Winter in Cooperstown is known as our "serene season." It's a time where you can set your own pace, whether it's an outdoor snowy adventure, sitting by the fireside with a good book, or a mix of both! While there are less visitors than a typical summer or fall, there are still plenty of activities for people to enjoy. Here are our top five suggestions for winter activities to experience during a stay at our upstate New York resort....

With a new year on the horizon, many are looking to leave 2020 behind for better days ahead. As the meeting planning industry has worked quickly to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, 2021 will bring new hurdles but also renewed hope that the crisis will eventually subside. Here are some ideas to consider as you plan for events in the coming months....

Cooperstown is four seasons of fun and relaxation, and now you can experience it year round at The Otesaga! For the first time in our history, we're open throughout the winter and ready to welcome guests during our most serene season. If you're ready for some downtime, our upstate New York hotel is the perfect place to enjoy getaways that will leave you rested and ready to take on the new year, with plenty of delicious dining to fuel the fun....

The holiday season is usually a time to gather your team together and celebrate the successes of another year. While 2020 presents new challenges to the annual holiday party, there are still ways to honor your employees' hard work while staying safe and having fun. As everyone looks ahead to a brighter 2021, it's important to take a moment to reward their effort, whether it's an in-person, socially distanced event or a virtual get-together full of holiday spirit!...

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!...