Whiteface Lodge Lake Placid, NY Review

Traveling as a family of six isn’t easy my friends. Often times we are in a situation where we can’t even stay in certain hotels because they can’t accommodate us or we’d need to book adjoining rooms. But when a resort has an option for large families that makes sense, we definitely prefer to book our stay there so we can be as comfortable as possible. You know how crazy it can be in a hotel room with your family, right? It’s stressful when we’re all on top of each other.

When we found the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, we got really excited about a family vacation that would be very different than any other family vacation we have ever been on. I love the beach, Cape Cod and the shores of Rhode Island! So to be honest, I was more than a little bit apprehensive about a family getaway in the mountains of upstate New York. The long drive? The bugs? The weather? The accommodations? No beach?

Let’s just say, I can’t wait to go back. I JUST.

Guys.

Really.

Yes, the drive was a long one. There were a couple of hours where I thought we started driving backwards. With four kids, let’s just say we made A LOT of stops. But we made it. And when we got out of the car upon arrival, we were awestruck. The grounds were just impeccable and the backdrop of the mountains was just breathtaking. First thing I said to Chris was, “I’m so glad we extended our stay.”

Never before had any of us stayed in a hotel with this much grandeur. Every minute detail of this place is just so right on. It is an authentic lodge, but includes a whole lot of luxury. In fact, you don’t even feel like you are in a hotel once you are there. It’s the kind of place where you could actually live comfortably. The furnishings, along with its picturesque setting, make it feel like a luxury home.

We loved having our own kitchen for preparing our own meals and snacks. With a full kitchen, we cooked a spaghetti and meatball dinner – no problem. The kitchen is well-stocked with pots, pans, utensils and dishes. We even had sponges and dish soap for washing up AND a dishwasher. At turndown service, guest services were even kind enough to clean up our dirty dishes and turn on the dishwasher! Like I said, they’ve got all the details figured out. The only thing we had wished they provided was paper towels for the kitchen. Other than that, they were spot on. Everyone working at the lodge was so hospitable and their focus on keeping all of their guests happy is just so obvious from the minute you arrive.

We stayed in a three bedroom suite, with two beds upstairs and one bed downstairs, along with the kitchen and sitting room (which also had a pull-out couch.) There was also an outside porch and three full bathrooms. When we arrived we found warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for us on our bedside tables. Once again, we were all starving and this made the kids very happy. They were some good cookies too!

Take a look as we check in!

The square footage was beyond anything we have ever seen. The place was giant. GIANT. We easily could have had Grandma and Granddad staying with us too. And the beds and the linens – just divine. Owen, in particular loved the jetted oversized tub for baths every night. He thought it was just fantastic how he could swim in there. The tub was so big that we were easily able to throw all three big kids in for a tub together! They loved it and it made for a quick bedtime. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the bathroom floors were heated?

Yes, the Whiteface Lodge is not your typical, run of the mill hotel. You are paying a premium for a top notch vacation in a magnificent setting with SO much to do. Your kids will certainly be occupied with all of the daily offerings of activities. Our kids just loved the pool, the game room, the movie theater and the Canoe Club.

The Canoe Club is just about a mile down the road set on pristine Lake Placid. Adirondack chairs, mountains, lush greenery, water sports, a fire pit, and a small beach are all there for your enjoyment. This is where Emily fell in love with kayaking and I enjoyed sitting back watching my big kids try new things. It was amazing.

We were impressed with all of the daily FREE activities available during our stay:

• Fly fishing demos
• Fishing (poles and worms all ready for the taking)
• Movie Theater (3 movies daily, with complimentary freshly popped popcorn – this was my favorite!)
• Campfire with S’mores
• Stretch and Mobility class
• Yoga
• Yogalates
• Kamp Kanu for the kids (ages 3-10)  like FREE summer camp with counselors and activities!! SCORE!
• Wildlife Refuge Demos
• Shuttle Service to Canoe Club
• Water sports – boats and canoes are available on a first come, first serve basis, along with the option to rent boats (hacker craft, pontoon, ski boat) and take lessons!
• Cookies and Lemonade

In addition, there’s the option to dine on premises at Kanu Lounge and Restaurant. We had the breakfast buffet there for two of our morning meals and everyone was quite happy. Emily decided that breakfast is by far, her favorite meal of the day. There’s also a spa, baby-sitting services, an ice cream parlor, and a market that is open 24/7.

To say I was pleasantly surprised at all there was to offer is simply an understatement. We simply cannot wait to go back again. There is just so much to do in the area and a 4-5 night stay seemed just right for us. I highly recommend a trip to the top of Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge and the Wild Center. We had a blast, but there’s still so much more to check out next time.

Yes, it’s a pricey place to stay, but well worth it. At $750/night for a 3 bedroom suite, (HUGE) you could cut down on cost by traveling with extended family or good friends. Honestly, you’ll have plenty of room and the kids will be occupied and happy. The Whiteface Lodge makes for a great family vacation no matter what the season! I hear they bring in a 30 foot Christmas tree at Christmas time that has to be dropped in from the second floor by crane! It must be something to see if you can handle the -10 degree (average winter temp) winter weather! Layer up!

I’d love to go back in late spring to experience some snow shoeing, skiing and tubing with the kids. And the fall would be another spectacular time to visit to take in that fall foliage.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to take advantage of a hot tub!

Seriously guys, this is the best place we’ve ever stayed as a family. Hats off to the folks at Whiteface Lodge for creating such a luxe resort for big families. We WILL be back.

Have you ever been to the Whiteface Lodge? What did you think?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary two-night stay at Whiteface Lodge, plus an extra two-night stay at the media rate. All thoughts and opinions are my own.