Travel

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Full Disclosure: I was invited by 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel and was given complimentary stay but all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel for a memorable experience.

Looking for a perfect weekend getaway in Upstate New York? 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is the answer for you!

Looking for the perfect Weekend Getaway in Upstate New York? 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton is the answer for you!

 

When you think about Upstate New York, the first thing that comes to your mind are probably places like the Catskill Mountains or the Finger Lakes region. But there’s more to it than just that. A few hours drive away from our home took us to the charming town of Clayton, New York. Overlooking the St.Lawrence river is the wonderful and magnificent 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel where we had a wonderful winter weekend getaway.

About 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel Clayton New York
Pic Courtesy: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel website

Recently awarded with Four Diamond status from the Automobile Association of America (AAA),  the hotel is one of only 24 hotels in Upstate New York to earn this distinction.

The hotel is just 2 years old and has about 105 rooms with a stunning view of St.Lawrence river. They also offer a professional banquet and catering staff for various events like destination weddings, corporate events & dinner parties.

A Room with a View

We stayed on the 4th floor overlooking the beautiful and scenic St. Lawrence river. With a lovely room that had a comfortable King sized bed and charming decor, I could already feel that this weekend getaway was going to turn out amazing!

1000 Islands Harbor hotel room

1000 islands harbor hotel room (1)

As I opened the curtains and stepped onto the deck, I could see the partially frozen St.Lawrence river and was mesmerized by its beauty! I felt this view alone was worth the long drive that we took.

Honestly, I could just gaze at this view all day long. 

view of st. lawrence river in clayton, new york from 1000 islands harbor hotel

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel - view from above

 

Tip: If you visit them, be sure to request the Riverview Room. You will not be disappointed!

Bon Appetit

As I was making myself comfortable in our room, I saw a cute note on the table welcoming us. They also had a fruit, cheese, nut and cracker platter as well as sparkling water for us. It was a nice way to unwind and relax especially after a long drive of almost 4 hours.

fruit, nut and cheese platter at 1000 Islands Hotel Harbor Hotel in Clayton

For next day’s breakfast, we headed to Seaway Grille which is an upscale restaurant in the Hotel itself. 

Seaway Grille in 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

As I glanced through their menu, everything sounded too delicious and I suddenly realized that I’m starving. 

I chose the Strawberry Stuffed French Toast and the hubs went for a Seaway Western Omelette with ham & peppers and house fries on the side. We also had orange juice and a side order of fresh cut fruits.

And when we got our food, I couldn’t wait to dig in. I mean, tell me this pic doesn’t make you feel hungry!

Strawberry Stuffed French toast and Wester Omelette at Seaway Grille - 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton

 

bowl of fruits

What to explore in and around Clayton

After a jam-packed breakfast – which actually was more like brunch, we decided to explore around. 

If you are a wine-lover, a 400-acre Vineyard and a selection of wonderfully made wines await you at the Coyote Moon Vineyard just minutes away from the Hotel. I even tried out their Wine Slushie and was so impressed that we ended up buying their ‘Wine in a Can’ to enjoy in the summer along with a few other wine bottles.

But if wine is not your thing and if you like something stronger, Clayton Distillery is a great option. We then headed to the downtown area and enjoyed shopping for some local cheese and cheese spreads from this place called River Rat Cheese.

You can also take a Glass-bottom boat tour taking you to Rock Island or the Boldt Castle and Two-Nation Tour from Clayton. Since the boat tours only start from May, we decided to venture out and go see the Tibbets Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent.

Lighthouse, Cape Vincent

The short drive to the Light House was really beautiful and scenic. And guess what? We were just 13 miles away from the Canadian Borders!

Let me tell you one more thing. On our entire trip, not once did I complain about the cold weather. I mean, if it wouldn’t have been this cold, I would not have been able to see these stunning frozen wonders all around –

Frozen St.Lawrence river - Clayton, New York

 

Clayton - St.Lawrence river

What to look forward to in 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

1000 Islands Harbor hotel - Clayton, NY

In the afternoon we took a Facility Tour, where we were shown the different rooms & all the amenities that they have.

The hotel has 105 rooms, an indoor pool, a wonderful fitness center overlooking the river, a riverside patio in the summer time, a spacious ballroom for events and conferences as well as a nightly turn-down service.

Their suites almost resemble like spacious 1 bedroom apartments with all the essential amenities including a wet bar, refrigerator, and a jacuzzi. They’re best for families or bridal parties so they have more space to move around. 

We ended our evening by attending the International Fusion Dinner Event. By bringing together different cuisines from all over the world, this event was definitely one of a kind.

International Fusion Dinner Event at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

Events & Packages

There are a lot of events that take place over the year in the Hotel as well as in the Clayton area. Some of the fun events that just took place were their Fire & Ice Celebration and the International Fusion Dinner Series.

You can also check their site for their prices on the different packages and specials that they offer guests throughout the year. From Romantic and Wine & Dine packages to Family Fun and Anniversary packages, you’ll most definitely be spoilt for choice.

Looking for a weekend #getaway? 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton is the perfect answer! #travel Click To Tweet

To sum it up, we had one of the best weekend getaways at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. I honestly can’t wait to go back in summer and experience it all over again! What are some of your favorite weekend getaway destinations?

Website – 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

Address: 200 Riverside Drive
Clayton, NY 13624
ph: (315) 686-1100

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XOXO

Smiling Notes

 

25 Comments

  • Reply

    Erika Kind

    March 30, 2017

    That looks like an amazing experience. Such a lovely hotel!!

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      March 30, 2017

      Thank you so much, Erika! You are so kind. We really had a lovely time ??

  • Reply

    Mary Jo

    March 30, 2017

    This is a beautiful place in the summer and you can sit on the patio and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets. you must go back in the summer and experience The River ⚓️?⚓️

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      March 30, 2017

      I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the warmer weather, Mary! We’re definitely planning to go back in the summer. Thanks a lot for stopping by my blog ?

  • Reply

    Divya

    March 31, 2017

    Hi Shamira
    Looks like you had a fantastic trip:) The food, the hotel & the beauty of nature! Perfect! Great post:) The shattered ice on the Lake looks so beautiful:)
    This summer you guys must visit the Canadian side , I’m sure you will love that too?

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 1, 2017

      Oh Divya, we had a such a relaxing time. You know we were so tempted to cross the borders and visit Canada but we were only there for 2 nights. Maybe next time (Canada has been on our wish list for such a long time!) ??

  • Reply

    anroworld

    April 1, 2017

    A wonderful review on a perfect place! Teasing!

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 1, 2017

      Thank you my dear Ann. We really had a lovely time there ?

  • Reply

    Ritu

    April 1, 2017

    This really looks like an amazing place!!!

  • Reply

    D. Parker

    April 1, 2017

    This looks gorgeous! It reminds me of all the wonderful times I’ve had around the 1000 Islands (love it!). Thanks for evoking such amazing memories.
    Dropped by from Suzie’s #BigUpYourBlog #SocialSaturday and so glad I did (I can almost feel the breeze in my hair).
    Hope this weekend treats you kindly.

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 1, 2017

      This was our first trip there and I’m already so impressed. I’m so happy my post brought back some wonderful memories for you! Thanks a lot for stopping by 🙂 xoxo

  • Reply

    josypheen

    April 2, 2017

    Oh my goodness that strawberry stuffed french toast looks amaaazing!

    The icy views are all gorgeous too. It looks like you had an excellent weekend. 🙂

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 2, 2017

      Thanks!! It was indeed an awesome weekend! Thank you for such a sweet comment ?

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  • Reply

    Wherejogoes

    April 10, 2017

    Gosh its 20 years since I went to the 1000 islands! I’ve no idea where we stayed but this hotel looks awesome and the French toast breakfast would totally swing it for my children! Great to be right on the lakes, we went in September I hadn’t realised how iced over it gets! #MondayEscapes

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 10, 2017

      This is a newly built hotel and it really gives a unique experience because of the location! Thanks a lot for your comment and for stopping by my blog ?

  • Reply

    To be honest I really have no knowledge at all of anything outside of New York City (which I haven’t visited either, but which I’ve at least seen on TV!), so this was all new to me! Sounds like a very relaxing environment for a chilly wintery getaway.

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 10, 2017

      It really was a relaxing winter getaway! Thanks a lot, Jane and I hope you liked my post ?

  • Reply

    Lisa (Travel Loving Family)

    April 12, 2017

    Oh wow what a seriously impressive place! I love the sound of the glass bottom boat excursion and that strawberry stuffed french toast looks incredible;) Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes

    • Reply

      smilingnotes

      April 12, 2017

      Thanks a lot, Lisa!! We really had a fun time! Always a pleasure to link up at #MondayEscapes ?

Thanks for reading. I would love to hear what you think