11 Best Luxury Hotels in Lake George NY

Tucked on the southern end of the eponymous Lake George, the town of Lake George is nestled in the vast, protected Adirondacks region in New York. This classic summer escape in the state boasts a wealth of natural beauty, with a healthy dose of family-friendly attractions and small-town charm. And any lake town worth its salt will have 5-star stays that make it a luxurious destination as well. That’s why when we went looking for a luxury hotel in Lake George, NY, we found a host of incredible hotels offering idyllic indulgent escapes. No matter the budget or even the season, Lake George had digs for all kinds of travelers. Not only did these hotels have excellent lakeside locations, but also they offered fantastic onsite experiences and amenities. Plus, they were a great mix of adults-only and family-friendly ones, allowing everyone to enjoy a vacation of their choice and preferences.

That said, the list of things to do in Lake George was nearly never-ending. That’s why these Lake George stays made for the perfect base to experience the wonderful attractions, gorgeous waters, and magnificent scenery of the place known as the “Queen of American Lakes.”

Are you visiting the Adirondacks during autumn? It’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in New York.

Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center

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Don’t be put off by the ‘conference center’ in the title; Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center is one of Lake George’s most upscale accommodations. The stately, elegant, and historic hotel lies on a sprawling 18-acre estate at the southern tip of the lake and harks back to the classic era of Lake George’s family resorts.

Amenities at this historic hotel abound, with the top draw being the three-wave bean-shaped outdoor pool area, which overlooks the lake. After a swim, we’d relax with a mint julep while sprawled out on the daybeds, looking out to the sparkling waters. Later on, we enjoyed a fun game of croquet on the well-manicured lawns. Unwinding in the sauna was a great way to soak our sore muscles after an entire day of exploring the region. When hunger came calling, we had the options of many onsite restaurants, including the iconic White Lion, which has been a Lake George institution since 1911. In fact, the dining room here was originally the ballroom of this historic hotel, which features expansive windows overlooking the scenic lake.

We were impressed by the upscale luxurious rooms here, which came with roaring fireplaces and mod-cons such as luxe bathrooms, TVs, and coffee/tea facilities. The best ones had large windows overlooking Lake George.

The Holiday Inn Resort Lake George

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Best chain hotel. The Holiday Inn Resort Lake George is one of the only places that’s not on the water and still offers a healthy dose of luxury. Nestled on the southern fringes of the town of Lake George, the resort was the perfect chain hotel we were looking for. A cozy lobby with panoramic windows and a huge stone fireplace greeted us as we stepped inside, immediately setting the mood for what promised to be a perfect holiday.

The expansive property has a long list of amenities befitting its status. For one, it has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an outdoor whirlpool. They were our favorite spots to unwind on the property. What’s more, there was even a 24-hour fitness center, game rooms, a putting green for some tee time, a playground for kids, and even a basketball court. The gift shop had tea, coffee, and snacks, and any hunger pangs were more than satiated by the restaurant and lounge. Evenings were spent roasting marshmallows by the fire pit and enjoying an alfresco dinner under the stars.

While we had the choice of both rooms and suites, we chose a suite, which came with a patio/balcony from where we had superb views of the Lakeland Mountains. Besides being spacious, the rooms were comfortable and came with all mod-cons for a comfortable holiday. Did we mention that Million Dollar Beach is a mere 15-minute walk? Yep.

Ruah Bed and Breakfast, Hague

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We were looking for quiet and secluded luxury on the banks of Lake George, and the historic Ruah Bed and Breakfast was just the ticket. It sits on the main Lake Shore drive in northern Lake George, just outside the town of Hague. The elegant B&B is tucked into a historic home built way back in 1900 and was even touted as one of the “12 Best Undiscovered Bed and Breakfasts in North America!” If that wasn’t enough, it was also featured in Forbes, House Beautiful, and on PBS.

With just four different rooms, staying here was as intimate as it was exclusive. The rooms were Asas, Flirtation, Waltonian, and Queen of the Lakes, with Queen of the Lakes being the largest. It even came with a window-side chaise lounge! Nevertheless, all rooms had modern bathrooms with bathtubs and bathrobes, stone fireplaces for our comfort, original light fixtures, and artwork. The best bit? There was even free Wi-Fi, so we could stay connected and plan our itineraries.

After a day of exploration, we’d love to sit with a glass of wine in the library, curled up with a good book. And since it’s a B&B, our days would begin with a fabulous breakfast spread, which included all sorts of hot and cold items, plus juices, tea, and coffee.

Sun Castle Resort, Lake George

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Who wouldn’t like to stay in a sprawling, magnificent lakefront luxury hotel on Lake George, NY, with a private beach? That’s what the Sun Castle Resort is all about, offering us the ultimate in waterfront vacation luxury. The private sandy beach is one of the best in the region, as it was just us resort guests around. So, we got to spend long, sunny days out by the water, soaking in the amazing ambiance and sipping on cocktails.

Back at the resort, the fabulous in-ground heated outdoor swimming pool was “the” place to lounge and relax on the property. But unlike other waterfront Lake George properties, it was surrounded by mountains and didn’t face the beach. So, it actually offered a unique setting, especially since we had a private beachfront too. Aside from that, the resort has free parking and even a private dock where peeps would park their rented boats. Evenings were spent sipping on a glass of wine at the outdoor fireplaces, followed by a delicious dinner at the onsite fine dining restaurant.

Since we wanted to indulge ourselves during our stay here, we chose the one-bedroom waterfront villa, which came with a wall of windows that afforded excellent sweeping views of Lake George, and that too from the outdoor private patio. Besides this, it also came with a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a sofa bed, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.

Highlands Castle, Bolton

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Most unique. You provide the fairytale; we provide the castle – that’s literally the motto that Highlands Castle in Bolton lives by. This cozy mini-castle, if there was any, was the perfect rural getaway within a distinctly urban setting, and we couldn’t find a more magical setting for our romantic getaway in Lake George. There are a lot of things we loved about our inimitable and incomparable castle stay. Firstly, the location is spectacular – the castle sat among verdure on a raised cliff overlooking Lake George. In fact, even though it wasn’t right on the water, the shoreline was merely five minutes away, as was the town of Bolton. When we talk about the castle hotel itself, the property blended old-time architectural remnants beautifully with modern minimalistic decor. Think suites of armor, old tapestries, and antique cabinets sitting beside modern sofas and coffee tables, with free Wi-Fi everywhere.

After a day of exploring Lake George, our favorite thing to do was sit on the sun terrace, sip on coffee and wine, and munch on snacks with views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George. We had fun choosing from the different kinds of accommodations here, which included a king’s suite, the royal bedroom, the castle cottage, the castle gatehouse, and two three-bedroom suites in the castle itself. What’s more, all accommodations came with seating areas, plush beds, and luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products. Some units, like ours, even had a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a wonderful lake-facing terrace.

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Bayside Resort, Lake George

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If you’re traveling to Lake George with kids, then the lakeside Bayside Resort, formerly Dunham’s Bay Resort, is just the place for you guys. When we went along with the kiddos, we, or rather they, had an absolute blast thanks to the variety of facilities and amenities at the property. The highlight for kids’ fun here is the Family Fun Center, which kept not only the kiddos but even adults of all ages entertained. Not only were there vintage video games, but there was also foosball, air hockey, a pool table, and a whole lot more.

When we wanted to soak up the sun or head outdoors, the basketball court beckoned. However, the outdoors was more about fun at the private beach or the outdoor pool, which overlooked Lewis Bay. As the kids frolicked about, we’d lounge on the sundeck and order cocktails and snacks from the poolside Tiki Bar. When the weather was colder, the tropical indoor heated pool was our respite, especially since it also came with a side of an oversized Whirlpool Spa and separate saunas for men and women. And since breakfast was complimentary, we didn’t have to worry about picking breakfasts for the kids every day – we’d just mosey down to the breakfast room at our leisure.

We had the choice of both rooms and suites at this resort, all of which featured fridges and flat-screen cable TVs. Our suite, however, also had a sofa bed, a kitchenette where we could whip up light meals for the kids, and even an outdoor patio.

Boathouse Waterfront Lodging, Bolton

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Most historic. The historic Boathouse Waterfront Lodging, formerly the Boathouse B&B, is one of the most magnificent Lake George waterfront properties that we were dying to check out – and we were impressed to the hilt! Did you know that the structure was actually built way back in 1911 to accommodate the 24-ft mahogany speedboat that the owners cherished? Yes! It was originally the summer home of George Reis, a famed speedboat racer and recipient of the Gold Cup.

This waterfront lodging is most famous for its outdoor porch, which hands right above the water. With alfresco seating, it was one of our favorite spots to relax and unwind on the property after a long day. Not only did it offer lake views, but it also offered views of the mountains in the distance. Our days began equally amazingly with a delicious breakfast spread, which we could have at our leisure. If that wasn’t enough, the great room had 24-hour coffee and tea always on offer, along with a toaster and microwave to use as well.

What we loved was that the hosts, who also ran the place when it was a B&B, were always around to talk to us about our day and give us tips about which places to visit and what to do in the region. When it came to the digs, we had the choice of many rooms, all of which came with cable flat-screen TVs, fridges, and private bathrooms with bathrobes. Our room even had a seating area with views of the lake, so we’d enjoy food even in the comfort of our room.

Marine Village Resort, Lake George

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Tucked smack dab in the heart of Lake George town with 300 ft of prime beachfront, the Marine Village Resort was the perfect place to stay in the town. What we loved about this comfortable resort was that it not only came with rooms but also cottages and lakefront suites. What’s more, all rooms came with both heat and air conditioning for all kinds of Lake George weather, free Wi-Fi, fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. In fact, the resort offers a variety of seasonal packages, so ensure that you check out what’s available when you’re making a reservation here. When we stayed here, we chose the lakefront suite, which not only had a balcony but also came with a free boat ride!

Thanks to such an enviable location, it was no surprise that there were many activities for us to do on the property. Our days began with a healthy breakfast at the seasonal onsite restaurant, after which we’d head off to explore the region. After we came back, we’d head straight to the outdoor heated lakefront pool, where we enjoyed a swim and soaked up the sun’s rays. Evenings were spent roasting s’mores at the barbecue.

The Lodges at Cresthaven, Lake George

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Best hotel with a private beach. If rustic elegance is more your style, then The Lodges at Cresthaven is where you should be. We loved the glorious views from this 11-acre luxury hotel on Lake George, NY, which is one of the most beautiful waterfront properties in the region. The highlight is especially the private stretch of lakefront, with its own private beach area. What’s more, it was dotted with Adirondack chairs, where we’d lounge after a leisurely swim in the lake and soak in the sunrise after a morning walk. In fact, the resort even offered us access to canoes and kayaks, which we used liberally to go exploring the lake.

The 50 digs here range from king suites to two-bedroom apartments, all of which were decked out in upscale lodge style. Think plenty of cushy area rugs, gas fireplaces, cozy blankets, log- and wood-beamed ceilings, which harken back to classic Adirondack luxury. Moreover, all units came with full kitchens with dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and fridges, so we could whip up meals on the fly. And since all units could sleep up to six people, it was great for our group of friends, who could stay together with beautiful views of the lake.

The rest of the hotel is equally impressive. There’s a game room where kids of families staying here have a ball. Besides the fitness center, the hotel also boasted a waterfront restaurant, the Boathouse, where we could satiate our hunger pangs with some delicious food and great drinks.

The Inn at Erlowest, Lake George

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Turns out that the Highlands Castle isn’t the only castle protecting Lake George. We felt like real modern kings and queens at the luxuriously stunning Inn at Erlowest, which sits in a historic Queen Anne revival castle on lakeshore drive in Lake George Town. The beautiful stone structure conjures up visions of the days of yore, sitting on a perfectly manicured hill overlooking the lake and the Adirondack mountains.

With just 10 suites, staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience. What’s more, every suite is individually decorated in its own style. For instance, the Erlowest Suite, where we stayed, was truly befitting its name – a king suite. Not only did it come with a glittering chandelier that was as gorgeous as an old-time light fixture can get, but it also came with a two-person Jacuzzi tub. If that wasn’t enough, there was even a fireplace where we got warm when the weather turned cold – which it did since we were here during fall.

“Who wouldn’t want to live in a modern castle overlooking Lake George?”

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One of the most thoughtful amenities here was the outdoor heated pool, where we could swim in and even lounge after a long day of exploring the Lake George region. Aside from the fitness center, there was also a lovely fine dining restaurant, but we opted to dine in the heated igloos right next to the inviting outdoor fireplace. They were perfect for a romantic dinner under a blanket of stars. It’s a favorite activity in the fall and winter, so book ahead.

The Sagamore Resort, Bolton

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Old-world elegance meets majestic and modern luxury at the iconic Sagamore Resort, a luxury hotel that sits on its own 70-acre secluded and private island on Lake George in historic Bolton. The 1883-founded resort is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places and even has families booked for years ahead for annual family retreats on the same summer weekends!

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We crossed the small bridge that led to the private island, up the stately private road to the grand white structure trimmed with green shutters. However, given the lakeside amenities, we never left the island during our stay! For one, the spacious patio out front had Adirondack chairs, and the lake views were the best in town. Moreover, there were eight drinking and dining facilities, a fitness center, and a hillside golf course. That said, the standout features were the rejuvenating spa, where we enjoyed a body treatment and the huge lake-facing outdoor pool area.

We even spent time on Lake George, thanks to the fishing dock and the onsite boat rentals that the resort had in place. However, our most romantic moments came aboard the Morgan, Sagamore’s 72-ft replica of a 19th-century ship, which we took sailing. The best part? Cruises were included in the resort’s fee.

There were a variety of room categories here, including stately rooms, condos, and even a private carriage house, Hermitage, and a six-bedroom Tudor-designed manor, The Castle. While all rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, and kitchens, the best ones offer complete views of Lake George. We treated ourselves to the premier lakeside balcony suite, which had sweeping views of the lake from our private lakefront balcony.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the options for luxury stays on Lake George, we’ve made a specialized list to help you choose where to stay.

• Best chain hotel: The Holiday Inn Resort Lake George
• Most unique: Highlands Castle, Bolton
• Most historic: Boathouse Waterfront Lodging, Bolton
• Best hotel with a private beach: The Lodges At Cresthaven, Lake George

Where to Stay in Lake George?

High up in the Adirondacks, Lake George is an outdoorsman’s dream. Notwithstanding which visit it’s to Lake George; everyone should explore Lake George Town at least once. Tucked in the remote southeastern part of the Adirondack State Park, this base town for the lake has tons of accommodation options, shopping and dining places, and even fun beach activities. The Main Street downtown is the heart of the town, which is where the best staying, dining, and entertainment options are located. It’s also home to the spectacular 1700-ft waterfront walkway, which offers the most stunning views of the lake all around.

Secondly, there’s the peaceful and lively Bolton Landing, which is a mere 20-minute drive north of Lake George Town. We loved indulging in the outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty in this town, which offers excellent attractions and activities for any age and taste. That’s why it’s very popular with families, who can be seen kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming on the shores.

Finally, there’s the small but picturesque hamlet of Diamond Point, which lies between Bolton Landing and Lake George Town. It offered the best options for a luxury hotel, Lake George, NY, for staying on the water, all of which offered stunning views of the lake. In fact, some places even had access to a private beach and a dock where we could actually enjoy the tranquility of the lake.

You might also want to check out the best spa hotels in Upstate New York and the best ski resorts in Upstate New York.

What is the best part of Lake George to stay?

Lake George town is undoubtedly the nicest part of Lake George and offers many tourist accommodations and attractions.

Why is Lake George so popular?

Lake George is very popular because of its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of recreational activities that cater to all interests and age groups.

Can people swim in Lake George?

Yes, that’s why there are so many beaches along the Lake Geroge shoreline. Not only are there public beaches, but there are also private ones where one can enjoy swimming in seclusion.