The Hotel Guru
14 Best Hotels in the Adirondacks

14 Best Hotels in the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks are a vast area of mountains and lakes in New York State, perfect for an escape to the great outdoors. It's about half a day’s drive from New York City, and when you arrive you’ll be greeted by a great wilderness, ripe for exploring on foot, on two wheels, or by boat on the waterways. Our Gurus have researched the best hotels in the Adirondacks, and found a collection of romantic, traditional looking wooden lodges, large lake-side resorts, and peaceful escapes, with perfect matches for families, couples, groups and explorers of all ilks.

For a Special Occasion

The Lake Kora Hotel is a collection of 16 stunning villas, nestled into dense forest on the shores of Raquette Lake. Each villa is unique in dimensions and presentation, but they all have romantic, wood clad rooms and private terraces. The facilities are second-to-none, including plenty of watersports kit, a ten pin bowling alley and games room, a library, The Ice House Spa with its sauna and forest-view whirlpool tubs, and a communal dining room serving American classics.
The Point is an intimate, 11 room hideaway on the shores of Upper Saranac Lake. Each of the rooms and suites is individually decorated, with rustic charm and plenty of space, cosiness, and promotion of the awesome views. Foodies will love the organic produce and fresh menus, plus the option of a winter barbecue, and picnics or alfresco dining on the decks. Fisherfolk will have it made here, as will families, and those seeking romance.

For a Rural Retreat

The Friends Lake Inn is a rustic retreat in the heart of the Adirondacks, on the banks of Friends Lake. There are 17 spacious yet cosy rooms, offering either lake or garden views. The decor is very lodge chic, with wood-clad walls, fireplaces and plump furnishings. There’s a pool, and a garden, a games room, terrace, and New American organic cuisine paired with an extensive wine list. Romantic, but also family friendly.
Fern Lodge is a luxurious B&B lodge in a secluded spot on Friends Lake. It has just five rooms and suites, all cosy and romantic, with wood-clad walls, stone fireplaces, plush fabrics and furnishings, and rustic details. They also have two person whirlpool tubs. Expect a superlative breakfast in the morning, and access to an honestly bar in the lounge, which also has a vast stone fireplace in a double height ceiling.

For Families

The Whiteface Lodge has branded itself as a deluxe hotel for outdoorsy folks, compete with handmade Adirondack-style furniture, lots of wood panelling, stunning views of Lake Placid and the mountains, and an eight thousand foot spa. This is a sizeable resort, with 94 rooms and suites — many designed for families, and complete with self catering facilities. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, ice cream parlour, cinema and restaurant. The Lodge also offers a babysitting service, and there’s a kids club.
The Haus on Mirror Lake is a luxuriously cool apartment hotel on the shore of Mirror Lake. Its ten apartments are stylishly decorated with contemporary furniture and colours, and have fully stocked state-of-the-art kitchens, as well as period arched windows and balconies that open out onto the water. Some apartments have multiple bedrooms, some jetted tubs, some fireplaces.

For an Active Break

Mirror Lake Inn is a charmingly traditional, white-painted inn, right on the shores of Mirror Lake. Inside are grand stone fireplaces, exposed beams and beautiful iron stoves. There are 131 rooms and suites, the majority with floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views. The decor follows Arts and Crafts principles. The Inn also has three dining options, and an onsite spa, plus indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and private beach area with complimentary boats.

For Couples

Lake Placid Lodge is a beautiful, rustic-looking lodge on the western shore of Lake Placid, known for its warm welcome and idyllic Adirondack views. All of the 30 rooms and suites have lake views and exposed wood beams — some have stone fireplaces too — and authentic bits of historic memorabilia to add charm. The elegant restaurant serves locally produced gourmet fare.
The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn is an historic, and charmingly traditional inn with five cosy, yet spacious rooms, decorated with antiques and plenty of wood — expect colourful quilts and a great central hearth in a welcoming lounge. A two course gourmet breakfast is served on the porch in warm weather, or by the fire in cooler months. This is a great pick for skiers: it’s only a couple of miles from the Olympic Training Centre.

For Great Facilities

The Sagamore Resort on Lake George is a large and elegant resort on a wooded peninsula jutting onto Lake George. The majority of its 385 rooms and suites have wonderful lake views, and the views from the pool, lounge, terrace and several restaurants, are panoramic. A resort this size is going to have fantastic facilities, and those available at The Sagamore include indoor and outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a gym, several bars and restaurants, a kids club, and an impressive watersports centre.

For Great Value

Hotel Saranac is a big hotel, with plenty of history, but it’s recently been renovated to sleek-en up its 82 rooms and suites, and improve the spa and restaurant. The result has retained the huge windows and maple wood features, but updated the furnishings and fabrics to a white and dark grey combination that feels chic and contemporary. The hotel is large enough to offer excellent business facilities, a gym, and a stylish cocktail lounge too.
The Deer's Head Inn, in Elizabethtown, claims to be the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks, and is now a sort of eatery cum grocers, as well as an inn. The four very affordable rooms are simply, but stylishly, decorated, with antique and vintage touches — including record players. The eatery serves up delicious seasonal, regional fare.

Best B&Bs

The Rosemont Inn is a boutique-style B&B in Utica, with six romantic, spacious rooms, featuring fireplaces and deep, claw-foot tubs. The house itself is elegant and historic, with huge windows and a beautiful garden. Breakfast is four courses fresh from the farm. Children and pets are welcome.
The Goose Pond Inn is a charming little B&B converted from a wood-clad farmhouse set on a beautiful plot of land in North Creek. The original home has been converted into four rooms, with their largest suite sleeping up to five, plus there are comfortable sitting rooms, a games room, a breakfast room, and a lovely terrace to enjoy too. During the ski season they offer ski packages.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Lake Placid
Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in New York State
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Deer's Head Inn Elizabethtown, New York State 4 rooms from AU$161
  
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  Local exploring  -  Uniquely positioned between New York’s highest peaks in the Eastern Adirondacks and the majestic shores of the Champlain Valley
  Active Holiday  -  Plenty of activities to please the entire family, including skating, hunting, hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing
  Restaurant  -  Serves local and regional cuisine with a philosophy built around accessibility, freshness, and seasonality
  Fishing  -  Boquet River gives fishermen a tremendous opportunity to catch rainbow, speckled, and brown trout
  
  The oldest tavern in the Adirondacks, in Elizabethtown, renovated as an eatery, grocers and inn. Luxurious and contemporary rooms with antique touches and retro record players; plus delicious seasonal and regional fare at the restaurant. A chic base for discovering the wonders of the Adironacks See More
  
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- Rosemont Inn Utica, New York State 6 rooms from AU$198
  
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  Back to Nature  -  Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks; easy access to ski resorts and kayak rentals
  Local exploring  -  SItuated in the heart of downtown Utica, perfect for discovering the "Refugee City"
  Minimum Stay  -  From May 1 to October 31, weekends require a two-night minimum stay
  Sights nearby  -  Utica Zoo is nearby
  
  A boutique B&B, set in the heart of Utica. Romantic and airy rooms feature antique furnishings, cosy fireplaces and deep claw-foot soaking tubs. Four course farm-to-table breakfast is included in the room rate. Ideal base for exploring the Mohawk River Valley and the beauty of the Adirondacks. See More
  
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- Hotel Saranac Saranac Lake, New York State 82 rooms from AU$211
  
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  Local exploring  -  Whether you want to explore the town's artsy scene or the outdoor pursuits in the Adirondack region, there is plenty to do here
  Restaurant  -  Camp Fire is a modern restaurant serving seasonally changing menus
  Spa  -  A full-service spa, Ampersand Spa and Salon
  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  
  A long-standing hotel which, having undergone a renovation, offers sleek rooms, a modern restaurant and a full-service spa. Rooms still feature six-over-six windows and narrow maple doors but the decor is now chic and modern. With friendly service and a superb cocktail lounge, this is a luxury stay. See More
  
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- Goose Pond Inn North Creek, New York State 4 rooms from AU$249
  
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  Families  -  Family rooms with bunk beds and a games rooms make this a great option for small families
  Active Holiday  -  With ample of activites in summer and winter including skiing, hiking, and climbing
  Special Offer  -  The B&B offers Ski and Stay Packages with Lodging Partners for the season
  Local markets  -  Sample local produce at the farmer’s market that happens every Thursday 2-6pm
  
  A charming family friendly B&B in the beautiful Adirondacks. Homely rooms are fresh and modern and have comfy sitting areas and large bathrooms. Relax by the pond and enjoy homemade gourmet breakfast on the terrace. Great for summer and winter getaways with skiing and endless activities close by. See More
  
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- Friends Lake Inn Chestertown, New York State 17 rooms from AU$262
  
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  Kayaking  -  Take a kayak to Kayak/Canoe to Friends Lake and soak up the scenery.
  Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  Full of character
  
  Romantic, rustic boutique in the heart of the Adirondacks overlooking Friends Lake. The rooms are Cosy with lake or garden views. Cuisine is New American with an extensive wine list for your perusal. Explore the area from the Nordic ski centre & hiking trails, this is an activity lovers paradise! See More
  
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- The Whiteface Lodge Lake Placid (New York State) 94 rooms from AU$411
  
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  Back to Nature  -  Go hiking through the dirt-and-pine scented woods, sample freshly tapped maple syrup or even jump in the lake for the brave!
  Swimming Pool  -  Year-round heated outdoor swimming pool with view of the Adirondack Mountains. Also indoor pool.
  Lakeside  -  The Whiteface Lodge is 5 minutes’ drive from Lake Placid and is 1.6 km from Mirror Lake.
  Kids Club  -  Kamp Kanu is an on-site program for entertaining children with activities and games.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Rustic deluxe hotel for outdoorsy folk who like a cosy bed to snuggle into after a day on the slopes, the river, the road or the trail. All-suite accommodations feature wood panelling and kitchens, and some have fireplaces and hot tubs. Two pools, gym, sauna, spa, salon. Ice parlor, restaurant, bar. See More
  
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- Lake Placid Lodge Lake Placid (New York State) 30 rooms from AU$585
  
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  Hideaway  -  Nip out of your hectic big city lifestyle and tuck yoruself away into this charming location with its natural splendour.
  Back to Nature  -  From the wood panneling of the hotel itself to the fresh air, clear lake water and healthy forestland all around.
  Views  -  Watch the sun rise and set over Lake Placid from your room.
  Sights nearby  -  A mere 10-min drive from the Olympic Jumping Complex.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Lake Placid Lodge caters to creature comforts with traditional Adirondack hospitality. Nestled on the west shore of Lake Placid, rooms and suites offer panoramic lake views. Stone fireplaces, wooden beams and authentic pieces for sale add to the charm. Elegant restaurant serves fresh artisanal fare. See More
  
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- The Point, New York State Saranac Lake, New York State 11 rooms from AU$2566
  
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  Fishing - Fish for bass in the summer months, but do not fret about when the lake freezes over - ice fishing is also avaliable.
  Views - Upper Saranac Lake.
  Opulent
  Full of character
  
  Intimate hideaway in a private Adirondack estate oozes luxury, breaths fantastic hospitality and showcases stunning views. 11 cozy and private hideouts, all unique in decor. The lively Great Hall offers fresh, organic dishes, enjoy picnics on the lake, winter BBQs and al fresco dining on the deck. See More
  
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- Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid (New York State) 131 rooms from AU$262
  
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  Secluded setting  -  Set among the waters and woods of upstate New York far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
  Swimming Pool  -  Seasonal outdoor pool
  On the beach  -  Private beach access
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Lakeside inn with rustic accents and plush home comforts. Interiors are decorated in a simple Arts and Crafts style with emphasis on wood panelling, calm neutrals and well-crafted furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows open rooms up to panoramic lake views. Three dining establishment and on-site spa. See More
  
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- Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn Lake Placid (New York State) 5 rooms from AU$359
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Have a real adventure with hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, snowshoe, cross country and downhill skiing trails, all nearby
  Great walks  -  Explore and discover the hiking trails surrounding the inn
  Restrictions on children  -  No children under the age of 13
  Kayaking  -  Available locally.
  
  A vintage boutique inn set in the most historic building in Lake Placid. Five authentic, luxury and spacious suites with antique furnishings, molten brown products and sweeping vistas. Enjoy a delicious two-course gourmet breakfast on the porch. Sit by the fire pit and sip on handcrafted cocktails. See More
  
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- The Haus on Mirror Lake Lake Placid (New York State) 10 rooms from AU$562
  
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  Back to Nature  -  Unbeateable lakefront location means days are spent admiring calming lake and mountain views; they're stunning all year round
  Groups  -  Several suites feature two bedrooms, full kitchens and spacious living and dining areas to hang out after a day of exploring
  Active Holiday  -  Eastern Mountain Sports is located next door, meaning getting kit for the area's many outdoor activities couldn't be easier
  Romantic Break  -  Book Suite 10 for a special weekend. It boasts outdoor fireplace, private deck, special lake access and a loft bedroom
  
  Luxurious apartment hotel on the banks of Mirror Lake. Cool loft-style apartments with period arched windows and tall lakefront balconies feature contemporary decor and fully-stocked kitchens. Options include multi-bedroom suites, jetted tubs and fireplaces. No restaurant but endless options nearby. See More
  
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- The Sagamore Resort on Lake George Bolton Landing, New York State 385 rooms from AU$381
  
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  Fishing  -  Join the local captains who will take you around Lake George for a spot of fishing.
  Views  -  Lake George.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Outstanding location
  
  Panoramic views of Lake George offer a truly stunning setting matched by fine hospitality and activities galore. Comfortable rooms have access to indoor and outdoor pools, a 1928 golf course, spa treatments and a spoiling variety of dining options dotted around the resort. See More
  
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- Fern Lodge Chestertown, New York State 5 rooms from AU$726
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With in-room fireplaces, a secluded location, and rooms featuring whirlpool tubs designed for two - an idyllic couples' escape
  Active Holiday  -  The region is choc-a-bloc with outdoor pursuits from skiing to hiking
  Great walks  -  There are endless hiking trails in the region whether you want a gentle amble or a more challenging experience
  Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Each room has a whirlpool tub
  Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels
  
  A luxury boutique B&B boasting a secluded lakeside location. Romantic rooms are cosy and traditional with fireplaces, plenty of pine and exposed stone. Modern luxuries include two-person whirlpool tubs. Superlative breakfasts are served and there is an honesty bar for evenings in. Ideal for couples. See More
  
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- Lake Kora Hotel New York State 16 rooms from AU$2015
  
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  Short break  -  Set a 5 hour drive from NYC, a manageable distance for a long-weekend but if you don't have time a helicopter takes an hour
  Back to Nature  -  Located besides a pristine lake in the midst of dense forest of Moose River Plains - a place to emmerse yourself in nature
  Groups  -  The property is divided into villas offering a secluded stay for groups or families
  Spa  -  The Ice House Spa features a sauna and a forest-view whirlpool plus a good range of massages
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A collection of stunning villas settled around a pristine lake amid dense forest. Each varies in size but the format is similar with lofty lounges, romantic wood-clad rooms, bathtubs, and large terraces. With water sports, communal dining, and outdoor pursuits aplenty - this is rural perfection. See More
  
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