Lodging Near Colgate University.
Eight private cottages on Lake Moraine — five minutes from campus. Built for Colgate parents, alumni, and visitors who want more space, more comfort, and more privacy than a hotel room.
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Why a cottageThe hotels in Hamilton fill up fast.
The Colgate Inn books months in advance for Family Weekend, Reunion, and Homecoming. The few alternatives in town are limited and expensive. By the time most parents start looking, the obvious options are gone.
Our cottages give you something hotels can't: a kitchen for early-morning coffee with your student, a living room big enough for the whole family to gather, multiple bedrooms so grandparents can stay too, and a quiet lakefront setting five minutes from campus. We've hosted hundreds of Colgate families, and most of them book again the next time they visit.
2026–2028 Colgate Event Dates
These weekends sell out 6+ months in advance. Lock in your dates as soon as Colgate publishes them.
| Event | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commencement | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Reunion Weekend | May 28–31 | June 3–6 | June 1–4 |
| Move-In Day | Late August | Late August | Late August |
| Family Weekend | Sept 18–19 | TBD | TBD |
| Homecoming | Oct 16–17 | TBD | TBD |
| Parents Weekends | Spread Sept–Apr | — | — |
Family Weekend 2026 was rescheduled from late October to September 18–19. Dates pulled from Colgate's official calendar; we update this page as 2027 and 2028 are published.
Eight cottages, all on Lake Moraine.
Lake Moraine is currently drawn down 10 feet through 2028 for a New York State dam rehabilitation project. The lake remains a working lake — swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding all continue. Each cottage page includes specifics on lake access during the drawdown.
Rocky Point #1
Private dock retained · Two queens · Two full baths · Lake-view kitchen.
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Madison Cabin #2
Private swim platform · Two queens · Fire pit · Kayaks.
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Sunset Cottage #3
Two decks · Two full baths · Hammock · Fireplace in the kitchen.
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Lake Front Home #5
Sun-room with lake views · Lawn fire pit · Family-friendly.
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Colgate Cabin #6
Authentic log cabin · Three sleeping spaces · Basement bar · Two decks.
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Kayak Home #7
Smart TVs in every room · Welcome wine · Fire pit · Workspace.
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Adirondack Home #8
The only hot tub on Lake Moraine · Welcome wine · Smart TVs.
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Island Camp #9
Your own private island on Lake Moraine · Boat-access only · Three bedrooms · Unmatched privacy.
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From recent stays.
"I would recommend this cottage to anyone staying in the area. We stayed there in order to visit my daughter at Colgate, but we got much more than proximity to the school. Christian's place is warm, inviting, clean, and convenient. The view of the lake is gorgeous. I would highly recommend it both in the 'on' and 'off' season."
★★★★★ Kristen · Cromberg, CA · November 2024 · via Airbnb
"We had an amazing graduation weekend at the lake house. It is such a peaceful setting with the beautiful deck and lake. One of my favorite parts is watching Colgate Crew go by. This was our second stay at the lake house and we hope to come again someday."
★★★★★ William · Maryville, TN · May 2024 · via Airbnb
"Perfect place for 2 couples — especially those who are foodies and enjoy to cook. Pleasantly surprised by the gas cooktop and kitchen amenities. We ate very well during our stay. The beds are comfy and it was nice having two full bathrooms. Located close to Colgate, shopping, many antique shops and many restaurants within a 15 minute drive. Christian communicated very well with us and we would definitely stay again."
★★★★★ Rebecca · Westminster, MA · February 2026 · via Airbnb
A few things worth knowing.
Distance to campus
Five-minute drive to Persson Hall, Hamilton Memorial Field, the chapel, and downtown Hamilton. Three miles total.
Group size
Cottages sleep 5 to 8. Colgate Cabin #6 sleeps 8 — ideal for grandparents joining a Family Weekend visit. Booking two cottages on the same weekend works well for extended families.
Lake activities
Even during the 2026–2028 drawdown, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing continue. Equipment is provided at every cottage or our shared boathouse. No construction noise at the cottages.
Booking direct
Booking through this site avoids third-party fees. Same cottage, same check-in, lower total cost. Returning guests get priority access to Colgate event weekends — message us if you've stayed before.
Local dining & shops
A short drive into Hamilton: Slices, Good Nature Brewing, Maxwells, the Colgate Inn restaurant, and the Village Green. Cooperstown is 45 minutes south.
Self check-in
Smart-lock entry. Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM. We send detailed directions and lock codes a few days before arrival.
Frequently asked questions.
When should I book for Family Weekend?
Six months ahead, minimum. Family Weekend 2026 (September 18–19) had cottages booking in March. For Family Weekend 2027, plan to book by April 2027 at the latest. Reunion weekends often sell out even earlier.
Do you have minimum stay requirements?
For most weekends, two nights. For Colgate event weekends — Family Weekend, Reunion, Homecoming, Commencement — three nights.
What if my plans change?
Our cancellation policy is flexible up to 30 days before arrival. Within 30 days, contact us — most situations have a solution.
Are pets allowed?
Not at this time, with apologies to our dog-owning families.
Can I bring extra guests beyond the cottage capacity?
Each cottage has a posted maximum based on local regulations and bedroom configuration — we're strict about it. Booking two cottages for a larger group works well; most of our properties are within walking distance of each other on Frank Road.
What's the deal with the lake drawdown?
The New York State Canal Corporation is rehabilitating the Madison Reservoir Dam, which controls Lake Moraine's water level. The lake has been drawn down 10 feet from spring 2026 through 2028 to allow construction. The lake remains a working lake — kayaking, swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding all continue. Most importantly: none of this affects your visit to Colgate. The campus is unchanged, the village is unchanged, and your drive to Persson Hall is the same five minutes it always was.
How does the private island cottage work?
Island Camp #9 sits on a private island on Lake Moraine, accessed by boat. Three scheduled boat trips per day shuttle you and your gear between the mainland dock and the island. It's an unmatched privacy experience — particularly popular with alumni for milestone reunions and parents looking for a quiet getaway during a longer Colgate visit. Bookings reopen for stays beginning July 2026.
Ready to plan your Colgate visit?
Check availability, message us with questions, or book direct.
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