Glen Motor Inn in Watkins Glen, NY

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Telephone:	+1 607-535-2706
Website:	www.glenmotorinn.com
Address:	3380 State Rt 14, Watkins Glen, NY, 14891
Categories:	Hotels

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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Accepts Apple Pay	No
Accepts Bitcoin	No

Wi-Fi	Free
Dogs Allowed	No
Offers Military Discount	Yes

Today

Today	8:00 am – 11:45 pm Closed now
Local time (Watkins Glen)	06:25 Thursday, 12 June 2025

Business hours

Monday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Tuesday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Wednesday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Thursday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Friday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Saturday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm
Sunday	8:00 am – 11:45 pm

Description

Specialties

A nostalgic Motel with a panoramic view of Seneca Lake. Glen Motor Inn has been family owned and operated since 1937. We offer simple, clean, and basic accommodations, restaurant, and lounge.

History

Established in 1937.

Joe and Helen Franzese began by renting out their bedroom for $.50 a night right after they were married. Soon after they built guest cabins which later turned into the first motel built in Watkins Glen in the late 1940’s. A restaurant, more motel rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool followed. Glen Motor Inn was the place to stay for many of the Grand Prix drivers, owners, celebrities, and press during the Watkins Glen’s racing era of the 60’s and 70’s. Joe and Helen’s son, granddaughter, and great-grandson continue offering family hospitality.

Meet the Manager

Nancy L.

Manager

Although a manager, I am also a fourth generation of the Franzese family to live and work here.

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3380 State Rte 14

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3170 County Rd 28

Wild Wolf Hollow

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Lane’s Yamaha Inc.

3500 State Rt 14

5 reviews of Glen Motor Inn

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Ted H.

Place rating: 3
Lancaster, PA

Exactly what we wanted. Classic old school motel with beautiful views, a quite room, a comfortable bed, extremely helpful staff, and delicious food. It’s overpriced but we are glad we booked two nights. We are already looking forward to beers on the balcony tomorrow after a day of riding through the Finger Lakes.
It’s true that the infrastructure is old here, but everything is being maintained and steadily improved. I’ll take this authentic character and comfort over a chain hotel any day. Remember when you used to be able to open the windows in hotels? You can do that at the Glen Motor Inn.

William C.

Place rating: 2
Canton, OH

We have been staying at this ‘old school’ motel/hotel for about 20 years for our regular visit to the track at Watkins Glen. In small steps each year there are improvements, but there is much to be done. A large infusion of new money would help, but still the people are very nice, the racing history is compelling, and the view of Seneca Lake from the east facing porch area cannot be beat. So, try some history and modest accommodations and stay there if you are at The Glen for wine or fast cars.

Cate F.

Place rating: 2
Middle Village, NY

Very clean room, very quiet. Bed was firm (ok for us) but pillows were so uncomfortable. Didn’t try restaurant or included breakfast so can’t comment. Biggest drawback was how unbelievably dated the décor, linens and furnishings are. Like, wow! Be prepared to be transported back to 1972. Our room was also musty, but we didn’t notice it after a little while. The tv was a flat screen, but a terrible blurry picture. Two stars only because we both slept well. Considering how much they charge per night, why hasn’t this place been updated?

Howard R.

Place rating: 1
Albany, NY

This review is about the restaurant, not the motel. A friend and I went here on the recommendation of some racing fans we met at the Seneca Lodge, who said their meal had been wonderful. On the plus side, the staff were friendly, and the view from the dining room, which overlooks Seneca Lake, was fantastic. However, our meal was another story. While the salads were good, and the bread was offered with honey infused butter and olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the main course ranged from mediocre (my friend’s stuffed ravioli) to awful. What was awful was my pan seared salmon, which was cooked to the point of having the consistency and taste of cardboard. When asked by the waitress towards the end of our meal how it was, I told her about my mostly uneaten salmon. She offered to call the manager for us, but we simply paid the bill and left, never to return. The view IS great, and maybe there are better choices on the menu, but I will never know.

Paul P.

Place rating: 2
Peckville, PA

Don’t let the pristine view over Senaca lake fool you, this place is really not that nice. The beds were very uncomfortable. Not what I’d call dirty, but also not the cleanest place either. Very old fashioned staff. Continental breakfast was ok (cereal, coffee, toast, yougart) Great pool view of lake, but water was FREEZING. Not that I’m one to complain about cold pool water, but it must have just been filled, because it was really cold. Didn’t eat at the restaurant, but it did seem busy and looked pretty good. I prob won’t be back however because of the bed situation. $ 140 a nt for balcony room $ 130 for no balcony. But seriously balcony is the best part, even if those railings really do need a coat of paint!

Glen Motor Inn

Watkins Glen, United States