Brrr…it’s cold outside, especially in the Adirondacks. But fear not, the Village of Lake Placid, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, has plenty of luxury hotels to hole up in. Whether you’ve spent the day skiing on Whiteface Mountain or taking in the sights of the village, you can look forward to laying your head down at one of these four luxury hotels in Lake Placid.
Lake Placid Lodge
This classic Adirondack hideaway has 30 rooms (a mix of cottages, cabins on the lake and rooms in the historic main house) with Adirondack-style furnishings, stone fireplaces and Oriental rugs. It is said that no two rooms are exactly alike.
On-site activities include ice skating on Lake Placid and cross-country ski trails. You can also treat yourself to one of the variety of in-room massages available, including the sport, Swedish, deep tissue or reflexology.
In the evening, have a hot toddy in Maggie’s Pub, which is stocked with a variety of drinks and pub fare in a casual yet gorgeous setting. Or you could settle into a fireside dinner at Artisans, which takes elegant lakeside dining to the next level with its sensational seasonal cuisine and breathtaking lake views. Its one a kind wine cellar can be booked for private events and special occasions. An interesting side note: While Artisans is known for its fine dining options, its pancakes are ranked among the 10 best in the country, according to Travel and Leisure magazine.
Other winter activities you can book through this hotel include ice fishing, toboggan rides and dog sled rides.
Whiteface Lodge
A relative newcomer, the Whiteface Lodge was founded in June 2005 by a former Olympian and developer who sought to create one of the most epic luxury hotels and properties in the Adirondacks. A mile from Lake Placid village yet surrounded by woodlands, this 94-suite, timber-and-stone lodge is the perfect place to take in the breathtaking snow-capped mountains. A short drive from the slopes at Whiteface Mountain.
At Kanu restaurant, with a granite fireplace and antler chandeliers, dine on game dishes such as grilled bison steak with roasted potatoes and save room for the nightly bonfire with make-your-own s’mores.
Other amenities on the premises include 24-hour room service, a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool that is open year-round and outdoor hot tubs. There is a 56-seat surround sound movie theater, a family game room and Old-Fashion Ice Cream Parlor, which offers a variety of delicious sundaes, milkshakes and sodas.
The on-site spa at Whiteface Lodge has also been ranked among the top 100 spas in North America. Appointments are required, so make sure you make that a priority. Specialty massages include a four-handed massage and a pain-relieving Table Thai massage that features a unique blend of Eastern techniques.
The Point
For a truly splurge-worthy getaway, there’s the Point, a luxury hotel and Relais & Chateaux property once owned by the Rockefellers.
Just a few miles from Lake Placid, the Point has 11 rustic-chic rooms spread among timber-and-stone cabins and come with wood-burning fireplaces. Oil paintings from the 19th century hang on walls made of native pine, spruce and fir in each of the guestrooms. Its most requested guestroom, The Boathouse, has breathtaking views of the Upper Saranac Lake through its gaping windows. It has a fantastic bathroom, complete with a soaking tub for two and a rock-walled shower.
Outside the guestrooms, there’s also communal fireside dining in the Great Hall creating a festive, house-party atmosphere. But with its tranquil woods location, there is plenty for those who prefer something quiet, including old movies, blazing fires to cozy up next to with a book and fine wines from The Point’s private cellars.
You can’t get closer to the action than the family-owned Mirror Lake Inn, which sits on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid village. This AAA Four Diamond inn has everything you need for a winter getaway: alpine-style rooms with lake and mountain vistas, the award-winning View Restaurant, a luxury spa, a heated indoor pool and a private ice skating rink! While at the spa, be sure to try the Maple Sugar Body Scrub of the Healing Soles Pedicure.
Mirror Lake Inn says your journey to healing begins at the spa, but it could also begin at breakfast where the chefs at the View are serving up renowned Adirondack Flapjacks. Other food and drink options on premises include Taste Bistro & Bar and The Cottage Restaurant, found directly on Mirror Lake, complete with indoor and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces and live music at night for when you want to keep the good times going. Speaking of, the Cottage is known for its Bloody Marys so be sure to try one during your stay.
Which hotel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!