“Lake Life” is the epitome of laidback luxury. And the Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid, New York, is the preeminent destination to have that experience.
As the only hotel on Lake Placid, the property has the aura of a Gilded Age Great Camp from the Rockefeller days with a main lodge, individual cabins, and a private dock with a 35-foot mahogany Hacker-Craft available for use. It’s easy to spend the day on the lake or cozy up with s’mores by the fire pit in the winter after hitting the nearby slopes. But, no matter the seasonal adventure, you always return to an intimate resort the oozes rustic charm.
In the main lodge, you’ll find beams hewn by hand, countless fireplace-laden nooks, and a soaring wooden staircase with camping-themed decor lining the walls. That same aesthetic carries over to the rooms, ranging from main lodge suites to private lakeside cabins with beds carved by local craftsmen, hand-laid stone fireplaces, classic soaking tubs, Adirondack chairs on the balcony or lawn, and antiques strewed about.
As you’d probably imagine, the two onsite dining outlets also have a casual convivial feel. The more formal Artisans restaurant– which serves a formal dinner and some of the top-rated pancakes in the country for breakfast–takes over several rooms giving everyone space to enjoy a peaceful dinner. Sit back in the oversized leather banquet next to the wood-burning fire, or take in the stunning vistas of Whiteface Mountain from the massive balcony while chowing down on seasonal chef-prepared cuisine.
Meanwhile, Maggies Pub feels like your family’s living room. It’s here where you can order up a burger, sip a drink in a deep armchair, and play board games or billiards with loved ones. But, of course, whether dining inside or out, down by the dock or holed up in a quiet main lodge corner, there’s always a crackling fire beckoning.
In short, it feels like home.
