Best resorts on Lake George: top 11 hotels to visit

By Alina GoncharovaJun 5, 2023 09:25 AMNew York

The mirror-like smoothness of the lake. Source: Image Joel Rollins/Pixabay

Lake George, New York, is the perfect combination of relaxing holidays and active travel in the heart of the rugged Adirondack Mountains. The cosy, welcoming town, shrouded in its own charm, offers a variety of accommodation options - from family cottages to luxury suites. Lake George attracts hikers, fishermen, rafters and other travellers who want to enjoy a leisurely pace of life on the shores of the lake with a view of the picturesque mountains.

To fully experience this unique atmosphere and enjoy all the delights of the Great Valley region, we recommend visiting the best resorts on Lake George.

1. Sagamore

It's hard to imagine a list of top resorts in Lake George without this unique hotel located on a private island. The Sagamore was founded back in 1883 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This hotel combines luxury and elegance with the highest level of service.

The building itself is made in Victorian style and impresses with its grandeur. It is accessed by a separate road and a small bridge, which guests use to arrive. The resort's rooms are furnished with exquisite furniture and balconies offer views of the lake or the mountains. You can also book a separate house with a kitchen and fireplace, which immediately adds maximum comfort.

Amenities include the following:

swimming pools;
children's club;
fitness room;
kids' club;
play areas;
pier for fishing;
boat rental service.

A cruise on the lake aboard the 72-foot ship The Morgan is a must.

There are several dining options on site, offering a varied menu ranging from exclusive gourmet cuisine to classic steaks. In winter, we recommend visiting the Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge with furniture made of ice. To keep visitors warm, there is a fireplace inside the bar, where they can always keep warm.

2. Dunham's Bay Resort

Spectacular views, spacious, cosy rooms and the best amenities are all about Dunham's Bay Resort. It offers a variety of accommodation options, so it's perfect for a romantic getaway, a group of friends or a large family. You can book a traditional room with a king-size bed or choose one of the two-bedroom cottages. Adirondack Cabins offer the best views of the resort and the lake.

For a delicious lunch or dinner, we recommend visiting the family-friendly View Restaurant, best known for its grilled dishes and freshly made pizzas.

On-site amenities include a heated swimming pool and hot tub, tennis resort, barbecue area, children's playground, and bocce ball fields.

3. The Fern Lodge

Resorts on Lake George, New York, always allow guests to immerse themselves in a special atmosphere. For example, the Fern House is a unique building with a vaulted ceiling and a stone fireplace in the centre. The complex is located on the shores of the neighbouring Friendship Lake. It combines the cosiness of a mountain lodge with elements of luxury. Facilities available to guests include:

patio and fireplace;
outdoor jacuzzi and sauna;
a play area;
in-house cinema;
fitness centre.

4. Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Centre

View of the Adirondack Mountains. Source: Image https://www.fortwilliamhenry.com/

One of the finest resorts in Lake George, New York, is this majestic, elegant hotel. It offers breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains and a host of on-site activities to suit all tastes.

Fort William Henry offers accommodation in standard rooms or suites at different levels - Grand, Premium or Standard West. However, each of them is certainly associated with luxury. For example, guests of The Grand Hotel prefer to spend their evenings by the fireplace in the Great Room or gather on the veranda when the weather is warm enough. A separate wing is occupied by The East Wing, which has access to a large indoor pool.

The complex has several dining options and even its own museum.

5. Blue Water Manor

All resorts on Lake George have something in common - a spectacular view of the water or mountain ranges. This also applies to the Blue Water Manor hotel, which has 49 comfortable rooms. Guests can book an apartment in the North Lodge, which is open all year round, or prefer the seasonal Flower Cottages. Rooms include queen-size beds, air conditioning and a large bathroom. The Flower Cottages are located somewhat separately from the main Blue Water Manor building, right on the lake.

There are three on-site restaurants offering a varied and delicious menu.

6. The Lodges at Cresthaven

One of the most popular family-friendly hotels in New York State on Lake George is The Lodges at Cresthaven. It is located on a picturesque hilly landscape, occupying 11 acres. Surrounded by a lake, mountains and lush tree crowns, the hotel will be a great choice for a relaxing family holiday, but full of interesting adventures.

The rooms are decorated in the style of country country houses, with beamed wooden ceilings, fireplaces, warm blankets and lots of cosy carpets. The apartments are equipped with a kitchen with everything you need, from a fridge to a dishwasher, and have a balcony. The rooms can accommodate up to six people.

Guests will be able to spend time on the private beach, as the hotel owns a beautiful stretch of waterfront. Canoes, kayaks, jet skis or boats can be rented on request. The complex has a fitness centre and a large playroom for children.

If you don't want to bother with cooking, you should visit the historic Boathouse restaurant, which serves steaks, seafood and more. The resort is also just two miles from the town of Lake George, which has many great dining and shopping options.

7. Holiday Inn Resort Lake George

Close to the town of Lake George and the lake itself is a hotel that offers upscale amenities and is rightfully ranked as one of the best resorts in New York State.

When guests first arrive at The Holiday Inn Resort, they are greeted by a cosy lobby with a large stone fireplace and panoramic windows. This immediately sets the mood for a romantic getaway and promises a perfect holiday.

The hotel covers a large area, offering over one hundred standard rooms and 24 suites. Some suites have balconies or patios from which to enjoy views of the Lakeland Mountains. Facilities at the resort include:

indoor and outdoor swimming pools;
jacuzzi;
children's playground;
fitness centre, working around the clock;
gift shop;
restaurant and lounge area serving snacks.

In addition, The Holiday Inn Resort Lake George is an excellent choice for those who want to spend as much time as possible by the water, as the resort is located a 15-minute walk from the popular Million Dollar Beach.

8. The Boat House Bed & Breakfast

This historic hotel is more than a hundred years old, but despite its venerable age, it still welcomes guests with sincerity and devotion. The Lake George Resorts on the Water Boat house Bed & Breakfast offers beautiful, cosy suites, each with a unique design. The best views are from the private balconies of the luxurious Carriage House Suites. The apartments are located right on the lake.

The bed and breakfast offers access to some of The Sagamore's facilities, such as a spa or a round of golf. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance.

Visitors can rent a 33-foot Miss Boathouse motorboat for a day on the lake, adding a touch of glamour and luxury to your holiday.

9. Marin Village Resort

If you are looking for a location where you can spend your holidays actively, then this resort will be a great option. Marine Village Resort boasts a great location. The hotel is right next to Lake George Beach, offering a range of activities and interesting programmes for children and adults. For example, it is possible to go fishing or swimming, or rent water sports equipment. Children will be delighted with the fireworks and s'mores, a favourite treat made of marshmallows, crackers and chocolate roasted over a fire. There is also a large heated swimming pool on site.

Accommodation is provided in the following configurations:

standard rooms near the pool;
suites by the lake;
cottages for larger companies.

The apartments are equipped with a kitchen, heating and air conditioning systems. From July to Labour Day, the hotel restaurant The Morgan is open, offering hearty and delicious breakfasts. In addition, the complex is located in the heart of Lake George, so there are numerous local establishments in close proximity.

10. The Inn at Erlowest

The Inn at Erlowest is not just a luxury resort near Lake George, it's a real castle! The hotel is housed in an authentic Queen Anne mansion and covers an area of 15 acres. It is located close to Fort William Henry, the West Mountain ski area and other attractions in the region.

The ten equally chic suites are decorated in different ways, but each of them includes high-quality comfortable furniture and stylish interior design. The apartments offer views of the lake or the mountain ranges.

There are several restaurants on site, including the Igloo, which is the most popular among visitors during the winter season. As the name implies, it features unusual heated igloos in which you can enjoy dinner in the open air.

11. The Quarters at Lake George

A lakeside holiday with a view of the mountains... Sounds like something perfect. That's exactly what The Quarters at Lake George offers. You can stay in apartments designed for a maximum of six people. The rooms are equipped with kitchens, fireplaces, and private jacuzzis.

Guests can take advantage of all the hotel's amenities, including: