As a Hilton Diamond Member, I’ve stayed at several Curio Collection properties over the years and have always appreciated how each one reflects its surroundings in a unique way. What I didn’t realize until this visit — just a couple of days ago — is how central food is to the Curio identity. It wasn’t until we arrived at Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, which only opened in October, and learned more about the property’s philosophy that it clicked: everything starts with the land, the ingredients, and the stories behind them.
My husband and I visited Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa during the Christmas season, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like a warm, thoughtfully designed winter escape in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York.
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First Impressions of Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa
From check-in, the staff was incredibly welcoming and took time to show us around the property. One of the most striking aspects of Skaneateles Fields is that every design detail has intention and meaning — something I’ve come to expect from Curio Collection hotels.
Throughout the resort, natural materials and subtle nods to the region’s heritage are woven into the design. A standout example can be found in the spa, where birch branches sourced from Tailwater Lodge in Pulaski (about an hour north of Skaneateles) are incorporated into the space.
Both Tailwater Lodge and Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa are owned and developed by Woodbine Development Corporation, whose hospitality portfolio emphasizes place-based storytelling and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The resort’s logo is a fox named Scout, who was a real fox who was hanging around the property when it started construction, and you can see Scout in all the signs and details within the property.
Visiting during the holidays made the experience even more special. A Christmas tree glowed outside The Fields Restaurant & Bar, while festive lights lined the drive up the hill and wrapped around the back of the property near the pool and firepits. The atmosphere felt cozy and elevated — festive without being overwhelming.
A Pet-Friendly Stay in Skaneateles, NY
Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa is pet-friendly, which was a huge plus for us. While we have three dogs, we chose to bring Nola — our most seasoned traveler — along for this stay. You may also know her as “Nosey Nola” if you follow her adventures on social media (@noseynola).
From treats to warm greetings throughout the property, the staff welcomed her wholeheartedly. They even accommodated us by seating us in the lobby area for breakfast so she could join us. It was clear that this wasn’t just a “pet-allowed” hotel, but a genuinely pet-friendly stay in the Finger Lakes.
Our Room: Warm, Spacious, and Relaxing
Our guest room was spacious, cozy, and filled with beautiful wood finishes that immediately made it feel calming and inviting. We opted for a two-queen room, which gave us plenty of space to settle in comfortably.
The room included a Nespresso machine and tea selection, a mini fridge, complimentary water bottles, and a beautifully designed bathroom stocked with wonderfully scented soap, shampoo, and conditioner. After a day spent exploring the property, it was the kind of room you genuinely looked forward to returning to.
Dining at The Fields Restaurant & Bar
One of the defining elements of the Curio Collection by Hilton is its emphasis on food rooted in place, and dining at The Fields Restaurant & Bar truly brought that philosophy to life.
We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast at the restaurant, and every meal felt fresh, seasonal, and intentional. The menus are constantly updated due to what is in season, so they won’t always be the same.
Dinner at The Fields
We started the evening with a dry martini and a French 75. Shortly after, warm rosemary focaccia arrived at the table (olive is also available), followed by a chef’s selection of house-pickled vegetables that change nightly. During our visit, we had cauliflower and rainbow carrots, though I later saw photos of peppers from the night before.
For entrées, I ordered the half roasted chicken with Tap Root Fields herb butter, while my husband opted for the grilled ribeye. Tap Root Fields is a local Skaneateles-area farm known for its commitment to regenerative agriculture and seasonal produce, making it a natural partner for a restaurant so deeply connected to its surroundings.
We paired dinner with a red blend wine, and later I enjoyed the Canada Red Julep, which was slightly sweet but incredibly smooth.
Dessert was comfort food at its best: cheesecake for me and a hot apple crisp for my husband — the perfect ending to a winter meal.
Breakfast the Next Morning
Breakfast was just as memorable. I ordered the smashed avocado toast, which may honestly be the best I’ve ever had — loaded with vegetables and full of flavor. My husband chose the harvest frittata, and Nola was treated to applewood-smoked bacon. There is also a Lobby Bar where they have speciality coffees and sweet treats.
The Fields Pantry & Local Touches
Before dinner, we stopped by The Fields Pantry, a thoughtfully curated shop offering locally sourced items. We picked up dog treats for Nola, a bottle of Cabernet Franc for the room, and fresh popcorn.
I loved that even the grab-and-go offerings reflected the same care and local focus as the restaurant.
Firepits, S’mores, and Winter Evenings
After dinner, we grabbed espresso martinis to go, bundled up in winter gear, and headed outside to the firepits. On the way, we picked up a s’mores kit, and the resort also provides cozy blankets for guests.
Sitting by the firepits was one of the highlights of our stay. The flames lit up the landscape, the Christmas-lit tree in the back was stunning, and the setting felt peaceful and intimate.
From the firepits, you can see the outdoor pool, which is kept above 90 degrees even in winter, along with two outdoor hot tubs and an indoor pool nearby. In warmer months, this area also features bocce courts, a small golf course, pickleball courts, and a seasonal pool bar.
The Pool/Hot Tub Area and The Spa
Just around the corner is the Skaneateles Fields Spa, which is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. While we didn’t have time for a service during this visit, it’s already at the top of our list for next time.
The spa features Nordic-inspired lighting, premium products, a pink salt room, a small pool and fireplace, and an outdoor hot tub and ice plunge. Even walking through the space felt calming — it’s one of the most serene spa environments I’ve seen in the Finger Lakes.
More Amenities & Things to Do
Additional features throughout the resort include plenty of inviting spaces to sit and relax, a cozy library with chess, an arcade room, and a well-equipped fitness center featuring Peloton bikes. The resort also offers a private dining space within The Fields Restaurant for meetings or events, along with both casual and more formal dining areas. In warmer months, the restaurant’s balcony opens up, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Guests can also enjoy snowshoeing and other winter activities on property, and the scenery around the resort is beautiful year-round. Located just across the street from The Lodge at Baxter, Skaneateles Fields is also an ideal place to stay for weddings and events, with thoughtfully designed spaces that make it easy for guests to gather, celebrate, and unwind.
Final Thoughts on Skaneateles Fields Resort
Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton is a standout addition to the Finger Lakes hotel scene. From its story-driven design and food-forward philosophy to its welcoming staff, pet-friendly approach, and serene spa, the resort offers an experience that feels both elevated and deeply connected to place.
For travelers looking for a refined yet relaxing stay in Skaneateles, New York — especially Hilton loyalists and those seeking a pet-friendly Finger Lakes getaway — this is a property well worth visiting. We’re already looking forward to returning. Book your stay here.
Disclosure
This stay was hosted by Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa. All opinions are my own.
