Nestled in the heart of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park and within walking distance to downtown Lake Placid, Whiteface Lodge looks remarkably historic for being built in 2005. Massive timbers still in the shape of tree trunks stand as support pillars buttressed by open wood beam framing. Much of this wood was milled on site, with construction inspired by the Adirondack Great Camp architecture that was popular across the region and in National Parks throughout the United States during the 19th century.
Checking into your room here is like entering your own fully-equipped cottage with five-star amenities set against rustic décor. Superior and Deluxe suites are outfitted with a gas fireplace in the living room, full kitchens and 1.5 bathrooms, one of which features heated floors and an oversized spa tub.
The property also features an award-winning spa, indoor/outdoor pool and three hot tubs. Fun and games are covered with reservation-only bowling lanes, a vintage game room, and the largest movie theater in town. Kick the wilderness-inspired pampering up a notch with outdoor lean-to structures outfitted with cigar and cognac menus for sampling along with s'more roasting around a bonfire every evening from 6-9:30 p.m.
For meals, start your day off with an opulent and freshly-prepared breakfast buffet served complimentary under Kanu's multi-storied wood framed Adirondack Great Room atrium. During the day, thanks to Executive Pastry Chef Jarek Wysocki, a large platter of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies magically appears in the lobby each afternoon. And that's only a taste of what's to come for dining during your stay. Under a massive vaulted ceiling framed with bright pine timbers, Executive Chef David Haick oversees an open kitchen for both Kanu Restaurant and the lounge across the hall. Kanu serves inventive seasonal dishes such as potato gnocchi gratin, wild mushroom risotto and seared brook trout.
In the lounge, guests can sink into leather arm chairs overlooking a mountainous backdrop while dining on wood-fired pizzas, artisan sandwiches, and several local brews always on tap. Whiskey lovers are also in luck with their Sommelier's Cigar Menu that can be paired with a vast variety of Scotch and Single Malts. From late June through Labor Day, their Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor serves locally made Adirondack Creamery treats like classic cones, bulging sundaes and genuinely creamy milkshakes.
Best known as two-time site of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and then again 48 years later in 1980 when the Miracle on Ice between the USA & USSR took place, Lake Placid's Olympic spirit is still palpable when walking along Main St. A toboggan chute resembling half of a roller coaster loop runs down to Mirror Lake and dog sledding rides can be scheduled on a daily basis when the snow flies. Beyond the Olympic Museum—Lake Placid's most notable homage to its Winter Games heritage—there are tons of shops and can't-miss eateries around like Lake Placid Pub and Brewery and Smoke Signals.
An authentic and luxurious space, The Whiteface Lodge is a relaxing sanctuary among the Adirondacks. And, since 2009, the property has been racking up the awards and accolades including #1 on TripAdvisor for Lake Placid hotels and one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Hotels in the U.S.
