Lake Placid is situated in the center of Adirondack Park, a 6.1 million-acre wilderness area. As in, it’s not a national park or a state park, but it is the largest National Historic Landmark in the United States, home to over 100 communities and townships.
Early on, Lake Placid and the Adirondacks region became synonymous with urban escape for New York artists and intellectuals. Over time, this popularity among city folk grew to the extent that Lake Placid was chosen as the host city for the 1932 Winter Olympics.
This historic event forever changed the small mountain village. Winter sports like skiing, skating, and bobsledding enjoy enduring popularity here. That said, there’s plenty of sporting in the summer, too, including the annual Ironman Triathlon, horse shows, and lacrosse championships.
These days, Lake Placid Village remains a storybook lakeside destination that offers all the adventure of the Adirondacks without sacrificing creature comforts. You’ll be able to climb up the High Peaks, cross-country ski down the mountain, paddle across the lake, or fly fish on the river before settling into a plush bed in one of the area’s many luxurious mountain inns and resorts.
Luckily, Lake Placid boasts all sorts of historic lodges, lakeside resorts, and mid-century boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Lake Placid to help you plan your perfect wilderness getaway!
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Where to Stay in Lake Placid
Choosing where to stay in Lake Placid comes down to a choice between mountains and beaches. That is, to stay closer to the forest or closer to Mirror Lake. There are definitely benefits to both!
The many lakeside resorts in Lake Placid are clustered around downtown, near Main Street. This is convenient since you’ll have easy access to the village’s many restaurants, lounges, and cafes, along with beautiful lakeside views and priority access to the docks. That said, Main Street is also the busiest area in Lake Placid, which might not be ideal if you’re looking for serenity and quiet in nature.
Because gas-powered motorboats are prohibited on Mirror Lake, the waters are crystal clear, the atmosphere is quiet, and you’ll be able to enjoy the entire lake via canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. The sandy Lake Placid Public Beach even offers a great place to swim!
Meanwhile, some other stays are nestled a bit more inland, a short walk or drive away from Main Street. This makes a big difference since the local population of Lake Placid is only about 1,500, meaning most of the traffic is centered around Main Street. You’ll still be able to enjoy spectacular sunsets and sunrises in these more secluded environs.
If you really want to enjoy the outdoors, look for resorts that are on the lake but situated a little further out from downtown Lake Placid. These hotels are usually on large acreages that make it possible for them to facilitate a lot of outdoor activities, including ski-in and ski-out accommodations!
The 12 Best Hotels in Lake Placid
1. The Whiteface Lodge
The luxurious Whiteface Lodge is located in the Adirondack Park High Peaks region. This rustic lodge and resort is easily one of the best hotels in Lake Placid, boasting gorgeous views and 5-star amenities.
The luxury suites in this lodge feature handcrafted cedar and mahogany furnishings, cast-iron fireplaces, and full kitchens. With options ranging from 1- to 4-bedroom suites, you’ll be able to find something perfect – whether you’re flying solo or traveling with a party.
We love the deluxe 1-bedroom suites. These feature functional gas fireplaces to get cozy with and a full-size outdoor balcony or porch, so you can enjoy the crisp mountain air. In the upgraded bathrooms, you’ll find a huge two-person tub, perfect for a long soak after a trek up the peak.
Resort amenities include the world-class spa, which mixes together rustic charm and a serene atmosphere. You’ll also love the heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts, and ice skating rink!
Families will especially appreciate the nightly campfire and s’mores on offer, as well as the movie theater, game room, bowling alley, and ice cream parlor, which are all right on the grounds.
2. Eastwind Lake Placid
In historic Lake Placid, you’ll find that the charming Eastwind Lake Placid boutique hotel is conveniently located a short walk from town and features designer accommodations that include guest rooms, suites, and cabins.
This intimate hotel offers only 26 spaces, each one bursting with rustic personality and mid-century style. The architectural features – exposed beams, pine paneling, and hardwood floors – will help you feel close to nature, even while you stay in comfort!
The Lushna Suite offers a quintessential Lake Placid experience. It’s a luxury cabin complete with a separate living area and loft bed. You’ll have a sunny writer’s nook for the morning’s emails and a private deck to enjoy hot cocoa in the evening.
The King Suite Champlain is perfect if you’re looking for comfort. Between the warmth of the fireplace, huge picture windows, and a private balcony, you’ll be able to lounge in style without missing out on the mountain views.
On-site, you’ll find a bar and lounge perfect for nightcaps, a barbeque area and fire pit, hammocks for soaking in the sun, and a unique vintage library in a historic Victorian. Plus, the bike rentals for exploring town are complimentary!
3. Lake House at High Peaks Resort
True to its name, Lake House at High Peaks Resort offers stunning lake views in a mid-century inn. This is easily one of the coolest hotels in Lake Placid. Stay here if you’re looking for a luxury mountain lodge experience that’s cozy and unpretentious.
You can enjoy your coffee with a side of fresh morning air on your private patio or balcony, play a few rounds of air hockey in the cozy game room, or enjoy Mirror Lake on a complimentary watercraft. If warm water is more your thing, there are heated indoor and outdoor pools to splash around in, too.
All the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and amazing views of Mirror Lake. Furnishings are simple but charming – a mix of lumberjack and Scandinavian in style. Bold colors and finishes make for a fresh ambiance and a perfect place to start your Adirondack adventures.
The special pet perks make this one of the best places to stay in Lake Placid with a dog. You’ll have easy access to the outdoors, a food mat and bowls, and a cushy dog bed for your furry family member!
4. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
The historic Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa sits right on the shore. Picturesque surroundings, pristine woodlands, and classic upstate charm make this one of the best Lake Placid hotels!
The many different suites can perfectly accommodate solo travelers, couples, or families. Expect warm cottage decor, cozy sitting areas, and airy lake-view patios.
Of note is the incredible top-floor High Peaks Suite, which features a dramatic A-frame ceiling and 800 square feet of living space. A private balcony and fireplace set this room apart, along with an ultra-luxurious bathroom with heated floors, an oversized tub, and a five-headed shower. It’s the perfect stay for a special occasion.
This inn offers two very different dining experiences on-site, both of which are frequented by locals and travelers alike. The View is the only fine dining restaurant in the High Peaks Region, serving local and imported delicacies in an upscale alpine dining room.
For comfort food and gorgeous lakeside views, you can check out The Cottage Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to hang out after a day on the slopes.
5. The Haus on Mirror Lake
If you’re looking for style, The Haus on Mirror Lake is one of the coolest places to stay in Lake Placid. The mix of eco-chic awareness, a contemporary eye for design, and a historic lakeside building makes this a magazine-worthy hotel.
Perfect for long-term stays, the spacious suites are all apartment-style, with a full kitchen, sitting and dining areas, and separate bedrooms. Tall arched windows and huge balconies add plenty of personality. This might be your perfect home away from home on the lake!
If you’re looking for private lake access, Suite 10 has got you covered. This is the ideal option if you plan on spending a lot of time out on the water.
You’ll be able to enjoy your own deck and garden right on the lake, then relax in an extra-large jacuzzi tub. This 2-bedroom suite sleeps up to six, but it’s also great for couples who want the extra perks.
Located right on Main Street, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and shops steps from your door. The central location makes this the perfect home base for your Adirondack escapades!
6. Placid Bay Hotel
The first smart hotel in Lake Placid, Placid Bay Hotel offers a sleek, modern aesthetic combined with a love of the outdoors and high-tech amenities.
Staying here gives you free access to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, along with outdoor amenities like a fire pit, pool, lakeside picnic area, and hotel docks for all your adventuring needs!
Rooms are smart and contemporary, and each one also includes a Keurig coffee maker and luxury bath amenities. Chic Scandinavian furnishings complement the alpine accents to make this a lovely lakeside retreat for the discerning minimalist.
The Mallard Cottage is your best bet if you want the full lake cottage experience, and it’s great for a group getaway. This sunlit space features two bedrooms plus a sofa bed for up to six guests. We love the memorable details like the front porch, beautiful lake views through the picture windows, and a grand cathedral ceiling.
Check-in is a breeze with the hotel’s keyless system. High-speed Wi-Fi that reaches down to the docks, an HD smart TV, and Alexa devices will help you stay connected during your stay! With so many high-tech features, this truly is one of the most unique hotels in Lake Placid.
7. Lake Placid Inn
With 40 immaculately decorated apartment-style rooms in the heart of Lake Placid Village, Lake Placid Inn is perfect for longer stays in a central location. The inn, plus a set of serviced residences in the woodlands, mean you don’t have to compromise between nature and comfort.
Once upon a time, the building housed a private prep school for elite athletes. It even hosted the Italian team during the 1980 Winter Olympics! It’s since been renovated and is now open to anyone looking for a home base in the Adirondacks.
Rooms are clean and bright, and you’ll have plenty of space for gear, luggage, and anything you find during your adventures around Lake Placid. Making coffee is a snap with the Keurig coffee maker in each suite, and breakfast is complimentary.
Lake Placid Inn also offers fully serviced residences out in the woodlands near Lake Placid and Lake Saranac. These cabin-style accommodations all feature fully-stocked kitchens, seating areas, and ensuite bathrooms. We love the rustic details that make the rooms extra cozy!
8. High Peaks Resort
High Peaks Resort offers luxury resort style alongside the best of the Adirondack wilderness and Lake Placid’s Main Street. We love their chic take on the classic alpine aesthetic! With a soft color palette, rich fabrics, and design that brings the best of nature indoors, the rooms at High Peaks Resort are perfect for a Lake Placid getaway.
The premium triple-sheet bedding and plush mattresses provide the perfect place to land after a long day out and about. River-rock walk-in showers with waterfall heads will keep you refreshed, and you can relax out on the balcony with a book and some Lavazza coffee.
If you want to stay as close to the lake as possible, the High Peaks Waterfront Collection is calling your name. With the lakeshore literally steps away from your huge patio doors, it’ll feel like you’re on a sailboat, not just a luxury resort.
Amenities include complimentary yoga classes, a 24-hour fitness center, heated pools, and complimentary outdoors equipment including watercraft, so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself in whatever way you see fit.
9. Cobble Mountain Lodge
For a true mountain cabin retreat, you’ll want to head to Cobble Mountain Lodge. This cozy stay is located in a serene part of Lake Placid, and it’s quiet without being too remote.
Rooms are charmingly decked out in rustic furniture and patchwork patterns, and they’re also affordable for those on a budget! Amenities include a flat-screen TV, a workspace, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
What makes Cobble Mountain Lodge one of the most unique hotels in Lake Placid are the free-standing wood cabins on the property. These are newly renovated, and it shows! They retain their classic charm, just with a modern polish.
The cabins contain fully-equipped kitchens with granite countertops, private backyards with a fire pit and BBQ, and spacious bedrooms. They’re perfect for groups and offer a warm ski lodge ambiance.
Secure storage is available for all your mountain gear, and there’s a common area outside that features a fire pit and plenty of space for picnicking.
10. Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
The welcoming, classic Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is one of the best Lake Placid hotels for families. A mix of comfortable guest rooms and special amenities make this a unique four-season stay in Lake Placid.
Depending on your needs, you might want to book a specialty room for the whirlpool tub and fireplace, a family suite with an extra bedroom, or a room with a kitchenette. All rooms come equipped with a basic kitchen and a Keurig coffee maker.
If you want to go big, you’ll particularly enjoy the Panther Suite, one of the roomiest options available. With two bedrooms, it’s perfect for a family or group. A wood-burning fireplace adds to the alpine atmosphere of the room, but the standout features are the oversized whirlpool tub and marble in the bathroom.
Every summer, the resort opens up its private white sand beach. It’s the perfect place to spend a day in the sun or cruise around the lake on the hotel’s complimentary watercraft. Otherwise, you can head to the indoor pool and enjoy a sauna or steam bath.
In the winter, that same beach freezes into the perfect outdoor rink. Why not ride across the lake with a dog sledding team or in a toboggan? Skiers will be happy to know that rooms on the first floor are ski-in/ski-out.
11. Townhouse Lodge
If you want to enjoy downtown Lake Placid without compromising on serenity, head to the Townhouse Lodge, a 1.5-acre boutique hotel property just a few minutes’ walk from Main Street.
This unique boutique hotel offers a spacious communal kitchen for all your cooking needs. There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast before heading out or an intimate dinner after a long day.
Other amenities include an outdoor heated pool and a barbecue and picnicking area, so you’ll still be able to enjoy the grand Adirondack outdoors from the comfort of a landscaped property.
Keyless entry makes checking in and out a breeze. Plus, pets stay for free with a deposit! You’ll love the rooms, too, which are decorated in a modern rustic style – simple and cozy. The hardwood floors and other wood details add a timeless touch.
Townhouse Lodge is sure to be a great home base for all your Adirondacks activities.
Plus, getting to Main Street or the boat launch will be a snap with the complimentary cruiser bikes.
12. Grand Adirondack Hotel
This historic hotel had humble beginnings before turning into one of the most iconic places to stay in Lake Placid. The Grand Adirondack Hotel opened nearly a century ago, and it’s now reopening after an extensive renovation.
Once a boarding house for the philosophers, adventurers, and artists coming and going through the area, the hotel has constantly shape-shifted to match the needs of Lake Placid’s many visitors.
These days, you’ll find that it offers relaxed luxury in every bright and airy guest room. Dark wood accents impart a classic character that contrasts with playfully patterned fabrics. These and other vintage-style details recall the hotel’s long history.
You’ll appreciate the 24-hour front desk and concierge service, ready to help you plan your perfect Adirondack adventure at any hour. You can even rent complimentary bikes to explore town.
This is a prime location to experience all that downtown Lake Placid has to offer, but don’t miss out on Marcy Bar, a vintage-styled spot that offers upscale small plates and classic cocktails.
That completes our list of the 12 best Lake Placid hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Lake Placid? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The luxurious Whiteface Lodge is located in the Adirondack Park High Peaks region. This rustic lodge and resort is easily one of the best hotels in Lake Placid, boasting gorgeous views and 5-star amenities.Resort amenities include the world-class spa, which mixes together rustic charm and a serene atmosphere. You’ll also love the heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts, and ice skating rink! Families will especially appreciate the nightly campfire and s’mores on offer, as well as the movie theater, game room, bowling alley, and ice cream parlor, which are all right on the grounds.
True to its name, Lake House at High Peaks Resort offers stunning lake views in a mid-century inn. The special pet perks make this one of the best places to stay in Lake Placid with a dog. You’ll have easy access to the outdoors, a food mat and bowls, and a cushy dog bed for your furry family member!
The historic Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa sits right on the shore. This inn offers two very different dining experiences on-site, both of which are frequented by locals and travelers alike. The View is the only fine dining restaurant in the High Peaks Region, serving local and imported delicacies in an upscale alpine dining room. For comfort food and gorgeous lakeside views, you can check out The Cottage Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to hang out after a day on the slopes.
If you’re looking for style, The Haus on Mirror Lake is one of the coolest places to stay in Lake Placid. Perfect for long-term stays, the spacious suites are all apartment-style, with a full kitchen, sitting and dining areas, and separate bedrooms. Tall arched windows and huge balconies add plenty of personality. This might be your perfect home away from home on the lake!
The first smart hotel in Lake Placid, Placid Bay Hotel offers a sleek, modern aesthetic combined with a love of the outdoors and high-tech amenities. Rooms are smart and contemporary, and each one also includes a Keurig coffee maker and luxury bath amenities. Check-in is a breeze with the hotel’s keyless system. High-speed Wi-Fi that reaches down to the docks, an HD smart TV, and Alexa devices will help you stay connected during your stay! With so many high-tech features, this truly is one of the coolest hotels in Lake Placid.
