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

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 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.