Lake Placid, home of the 1932 Olympics (the third ever), is also home to one of the most luxurious lodges you’ll ever encounter. Nearly destroyed by a recent fire, historic Lake Placid Lodge has bounced back, reopening 11 of its secluded cabins and renovating the bar, restaurant and game room. It’s so good that Lexus recognizes it as one of their exclusive Boutique Hotels.
The October 1, 2008 grand opening of the reconstructed Lake Placid Lodge was much anticipated by those who know the high standards to which this posh hotel aspires. The original 1882 Great Camp building was destroyed by fire in 2005. The new Arts and Crafts-style main lodge is different in shape and layout from the original, but true in spirit. Sweeping stone fireplaces look to the lake, diamond-paned windows frame the sky and time spins back to the days of the great Adirondack lodges.
Lake Placid Lodge offers 13 guestrooms in the new Lodge and 17 lakefront cabins, all uncommonly comfortable, at once rustic and luxurious. Twig and bark furniture mixes with gorgeous antiques and reproductions. All guestrooms have large stone wood-burning fireplaces and wonderful lake and mountain views, and all have private baths, most with deep-soaking tubs and double-headed showers. Lodge suites ($650 and up per night) include a sitting room, often with a fireplace of its own, an extra-spacious bathroom with a large soaking tub and either a private balcony or patio. Most of the cabins are one-room units with sitting areas and huge windows. Lake Placid Lodge is all-inclusive – lodging, meals, adult beverages, snacks – you name it, and you probably can have it.
Speaking of meals, dining at the Lodge is superb. Local fare includes special dishes using rabbit, venison and trout abound. Those are just a few of the gastronomic delights at Lake Placid Lodge. The desserts are often Adirondack specialties such as a maple cake with spiced cider sorbet, prepared using locally sourced Last Chance Ranch maple syrup. Pair dessert with a glass of Port or ice wine from a fine international cellar.
Oh, the Lodge is dog friendly, too. For an extra $75 per night, your best friend will enjoy an L.L. Bean dog bed, food/water bowls, toys and treats on arrival and a nightly dog cupcake with turn down service. Woof!
Let’s say you’ve checked into Owl’s Head, a lakeside cottage outfitted with a sauna and fireplace. Pull your club chairs up to the fire and enjoy a very special moment. Let your imagination place you in a remote cabin where you are snowed in, but well provisioned and safe. Yes! You are stranded, far from the maddening crowd and the incessant demands of modern life. Snuggle in with your sweetie in a cozy featherbed. Awaken to breakfast delivered to your (cabin) door. Bundle up and grab the snowman kit (included with your room) and get creative!
Lake Placid, New York draws families from across the Eastern Seaboard. Visitors can watch ski jumpers and bobsledders hurdle down the toboggan slide and of course, ski at Whiteface with the highest vertical drop in the East. Eleven lifts and 78 trails ensure uncrowded schussing. Whether you're a beginner who will test the gentle terrain or an expert who will face the all-natural, backcountry trails called The Slides, Whiteface is skiing nirvana. At the nearby Whiteface Lodge, it’s Four Seasons meets Dirty Dancing with an onsite bowling alley and skating rink. How about a cross-country ski trek or a bobsled run on the Olympic track?
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by one of America’s last great wilderness areas. It’s a worthy winter destination. Lake Placid, itself, is a charming town described perfectly by its travel brochure. “Each year, the village transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, fragrant balsam and white snow.”
Lake Placid's main street is quintessential small town America! Shopping is a casual joy in shops lining Main Street. You’ll find rustic Adirondack twig and bark furniture in one emporium and birchbark canoes in another. Pine-scented soaps and candles, local crafts, antiques and collectibles abound. Pick up some yummy, locally made preserves, honey and gourmet foods. Don’t miss With Pipe and Book, the ultimate tobacco and used bookstore plus other fascinating shops that specialize in casual clothing, formal attire and outdoor sports equipment.
Lake Placid is five hours driving time from New York City or Boston. While most of the distance is on the well-tended New York State Thruway or the Massachusetts Turnpike, one must be wary of winter driving conditions. This is where your trusty Lexus LX, GX or RX comes in. Set the GPS navigation system for Lake Placid and leave the maps behind!
You’ll roll into the village of Lake Placid on either NY State 86 or 78. The lake you see is Mirror Lake. Lake Placid flows into Mirror Lake where village activities are centered. Lake Placid is surrounded by "cottages,” some owned by the rich and famous; all beautiful homes. Placid, the lake, also has its resident ghost – Lady of the Lake – so keep an eye peeled!
Lake Placid Lodge is located on Whiteface Inn Road in Lake Placid, New York. For reservations, give them a call at 518-523-2700.
