From the kitchy 1950's feel to THE VIEW this was exactly water we were looking for. The location (footsteps to the water) for one night is hard to find on any lake. There isn't a sand beach - but no one has that as it is too hard to maintain on lake shoreline. We are used to roughing it a bit and have done a lot of camping, so while yes it is a bit dated, we found everything to be clean. We stayed in an efficiency cabin for the view, which was well worth the money! The pool is being rennovated, but the hottub provided a fantastic relaxing evening with a great view of the sunset and the lake. Linens were brand new - beds soso. Great to walk (could bike/run) the tiny road in front down to Olneys deli and market and north past multi-million dollar homes (ps you can tell mileage from house #s - # 632 = 6.32 miles from Penn Yan). We cooked in and everything from clean pots and pans to dish soap were provided. We will come back with our kids.. when the pool is finished. Oh the Viking boat has been decommissioned and they don't provide motor boat rentals either, but you can dock/launch if you bring your own. Oh and bonus to Verizon has cell tower right across lake 5 bars 3g the whole time in the area!

I stayed a single night here on my way up to Niagara Falls. I read the reviews here and despite the negative ones, thought it sounded OK. I am not super fussy nor was I expecting a luxury hotel or even a holiday inn type of room, based on the reviews. I'm all for wholesome, old-fashioned lake-side fun. But I was not prepared for what we found.

While the location is directly on beautiful Keuka Lake, the accommodation was so poor that my kids and I felt uncomfortable and for a few minutes I considered leaving and going elsewhere, except that we were so tired from driving. The "rustic efficiency" unit I had was not quaint, or "old fashioned" or rustic -- all of which I can easily tolerate (in fact I summered for years on saranac lake as a kid in log cabins) - but this was just an old, unrenovated room, with cheap furnishings and zero charm. It was difficult to tell how clean the place was because the carpet was threadbare, the bathroom tiles were peeling and dingy, the lights didn't work in the room, a soda can was under the bed, etc. We did not walk barefoot anywhere, particularly in the bathroom. We slept uncomfortably with one eye open in case insects came out of the exposed ceiling. My daughter would not get under the blanket because she did not want to touch the sheets. Plenty of wasps flew outside our window, under the eaves of our balcony, so no-one went outside. In fact, when we checked out the next morning, as I was driving past the units to the road with my window open, a giant wasp flew into the car. I had to stop and jump out. While I did, more wasps came to 'attack' the car and it appeared there must have been a nest nearby. I sent the kids to get someone from the office to help, and someone thankfully did come and drive the car further away from the wasp area.

As for amenities, the "pool" was closed for repairs (in the middle of summer?) and the "hottub" was old and decrepit. We did not experience the "bonfire" as we had a thunderstorm that night so I can't comment on that.

I must say the place seemed filled up so obviously it has clientele that enjoy the place. I'm just not one of them. If you are prepared for what to expect and have no expectations, then you'll be fine.

It's a room, with a kitchen, fridge, microwave, coffee maker. It has a musty smell, but was clean. The rooms are on top of one another and rooms on each side. The beach is nice, dock and firepit are all fine. I just would not spend $115 again. The rooms themselves are $75 a night rooms at best. We only stayed 1 night and not sure i would again. We wanted to use the hot tub and pool, but they were closed. The firepit was also not lit that night. We bought wine and were going to sit around the fire, but there was none. When we called down the proprietor said he forgot to set it up.

We've been visiting the Viking for nearly 15 years and look forward to it each and every year. The owners and employees have always been helpful and kind; often going out of their way to make our stay more enjoyable. Nightly bonfires, rooms with kitchens, many outdoor grills to choose from (many near the rooms and several near the lake), picnic tables, many chairs, badmitton, volleyball, fishing off several docks, free rowboats, board games, hot tub, pool, breathtaking views, and plenty of fresh air filled with peace and quiet.
This is a world of its own as cell phone and computer access aren't readily available. However, if access is needed via cell phone, just walk the property as there are many 'hot spots' that provide service...and if computer is needed, drive one mile to a convenient store where there's free access. But, if you're like me, you'll simply enjoy the solitude while enjoying wine purchased from one of the many nearby wineries.
Thank you, Viking, for many wonderful vacations. We're looking forward to many more!!!