7 Best Hotels in The Adirondacks and Thousand Islands, New York

The complex is on the small, pristine lake that is its namesake, and many get a view of the lake either in their rooms or at the resort's afternoon tea. Most guest rooms here are elegant, with traditional furnishings and large doses of neutral colors. Four-poster beds, fireplaces, private balconies, and couches are available in some rooms. Fodorites say that sitting in the big, cozy chairs next to the fire is heaven, but the resort offers a slew of organized activities, too—sunset cruises, kayak and fishing trips, guided hikes, snowshoe outings, cross-country-skiing lessons, yoga classes—and there's a full-service spa on the property. The Averil Conwell Dining Room earns high marks for its food.

Overlooking mountains and a pristine lake 5 mi from Gore Mountain Ski Center, this Adirondack inn was built in the tradition of the great camps. Accommodations are housed in four buildings, including the Log House, which has hewn beams and posts, a wide front porch, and mountain and lake views. Rooms combine paneled walls with contemporary, rustic-style furnishings; some rooms have balconies. The 600-acre complex includes a cross-country-skiing and mountain-biking center. The lodge also has canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and paddleboats and hosts ski programs for kids. The Saturday buffet dinner is a highlight at the restaurant.

The former Best Western Golden Arrow is under new management, and sits right in the heart of Lake Placid, on Main Street. Beautiful views of Mirror Lake are available from the lobby and some rooms, which have balconies. But what really sets the property apart is the owners' decision to go as green as possible. Expect recycled and ecofriendly gifts to greet you on arrival (perhaps a pine-tree seed in a terra-cotta pot filled with earth, for example). Have a seat at Charlie's, the resort restaurant, for a view of the green roof. The roof, finished in summer 2008, is an insulating blanket of plants grown on a flat section of the property's roof. Some of the herbs grown there might go into dishes served at Charlie's. Kids' programs are available.

This camp, dating from 1880, is where you check in if you want to check out for a while. Forget phones, computers, and TVs—the emphasis here is on the great outdoors, and the rustic accommodations reflect that. Early-morning views from this property are of mist-covered Blue Mountain Lake and surrounding Adirondack Mountains. You might take a kayak or canoe out on the lake, hit some balls on the tennis court, try to hook a fish, or snuggle up with a book in a cozy nook. Kids will love the Ping-Pong tables, pool table, and beach access.

The two-story hotel is set back 200 feet from the road, on a hill. Rooms, graced with wood furniture and soft earth-tone colors, are attractive and spacious. High-speed Internet access is available. Kids will love the kiddie pool, game room with oversize chessboard, indoor pool, and miniature golf course. Adults might dig the shuffleboard setup and basketball courts.

Most rooms at this two-story motel have knotty-wood paneling and forest views; some have two queen beds and a pull-out couch. The location is convenient to canoeing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

The rustic-style, three-story lodge with modern amenities sits at the edge of a lake in the Fulton Chain. Rooms have balconies, some overlooking the lake, and attractive traditional furnishings. Common areas include a library with cushy chairs, a stone fireplace, and water views conducive to lingering.