Summary
For families seeking a luxurious yet completely accommodating lake retreat, The Sagamore represents an excellent option located on the breathtaking Lake George in the foothills of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The hotel is conveniently situated under a four-hour drive from New York City and slightly above four hours from Boston.
Lake George
Lake George has been celebrated as a gem of the Adirondacks for centuries. During a vacation in 1791, former U.S. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to his daughter stating, “Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.” This observation holds true even today. Formed by glacial movements and nourished by pristine underground springs, the 32-mile lake maintains such cleanliness that many local residents still depend on it for drinking water more than two centuries later.
Presently, Lake George remains a vibrant summer destination; while the year-round population is fewer than four thousand inhabitants, the summer season can see this number rise to over 50,000.
The Historic Sagamore
By the close of the 19th century, Lake George had matched Newport and the Hamptons as a summer retreat for affluent families, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Whitneys. The Sagamore, established in 1883, holds the title of the most opulent sanctuary in the area. This establishment pays tribute to the Victorian era with its majestic porticoes, polished wooden floors, Orient rugs, mahogany bars, intricate crystal chandeliers, and an expansive, multi-tiered lawn cascading down to the lake.
A diverse range of family-oriented amenities is available, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a year-round heated indoor pool, and nature trails. Children can enjoy recreational activities at the playground, tennis courts, and a large recreation center complete with indoor mini golf, basketball courts, Ping Pong, video games, a loft cinema, and an indoor wiffleball field.
Parents may take comfort in the existence of a supervised kids’ club for children aged 4-12, which operates in the morning during the summer and on holiday weekends throughout the academic year. In the evenings, families are encouraged to gather for s’mores around the outdoor fire pit, or children can watch a movie in the recreation center’s loft.
Sagamore Amenities
Parents may wish to designate time for relaxation with a good read or a drink on the patio overlooking the lake. Options for rejuvenation include indulging in an Adirondack hot-stone massage at the on-site spa or renting a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or sailboat at the marina.
The atmosphere at The Sagamore is unmistakably upscale yet welcoming. Although there is no strict dress code enforced at the resort, casual attire is typically favored during the day, with an option to elevate one’s attire for the evening. Smart casual clothing is acceptable even for dining at La Bella Vita Ristorante, the resort’s most formal dining option, where it is common to see women in dresses and men in jackets. Children may wear whatever they choose during the day, while for dinner, boys could don collared shirts and khakis, while girls might select dresses or sophisticated ensembles.
The Sagamore imposes a $25-per-room-per-night resort fee, which encompasses valet parking, wi-fi access, usage of the fitness center, and even a 90-minute lake cruise aboard The Morgan, the resort’s 72-foot replica of a 19th-century touring vessel.
The Sagamore is accommodating to pets, specifically dogs under 30 pounds, and offers the Opal Paws Pet Program for a fee of $75 per night, per pet.
Optimal Accommodations
The Sagamore presents a variety of accommodation alternatives, spanning from luxurious hotel rooms and suites to family-oriented lodge rooms equipped with separate living and sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and lake views. These condo-style units are located just a few minutes’ walk from the main hotel and provide added space at a lower cost. Multi-generational families or large groups have the opportunity to reserve connecting units within the same building.
Recommended Seasons to Visit
Summer represents the peak season on Lake George, offering optimal conditions for enjoying water sports and cruises. Fall serves as a delightful season for a weekend retreat, characterized by diminished crowds and reduced rates. From early December through late May, the resort remains operational only on weekends. It is advisable to consult The Sagamore’s special offerings for seasonal promotions, such as complimentary third or fourth nights.
