The Best Bed & Breakfasts in Penn Yan, New York

Most people don’t realize this about Penn Yan, but this charming Finger Lakes village is home to dozens of bed & breakfasts. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, Penn Yan may be small, but there’s a reason so many travelers are drawn here. Between the stunning views of Keuka Lake, nearby wineries, and a walkable downtown filled with local shops and restaurants, it’s easy to see why visitors quickly fall in love with this corner of the Finger Lakes. And why they continue to come back!

What makes Penn Yan especially unique, though, is the way it invites you to stay. Rather than towering chain hotels, you’ll find beautifully preserved 19th-century homes transformed into welcoming bed & breakfasts. Each one offers a personal, intimate experience, regardless of what type of traveler you are.

If homemade breakfasts, gracious hosts, cozy front porches, and thoughtful details are what you’re looking for, these stays will be right up your alley. On my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to tour four different properties, each with its own distinct personality and charm. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at each one!

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Where is Penn Yan, New York?

For those unfamiliar with the Finger Lakes region, Penn Yan is a small village in Yates County, New York. It’s located at the northern tip of the east branch of Keuka Lake, one of the eleven Finger Lakes. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, Penn Yan embodies the quintessential small-town charm visitors immediately notice and appreciate.

Penn Yan has become a central hub for Finger Lakes tourism. Thanks to its prime lakefront location, easy access to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, nearby state parks and waterfalls, and a beautiful, historic downtown. This area truly has so much to offer!

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Driving to Penn Yan

One of the best things about Penn Yan is how accessible it is by car. If you’re planning a road trip, here’s how far it is from a few popular destinations:

Rochester – ~55 miles | About 1 hour
Buffalo – ~115 miles | About 2 hours
Syracuse – ~75 miles | About 1 hour 30 minutes
Albany – ~160 miles | About 3 hours
New York City – ~250 miles | About 4.5–5 hours

Because it’s centrally located within the Finger Lakes, Penn Yan also makes a great home base if you’re planning to explore nearby towns like Geneva, Hammondsport, or Watkins Glen during your stay.

Why Are There So Many Bed & Breakfasts in Penn Yan?

Now, if you’re wondering why Penn Yan seems to have such a strong bed & breakfast scene, it’s not by accident. There are a few very intentional reasons this style of stay thrives here:

Location, Location, Location: Penn Yan sits on Keuka Lake and near thriving wine trails, making it a natural base for wine tourism and lake lovers

Historic Architecture: Many B&Bs are housed in historic homes and estates (some dating to the 1800s), which are perfect for intimate, character-filled stays

Demand for Personalized Stays: Travelers heading to the Finger Lakes for wine, food, and outdoor adventures often prefer local experiences over big, cookie-cutter hotels. B&Bs deliver that charm and personal touch

Small-town Tourism Culture: Penn Yan’s vibrant community of wineries, craft markets, and scenic trails means guests aren’t just stopping through. They want to stay a few days, and B&Bs are tailor-made for that relaxed, immersive experience

If that sounds like exactly the kind of stay you’re looking for, here are four of the best bed & breakfasts to consider when visiting Penn Yan:

1. The Laurentide Inn

If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast that perfectly balances historic character with elevated, modern design, The Laurentide Inn is it.

Located right on Main Street in the heart of Penn Yan, this thoughtfully reimagined home dates back to around 1820. Originally built by William Morrison Oliver, an early and prominent leader in Yates County, the property has been woven into the fabric of the community for more than two centuries. After operating for nearly 30 years as The Fox Inn, the home underwent a full restoration. It reopened in 2019 under the vision of owners Marla and Tracey Hedworth as The Laurentide Inn.

And the transformation is STUNNING. From the moment you step inside, you can feel how intentional every detail is. The inn is historic, yes. But it has been beautifully restored in a way that feels fresh, refined, and welcoming. Cozy fireplaces anchor the common spaces, the furniture feels curated rather than cluttered, and the overall ambiance strikes that perfect balance between intimate and luxurious. It’s the kind of place where you immediately want to pour a glass of wine and settle in for the evening.

The Laurentide features five beautifully appointed guest suites, each with its own distinct personality and vibe. No two rooms feel the same, which adds to the charm and makes your stay feel unique rather than standardized. There’s also a restaurant located right on the property, making dinner plans effortless. And the food is fantastic! I highly recommend trying their pizzas & dry-rubbed wings.

2. Aubergine Bed & Breakfast

If you’re drawn to historic homes with soul, character, and deeply personal hospitality, Aubergine is a stay you won’t soon forget.

As you approach the majestic Victorian mansion, the slate mansard roof and distinctive oeil de boeuf windows immediately hint at the story waiting inside. Stepping through the front doors feels like you’re transported back to 1869. With rich chestnut woodwork, intricate architectural details, and carefully selected antiques, which reflect both the home’s history and the thoughtful vision behind it.

The name Aubergine is a clever play on the French word for inn, which is a nod to owner Christine Pyanoe’s background as a French teacher. With just three guest rooms, each inspired by one of Christine’s favorite places — France, Italy, and the Finger Lakes — the experience feels intimate, curated, and quietly elegant.

But what truly makes Aubergine special is how it feels. The moment you step inside, it’s as if you’ve been welcomed home. Christine is an incredible host — warm, engaging, and genuinely invested in making your stay meaningful. Mornings begin with a thoughtfully prepared homemade breakfast (truly one of the best), and evenings might include sipping tea by the fireplace while chatting about the area. It’s not just about having a place to sleep; it’s about experiencing the Finger Lakes through a local’s lens. Complete with personalized recommendations and thoughtful conversation!

The rooms themselves are spacious yet cozy, beautifully appointed without feeling overdone. And in the warmer months, the gardens come alive with flowers and berries, many of which make their way into the house and onto the breakfast table. This is another small but special detail that makes staying here feel personal and connected.

3. Trimmer House Bed & Breakfast

If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time, Trimmer House Bed & Breakfast is the place to do it.

This beautifully preserved Queen Anne home was built in 1891 by wealthy champagne merchant David Orville Trimmer for his wife and daughters, during the Finger Lakes’ late-19th-century heyday. From the moment you walk up to the home, you can feel its grandeur.

When the home opened as a bed and breakfast in 1997, no expense was spared in restoring it while honoring its 1880s roots. Today, the inn features five spacious guest rooms, each thoughtfully appointed with period furnishings paired with modern comforts.

Personally, I thought this place was SO COOL. There’s something about the dramatic architecture and rich colors that makes the whole experience feel immersive. The front rooms (the library and music room) are intentionally designed to encourage guests to slow down, linger, and connect. It’s the kind of environment that gently nudges you to strike up a conversation with fellow visitors, even if you’re not usually the most outgoing person.

And the hosts, Mary and Vic, are truly some of the sweetest people. You can expect warm beverages and fresh cookies upon arrival, and their hospitality will make you feel completely at ease. There’s also a little playful mystery to the house. With its long history and grand staircases, it definitely feels like it holds a few secrets… and maybe even a friendly ghost or two. But if so, they’re part of the charm!

4. Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast

If your ideal getaway feels less like checking into a property and more like being welcomed into someone’s home, Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast will be right up your alley.

This solar-powered retreat invites guests to settle in and stay awhile. Originally a private residence, the home was transformed into a purpose-built bed and breakfast in 2004 by owners who relocated from Los Gatos, California- a name that still carries through today. Since taking over in 2019, hosts Charles and Rebecca Franks have continued the tradition of warm, thoughtful hospitality that makes this place feel so special.

From the moment you arrive, it feels comfortable and lived-in in the best possible way. There’s a beautiful front sunroom that’s perfect for lingering over breakfast or enjoying a quiet afternoon coffee. It’s the kind of space that naturally encourages you to slow down.

And breakfast here deserves its own moment. Charles and Rebecca make their own homemade jams using fruit they grow themselves, and you can expect to see those sweet, thoughtful touches on the breakfast table. It’s a simple detail, but it perfectly reflects the care woven into every part of the experience.

Los Gatos offers five inviting accommodations, including three in-home guest rooms and two charming log cabin-style stays on the property. The cabins are especially unique, offering a little extra privacy while still feeling connected to the heart of the inn. No matter which room you choose, comfort is clearly a priority!

Is a Bed & Breakfast Stay for You?

One of the things I love most about Penn Yan is that where you stay becomes part of the experience. These aren’t just places to sleep — they’re historic homes filled with stories, welcoming hosts who genuinely care, and thoughtful details that make your trip feel personal. I’d love to know if staying in a Bed & Breakfast is something that intrigues you, and if so, which of these is calling your name?

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and happy travels!