The Mirror Lake Inn has a rich history that dates back to 1926. WR Wikoff, after making a fortune with his “Fuller Brush Man” concept, retired with his wife to Lake Placid and transformed an estate into an inn that catered to wealthy clientele from New York City.

Ed and Lisa Weibrecht, owners of the Inn since 1976, have maintained and improved on the heritage of first class accommodations and cuisine. The Mirror Lake Inn is full value for its Four Diamond Exceptional AAA rating; for both the hotel and its famous dining room – The View. The resort has been acclaimed by Condé Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure as one of the top hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Mirror Lake Inn is an elite member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

“Oh, this is going to be wonderful!” This was our first impression on entering the luxurious lobby and living room of Lake Placid’s premiere resort. Highly polished woodwork and floors, offset with brightly coloured Indian carpets and classic furniture evoke the impression that you’re visiting a wealthy friend’s very large country home.

While The Mirror Lake Inn easily earns it Four Diamond classification (for 26 consecutive years!), there is an air of casual elegance that reflects the upstate New York location in the Northern Adirondack Mountains.

“The Weibrecht family have two guiding principles in the operation of the hotel,” explains Mary Jane Lawrence, who fills the dual roles of Spa Manager and Marketing Manager. “They’re equally important – the first being to constantly invest in upgrading and refurbishing the entire property. The second is Ed and Lisa’s commitment and investment in the staff.”

For guests, this is a winning combination, and explains the high level of repeat business for families and couples.

Guest rooms are large and comfortable with Adirondack accents. All of the 100 rooms have post card views of the mountains and Mirror Lake, and most have balconies. There are 31 spacious suites (some with spectacular bathrooms and Jacuzzi tubs for two) situated with adjoining rooms; making them ideal for family reunions. All rooms are furnished with hand-crafted Harden furniture, made in New York State from Adirondack maple and cherry woods. All rooms and suites are equipped with DVD players with IPod jacks, comfy terry-cloth robes and Frette linens.

For jaw-dropping luxury, the Mirror Lake Inn offers truly exceptional Classic, Signature and Ultimate Suites, the latter collection in the Lake Cottage and Colonial House lakefront buildings. These spectacular accommodations include the two storey Presidential and Cascade Suites.

Lisa Weibrecht lets her designer imagination soar, and the fulltime carpenters make those dreams a reality; to the great satisfaction of the Inn’s guests.

The Main Building’s Living Room and adjacent Library each feature a large fireplace, comfortable furniture and sitting areas ideal for enjoying a warm fireside read. Afternoon tea and coffee are served daily from 3:30 – 4:30 along with home-made chocolate chip cookies.

The View is the Inn’s famous dining room, open for breakfast and dinner. For the past three years, The View has also earned a Four Diamond award for excellence. Chefs Tom Morris and Jarrad Lang purchase from local meat produce and cheese producers. “We visit with the local farmers regularly and have developed great relationships with them as suppliers.”

“It not only keeps money in the community, it enables us to serve our guests really fresh produce. In the ground in the morning and on your plate in the evening!”

We enjoyed a truly magnificent meal in The View, which gets it name from the panoramic views overlooking Mirror Lake. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that The View has an extensive wine list – perhaps better described as a wine book. Dinner in The View is a fine ending to a full day of activities and Adirondack fresh air.

Taste Bistro is a cozy bar set adjacent to The View, and offers a little more casual dining experience, with all the menu items prepared in the same kitchen under the watchful eyes of Chefs Morris and Lang. A popular feature is “30 Wines for under 30 dollars”. The Bistro has an interesting version of Steak-Frites; thinly sliced pan fried sweet potato topped with bite-sized slices of venison that is melt-in-your mouth delicious. Dining at Mirror Lake Inn is a food lover’s delight.

The Cottage is a pub-style restaurant located on the waterfront, offering lunch and dinner. We enjoyed a terrific pub meal at a cozy table overlooking the lake. The Cottage has a deck that is popular in all seasons, with an outdoor fireplace providing warmth during the winter. A private skating rink is cleared just steps down from The Cottage – not too far to return for a warming cup of hot chocolate.

The resort has a well-equipped fitness centre in the Main Building, a spa and salon, and 60 foot indoor pool with adjacent whirlpool and saunas.

The pool has a unique Adirondack setting with a waterfall at one end. Floor to ceiling windows let guests appreciate the indoor warmth, regardless of the weather outside.

Spa services include a variety of massages (with a suggestion to specify your problem areas), facials, and body treatments. The well-qualified staff is dedicated to having you relaxed and rejuvenated – the better able to enjoy the inn and the activities in Lake Placid.

During the winter, Mirror Lake Inn is transformed into a snow covered wonderland with a magical quality for all ages. Christmas trees are placed throughout the property; outside and inside. Over 300,000 lights illuminate the inn’s exterior, the lights sparkling on the crisp snow. There is ample cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, with outstanding downhill skiing for the whole family at nearby Whiteface Mountain.

This is the kind of resort where happy memories are made, a place that draws guests back again and again to renew their wonderful recollections and keep them fresh. The images of a little boy learning to skate; a young girl on skis; “2 more minutes grandpa” in the pool; or just the two of you renewing your own romance; are everlasting gifts of cherished good times. Mirror Lake Inn is a uniquely special place.

TRAVEL PLANNER

Mirror Lake Inn is located in Lake Placid, about 2.5 hours from Montreal. Most of the drive is on I-87, followed by a pleasant drive on 9 North that takes you along the Ausable River and then onto Route 86 past Whiteface Mountain. The resort has an excellent website with an impressive photo gallery: www.mirrorlakeinn.com

Starting at $295 per couple per night, you’ll find a selection of packages for couples and families on the website. Winter packages include a two night Warm and Cozy couple’s package that includes two breakfasts, dinner for two one night, two spa packages, two suite robes and starts at $855 per couple for a two night stay. For more information, please call: 518-523-2544

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