Hotels in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake: Where Nature's Canvas Meets Timeless Charm

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is a picturesque gem that enchants visitors with its tranquil lakes, vibrant wildflowers, and charming village atmosphere. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this destination offers a perfect backdrop for romantic getaways and adventurous escapes alike. Enjoy kayaking on the crystal-clear waters, hiking through lush trails, or exploring the unique architecture of historic buildings, including the iconic Saranac Lake Castle. With its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming community, Saranac Lake is an idyllic choice for those seeking a memorable Adirondack vacation or a dream wedding destination. For the best hotel rates in Saranac Lake and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Saranac Lake

Some of the best places to stay in Saranac Lake are Lake Placid, Wilmington and Long Lake. Saranac Lake is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Adirondacks, with nearby Lake Placid offering stunning scenery and Olympic history, Wilmington showcasing outdoor adventures, and Long Lake providing serene natural escapes. Accommodations vary from charming waterfront hotels and cozy cabins to historic lodges, catering to all preferences. For first-time visitors, Lake Placid is ideal due to its wealth of attractions and amenities, ensuring a memorable experience in this picturesque region. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Saranac Lake:

1. Lake PlacidOpens in a new window: Lake Placid is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of adventure, offering breathtaking scenery and a rich sporting history. With attractions like Mirror Lake, perfect for romantic strolls and beach activities, and Whiteface Mountain, renowned for skiing and hiking, visitors will find plenty to explore. The Olympic Center adds to the area’s charm with its sports facilities. For accommodations, The Whiteface LodgeOpens in a new window is a luxurious 4.5-star resort featuring direct beach access and excellent business amenities, making it perfect for both leisure and corporate travelers. High Peaks ResortOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, also offers beach access and is equipped with 24-hour business services, catering to adventure seekers with activities like kayaking and snowshoeing. Lastly, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & SpaOpens in a new window provides a blend of beach and ski themes, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of outdoor sports nearby.
2. WilmingtonOpens in a new window: Wilmington is a fantastic spot for adventure seekers, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and exciting attractions like Whiteface Mountain and Santa's Workshop. The area is great for family fun and outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. For a comfortable stay, Whiteface Farm Adirondack Bed and BreakfastOpens in a new window is a cozy 3.0-star bed and breakfast, offering business services and access to golf experiences, along with nearby adventure options like kayaking and snow tubing. Another option, Adirondack Spruce LodgeOpens in a new window, is also a 3.0-star hotel with direct beach access, featuring family-friendly amenities and a variety of adventure sports nearby, including hiking and horseback riding. Lastly, The Inn at WhitefaceOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star bed and breakfast that provides complimentary breakfast and entertainment options, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.
3. Long LakeOpens in a new window: Long Lake is a serene getaway that boasts stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers. With attractions like the Adirondack Experience and Buttermilk Falls, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the area's picturesque landscapes. The Woods InnOpens in a new window is a charming 3.0-star hotel offering beach access and a variety of adventure sports, including canoeing and fishing. Marina MotelOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star motel, provides essential business services and outdoor activities, such as skiing and mountain climbing, ideal for those looking for an active vacation. Lastly, Great PinesOpens in a new window is another 3.0-star motel that welcomes pets and offers adventure sports like canoeing and hiking, ensuring everyone in the family can have a great time.

Things to do in Saranac Lake for first time

Saranac Lake offers a perfect three-day escape into the heart of the Adirondacks, featuring stunning lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountains. Travelers can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, and boating, all while immersing themselves in the area's rich history and vibrant natural beauty. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Saranac Lake:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at Mirror Lake, where you can enjoy a serene morning walk around the water's edge, taking in the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, head to the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum to delve into the rich history of the Olympic Games, featuring exciting exhibits and memorabilia. Conclude your day at the Lake Placid Adirondack Scenic Railroad Station, where you can take a scenic train ride through the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, offering picturesque views and a unique perspective of the area.
• Day 2: Begin your day with a thrilling trip to Whiteface Mountain, where you can hike or take the gondola to the summit for panoramic views of the Adirondacks. After soaking in the sights, make your way to the Wells Memorial Library to relax and explore the local literature and history. Wrap up your day at High Falls Gorge, where you can embark on a scenic walk along the trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and beautiful views, perfect for nature photography.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you can learn about the history of ski jumping and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck. Next, visit the Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center, where you can explore engaging exhibits and trails showcasing the region's natural beauty. Finish your itinerary at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, where you can catch a local performance or explore rotating art exhibits, immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of the area.

5 tips to find a great Saranac Lake hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly times to visit Saranac Lake are January, May, and November, when hotel rates are more affordable. Domestic travelers should aim to book their flights at least 5 months in advance for the best deals, while international travelers should try to secure their flights at least 2 months prior to their trip. For a great value experience, plan to stay at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy the main attractions, including the stunning lake and beautiful local scenery.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're seeking last-minute deals to Saranac Lake, you're in luck! Hotels.com offers a DealsOpens in a new window and Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section where you could find attractive discounts on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. By enabling email alerts or push notifications, you’re more likely to catch flash sales and special promotions, helping you maximize your savings while enjoying good availability and competitive room rates. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover great hotel deals that fit your budget!
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the location, star rating, and the season. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates might help you save on hotel expenses in Saranac Lake.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Saranac Lake is usually more expensive. However, if you opt for accommodations further from the city center, you can explore the area using transportation options like a car or bus, which can help you save on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Saranac Lake and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

Best time to go to Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 16.3°F (-8.7°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 65.8°F (18.8°C). June is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Saranac Lake, June to August are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, October to December are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.