Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid: A Family-Friendly Luxury Stay in the Adirondacks
While the Olympic venues were our original reason for visiting Lake Placid, staying at Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. The more we learned about this iconic resort, the more excited we were to experience it for ourselves.
Perched on a hillside overlooking Mirror Lake, Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid feels peaceful and tucked away, yet it is just a short three minute walk to downtown Lake Placid. If you are new to the area, here is a helpful tip: the town of Lake Placid actually sits on Mirror Lake.
Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid Review
From the moment you walk through the doors, Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid feels warm and inviting. We arrived on a cold, windy day and were welcomed by a roaring fireplace and a plate of freshly baked cookies.
We were greeted by Sandy Caligiore, a man who was born for the role of inn keeper. His big smile and warm personality quickly made us feel at home. He gave us a quick tour to help us get settled, clearly invested in making sure we had a great stay. His passion for the Inn came through in every word.
A Rich History in Lake Placid
The Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid dates back to 1924 and has deep ties to the area’s Olympic history. The property wasn’t even winterized until 1932 when the Norwegian Olympic team rented the entire inn.
Over the years, the inn has been at the forefront of innovation in winter sports. It introduced one of the first electric rope tows and an early snowmaking machine. Even the first bobsled run on the property had a practical purpose, originally used to haul deer out of the woods.
Today, the inn is owned by Andrew Weibrecht, a two-time Olympic medalist and World Cup alpine ski racer. You can even spot his medals displayed behind the front desk when you check in.
Spacious Rooms with Incredible Views
One of the standout features of Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid is that every room faces the lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. You truly cannot go wrong, no matter which room you book.
We stayed in a three bedroom suite with sweeping views that stopped us in our tracks. The kids were drawn to the rocking chairs by the window and spent quiet moments just taking in the scenery.
Our room included thoughtful touches like a handwritten welcome note, sparkling water, cheese, crackers and fresh berries. It was such a nice treat for these weary travelers.
The layout was perfect for our family of five. The primary bedroom offered privacy with its own bathroom, while the living area included a couch, dining table, television, and even a small bar sink that came in handy throughout our stay.
The kids were so excited to have bunk beds in their room. A third bedroom was connected by a shared bathroom. We had so much room to spread out, which is always appreciated by our large family.
Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, and Relaxation
After settling in, the kids immediately wanted to check out the pool, and it did not disappoint. The indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna were the perfect way to warm up after a day outdoors.
Mirror Lake Inn took our family vote for the best hot tub we have ever experienced and ended up being where we spent a good portion of our downtime.
Dining at Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid
There are two dining options on the property, each offering a unique experience.
The View is the inn’s fine dining restaurant and is consistently ranked among the best in Lake Placid. It has also received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for over two decades, and its extensive wine collection reflects that reputation.
For a more relaxed meal, The Cottage is located right on the water across the street. One of the most fun features here is the gondola dining experience. The restaurant repurposed gondola cabins from Whiteface Mountain, creating a cozy and memorable setting that the kids absolutely loved.
Breakfast is served at The View each morning and offers a generous buffet with something for everyone. Even my picky eaters were impressed, especially with the Adirondack flapjacks topped with warm maple syrup.
Cozy Spaces to Unplug
One of my favorite areas at Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid was the library and living room. This cozy space features plush seating, a large fireplace, and incredible lake views through oversized windows.
Cell phones are not allowed in this space, which encourages you to slow down and truly relax. Board games are available, making it a great spot for families to unwind together.
Exploring Lake Placid from the Inn
The location of Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid makes it easy to explore the town on foot. We loved being able to walk to shops, restaurants, and activities.
Depending on the season, Mirror Lake offers a variety of activities like ice skating, dog sledding, and even toboggan rides.
Why Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid is Worth It
We spent three incredible nights at Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid and left feeling like we had only scratched the surface. There are so many things to do in Lake Placid, especially for families who love the outdoors.
The inn has held a AAA Four Diamond rating for nearly four decades, a distinction awarded to only a small percentage of hotels. What makes it stand out is how it balances luxury with comfort. It feels refined without being overly formal and family-friendly without losing its charm.
Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid is the kind of place where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling like part of the family. We are already looking forward to returning.
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