A fire destroyed this resort's aged predecessor in 1988, providing an opportunity to rebuild in the original rustic style but with modern infrastructure. This gives the property the best of both worlds now, a synthesis that is superior to that of the Hilton and Crowne Plaza Lake Placid Resort and one more comparable to that of the Lake Placid Lodge. Improvements have elevated its standings in the region, and the hotel's reputation for so-so service and dining appears to be on the upswing. The new chef appears to be turning things around.
Fluted columns embellish the mahogany lobby, which is graced with intimate lake-view nooks. Adding to the indigenous look are a grandfather clock chiming the hours, a moose staring out from over the fireplace, and Native American rugs atop well-varnished plank floors.
The hotel's signature dining room, The View, is less controversial than the TV version, and the small, well-displayed proportions will have those with big appetites asking for more. Heartier portions are delivered in the new bistro, Taste, whose umlauts refer to its European inspiration. Both venues boast water views. Taste, formerly the bar, has been gussied up and given a menu to supplement the expensive fare in The View. Both restaurants use lots of local ingredients to create attractive regional menus. Two massive fireplaces bookend the Wikoff Room with its board-and-bead paneling and white birch accents. It is often used for group dining and functions for up to 150. The popular dockside Cottage, located across the road on the lake, provides reasonably priced pub grub and libations, along with the ubiquitous lake views.
Besides the heated outdoor pool, the inn has a 60-ft indoor 
pool as well as an oversized whirlpool. The spa is one of the hotel's finest features, offering men's and women's "sanctuaries" that allow both sexes to exercise, sweat, and then enjoy health and beauty treatments and lounge beside their respective fireplaces. The Vichy shower is very popular. The hotel has a tennis court, and guests have free use of the canoes, rowboats and paddleboats at the log boathouse. The skating rink is available in winter. Conferences of up to 200 can be accommodated. Parking is free. Pets are not allowed.
The accommodations vary in size, but the style is a consistent blend of contemporary and Craftsman styles. Deluxe guest rooms in the superior Mountain View building feature fine glowing oak appointments, delightful prints and wall coverings, and plush accents that make for romantic stays. Refrigerators, armoires concealing TVs, and baths with hair dryers complete the picture, and 18 rooms add whirlpool 
tubs for two. Many guests prefer the less expensive Noonmark Rooms, for they are closer to the water. They are also smaller than the others and lack balconies. The preferred choices are the eight expensive fireplace rooms in the Cottage Wing, which offers lovely lakeside accommodations—the lion's share of the hotel is across the road from the beach. Avoid rooms abutting the road. Families with a few extra dollars should opt for the lovely suites, especially 107 and 331. The big, bi-level Cascade Suite provides an interesting layout, but the whimsical Adirondack Suite is perhaps the top pick. Room service is offered during restaurant hours.
Service is good, but the transient staff does have an effect on the overall mood here, which at times is a little chaotic when groups are in house.