Lake Placid is the permanent training facility of the US Winter Olympic team, with golf, swimming, hiking and boating being the favoured summer and fall activities

Mirror Lake Inn is a labour of love for owners Ed and Lisa Weibrecht, and their attention to every detail is evident upon entering this magnificent resort on the shore of Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake. The Inn has earned a Four Diamond “With Excellence” rating from AAA for 29 consecutive years, and is consistently a top-rated resort by Condé Nast Traveler (Gold List for 2013) and the New York Times. It’s a resort where special memories are made, whether for a romantic couples’ getaway, a family holiday or a multi-generational reunion. Many guests make future reservations while still enjoying their current visit.

While Mirror Lake Inn has a rich history, it’s understandable that prospective guests want to know about the accommodations, services and amenities that are available to them today. Comments owner Ed Weibrecht; “When travelling for business or pleasure, our guests patronize first class hotels and resorts such as Four Seasons. They are used to high-end hotel accommodations and they appreciate what we offer them here at Mirror Lake Inn. Our objective is to surpass their expectations.”

The verdant lawns and English gardens that surround the white clapboard Inn are carefully maintained by a fulltime staff, providing a storybook setting. A small but thoughtful detail is the chart that identifies the various species of flowers to create the gardens so that home gardeners identify flowers that may thrive in a similar climate.

The main floor of Mirror Lake Inn is a symphony of gleaming hardwood floors, wood wainscoting, massive stone fireplaces, a stained glass stairwell panel, plush oriental carpets and comfortable couches and chairs arranged in cozy alcoves adjacent to the main lobby sitting room and library.

Mirror Lake Inn has earned a 4 Diamond rating for 29 consecutive years

Guests at have a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from the elegant Adirondack rooms and suites in the Mountain View and Terrace buildings, to the unique suites in the Main Building, and the fantastic Adirondack creations from the imagination of Lisa Weibrecht and her designers in the waterfront Lake Cottage and the truly spectacular Colonial House suites. All of the exquisite carpentry is done by local craftsmen. I liken these accommodations to Disneyland for adults. The rooms and suites in the Terrace and Mountain View buildings have balconies with views of Mirror Lake and the mountains beyond. Many suites have fireplaces, Jacuzzi baths, and comfortable sitting living room spaces.

Condé Naste rates The Spa as the “best in the Northeast”, and there is a full range of services and treatment for women, men and couples. There is a comfortable sitting room for both sides of the Spa, and guests are provided a fresh robe and slippers in from their assigned lockers. Each side has a sauna and whirlpool. There is also a large indoor pool and whirlpool that is very popular in the fall and winter months, and during the occasional rainy day in summer. Special spa package rates are available.

Guests have the use of a private beach and swimming area during the summer months. Canoes and kayaks are available from the waterfront supervisor, whose ‘office’ resembles a Disney designer’s creation for The Seven Dwarves. When we visited in July, kids were having a ball swimming from the rafts under the watchful eyes of Mom and Dad enjoying the sun on the beachfront lawn. We took out one of the canoes for a tour de lac, watching the swimmers training for the annual Lake Placid Ironman competition. We saw Mama and her baby ducks enjoying pristine motorboat-free waters of Mirror Lake.

There are many spectacular waterfront homes nearby, and owners regularly visit The View, Mirror Lake Inn’s Four Diamond restaurant with its vast and highly rated wine cellar. Chef Jarred Lang has established relationships with local farmers and growers to provide local produce and meats. “With our daily Local Market and Market Fish Specials, we can vary our menu with interesting things every few days; while still providing our guests with their favourite ‘tried and true’ menu items. For example, this week we have some lovely Wild Striped Bass fresh from Massachusetts.” It’s not unusual to see one of the assistant chefs going to the herd garden with a bowl and a pair of scissors in the late afternoon to “harvest” herb spices.

The View is open for an outstanding breakfast buffet that will fortify you for the day. In the evening The View is a ‘must’ dining experience during your stay. With large windows overlooking Mirror Lake, soft candlelight and outstanding cuisine and an extensive wine list, dinner becomes a special moment to remember. Main courses include House Smoked Rainbow Trout, Free Range Chicken Breast, Roast Lamb, Prime Beef Filet, Alaskan Halibut, Roasted Sea Scallops, and vegetarian Fresh Artichoke a la Barigoule. If you’re travelling with children under 12, ask about the Kids Eat Free early dining program, which includes one free children’s meal per matching adult entrée.

The Taste Bistro is located just off the main lobby and adjacent to The View, using the same kitchen and chefs. It’s become a favourite of ours, and it’s not unusual to see owners Ed and Lisa enjoying dinner with friends at The Bistro. The menu is moderately priced, and has an interesting “30 under $30” wine list in addition the extensive offering from the Mirror Lake Wine cellar.
The Cottage, located directly on the lake has a warm and cozy pub atmosphere where locals and hotel guests gather for lunch or dinner. The Cottage deck is open in summer, offering guests a pleasant lakeside pub experience.

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. The Inn also has a fully equipped fitness centre and a large indoor pool, suitable for swimming lengths of having fun with the kids.

There are cycling, hiking and walking routes throughout the Lake Placid area. Mirror Lake Inn has golf packages at the Whiteface Club and Resort or the Craig Wood Golf Courses. Rates drop from September 2 – 30, and include golf carts during your round. You can make arrangements through the resort for morning or afternoon guided canoe trips, a sunset kayak trip on nearby Lake Placid.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday or you want to enjoy some golf with friends, Mirror Lake Inn is an ideal destination for a late summer or fall visit. We’ve visited a few times, and like most guests, we begin talking about our next visit before we even leave.

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

You’ll find a selection of packages for couples and families on the website.
For more information, please visit the website or call: 518-523-2544. www.mirrorlakeinn.com