Looking for a slice of peaceful waterway life just 10 miles outside Rochester? Look no further than the Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa.
The hotel exudes calm, even though it sits on a canal that was once a superhighway. It’s a far different experience than you might have at a downtown accommodation.
Situated on the banks of the Erie Canal, the Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa is in the well-heeled village of Pittsford. A bedroom community for Rochester’s C-suite execs, Pittsford is flush with golf courses, restaurants, and brew pubs. It fits the bill for many, especially a small meeting where participants can incorporate a round on the nearby links.
When my husband and I checked into the three-story, 99-guestroom hotel a group in loosened collars was emerging from one of the hotel’s meeting rooms and heading to the bar.
Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa for Leisure
We, on the other hand, were there for pure pleasure. Our agenda included kayaking, boat tours, and leisurely biking along the Erie Canalway Trail, which runs right through Pittsford.
I had always been fascinated with the Erie Canal, built by hand in 1825. This was our chance to explore an area a mere three-hour drive from our home in Toronto.
What You’ll Find in the Rooms
Our room in the Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa was on the first floor, looking out onto a paved terrace. It had two queen beds, a work desk and chair, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-fi, plus a coffee and tea maker. Despite the room being a little dark, there was a large window that opened. I’m partial to fresh air, especially when I’m sleeping, so it ensures a good night’s rest. Plus, the pillowtop bed felt divine.
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The other standard room configuration available had one king-sized bed.
The accessible rooms had two queen beds, roll-in showers, visual alarms, and notification devices for doors and phones. The accessible king bed version did not have roll-in showers.
The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa offers two suite options. The Pebble Beach suite has an Erie Canal view, two bathrooms, and a separate living room.
A larger Monterey Suite is a good choice for a family. It has one bedroom with one king bed. Up to two cribs or rollaway beds are also permitted. The suite features a fireplace, sofa, dining table with six chairs, and an outdoor patio.
You have to leave Rover at home, though. No pets are allowed on the property.
Elegant On-Site Restaurant with a View
After an end-of-day stroll along the canal, we returned to the Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa for dinner at the Erie Grill. An airy, open space, the grill’s most outstanding feature is its picture windows offering a Canalside view.
The menu listed American favorites, some with a twist such as the wagyu beef meatloaf. Grilled lamb loin and a seafood cioppino pasta with littleneck clams, shrimp, scallops, and mussels also sounded good. But feeling in a traditional mood, I opted for the filet mignon on a bed of fresh new potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant. It was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
We also had breakfast at the Erie Grill, digging into bowls of berries while Pittsford locals strolled by on their morning Canalway constitutionals.
Spa and Fitness Center
You should book appointments at the Spa at the Del Monte well in advance. I didn’t have time to indulge, but I popped my head in to see what it offered. The attendant told me it’s a popular spa with villagers as well as hotel guests. There are 14 treatment rooms and separate men’s and women’s sanctuaries. An extensive menu included facials, body scrubs, wraps, massages, manicures, pedicures, and hair styling.
What I did have time to try out was the fitness center. It was open 24/7 and equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, free weights, and some strength training equipment.
Rates at the Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa
Standard King rooms with one bed and Queen rooms with two beds range from $270 to $400, depending on the season and day of the week. Accessible rooms range from $300 to $400. Rates for suites are available upon request. Parking is complimentary.
Check the latest Del Monte Lodge Renaissance rates at Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Visit Rochester arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
