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The Adirondacks’ six million acres is a massive area to explore, but as soon as you dive in, you’ll notice something — a lot of the ADKs is extremely remote and extremely rural.
That can make it difficult to find the perfect place to call home while they hike, ski, paddle or otherwise enjoy all the year-round fun the Adirondacks offer. But the article below does most of the hard travel research work for you.
These are the 10 best resorts in the Adirondacks, in case you’d rather skip the Adirondacks cabins rentals and enjoy all the amenities that come with hotel living.
From room service to on-site dining, luxurious and historic to rustic and low-key, here are 10 resorts in the Adirondacks worthy of your time and vacation funds.
Related Read: 11 Unique Places to Stay in New York State
Resorts in the Northern Adirondacks
1. Whiteface Lodge
Why you should stay: Amenity-heavy resort with serious mountain lodge vibes.
- Location: Lake Placid
- Rates from: $395/night
Whiteface Lodge is possibly the most popular luxury resort in the northern Adirondacks. The lodge is on the newer side, opened in 2005, but it still features plenty of historic touches like timber accents from wood milled nearby and custom furniture made from logs and branches.
Taking design inspiration from the Great Camps of yesteryear, the resort is to be a one-stop shop for everything you’d need to explore the region. Inside, your entertainment options range from film showings in the movie theater to bowling.
Outside, you can canoe in the summer or ice skate in the winter (or take the free shuttle service to Whiteface Mountain for skiing and snowboarding). And don’t forget a trip to the huge spa. If you do decide to leave the property, you’re within walking distance of downtown Lake Placid.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Beautiful Cabin Rentals in the Adirondacks
2. Lake Placid Lodge
Why you should stay: The only resort directly on Lake Placid.
- Location: Lake Placid
- Rates from: $589/night
Just a short drive away from downtown Lake Placid, historic Lake Placid Lodge is an award-winning property that delights guest with a mixture of vintage Adirondacks style and modern-day luxury. An expansive lawn dotted with red Adirondack chairs leads down to the waters of Lake Placid, while rustic twig-art balconies and decks overlook the shoreline.
The accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from guest rooms in the main lodge to private cabins. The lodge rooms boast updated ADK style, with faux deer heads on the walls, stone fireplaces, and impressive nature views.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 of the Best Airbnbs in the Adirondacks
3. The Point Resort
Why you should stay here: Rockefeller-worthy levels of luxury at an adults-only resort.
- Location: Saranac Lake
- Rates from: $1,800/night (for two guests)
The Point Resort was originally built as a private residence for the Rockefeller family. Today, it’s an Adirondacks playground for travelers who accept only the best from their vacations accommodations. It’s one of the smaller resorts in the Adirondacks, with fewer than a dozen rooms across four historic buildings. And each guest room is different.
Whichever room you book, though, you’ll enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, included seasonal activities (ice skating, boating, fishing, and golf to name a few), and an adults-only environment. You won’t even need to travel to Saranac Lake for dinner, as group meals from the resort’s world-class culinary program are included in the rate.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Romantic Getaways in the Adirondacks for a Two-Person Stay
4. High Peaks Resort
Why you should stay: Affordable getaway in the middle of downtown Lake Placid.
- Location: Lake Placid
- Rates from: $169/night
On Lake Placid’s main street, High Peaks Resort is the place to go if you want to enjoy being in downtown Lake Placid without having to fully rely on your resort for every meal and activity.
That’s not to say that High Peaks Resort doesn’t offer both in full. Take a trip to the spa, jump in the pool, make fireside s’mores, paddle on the lake across the street — it’s all up for grabs.
The resort encompasses several different properties, each with different styles. The main resort is a classic Adirondack-style design with all the wood, plaid, and Adirondack chairs you could want. The Lake House has a retro feel inspired by vintage ski lodges, and the Waterfront Collection offers a selection of waterfront stand-alone cabins for more privacy.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Gorgeous Cabin Rentals Near Lake Placid, New York
5. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
Why you should stay: All the Adirondack perks without the kitsch.
- Location: Lake Placid
- Rates from: $279/night
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa is an award-winning property at the end of Lake Placid’s main drag. The expansive property is a favorite stop for many travelers, as well as locals looking for a meal. In the summer, you have easy access to swimming and paddling at Mirror Lake, which is just across the street.
When the lake freezes over, it’s the perfect place for ice skating or a dog sled ride. The property isn’t as Adirondack-themed as some of the other hotels and resorts in the area (let’s face it, sometimes the theme can be a little over-the-top), elevating the cabin vibe to something just barely reminiscent of a wilderness getaway.
Even if you don’t stay there, stop by the restaurant — in the winter, they use retired ski gondolas as extra seating.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Incredible Cabins with Hot Tubs in Upstate New York
Resorts in the Southern Adirondacks
6. The Fern Lodge
Why you should stay: Rustic elegance on the outskirts of Lake George.
- Location: Chestertown
- Rates from: $475/night
If you’re headed to the Adirondacks from New York City, Albany, or Syracuse, the southern Adirondacks make a more suitable destination than the northern, near-Canada villages. In Chestertown, The Fern Lodge welcomes travelers with a blend of elegance and classic Adirondack style.
Choose from five different styles of guest rooms and expect stone fireplaces, lake and mountain views, hot tubs, daily breakfast, an honor bar, and more. The property will also outfit you with all the gear you need for your next outdoor adventure, whether that’s hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
Chestertown is a little quieter and slower-paced than nearby Lake George, but you can get to the latter in about 20 minutes if you’re keen to stay out late or have access to more restaurants.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Cozy Cabin Rentals Near Lake George, New York
7. The Sagamore Resort
Why you should stay: Historic flair and uncommon elegance at a comparatively low price.
- Location: Bolton Landing
- Rates from: $139/night
Out of all the Great Camps-turned-resorts in the Adirondacks, the Sagamore is likely the most popular (as well as the most well-maintained). Built in the late 1800s, the property has a long history of hosting families looking for a peaceful getaway on Lake George who aren’t willing to part with a few luxuries.
Today, the property sets itself apart with near-endless ways to fill your vacation time. There are eight dining options, a golf course, a spa, six accommodation options, and more activities than you can feasibly count (boat tours, anyone?)
With something for the entire family and nearly every budget, the Sagamore is a must-visit for anyone who considers themselves well-traveled.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 6 Amazing Waterfalls in The Adirondacks You Don’t Want to Miss
8. Friends Lake Inn
Why you should stay: Top-rated romantic resort in the Adirondacks.
- Location: Chestertown
- Rates from: $199/night
If it’s a romantic escape for you and your honey you’re after, look no further than Friends Lake Inn. The boutique property is intimate and quiet, with fewer than 20 guest rooms, multiple on-site dining options, and private waterfront access. You’ll also have access to miles of private hiking trails in case you want to sneak away for a romantic picnic for two.
It all adds up to an unforgettable experience for travelers who truly want to kick back and relax without feeling pressured to explore or adventure too much. However, if you do feel like adventuring, there’s plenty nearby, like whitewater rafting with the Wild Waters Outdoor Center or guided horseback rides (or romantic carriage rides) at Circle B Ranch.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Terrific Tiny House Rentals in Upstate New York
9. The Lodges at Cresthaven
Why you should stay: Privacy on a well-equipped property with beautiful outdoor living space.
- Location: Lake George
- Rates from: $175/night
If you like the privacy you get with a full vacation rental but want amenities of a resort, you’ll love The Lodges at Cresthaven. Small “lodges” are scattered throughout the property, offering one or two bedrooms and full kitchens.
That gives you your own tranquil, quiet space, but when you’re ready to socialize, you can head out to the rest of the resort for a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools, sunbathe on the beach, have a friendly game on the sports courts, book a treatment at the spa, or grab a meal or drink at one of the on-site restaurants.
If you decide to leave the property, you can head into Lake George for more dining, shopping, and tourist attractions.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: Adirondack Park in Winter: Things to Do and More!
10. Blue Water Manor
Why you should stay here: Simple destination for a low-key vacay.
- Location: Bolton Landing
- Rates from: $99/night
A resort that’s welcomed families and travelers since the 1920s, Blue Water Manor has undergone some restorations over the last decade or so, bringing its lodge accommodations and cabin rentals up to today’s standards.
Now, you can find an experience similar to what you’d get at any modern hotel, all overlooking Lake George. It’s a low-key resort that keeps things simple, it’s popular with families thanks to direct access and a private beach. After you’ve burned plenty of calories hiking, biking, or paddling, head to the property’s “Pumperknickle Restaurant” for a hot pretzel of Bavarian chocolate cake.
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