TL;DR

Rustic charm: Classic hunting lodge vibe with heavy wood beams and soaring ceilings.
Unique decor: Taxidermy and antlers everywhere – love it or hate it.
Cozy interiors: Built-in bunks, lush wood, and rustic paneling throughout.
Peaceful location: Just outside Lake Placid, screened by trees for a private feel.
Check prices here

A true appreciation of this lodge style Lake Placid boutique hotel depends almost entirely on your feelings about taxidermy.

If you’re dead against, you might not enjoy the space as much as it deserves. If you’re anywhere else on the spectrum, it’s worth getting used to.

And anyone who shares decor sensibilities with Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston should book The Whiteface Lodge immediately.

The architecture is the real star, a stunning rustic structure of sturdy wood beams supporting high ceilings and that worn silkiness of wood that’s been treated with care for years.

Within the rooms, the furnishings take center stage, with lush wood interiors and many built-in elements like bunks and gorgeous paneling.

In the common areas you’ll find more antlers than you knew could fit in one place, and other examples of local fauna.

The Whiteface Lodge is on the outskirts of Lake Placid, and the rustic hunting lodge vibe paired with the small copse of trees blocking the property from the road makes for an idyllic getaway.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 94 suites in varying sizes and layouts.
Rustic luxury: Raw wood, nature-themed details, and decorative windows.
Varied options: From Junior Suites to Presidential and Grand Lodge Suites.
Amenities: Fireplaces, soaking tubs, kitchens, and seating areas in many rooms.
See each room in detail here

A variety of suites all feature charming touches of raw wood and nature-themed lamps, printed throw pillows, and the like.

Decorative cottage windows that let in plenty of light and balance out the weight of the beams.

The smallest options at The Whiteface Lodge are the Junior Suites, with options to sleep just two or four with a pull-out sofa.

The most sensible option is the One-Bedroom Superior, a 6-700 square foot option with a separate living room, pull-out sofa and private balcony.

Two and three-bedroom suites are bigger, but comparable, and if you really want to go all-out the Presidential and Grand Lodge Suites will house 10 guests, give or take, in serious luxury.

Amenities vary, but most rooms will include a TV, a gas fireplace, bathtubs, a seating area, and a kitchen area.

Bathrooms have the same wooden touches, and many rooms feature soaking tubs.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining: Kanu restaurant for hearty classics, Peak 27 bar, plus summer snacks.
Activities: Tennis, basketball, daily campfires, heated indoor-outdoor pool.
Wellness: Full spa, yoga classes, and a 24-hour fitness facility.
Entertainment: Bowling alley, game room, and a 56-seat cinema with popcorn.

The Whiteface Lodge is a secluded place, but you’ve got no change to be bored.

The hotel has more than enough to keep anyone occupied without ever having to leave.

Kanu is the flagship restaurant, offering a spacious dining area with plenty of antlers and walls of rustic windows.

They serve a breakfast buffet until 11, and reopen at 5 for dinner. Plenty of bison, venison, and root vegetables fill out a menu of hearty yet refined classics.

Peak 27 offers an extensive list of local brews and classic cocktails perfectly prepared. Food is a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas.

In summer, you’ll also be able to enjoy snacks at the beachfront area and ice cream parlor.

Outdoor features include tennis and basketball courts, cornhole, and ladderball.

Daily campfires offer either a place to warm up or dry off, and a heated indoor-outdoor pool with hot tubs are open until 10.

Those who prefer indoor fitness have access to a 24-hour fitness facility and a weekly schedule of yoga classes.

A game room at The Whiteface allows for foosball, pool and ping pong. Head down to the bowling alley if that’s not enough.

The more sedentary can choose between the 56-seat cinema with complimentary popcorn or a dreamy spa with a long list of treatments, massage options and beauty services.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Charming town: Classic Lake Placid village with cafés, grills, and a microbrewery.
Nature walks: Trails along Chubb River and Lake Placid’s east shore.
Adventure: Olympic Ski Jump Complex with zipline and skyride experiences.
Adirondack access: Right beside McKenzie Mountain Wilderness for hiking and skiing.

Lake Placid is one of those Uber-charming mountain villages surrounded by waterfront and with instant access to nature walks, gorgeous views, and unique activities.

The rail trail along Chubb River, and the Lake Placid East shore are perfect for a walk. The Olympic Ski Jump Complex offers zipline and skyride experiences.

The town has cute cafés, nice grills and the obligatory North Eastern microbrewery.

Really, though, it’s the Adirondack Mountains that make it. The hotel sits right next to the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, with multiple other hiking and skiing areas just short drive away.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The facilities were amazing, and wished I had more time to partake in all that was offered over my six day stay. It was a beautiful setting and well appointed. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The bar and restaurants have a good menu and the added bonus of live music some nights.. The room was large and the kitchenette a bonus! Heated bathroom floor. No delay in satisfying requests from housekeeping and the front desk. Highly recommend making a reservation. …..”

“The entire resort was beautiful and had so much for families to do. We were a had people of all ages in our group and everyone was happy. The breakfast was very good. The restaurant was lovely. The food was tasty and plentiful. The people who work there were pleasant and helpful…..”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Just too darned expensive for us. Felt like being mugged by a gentleman….”

”The games room is in need of some updates. The pools were small. The hot tub jets were too powerful and were uncomfortable to sit in front of. Not enough sun loungers….”

> Read all the reviews right here