Janelle Jones

It’s not every day a new hotel opens. And it’s definitely not every day a new hotel opens in Saranac Lake, New York!

Enter the Saranac Waterfront Lodge. This brand new lodge offers travelers an opportunity to experience true Adirondack hospitality with top-of-the-line safety protocols in place and superb amenities, all wrapped up in luxe decor. With the Saranac Waterfront Lodge's modern vibe, it might slip your mind that Saranac Lake has a rich history that set the foundation for Adirondack hospitality. In the early 1900s, there were double digit hotels in the village and surrounding area to accommodate travelers and tuberculosis patients and their visiting families. Hospitality is in Saranac Lake's DNA.

But the Saranac Waterfront Lodge is more than a hotel. Honestly, it’s a total experience, an experience that has something special for everyone. In the age of COVID, grand openings and big parties are not on the menu but the Saranac Waterfront Lodge is primed and ready to go with safe dining, gorgeous rooms, and perhaps one of the best views in town.

There is a lot to preview with the opening of a new accommodation that has guest rooms, food, beverage, and events. We’ll break it down for you one section at a time.

Stay

Opening the door to one of the rooms at the Saranac Waterfront Lodge is like opening the door to a spa. Warm, inviting colors and decor are complemented by warm and inviting amenities! There is coffee and soft towels, and a bed you just want to curl up in right away. The way the lodge is situated, it is almost on a peninsula, meaning that a lot of rooms have lake views, even if they are not technically “lake front.” To give each room a different feel, there are several unique designs above each bed. You’ll have to stay a few times to see them all.

The crème de la crème of rooms is the Governor's Suite, located on the top floor. It’s beautiful design is highlighted by not one, but two balconies overlooking Pontiac Bay on Lake Flower. We get the feeling this will be a popular bridal suite (more on that later).

For opening, the Lodge will have two floors available for booking, totaling 45 of 93 rooms. Everything will be done to ensure the safest stay; there are extensive safety and cleaning protocols. This truly will be a place to relax and de-stress.

Eat

Of course, we haven’t forgotten the most important part of any story: the food. Saranac Waterfront Lodge will have multiple dining options.

The first is the Boathouse, the largest option. Upon entering, you’ll be stopped in your tracks to admire the beautiful bar. It’s shaped like the bow of a boat and will have plenty of good beers on tap. What’s not to love? In warmer months, doors will open and diners can enjoy a total indoor/outdoor dining experience. The Boathouse will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will seat 40-50 people indoors to abide by COVID protocols. Eventually, the dining room will be able to seat 120 people.

Harvest is the Waterfront Lodge’s intimate dining experience. It won’t be open until spring, so you’ll have to pull up a seat at the Boathouse’s bar while you wait for farm-to-table inspired offerings. This smaller restaurant will seat 24.

Off the main lobby is the Navigator’s Lounge. Here, a bar will offer craft cocktails and tapas. You’ll be able to have a bite to eat and sip speciality drinks next to a cozy fire and with a view of Lake Flower.

If you’re like me and have a favorite meal of the year, you’ll be pleased to hear that Saranac Waterfront Lodge will be offering a family-style Thanksgiving dinner made with locally inspired ingredients. (Don’t worry, there’s pie). There are vegan options also available. Please find more information on this meal and special Thanksgiving packages on the Waterfront Lodge’s website.

Do

The Saranac Waterfront Lodge is the perfect place for families, new and old! Families with young kids will enjoy the pool area. Let me amend that: everyone will enjoy the pool area. There is a pool and hot tub the size of the pool. Joining those features in the list of amenities will be a fitness center, coming this spring.

Once the ice melts and next summer begins, boaters will find that the Waterfront Lodge is THE place to be. There will be slips available to those who are staying at the lodge and slips for those who just want to boat over for a meal. Boaters will be able to cruise through the Saranac Lake chain and enjoy absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, all just a short ride from their rooms!

If it’s time to say “I do,” look no further than the Saranac Waterfront Lodge for your venue. A huge ballroom sits next to the dining room and opens directly onto the lawn next to Lake Flower. A truly picturesque setting for any wedding. Downtown is not very far, so be sure to take a romantic evening walk with your loved ones.