mOmO B.
Yelp
For as long as I can remember, Lake Placid Lodge has been a dream destination for me due to my deep-rooted love for the Adirondacks whether it's the vibrant fall foliage, summer camping, hiking, or skiing. During my college years, staying there was financially out of reach, so I had to settle for more affordable rentals. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and with a more comfortable income, I finally had the opportunity to visit the Lodge. This trip was particularly special as I planned to propose to my girlfriend of eight years.
I initially hoped to book the Owls Head waterfront cabin, but it was unavailable. Instead, I chose Cabin Colden, also on the waterfront. Before our arrival, concierge Gail contacted me to confirm any additional amenities or reservations. I opted for an upgraded bottle of champagne, ordered a dessert tray, and requested rose petals on the bed. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed with two glasses of champagne, a thoughtful gesture by the porter, Benjamin, who was both kind and accommodating.
Cabin Colden initially impressed us with its rustic charm and stunning lake view. However, our excitement quickly faded when we noticed a strong smell of smoke. While the rose petals were slightly wilted, the overall arrangements were satisfactory. As the evening progressed, I attempted to light the fireplace which was an integral part of my carefully planned proposal. Unfortunately, the room quickly filled with smoke. Despite opening windows and using the ceiling fan for ventilation, the smoke persisted. My girlfriend and our dog had to seek refuge in the bathroom for some relief. Although we contacted the front desk and a staff member came to remove the embers, the smoky haze lingered throughout the night. With temperatures dropping to 40 degrees, we were left shivering in the smoky room. My proposal, which I had envisioned as a romantic evening by the fire, had to be postponed. Instead of the intimate moment I had planned, we spent the night in discomfort.
By the end of the second day, conditions had worsened. The fireplace issue, which had supposedly been resolved, reappeared when I attempted to light it again, filling the cabin with smoke once more. This ongoing problem compounded our frustrations. Additionally, a dangerous rusty nail protruded from the bed frame, an alarming safety oversight that should have been addressed by housekeeping. Spider webs, complete with live spiders and eggs, were found in the main window and went uncleaned for three days. The water pressure in the bathroom sink was nearly nonexistent, and the lighting - a mix of warm tones from one lamp and harsh bright LEDs from another created an inconsistent ambiance that detracted from the cabin's charm. As someone who owns a resort in the Catskills, I appreciate the rustic charm, but the condition of this cabin was far below the standards expected of a Relais & Châteaux five-star property.
Although the staff made efforts to compensate by offering a $200 meal credit and complimentary breakfast, the fireplace issue remained unresolved despite their assurances. For the third night, we were offered to be moved but only to a downgraded room, which we declined. We decided to forgo using the fireplace altogether. When the staff came to our room to fix the fireplace, I raised concerns about the absence of smoke detectors, which had failed to go off both times the room filled with smoke. My concerns suggested that this might be a recurring problem. Without opening the windows, we could have been at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The second day also brought additional frustrations: the hairdryer was inexplicably placed next to the toilet brush, and housekeeping services were inadequate. Trash, bottles, and a melted ice bucket were left untouched, dirty cups and a used makeup towel were not replaced, and we even discovered bugs on our pillow. The turndown service staff's response to these issues was that they were not responsible for cleaning was unacceptable for a hotel of this stature.
Lake Placid Lodge, once a symbol of luxury, has unfortunately lost its luster. While the picturesque grounds and the charm of the Hacker-Craft boat provided some appeal, they could not compensate for the overall disappointment. What should have been a memorable and special weekend turned into a frustrating and disheartening experience. The room we had was in urgent need of refurbishment, staff retraining, and a renewed commitment to delivering the high-quality guest experience that its prestigious reputation demands.