3 Best Hotels in Lake Placid, The Adirondacks and Thousand Islands

Accommodations at this posh lakefront retreat, a member of the Relais & Châteaux group, have stone fireplaces, featherbeds, twig-and-bark furniture—including many one-of-a-kind pieces created by local artisans—and views of either the woods or Lake Placid. Some rooms have balconies. Lodge suites include a sitting room, often with a fireplace of its own; an extra-spacious bathroom with a large soaking tub; and either a private balcony or patio. A stay is pricey, but includes breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, turndown service, and all activities on the property. Most of the cabins are one-room units with sitting areas and huge windows. The restaurant, Artisans, is a draw on its own and prepares new American fare.

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.

The 7-acre waterfront property that once was the Hilton has now become the newly renovated High Peaks. The property has accommodations in two buildings, one on Main Street in the center of town and another on the water. The entire property has been redone, so everything is new, including the lobby, the rooms, and three new restaurants—the casual Dancing Bears; the fine-dining venue Reflections; and PRs, a warm, elegant bar with a double fireplace. The breakfast plan, which includes a morning nosh at the Dancing Bears, costs extra. Rooms throughout the updated property are attractive, with tasteful wooden furniture and furnishings. Rooms in waterfront buildings have either a balcony or a patio for views of the lake. Complimentary rowboats and paddleboats are offered to guests for use at the resort's access to Mirror Lake.