Victoria Lupascu 
Come on everyone, we’re going on an adventure and discovering the best places to stay in the Adirondacks!
After thorough research, I found the 4 best towns where you can base yourself to visit the region (and explore the incredible Adirondack Mountains. For each, I’ve also included a short list of the top hotels for all budgets.
In short, Lake Placid is the best area to stay in the Adirondacks, but I’d highly recommend checking the other towns too as you’ll probably want to explore multiple places in the region (especially if you’re a hiking enthusiast).
Whether you’re booking just a hotel or multiple for your trip, I’d recommend doing it in advance as this is a popular holiday destination all year round, and everything sells out fast.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here are the best hotels with top locations and excellent reviews:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Lake Placid – where to stay in the Adirondacks for first-timers
- 2. Saranac Lake – where to stay in the Adirondacks on a budget
- 3. Lake George – best place to stay in the Adirondacks with family
- 4. Burlington – the coolest area in the Adirondacks, NY
- BONUS: Unique places to stay in the Adirondacks
- FAQs about the lodging in the Adirondacks, NY
- Final thoughts on places to stay in the Adirondacks
Here’s a map with all the areas I’ll be talking about in the post, so you can have a mental image of them:
- Lake Placid: for first-timers
- Saranac Lake: on a budget
- Lake George: for families
- Burlington: the coolest area
1. Lake Placid – where to stay in the Adirondacks for first-timers
Get ready for an incredible trip in one of the best towns in New York’s Adirondacks Mountains.
Lake Placid rose to fame back in 1932 and then again in 1980 when it was picked as the host city for the Winter Olympics.
Although the town is actually set on the banks of Mirror Lake (map), it’s also very close to Lake Placid (map), therefore it shares the same name.
This town is super charming and for sure one of the best places to stay in the Adirondacks, if you’re visiting for the first time and not only.
Here you’ll find countless outdoor activities from skiing, hiking, mountain biking and many others. In the summer you can also enjoy swimming in Mirror Lake and boating while during the winter months you can go ice skating!
If you’re looking for some fun trails, I’d recommend Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail (map) which is a 10 min drive away from Lake Placid and Mt. Jo trail (map) which is a 15 min drive away. And definitely check the Cascade Mountain Trailhead (map) which is set a 10 min drive away from Lake Placid.
If you’d like to find a couple more, check out this website, you’ll find lots there.
Since this is such a touristy town, you’ll also find countless restaurants like Salt of the Earth Bistro (map) and Smoke Signals (map) where you can indulge in some yummy dishes before and after your outdoor adventures.
On the days when you need to take a break from all the activities and enjoy a more relaxed time, you can go on a walk around the town and just check out what’s around. You can visit places like the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and do some shopping at the cute boutique stores like The Bookstore Plus (map) and Twigs (map).advance!
You’ll never get enough of this stunning accommodation that’s tucked away between the mountains and which offers on-site bowling, billiards, indoor and outdoor pools. The lodge has a rustic design with modern touches and its cozy rooms boast the most amazing views and stylish furnishings.
Other accommodation options in Lake Placid
A dog-friendly hotel overlooking Mirror Lake that has rooms with fireplaces and an indoor pool
This affordable lodge offers free parking and family rooms with a flat-screen Tv
Check out this beautiful waterfront lodge that features a private balcony and a kitchen
Since Lake Placid has so many incredible hotels, I wanted to offer you a couple more luxury options, in case the ones above are sold out:
- Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa – boasting panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains and Mirror Lake, this resort offers cozy and elegant suites with a fireplace and balconies.
- High Peaks Resort – set on the shores of Mirror Lake this resort comes with an indoor and an outdoor pool, 2 on-site restaurants and a bar.
- Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort – offering a private beach area, this resort has a sauna, a hot tub and an indoor pool.
- Grand Adirondack Hotel – set on Lake Placid’s Main Street, this gorgeous hotel has 2 on-site restaurants and family rooms.
Things to do in Lake Placid
- Stroll on Lake Placid’s Main Street (map)
- Check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
- Catch a sunset near Mirror Lake
- Explore Mt. Jo trail
- Rent a boat and explore Mirror Lake
- Go ice-skating at the Herb Brooks Arena (map)
- Take a trip to Long Lake, NY during the fall foliage
2. Saranac Lake – where to stay in the Adirondacks on a budget
Set just a 15 min drive away from Lake Placid, this town is great for those of you traveling on a budget!
NOTE: The best way to get around the Adirondacks region is by car, either your own or a rented one. That’s because most trails and towns are spread around and although you could use buses to get between towns, it’ll take longer, and most spots are not even connected by public transport. Plus, if you have a car, you can stay in different places and have easy access to all the hikes you’ll want to do.
While Lake Placid is all about its Olympic Games history, Saranac Lake, NY, has a more cultural charm.
Sylvia Plath mentioned the area in her famous Bell Jar book, Albert Einstein visited the town back in the 1930s and the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson also lived in the town for a while (you can actually visit the place where he stayed)
Everyone comes here to enjoy the fresh mountain air, explore all the amazing attractions and of course try some outdoor activities.
Some iconic attractions that you should check out here are the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage Museum, the Adirondack Carousel (map), the Saranac Laboratory Museum and Riverside Park (map).
But as I mentioned there are plenty of outdoor activities to try here from cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking.
If you’re looking for some trails near Saranac Lake, I’d recommend the Bake Mountain Trailhead (map) which is just a 20 min drive away from the town and Ampersand Mountain Trailhead (map) which is a 10 min drive away.
Set on the banks of Lake Flower, this gorgeous hotel comes with an indoor swimming pool, a lounge area with a fireplace and an on-site restaurant. Start your morning with some room service while admiring the stunning waterfront views from your bed.
Other accommodation options in Saranac Lake
Built in 1927, this hotel comes with a spa center, family rooms, a bar and a fitness center
This cheap B&B has rooms with a patio that overlooks the mountains and free parking
A unique bungalow for 3 people that has a kitchen, a backyard and a patio
Things to do in Saranac Lake
- Go cross-country skiing on the Jackrabbit Trail (map)
- Try mountain biking or downhill skiing Mount Pisgah (map)
- Learn about the region at the Saranac Laboratory Museum
- Explore the beautiful Saranac Lakes Wild Forest (map)
- Have fun with the kids at the Adirondack Carousel
- Take a trip to the Wild Center Museum
- Go a swim in the beautiful Lake Flower (map)
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3. Lake George – best place to stay in the Adirondacks with family
Set on the banks of Lake George which is nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes”, this town (which carries the same name) is a great spot for those traveling with family.
Lake George is perfect for those of you who want to have easy access to the Southeastern part of the Adirondack Mountains State Park.
The town is filled with activities that will keep even the most energetic members of the family, busy all day long! Some sites that you should check out here are the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum and Shepard Park Beach (map) where you can enjoy the sun on a good day.
You’ll definitely want to check out Fort William Henry Museum which made an appearance in the famous movie The Last of the Mohicans.
Now let’s get to the part that everyone wants to know about: the outdoor activities! During the summer you can definitely swim in Lake George and hiking is always a top activity here! One of the most popular trails is the Prospect Mountain trailhead (map) which starts right from Smith Street (map) in Lake George. Then there’s also the Pinnacle trail (map) which is set a 20 min drive away from Lake George and offers some stunning views of Tongue Mountain range.
Courtyard by Marriott Lake George
Enjoy some incredible sunsets on the rooftop terrace of this stunning hotel which has rooms with balconies that overlook the lake. The accommodation also comes with an indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Lake George
Relax in the outdoor hot tub or in the spa of this hotel that has a fitness center
An affordable place that comes 2 swimming pools, free parking and family rooms
This fully-equipped apartment comes with a shared pool and a shared hot tub
Here is one more amazing luxury resort in Lake George for those of you who want to go all out this holiday:
- Stone Gate Resort – such a cool resort that has different cabins, rooms, a private beach area and an outdoor heated pool.
Things to do in Lake George
- Learn new things at the Fort William Henry Museum
- Explore the Prospect Mountain trailhead
- Go on a boat cruise on Lake George
- Try some wine at the Adirondack Winery (map)
- Chill on Shepard’s Park Beach
- Shop until you drop at Lake George Village Mall (map)
- Visit the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum
4. Burlington – the coolest area in the Adirondacks, NY
Set in Northwestern Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, this charming town is known for its stunning architecture and gorgeous natural beauty.
Just like any Adirondack town it has a bit of everything: hiking spots, museums, fab dining spots and boutique shops where you can shop until you drop.
First, let’s start with the town. The best way to discover it is to just go on a walk around and explore its streets. You’ll find some amazing sites in the city center area, like the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Museum, Church Street Marketplace mall (map) and the Waterfront Park (map) which is perfect for some sunset walks!
If you’re in Burlington for the weekend make sure you check out the Farmers Market (map), where you can mingle with the locals and get some yummy fruits, pastries and some souvenirs too.
Another cool site that you should check out is the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet (map)! Sounds pretty odd right? Well, it’s a thing, and it’s set right here in Burlington.
Burlington is also home to an international airport (map) so you can come here by plane, and then rent a car if you want to explore multiple towns in the Adirondacks region.
When it comes to hiking, Burlington doesn’t disappoint! Right in the town you’ll find the Red Rocks Park (map) where you can hike a gorgeous trail (map). Then there’s the trail (map) that leads to Eagle Mountain (map). This one is set a 30 min drive away from Burlington.
You’re going to love this stylish hotel! All the rooms are individually decorated and each carry a cool name which of course, matches the design. The accommodation also offers a great location, garden views and free parking.
Other accommodations options in Burlington
Go for a swim in the pool of this hotel that offers a free airport shuttle and a gym
An affordable place that offers an indoor pool, a free airport shuttle and a gym
This great place has a kitchen, a lovely design, a balcony and a parking space
Things to do in Burlington
- Check out the cool performances of The Flynn (map)
- Go on a boat trip on Lake Chapman (map)
- Visit the Robert Hull Fleming Museum of Art
- Taste Vermont’s world-class beers on this brewing tour
- Explore the Waterfront Park
- Visit the ECHO Leahy Center Museum
- Go on a hike in the Red Rocks Park
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$300 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$120 |
| 📍 Best area: | Lake Placid |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Whiteface Lodge |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Crowne Plaza Lake Placid |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Cobble Mountain Lodge |
BONUS: Unique places to stay in the Adirondacks
Apparently, Adirondack Park is bigger than the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite National Parks put together! So naturally, in this post, I covered only the most important and best spots to stay in the region.
However, I wanted to offer you one more list (not too long) with a couple of unique places to stay in the Adirondacks region. Here you’ll find some more unusual spots that I’m sure you’ll love.
The prices are from US$190 and can go up to US$600, per night for 2 people:
- Highlands Castle – ever wanted to stay in a castle? Well, then check out this one that overlooks Lake George. The boutique hotel offers different suites furnished with antique pieces, free parking and a terrace.
- Sagamore Resort – set on the shores of Lake Goerge, this resort has rooms with waterfront views, a spa center, a restaurant and a golf course.
- Tree House – how incredible is this tree house, that’s set in Paul Smiths! Perfect for a romantic getaway, the accommodation features a kitchen, a patio and free Wi-Fi.
- Broadalbin Safari Tents – you’re going to love these safari tents in Broadalbin that offer a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor fireplace.
- White Pine Camp – also located in Paul Smiths, this amazing resort offers different chalets, apartments and rooms. The accommodation has a private beach area and an outdoor fireplace.
- Garnet Hill Lodge – a stunning lodge in North Creek, that offers rooms with a balcony with mountain views, a restaurant and ski-to-door access.
FAQs about the lodging in the Adirondacks, NY
📍Which are the best places to stay in the Adirondacks?
The best places to stay in the Adirondacks are the luxurious The Whiteface Lodge or Crowne Plaza Lake Placid (which is more affordable). Both offer amazing locations in Lake Placid.
👪 Which is the best place to stay in the Adirondacks for families?
Lake George is a great place to stay in the Adirondacks with family! It has lots of attractions, a tranquil vibe and some great hotels for those traveling with kids like Courtyard by Marriott Lake George.
🔍 Which are the best things to do in the Adirondacks?
Some of the best things to do in the Adirondacks are hiking, going on boat tours, exploring the touristy towns like Lake Placid, skiing, swimming and kayaking.
🏨 Which are the best resorts to stay in the Adirondacks?
High Peaks Resort and Sagamore Resort are some of the best luxury resorts in the Adirondacks. Both places offer incredible waterfront views, luxury facilities and great locations.
💘 What hotels in the Adirondack Mountains are good for couples?
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa and Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort are some stunning resorts for couples as they offer privacy and fab facilities like spas and pools
🚗 How do people get around in the Adirondacks?
Most people get around the Adirondacks area by car, either their own or a rental.
🏊♀️ Can you swim in Adirondack lakes?
Yes, there are hundreds of lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks lakes where you can swim.
💫 Where is the best place to stargaze in the Adirondacks?
Tupper Lake is one of the best destinations to stargaze in the Adirondacks.
Final thoughts on places to stay in the Adirondacks
What a place! I hope you enjoyed reading this guide on the best places to stay in the Adirondacks and that you’ve found your dream place!
I’d highly recommend booking your hotel here in advance, as this area is super popular with tourists all year round.
And if you’re still not sure, which hotel to pick, check out these 2 top-rated accommodations, both set in Lake Placid:
- The Whiteface Lodge – a stylish, luxury lodge with a spa and a private beach area
- Crowne Plaza Lake Placid – this great hotel has an indoor pool and 2 restaurants
Have fun exploring the Adirondacks Park, all the towns and trying all the outdoor activities.
If you have any questions on this location, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below. I’d be happy to help you out.
Happy exploring,
Victoria
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