|
|
Mirror Lake Inn – “It’s a labour of love”
Illuminated by 300,000 lights, Mirror Lake Inn becomes a magical wonderland
Ed
and Lisa Weibrecht share a love of owning and operating Mirror Lake
Inn, providing their guests with first class and unique
Adirondack-themed accommodations, sports facilities and superb cuisine.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World; the Inn has received the
AAA prestigious 4 Diamond rating for 27 consecutive years. Travel &
Leisure Magazine has ranked Mirror Lake Inn in the Top 50 Resorts in
Canada and the U.S.; and the Conde Nast Traveller reader poll includes
the Spa in the Top 100 Spas for 2011.
|
Just after American
Thanksgiving, I met with Ed and Lisa Weibrecht to discuss how they have
consistently achieved high ratings for all aspects of their
family-owned resort. Our conversation revealed the couple’s dedication
to the pursuit of excellence, loyalty to their staff, and meeting the
expectations of their sophisticated clientele.
|
Mirror Lake Inn proprietors Ed and Lisa Weibrecht
|
Ed Weibrecht’s
love of skiing played an important role in his life-changing decision
to leave a successful career in the telecommunications industry. Ed was
a successful senior executive with AT&T and then with MCI, working
in New York City. “I loved to come up here most weekends to ski at
Whiteface Mountain. My colleagues at MCI wanted me to move to
Washington, which would be too far for weekend trips. I had to choose
my career or skiing.” With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Ed
continues; “I chose skiing.”
|
“I moved my family up here to
Lake Placid, and while I was looking for something to do, I became good
friends with the Wicoff family, who owned Mirror Lake Inn. They were
considering retirement, and we came to an agreement that with their
advice; I would run the inn for a year; with an option to purchase it.
|
 The Mirror Lake Inn |
I gave them all the money I had – and fortunately our experiment
worked. I met their asking price, we came to terms and I have had the
great pleasure of building this business since 1976.”
|
In 1978 Ed
started to build additional accommodations behind the original inn,
with lovely views of the lake. “I had to generate more money to pay for
the place.” he said with a chuckle.
Lake Placid has been a
major training centre for winter athletes ever since hosting the 1932
and 1980 Winter Olympics.
|
The premier Colonial House suite,
located on the top floor center room.
|
Lisa had come to train as a luger as a member
of the Women’s National Luge Team, and then stayed on – opening a pizza
and sub shop. Ed comments; “I met Lisa in 1981, and that’s when my life
started to get really good...” For her part, Lisa says that when she
asked her sister about accepting Ed’s offer for a date; “My sister said
that I should go out with him – because nobody else would!”
|
Together
Ed and Lisa have built Mirror Lake Inn into what has become a
world-famous vacation and getaway retreat for families and couples. It
has also become popular for small and medium group meetings. Lisa
comments; “We have women’s groups who come for a few days of golf, spa
treatments and relaxation.”
|
 Classic luxury and warm ambiance of the Living Room |
Ed and Lisa employ their own
carpenters and design personnel for the ongoing renovations and
refurbishing necessary to maintaining their 4 Diamond rating. “Its’ a
labour of love – and it’s ongoing.” Continuing, Ed notes; “Our position
is to always be out in front – to keep re-evaluating and find areas
where we can improve.
|
“Our clients are used to the Four Seasons
or Ritz Carleton. In catering to our market – we don’t compromise on
their experience. We have to make a vacation at Mirror Lake Inn like
air and water to our clients – to give them an experience so fulfilling
that they will ‘need’ to return. Our many repeat guests are constantly
complimentary about our upgrades, renovations and the cleanliness of
rooms and common areas.”
|
Four Diamond elegant dining in The View
|
“Lisa and I give the credit for our
success to our staff. They make our guests feel special and important.
We empower our managers to be responsible for their part of the
business. In turn – they train their staff to take ownership and
responsibility for their jobs.”
|
Ed cites a recent example; “We
always sell out for Thanksgiving. The resort was full and our dining
room booked to capacity. Our employees were all at work instead of
being at home with their families. I went into the kitchens and was
impressed by the positive buzz. Our staff was truly excited about
creating a memorable meal for the guests. The food was outstanding –
and it was an incredible Thanksgiving Day, thanks to the enthusiasm of
our staff.”
“Ed & Lisa Weibrecht have two guiding principles
in the operation of the hotel,” explains Mary Jane Lawrence, who fills
the dual roles of Spa Manager and Marketing Manager.
“They’re equally
important – the first being to constantly invest in upgrading and
refurbishing the entire property.
|
Four Diamond elegant dining in The View
|
The second is Ed and Lisa’s
commitment and investment in the staff.” For guests, this is a winning
combination, and explains the high level of repeat business for
families and couples.
|
Guest rooms are large and comfortable with
Adirondack accents. All of the 100 rooms have post card views of the
mountains and Mirror Lake, and most have balconies. There are 31
spacious suites (some with spectacular bathrooms and Jacuzzi tubs for
two) situated with adjoining rooms; making them ideal for family
reunions.
|
60 foot indoor swimming and lap pool
|
For jaw-dropping luxury, the Mirror Lake Inn
offers truly exceptional Classic, Signature and Ultimate Suites, the
latter collection in the Lake Cottage and Colonial House lakefront
buildings. These spectacular accommodations include the two storey
Presidential and Cascade Suites. Lisa Weibrecht lets her designer
imagination soar, and the fulltime carpenters make those dreams a
reality; to the great satisfaction of the Inn’s guests.
|
The Main
Building’s Living Room and adjacent Library each feature a large
fireplace, comfortable furniture and sitting areas ideal for enjoying a
warm fireside read. Afternoon tea and coffee are served daily
from 3:30 – 4:30 along with home-made chocolate chip cookies.
The
View is the Inn’s famous dining room, open for breakfast and dinner.
For the past three years, The View has also earned a Four Diamond award
for excellence. Chef Jarrad Lang purchases from local meat, produce and
cheese producers.
|
The Spa offers facials, massages and body treatments
|
“We visit with the local farmers regularly and have
developed great relationships with them as suppliers. It not only keeps
money in the community, it enables us to serve our guests really fresh
produce. In the ground in the morning and on your plate in the evening!”
|
We
enjoyed a truly magnificent meal in The View, which gets its name from
the panoramic views overlooking Mirror Lake. Wine lovers will be
pleased to know that The View has an extensive wine list – perhaps
better described as a wine book. Dinner in The View is a fine ending to
a full day of activities and Adirondack fresh air.
|
Spacious classic rooms have balconies and post card views
|
Taste Bistro
is a cozy bar set adjacent to The View, and offers a little more casual
dining experience, with all the menu items prepared in the same kitchen
under the watchful eye of Chef Lang. A popular feature is “30 Wines for
under $30”.
The Cottage is a pub-style restaurant located on
the waterfront, offering lunch and dinner. We enjoyed a terrific pub
meal at a cozy table overlooking the lake. The Cottage has a deck that
is popular in all seasons, with an outdoor fireplace providing warmth
during the winter. A private skating rink is cleared just steps down
from The Cottage – not too far to return for a warming cup of hot
chocolate.
The resort has a well-equipped fitness centre in the
Main Building, a spa and salon, and 60 foot indoor pool with adjacent
whirlpool and saunas. The pool has a unique Adirondack setting with a
waterfall at one end. Floor to ceiling windows let guests appreciate
the indoor warmth, regardless of the weather outside.
Spa
services include a variety of massages (with a suggestion to specify
your problem areas), facials, and body treatments. The well-qualified
staff is dedicated to having you relaxed and rejuvenated – the better
able to enjoy the inn and the activities in Lake Placid.
During
the winter, Mirror Lake Inn has a magical quality for all ages. Over
300,000 lights illuminate the inn’s exterior, sparkling on the crisp
snow. There is ample cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, with
outstanding downhill skiing for the whole family at nearby Whiteface
Mountain.
Mirror Lake Inn is a uniquely special place; the kind
of resort where happy memories are made, a place that draws guests back
again and again. As Ed Weibrecht says ‘like a need for air and water’.
| TRAVEL
PLANNER |
Mirror
Lake Inn is located in Lake Placid, about 2.5 hours from Montreal. Most
of the drive is on I-87, followed by a pleasant drive on 9 North that
takes you along the Ausable River and then onto Route 86 past Whiteface
Mountain. The resort has an excellent website with an impressive photo
gallery: www.mirrorlakeinn.com
You’ll find a selection of packages
for couples and families on the website. Winter packages include one
and two night ski packages, a 3 for 2 Spa Package, and the popular
Experience the View package that includes a candlelight dinner for two
and full Adirondack breakfast. Ask about the hugely popular Adirondack
Food and Wine Festival in April. For more information, please call:
518-523-2544
|
|
|
|
