Bill H.
Yelp
This is strictly for the dining area, and strictly related to the level of hospitality extended to three tired and cold xc skiers who popped in at 1:30 pm for some beer and food. And that level was "eek, wethinks not". Last Saturday we skiied their fab 4-star xcski course for a couple of hours in frigid conditions then headed to the Lodge. Jackpot! we thought--a bar with local brews on tap, a spot at the fireplace to warm our frozen toes, a virtually empty dining room. We grabbed beers, settled at the fire with its couches and table, then tried to catch the eye of one of the two waitresses who were serving exactly one table apiece. No luck. They seemed blind to our attempts. Finally one of us walked over to the path to kitchen and asked politely whether we could be served, that we were ready to order a bunch of food. (And I might add, to tip super generously, because that's the right thing to do at these brave upstate winter outposts!) "I'll be right with you," she replied. But in fact, she did not return, but sent over the manager instead. Unsmiling, inhospitable and with an unacceptable message: We can't /won't serve people fire side.
Really, a lodge in midwinter that wont serve cold patrons next to a warm fire? In an otherwise nearly EMPTY restaurant? Worse, not a smiling, jovial brush off but really putting out the "you are not welcome" face--and bad on you, waitress, for escalating rather than just smilingly splaining you can't serve that comfortable hearthside table but promise to take extra good care of you at that nearby table. We had a similar experience last year, so this kind of seals it for us--we left and won't be back. We ended up fireside at Frederick's in Bolton, soup and smiling service at the ready--if you need a lesson in hospitality, Garnet Lodge, stop by sometime.