Northern Family Motel
Location: 6775 State Highway 56, Potsdam, New York, 13676, Potsdam, US
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Motels
About this Property
Convenient Amenities
Make use of complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills during your stay. The front desk is available during limited hours and free self-parking is provided on-site.
Comfortable Rooms
Feel at home in one of the 15 air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Stay connected with complimentary wireless internet, and enjoy cable programming for entertainment. Each room also includes a desk, microwave, and daily housekeeping.
Nearby Attractions
Located in Potsdam, the motel is conveniently close to attractions like Raquette River and Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Explore nearby sites such as Clarkson University and The Stables at Windy Point.
For a convenient and comfortable stay in Potsdam, book your room at Northern Family Motel now!
Important Information
- Up to 4 children 5 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- This property allows pets in specific rooms only (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can request one of these rooms by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - anytime
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 6:00 PM. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Amenities & Facilities
- Health or beauty spa nearby
- Free WiFi
- Designated smoking area
- Picnic area
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Wheelchair accessible parking
- Free self parking
- Casino nearby
- Health or beauty spa nearby
- Wheelchair-accessible van parking
- No elevator (single level property)
- Well-lit path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Double Room
1 Queen Bed OR 2 Queen Beds
180 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and cookware/dishware
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board, laptop workspace, and window screens
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Oven
- Toaster
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Freezer
- Desk chair
-
Basic Room
1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 Queen Bed
160 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and cookware/dishware
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board, laptop workspace, and window screens
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Oven
- Toaster
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Freezer
- Desk chair
-
Double Room
2 Double Beds OR 2 Queen Beds
170 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, and freezer
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board, laptop workspace, and window screens
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Non-Smoking, pet friendly
Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Freezer
- Desk chair
-
Basic Room
1 Double Bed OR 1 Queen Bed
150 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, and freezer
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board, laptop workspace, and window screens
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Non-Smoking, pet friendly
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Smart TV
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Freezer
- Desk chair
Guest Reviews
- Eric (4/5): - Clean room. The floor was very buckled so we threw a rug over it for safety. The room was very hot and the thermostat didn't appear to work. The bed was very uncomfortable and very soft; no structure to the mattress. Perhaps the worst feature was the bathroom sink faucet. There was barely a trickle of water coming out of it. I wouldn't stay here again.
- Maureen (10/5): - While the rooms are a little dated, the hospitality and cleanliness made for a wonderful stay.
- Deborah (8/5): - Nice rooms for a good price. Good for 1-2 people in a room as not tons of space to move around. Clean and updated. My bathroom fan didn’t work and the bath door didn’t close all the way but I was alone so didn’t matter. I could also open the windows if needed.
- adam (10/5): - It's a nice roadside motel with lots of charm and wonderful staff. The rooms are cozy and well equipped. The location is great if you need to stay in Potsdam. I would 100% stay here again.
- Rpbert (10/5): - Internet stopped working the last night. Was still not working in the morning. Otherwise excellent
- Meta (10/5): - Wonderful hosts, homey touches, quiet, lovely property.
- Holly (10/5): - Microwave, fridge and freezer, ample table space and homemade welcome goodies! Very inviting and comfortable!
- Todd (8/5): - Clean. When asked about a hair dryer I was told 7am was too early to accommodate.
- Kelly (10/5): - Very clean and homey feeling. Staff was very friendly!!
- Nancy (8/5): 1st Time Stay in Older Motel - Very cute room and comfy bed. The internet for tv was very weak and the floor was "gritty." A rack for a suitcase would be a good addition. Check in and out was great. We would stay here again.
- Amanda (8/5): - It was a very quaint motel. Everyone is very relaxed and easy going. Easiest check-in and out I ever had.
- Jane (10/5): - I loved this motel! The owners were so friendly and welcoming. The room was clean and comfortable with windows that you could open and a screen door so you could have that open too! I really enjoyed sitting out in front of our room, just relaxing. It also was very nostalgic for me, an old fashioned type of motel but very well kept up. I will return for sure. Great value!
- holly (8/5): - Property is very cute and quaint. There are not a lot of options in the area so I appreciate the affordable pricing and clean rooms.
- Roger (10/5): - This motel was just what we needed for an overnight stay after getting our son settled in at college. The owners were very pleasant and had a gift bag with homemade goodies for us. The room is clean, beds comfortable, and there was complimentary bottled water in the room. Will stay here again! Highly recommend.
- Kristina (10/5): Best little kept secret! - If you are staying in Potsdam, this is the motel of all motels! We checked into a very homey barn with 2 doggies and a kitty. The owner greeted us with a bag of homemade goodies and was just the sweetest! Rooms were quaint and super clean! We will be visiting there every time we in the area!!
- Virginia (10/5): Convenient stay - My sister and I stayed 3 nights at Northern Family Motel. The motel room was on the small side, but had a queen bed which was very comfortable. The owners were friendly and pleasant to deal with. We would stay there again as it was convenient to what we needed to do in the area. However, the AC unit was quite noisy, so we used the fan option which was much quieter. All in all a pleasant stay.
- Robert (2/5): - DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DONT STAY HERE EVER!!!! Worst place I’ve ever stayed! Horrible customer service, mold in shower, no staff whatsoever. No cable TV, WiFi didn’t work. Charged more than advertised. Whoever does their construction work/remodeling needs to stop. I’ve seen crackheads do better work. Kept tripping over the loose and moving flooring.
- William (8/5): - Clean and quiet
- Sheri (6/5): - It was quiet and on the outskirts Shower head was very bad Both beds in the room were very noisy, every move made
- Tracy (10/5): Great place to stay - Great place To stay. Staff was friendly and efficient. Very clean and the bed was comfortable.
- Meredith (10/5): - Awesome stay - real small town feel and friendly owners! Would definitely stay here again!!
- Tobie (10/5): - The owners are super friendly. Nice and quiet, family owned. The room was nothing fancy. But it was clean and comfortable, and everything works. It has a nice cozy homey feel. I would highly recommend!
- Andrew (8/5): - Typical motel, friendly ser
- Tanya (10/5): - We stayed 6 days. The area felt safe, clean, and quiet. They had many food options in the area. The staff was friendly. The price was very reasonable- especially compared to the much higher prices of other places around.
- Renée (10/5): - Stupendous and was able to accommodate me on a long journey with an electric car and a retired veteran service dog!!!! Motel is absolutely superior!!!
- Donna (10/5): - Staff very friendly. TV remote didn't work and I called the owners and they texted me right away. When they got home, the owner texted me to make sure it was fine to come over and he put new batteries in and check to make sure it works. Love the Farmhouse design and room was cozy and comfortable. Bed was comfortable but very squeaky when I moved around. Otherwise, love everything about this place. Convenient to get to stores and dining. Quiet and lots of lights.
- Robin (10/5): - Good
- MICHAEL (10/5): - Very clean, easy check in, it was great to have outside space to relax after a long day. Would recommend
- Catherine (10/5): - This is a lovely little motel. Room 15 was spacious and exceptionally clean. Loved the little in-room kitchenette complete with fridge-with freezer-small stove, microwave and sink. All the amenities were present right down to bottled water in the fridge. Bed was very comfy and pillows were fresh and clean. Property was quiet and parking is directly outside your room. It is a bit dated but kept meticulously and appears recently refreshed. I was afraid an older motel room might be stuffy but that was absolutely not the case - the room had no odor and smelled fresh. Management was attentive and promptly helped when I was unable to lock the room window on my own. I plan on staying here next time I'm in town and would recommend this little gem. The price can't be beat and the accomodations are as comfortable as any hotel I've stayed at for triple the price.
- Judy Withers (10/5): Nice motel - We stayed two nights for my granddaughters graduation from Potsdam. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. They offered a nice breakfast and the decor in the office dining area was nice and homey.
- Marie (10/5): - We had an excellent stay and the proprietor was wonderful
- Aneesa (8/5): - Overall it was a good stay. Only thing is that the room had an odor. The host was nice at breakfast and the stay was comfortable otherwise.
- Abu (6/5): - Somehow convenient
- Judy (10/5): Quiet rest - Last night of a 3000 mile trip home from winter in Arizona. Cute, clean, very quiet. We were happy to support a local business. We had traveled 6 days and this was our 7th night.. the chain hotels in the area were clise to $200/night with taxes and fees. Price was fair here and the stay was wonderful!
- James (10/5): - Beautiful little spot a couple of minutes out of town. Staying here next time we’re back in the area!
- Erica (10/5): Cozy and Quiet - Cozy and quiet! Great price and everything you need for an overnight stay.
- Don (10/5): Reasonably priced! - Nuce inexpensive option.
- Grace (10/5): - Felt like home away from home!
- Ross (10/5): - Good place
- Matthew (8/5): - Cute room. Very peaceful
- Colleen (8/5): - Tv did not work
- ana (8/5): - Everything was ok. Except the waters and shower.
- Katrina (10/5): Highly Recommend! - Nice, quiet property with a super clean room & bathroom, comfy bed and in-room mini fridge & microwave. I will definitely stay here again when in the area for work.
- Karen (10/5): Very comfortable stay - Overnight stay during athletic event at local college. Room was clean and comfortable. Frig and microwave in room meant I could save leftovers from dinner and make breakfast. Grounds are well kept. As with any motel, the room is not soundproof, but guests are respectful and we enjoyed a great night's sleep. This motel is very conveniently located to Potsdam...just a few minutes from downtown. I highly recommend!
- Lynn (8/5): Overall great experience - Overall my experience was great. It’s a very cute motel. They have done a good job of trying to improve the rooms. Everything was clean in the room. The only issue I had was the heat wasn’t working the second night so the room got very cold. It’s a no frills motel but a perfect, quiet place to stay.
- Kristen (8/5): - Nice cozy blankets, cute room style decor
- Christine (10/5): - The room and bathroom were really clean, and the beds were comfortable. We enjoyed staying at the Motel. Easy parking and check-in/-out. I definitely can recommend this Motel.
- Jamie (10/5): - Privacy
- Susan (10/5): - Reasonable price and clean
- PHILIP (6/5): - It was a nice motel. Friendly staff and clean. Rooms were small, but can be expected.
- Derrick (10/5): - The best in Potsdam!!! For a good price compared to other motels in the area
- Mary (2/5): - Both my son and I were bitten during the night by yellow jackets. I am allergic but had medicine. The office closes at 6 so no one to call/sleepless night-horrible experience!
- Richard (10/5): - Just a quick overnight for a wedding. Cozy, quiet, and out of the way in a good sense.
- Paul (6/5): Good clean roadside motel - Not a bad spot. Wasn’t anything like the pictures. My room, #3 was much more worn and used than the pictures made it out to look. That was another room right after it was remodeled. It’s fair for a roadside motel. They have what appear to be nicer rooms and spots to gather.
- Jessyca (4/5): - It was not like the pictures. We got in after about 20 hours of traveling and the room was disgusting. Brown spots in the ceiling, cobwebs, bugs, and a smell. The sheets, pillows, and bed had stains. The bed felt like it would struggle to hold both my husband and I. It was after their operating hours when we arrived so we couldn’t request another room. The staff was awesome though! They refunded us without any problems. They were also nice when we called to let them know we’d be there after operating hours.
- Cynthia (10/5): - Comfortable and very clean. Staff was very nice and friendly. They went out of there way to make sure we were taken care of even tho we came in late
- Yurie (6/5): - Check-in was confusing, no one at the office, it was closed. Instead there was an envelope taped to the door with the message that "key was on the door and checkout at 10". So I tried to contact the hotel (infos on the website & emails) and Expedia, but nothing came of it. Finally, we just checked if there's a room with the key in the doorknob, we saw there was at room #10, so we took that room; 'cause it was also raining cats & dogs. Other than that, all was okay. We dropped off the room key in the key drop box at check-out, no staff interaction. Price wise, it was great!
- Patricia (10/5): - This was a very pleasant find for us, and if we are in the area again, we will definitely be back. We were in Potsdam for one night for a business deal and this place was recommended to us because it was close by. We have been doing a lot of traveling in the past 9 months and we can honestly say that this room, which has been recently renovated is much nicer than those which cost much more and are regularly rated 5 stars. Because it included a small kitchen, we were able to eat both dinner and breakfast in our room, which saved us a lot of money. The best part though was that the motel was pet friendly and had lots of mowed land for my dog and me to enjoy plus ample parking for our RV. Everyone, both staff and other guests, were friendly and the housekeeping person did a great job preparing our room for us. We are thankful for the recommendation to stay here. It turned out to be just what we needed for a very reasonable price.
- Terrance (10/5): - Clean, quiite friendly, and comfortable stay. Reasonably priced.
- Barrington (8/5): Great place to stay with family and friends - The room was comfortable and clean. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I would recommend this hotel to family and friends.
- Don (10/5): - Quaint motel. Friendly owners and will stay again.
- Kim (6/5): - Th Room was very Small, the door did not lock properly. did not lock at all. The TV remote was dead. The TV did not park properly. The staff was never around. The coffee pods were horrible. When speaking to the owners Stephanie and Eric on the phone, they were very pleasant and easy to work with, One positive about The room was that it was clean
- Peter (10/5): Best Spot for a Total Eclipse - We had the best time here. Not only because we came here for the amazing solar eclipse, but because it was the least busy, most enjoyable spot to enjoy it. The staff was super friendly, rooms were clean and welcoming, and the nearby town was convenient. When we weren't waiting for the eclipse and watching it as it entered totality, we managed to eat some great meals in the local restaurants and hike the nearby trails along the river. If you're looking to escape hustle and bustle, this is the spot for you!
- Dennis (10/5): - A great stay in a bucolic setting, perfect for watching a total solar eclipse.
- Bernardo (6/5): - Room had a smell even outside I don’t know if it’s the septic. Tub had rust in the drain some of the caulking was coming off. Baseboard heat was missing metal cover vents.
- Peter (10/5): Happy family motel - Cozy and friendly.
- Eli (10/5): - Is perfect if you have dogs
- Darren (8/5): Happy Place!!! - Check-in and check-out was easy. Greeted by the owners upon arrival and given fresh baked goods as a welcome. Would recommend Northern Family Motel to anyone looking in the area.
- Bruce (10/5): - This was such a nice surprise to find an excellent comfortable room at a great price!
- Michelle (10/5): - For a last minute reservation the Northern Family Motel really came through. The room was well lite, spacious and clean. Parking was also available. The area is also quiet and had great outside lighting. I am looking forward to staying here in the future.
- Mark (10/5): Good place to stay - We enjoyed our stay, again. Like to help local businesses out. Easy in and out with good parking. Friendly people who work there. Will stay again.
- Narasimhan (2/5): - Water was leaking from under the bathroom sink into the bathroom floor. The bathroom door did not close well and did not have a latch. The office room is not open to talk to as no body was there.
- Terrence (10/5): - Very nice!
- Zunilda (10/5): - It was a comfortable place! Employees are very friendly and welcoming! Staff was such a great help, thank you again!
- Brendan (8/5): - Easy check, good price, clean and simple
- Courtney W (10/5): Quintessential New England Motel! - We stayed at the Northern Family Motel in late September, 2021 for Parent's Weekend at a nearby college. The owners are very nice and the room (#10) was SPOTLESS! Due to Covid, they can't serve breakfast, but they put Kuerigs in every room so you can wake up to a hot cup! We spent one night on the porch with nice fire pits and heaters, chatting with the owners and another guest. It was the perfect stay! We will be back! Thanks!
- Peggy (10/5): - This was a very well maintained property,beautiful view and love the location
- tim (4/5): College vusit - The room was not in the best of condition. The bathroom door would not close, it was hitting the floor. The base board radiator cover was half off, the blanket had a hole in it. The room was small and TV was smaller. Carpet was torn. For the price i didnt expect much, but i expected better.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - The owner is awesome, very friendly and goes out of her way to make you happy
- Frederick (10/5): - Our hostess was friendly and cooked a great breakfast. Our room was much like a room in a home.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Owner was wonderful and continental breakfast as well. Room needed some updating but was comfortable and warm. Convenient to SUNY Potsdam was well worth it. Would stay again!
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice family-owned place. Great breakfast! It’s no frills but clean.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great hosts/cramped and noisy room - Stephanie was warm, accommodative and hard working. Breakfast was lovely and plentiful! The small room refrigerator was loud and had to unplug it to sleep well. Also the sink had a constant water dripping sound but closing the bathroom door helped. For the room size, the price was high as are all the accommodations for a popular university event weekend. Would give it another try if we had a different room and the price was commensurate with room size.
- Verified traveler (4/5): As a last resort this works, but not great. - Our shower was TERRIBLE, and the bathroom sink was pretty bad too. You couldn't even run the water without getting soaked, as it splashed everywhere even on low. The shower knobs fell off and you were either burning hot or freezing cold. The beds were not comfortable, and made a loud noise every time you moved even a little bit, and there was only one thin bedspread on the beds. The carpets were dirty, and please don't look under the beds or you will be frightened by what you see. The room felt moist all the time, even when we tried to run the air conditioning, which was also falling apart. The television did not work properly, and we only had three channels. There are room darkening shades in the bathroom, but not the bedroom, so be prepared to wake up with the rising sun. Also, we only got one half roll of toilet paper, and there was no extra, so we ran out.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Owners Stephanie and Eric are such kind, genuine folks! They take pride in their property and keep things clean and comfy for guests. The breakfast spread is always top notch, and the conversation is always easy and entertaining. They have a nice little fire pit in front of the "barn" and guests can hang out, chat over a glass of wine in the evening or a steaming cuppa in the morning. I love that they are pet friendly, but yet super clean at the same time. We'll keep coming back whenever we visit our SUNY Potsdam student/daughter!!!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautifully comfortable and cozy country feel! Very inviting!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Can’t find anything negative to say about the place except the bed was a little soft for me. I have to add that I like a super firm and hard bed so it is just my own preference that I say that. I am sure most people would not be bothered by the beds at all.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - It was a barn however the staff was friendly sweat treated my son like a so
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Owners were very friendly and welcoming. Great breakfast. Nice stay
- Temple (10/5): - Stephanie was amazing! Like a bed and breakfast with a motel.room! Homemade muffins and coffee was amazing! Will definitely stay again
- Verified traveler (10/5): - My room was perfect. An interesting mix of furniture and decor made the room very comfortable. In the morning I had a "Kings Breakfast" of eggs, bacon, homefries, toast, coffee, oj, and muffins. I prefer this motel over any of the local brand name places, the hosts are most accommodating.
- christina (10/5): Comfy lil place - You can't beat it for the price. Plus the homemade blueberry muffins in the morning were amazing.
- Patt (8/5): - The country vibe is great. The air conditioner could be bigger for the size of the room, but overall was good.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Very homey property needs renovating and updating but it was clean
- Susan (10/5): - Couldn’t of asked for nicer owners. So accommodating. We look forward to our next trip there.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Clean basic room and friendly/helpful staff. Good location near town and colleges.
- Kim (10/5): - You are greeted with delicious baked goods and friendly service. The breakfast was very good and rooms were clean and comfortable.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Everything was what I expected from a motel until I sat on the mattresses. It was a horrible nights sleep due to the mattress being well past its prime.
- Lin (10/5): - this property was very nice. It was simple but had all amenities you needed. Close to all.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Very accommodating and helpful staff. I felt very welcomed.
Photos
