Love the Great Outdoors? Honeymoon at the Luxurious Lake Placid Lodge! Here’s 5 Reasons Why.

Nestled in Upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is most famous as the site for the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. What you probably don’t know is the town and surrounding area is also one of the most picturesque corners of the world, an ideal honeymoon spot if you love the outdoors, mountain vistas and miles of evergreens. I have been to the area many times over the years and loved, but recently returned and stayed at one of the most magical hotels I’ve ever been to—Lake Placid Lodge. It’s one of those rare gems of a hotel that will leave you breathless. It is at once grand and intimate; luxurious and rustic. If I had to put it down to five reasons why this is an amazing honeymoon spot, these would be them.

1. The surroundings. Lake Placid Lodge is a Relais and Chateau property is built on the shores of Lake Placid (it’s the only hotel ON the lake), and is designed in the arts and crafts tradition of historical great American lodges. The views from lodge of the glassy, calm lake are so perfect they look almost unreal. Waking up every morning with that view outside your window is peaceful and so, so beautiful. The vast area around the lodge is full of hiking and biking trails so you can get your Zen back post-wedding.

2. The décor. At Lake Placid Lodge, there are just five guest rooms; there are also 17 lakeside cabins, six lakeside suites and two cottages. The décor in each room is rich and romantic—think colourful fabrics, rustic wood and stone fireplaces. The room I stayed in featured a king-size canopy bed crafted out of birch wood—I felt like I was waking up in the mist of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Exploring the lodge and all it’s nooks and crannies full of amazing arts and crafts is half the fun of your stay.

3. The food. There are two restos at the lodge—Artisans Restaurant and Maggie’s Pub—both equally stellar. At Maggie’s (which is named after the Lodge’s gorgeous golden retriever) the atmosphere is relaxed and cozy; the mood at Artisans is slightly more formal, but still very casual in feel. In the warmer months, dining outside on the lodge’s sweeping outdoor balcony that overlooks Lake Placid is a must. All tables come with cozy wool blankets in case of an early morning or nighttime chill.

4. The extras. When I say you want for nothing at Lake Placid Lodge, I mean it. You’re room is stocked with tea, coffee, cold drinks, sweets and treats. The staff and service is incredible and they are there to make you stay as amazing as possible. One thing you must do in the warmer months it take a cruise around the lake in the lodge’s own hacker boat. It’s a great way to see the magnificent area, and boat driver Ernie gives an amazing history and tour!

5. It’s great for a honeymoon and a special destination wedding. During my stay I met with the incredible Ann Graham, wedding specialist at Lake Placid Lodge. This warm and wonderful woman is an all-star party planner who has brought more than a few incredible celebrations to life. One particularly amazing one—supermodel Maggie Rizer’s 2010 wedding which was featured in the June 2011 issue of Vogue!

Lake Placid Lodge is definitely a place you will fall in love with…I certainly did and can’t wait to go back!