The Point Resort in the Adirondacks on Saranac Lake, New York is like staying at your billionaire friend’s cabin for the weekend, as once you’re on the property you have unfettered access to the entire camp like a home. It’s best described as your childhood dreams come to life—an adult summer (or winter) camp, if you will—with an endless roster of activities and a five-star spin.
The idyllic region was once a playground for old money families of the Gilded Age, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors, to name a few, who built sprawling, rugged wilderness compounds, now known as Great Camps, during the late-19th and early-20th centuries. Today, The Point retains that same nature-infused magic the aristocracy surely felt nearly 100 years ago.
From the moment you turn onto the pine tree-lined road and through The Point’s wooden gates (immediately followed by a crisp glass of champagne), it’s possible you might forget what year it is. Built at Camp Wonundra for the Rockefellers in 1929, the resort has remained virtually unchanged. William Avery Rockefeller II created the camp as a year-round wilderness escape. Luckily, the current owners (and former guests), Laurie and Pierre Lapeyre wanted to maintain that same vision. Even the table and fireplace placements in the Great Hall and the direction the beds face in each room are the same as they were in the 1930s.
The all-inclusive hotel, which sits on 75 picturesque acres, was the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in North America and has 11 rooms, each with a unique design, vibe, and history. The design of the entire resort looked plucked from a Ralph Lauren catalog and brought to life by crackling, wood-burning fires, and a delicious omnipresent pine scent. There is a Main Lodge, which houses the kitchen, the Great Hall for dining, four guestrooms and two outdoor patios; Eagles Nest, which has the Pub (the Rockefeller’s former garage-turned-game-room and epic open bar), one suite and two rooms; the Guest House, which has three rooms, including Weatherwatch, Rockefeller’s former photo studio; and the magnificent 1,200-square-foot Boathouse, which sits atop the actual boathouse.
It’s hard to decipher which season is the best, as each offers unique activities, views, and experiences. In summer, enjoy boating on one of three custom houseboats followed by archery or hiking; in winter, partake in snowshoeing through the pines, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing. The hotel is pet-friendly, and full buyouts are common (and the only time kids are allowed).
Top Takeaways
Location: Saranac Lake, New York
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: A high-style, wooded Adirondack retreat with 11 rooms, year-round lakeside activities, and a heavy dose of 20th-century Gilded Age flair.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The Point makes even the simplest daily routine, like a morning cup of coffee, feel luxurious and effortless—though the staff works tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. The service is by far what makes The Point so worth it. With a 40% return rate, The Point swoons guests with its subtle, yet exceptionally hands-on service. It’s not uncommon to casually mention your favorite food or beverage, only to have it hand-delivered to your room hours later. The staff is known for accommodating every need, like cheeseburgers at 3 a.m. or in-room massages. They even make leaving the resort a special experience. Your car will be driven to the front with your bags, a to-go lunch, and a full tank of gas before you depart.
Food + Drink: Meals are communal and eaten in the Great Hall, encouraging guests to mingle, though you can request room service if you’d like. Keeping in theme with how the Rockefellers lived and entertained, all dinners require cocktail attire, however, Wednesdays and Saturdays are fabulous black-tie affairs. Guests don their best black-tie attire and indulge in a seven-course dinner (with wine pairings) from renowned chef Loic Leperier, who has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across the world. There are also four open bars throughout the property, stocked with top-shelf liquor and wine, and the staff is able to set up cheese plates, picnics, or treats on a whim. Pro tip: In the winter, snowshoe to Camp David, where you’re rewarded with cider, frothy hot chocolate by the fire, and warm chocolate chip cookies in a miniature picnic basket.
Amenities: The Pub; a traditional Finnish lean-to; a boat house with three boats; terraces and patios; a warming hut with a treadmill and stationary bike; Camp David, a standalone cabin with a fireplace, refreshments, and board games; miles of walking, hiking and snowshoeing trails; sports and recreation equipment.
What’s Nearby?: You’ll likely never leave the property, but Saranac Lake has bars, restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
Rooms: 11
Pricing: Rates start at $2,250 to $4,650 per night for two people, which includes gourmet meals, afternoon tea, wine, spirits, activities, and carte blanche use of sports equipment and facilities.
Closest Airport: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) for private planes or Cape Air regional charters. The Point Resort is roughly a 5.5-hour drive from New York City.
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