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Mirror
Lake Inn – good times and special memories
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By Peter and Beverley Kerr
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The Mirror Lake Inn has a rich
history that dates back to 1926. WR Wikoff, after making a fortune with
his “Fuller Brush Man” concept, retired with his wife to
Lake Placid
and transformed an estate into an inn that catered to wealthy clientele
from New York City.
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Illuminated by 300,000 lights, Mirror Lake Inn becomes
a magical wonderland during the Christmas Holidays
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Ed
and Lisa Weibrecht, owners of the Inn since 1976, have maintained and
improved on the heritage of first class accommodations and cuisine. The Mirror Lake Inn is full value for its
Four Diamond Exceptional AAA rating; for both the hotel and its famous
dining room – The View. The resort has been acclaimed by
Condé Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure as one of the top
hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Mirror Lake Inn is an elite member of
the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
“Oh,
this is going to be wonderful!” This was our first impression on
entering the luxurious lobby and living room of Lake Placid’s
premiere
resort. Highly polished woodwork and floors, offset with brightly
coloured Indian carpets and classic furniture evoke the impression that
you’re visiting a wealthy friend’s very large country home.
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Spacious classic rooms have balconies and post card views
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While
The Mirror Lake Inn easily earns it Four Diamond classification (for 26
consecutive years!), there is an air of casual elegance that reflects
the upstate New York location in the Northern Adirondack Mountains.
“The
Weibrecht family 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. The second is Ed and Lisa’s
commitment and investment in the staff.”
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Classic luxury and warm ambiance of the Living Room
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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. All rooms are furnished
with hand-crafted Harden furniture, made in New York State from
Adirondack maple and cherry woods. All rooms and suites are equipped
with DVD players with IPod jacks, comfy terry-cloth robes and Frette
linens.
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.
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Four Diamond elegant dining in The View
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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. Chefs Tom Morris
and Jarrad Lang purchase from local meat produce and cheese producers. “We visit with the local farmers
regularly and have developed great relationships with them as
suppliers."
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60 foot indoor swimming and lap pool
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"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 it 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.
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One of several truly spectacular and unique Ultimate Suites
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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 eyes of
Chefs Morris and Lang. A popular feature is “30 Wines for under
30 dollars”. The Bistro has an interesting version of
Steak-Frites; thinly sliced pan fried sweet potato topped with
bite-sized slices of venison that is melt-in-your mouth delicious.
Dining at Mirror Lake Inn is a food lover’s delight.
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.
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The Spa offers
facials, massages and body treatments
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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 is transformed into a snow covered
wonderland with a magical quality for all ages. Christmas trees are
placed throughout the property; outside and inside. Over 300,000 lights
illuminate the inn’s exterior, the lights 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.
This is the kind of resort where happy memories are made, a place that
draws guests back again and again to renew their wonderful
recollections and keep them fresh. The images of a little boy learning
to skate; a young girl on skis; “2 more minutes grandpa” in
the pool; or just the two of you renewing your own romance; are
everlasting gifts of cherished good times. Mirror Lake Inn is a
uniquely special place.
| 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
Starting at $295 per couple per night, you’ll find a selection of
packages for couples and families on the website. Winter packages
include a two night Warm and Cozy couple’s package that includes
two
breakfasts, dinner for two one night, two spa packages, two suite robes
and starts at $855 per couple for a two night stay. For more
information, please call: 518-523-2544 |
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