9 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.

Occupying a 72-acre island on Lake George, the Sagamore is an escape to a bygone era. Accommodations in the 1883 colonial-revival main house have views of the lake or gardens. The decor, including marble bathrooms and handsome wood furniture, is elegant but not formal, while accommodations in the newer lodge buildings are country-chic. Lodge rooms have garden views; suites have gas fireplaces and a terrace with a lake view. The separate condo units (starting at about $600 a night in season) have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining area, and two lake-view terraces; leather couches, Adirondack-style furniture, and wood-burning fireplaces contribute to the lodge feel here. Notable facilities here include the spa and the sailing school.

The grand 1917 stone-and-wood boathouse is on Millionaires Row and directly on Lake George. Most of the individually appointed rooms have hardwood floors and a king-size bed. Some rooms have private porches or balconies. One suite is decked out in Adirondack style, with a stone fireplace and cedar-post furniture; the other is more refined, with a four-poster bed and boudoir-style upholstered chairs. The two carriage-house suites have gas fireplaces and two-person jet tubs. Breakfast is served in the great room, a lovely space with a timbered ceiling and several large windows.

From its hilltop perch, the four-story hotel takes in the resort's 1,000-plus acres and lovely mountain and lake views. The property encompasses two highly regarded 18-hole golf courses and the well-known Veranda restaurant. It also has a private beach on Lake Placid. Guest-room furnishings are traditional and attractive, with two double beds. Some rooms have jetted tubs and fireplaces. Also on the grounds are chalets and lakeside condominiums.

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 sprawling, family-owned resort has a private beach and a marina. Rooms have views of the lake, the pool, or the courtyard; some have private balconies or patios. Suites have sitting areas with sleeper sofas. Traditional dark-wood furniture is used throughout. The main dining room ($$–$$$) serves mostly Continental fare: steak au poivre, lobster ravioli, roast rack of lamb, scampi, and chateaubriand. From mid-May through October, the Terrace Room hosts dinner theater.

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.

A lovely Victorian houses this classy getaway with individually appointed rooms and an excellent restaurant. Some rooms look out onto the Adirondacks and some overlook the Interlaken's lush gardens. Interior schemes offset old-fashioned fabrics. Rooms are handsome, with four-poster and sleigh beds, down comforters, and Frette linens and towels. A few rooms have private balconies, and third-floor rooms have sloping ceilings. The smallest, least expensive rooms are simple but still attractive.

The 9-acre property encompasses 300 feet of frontage on Lake George, where there's a beach and a dock. Accommodations are in motel-style buildings. The corner rooms are extra spacious. Some rooms have lake views and balconies or patios. The on-site Villa Napoli restaurant is a local favorite.