Stayed here from Saturday August 26th to Wednesday August 30th 2023 with my family. We checked in…read moreat around 4:31pm, after a bit of a long drive. We got there, and was very disappointed that they did not have cable hookup. My family likes to watch the news for the weather, plus i wanted to watch the last episode of Claim to fame which premiered monday. Anyways also we arrived and they put us near the lake, and we are a long trailer, and was concerned on where to park our car. So they moved us in a spot that worked. We also got a little refund as well. in the front, there is a general store, and they also sell sandwiches and coffee. On August 29th, i brought a lake champlain shirt there, and the people inside were very nice. Overall it is a small campground, and it does look like some kind of trailer park. However, it seemed pretty quiet and everyone seemed friendly that we seen. They also have a pool but did not go in the pool as it was kind of cool. Also there is not much things to do in vermont, including close by. Although we did stop by the blue paddle bistro. Don't think we'll visit vermont again, but this was a nice quiet campground.

Only speaking to the golf. Heads up that the website refers to a driving range. Photo shows said…read moredriving range (its a net). What's better is that after driving through the RV park to get to "the range," we were told we had to wear collared shirts to hit balls six feet into a net while standing next to a parking lot. Not saying this is a bad place. Guy on phone was nice, it's a cool looking community, but just saying the website is misleading and the adherence to some sort of country club dress code is hilarious and absurd.

Came here for dinner and we had a lovely time. They close early on Sundays but will wait until the…read morelast customer leaves. I had the duck breast and the berries crisp for dessert. Everything we ate was delicious. My boyfriend ordered the NY steak and he finished every bit of food in his plate. His dad ordered the same thing too and truly enjoyed it. His mom ordered the salmon and enjoyed it as well. Will definitely be back here again when we are in Vermont. Trust!

My low star review is in reference to Bravo Zulu. I was so excited and waiting for the big opening…read moreto be massively disappointed. I give 5 stars to our very great waitress, However the bar tenders were very rude and not very tentative. We waited 45 mins for our table there. The food was not good at all especially for the price. An Appetizer of beef jerky for 16$ was a joke. I hope this is just growing pains because the environment was fantastic and the new building area was well done. I'll be hard pressed to get my group to go back with me but I do want to give them another chance to see imp

Set expectations as a pub and not fine dining and this is an average place. Service was only a 2,…read morefood a 3 and ambiance a 3. We sat outside and looked north at the lake. Good view but noisy with Route 2. My steak frites were good with plenty of local blue cheese. The salmon was good and correctly cooked. Serviceable but not outstanding.

Ridiculous wait time for food. No excuse for the wait to get our dinner. We left. An hour and a…read morehalf and our order wasn't even started they had no reason for the delay.

In July 2024, my wife, two sons, and I made a brunch reservation for the Inn at Shelburne Farms. We…read moreenjoyed the fresh bread and pancakes! I think we also had a sampling of the Shelburne Farms cheddar cheese which is amazingly delicious. Although the brunch is somewhat pricey (but reasonable compared to dinner), you are paying for the location and gorgeous view of Lake Champlain in the backyard of the Inn. Overall, service was pretty good at brunch and attentive, but our reservation was near the end of the brunch period. It's well worth taking pictures outside if the weather is nice. Before you enter the dining room, be sure to visit the sitting room. The Inn has a pleasant, historic vibe and elegant charm with portraits of Lila Vanderbilt Webb in the sitting room. This Yelp review is just for the brunch at the Inn (we did not stay overnight).

Had one of the best dinner experiences of the past few years in VT. We shared an excellent grilled…read morecabbage appetizer. Wine was excellent. They served warm crusty O bread for the table, made at Shelburne Farms. This was followed by main dishes of grilled trout, grilled beef (so tender) and lamb pappardelle, with Al dente pasta and very tender lamb. Shared a scrumptious apple crisp al a mode. Absolutely everything was on point. Service was great; very friendly.

Excellent staff !!! Excellent location!!!…read moreNo television's No access to lower level rooms except through climbing 34 steps!! Food and drink excessively priced Tea $8.00 Glass of Wine $22.00 No work out room - no pool No dedicated concierge. In general an expensive disappointment. For a Lake Placid Experience I would try elsewhere For an Opal experience I would return to the Sagamore

We stayed here a few months ago during our adventure honeymoon--30 states in 60 days--and Lake…read morePlacid was one of the highlights! As avid skiers, we couldn't pass up the chance to head upstate, and this place did not disappoint. The views were absolutely breathtaking, the food was fantastic, and the whole vibe of the town is just something special. If you've never been to Lake Placid, it's a must. From charming shops to great restaurants and beautiful sights everywhere you look, it's such a fun place to explore. Our room was spotless, service was top-notch, and we left already planning a return trip. Highly recommend!

What an absolute gem. You want to stay here, I promise. If you're lucky enough to get a room here,…read more you're in for a treat. This place is gorgeous, clean, and run by the Ellis family. The rooms are huge, the beds are soft (too soft for me), and the bedding is like sleeping on clouds. They have everything you need to never have to leave really. Lots of entertainment, books, pool, and beautiful grounds to relax around. We had the pleasure of staying in the Gray room with a private balcony. The balcony is overlooking the koi pond. It's a great place to drink your morning coffee while lounging on the swing or in the rocking chairs. The breakfast is made in the house daily, the menu changes daily, and every day, it was SO good. We really looked forward to what we were having the next morning. Hosts are so great, I'm extremely sad we didn't spend more time here.

Gorgeous and friendly!…read more We only stayed one night at the Ellis Inn, but we absolutely loved it. We chose the king room with balcony. Upon arriving, you can't help but notice how stunningly beautiful and well maintained the property is. 'Meticulous care' is how I would describe everything about Ellis Inn. Not a single weed or blade of grass out of place, but not at all unwelcoming or stuffy. Delightful. We lugged our suitcases up the stairs and found our room. Large, simple and beautiful with a great view of the property from the balcony. The bathroom was luxurious and spotless. The hosts were incredibly friendly and kind, and made one of the best breakfasts I've ever had, with fluffy pancakes like you wouldn't believe. Next time we are near Burlington area, we will surely return for another visit, and hope you will, too.

Ampersand Bay Resort -- A Lakeside Launchpad for Adventure and Relaxation…read more We stayed at Ampersand Bay Resort the night before -- and the night after -- our big hike up Mt. Marcy. It turned out to be the perfect basecamp for both adventure and recovery. Tucked right on the shores of Lower Saranac Lake, this spot combines rustic Adirondack charm with a sense of comfort and calm that hits just right after 12 hours on the trail. Location, Location... Lakefront You can't beat the setting. The resort sits on 28 peaceful acres along the lake, with stunning views and direct access to the water. We stayed in the Saranac Suite, perched above the on-site Sunset Bistro (more on that later). With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and five beds, it was a perfect fit for our group of five. The suite includes a full kitchen with a Viking range -- which we mostly used for coffee, post-hike wine, and storing trail snacks. Despite being above the restaurant, the suite was incredibly quiet. We never heard a thing. Mornings and evenings were spent in Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake, unwinding, laughing, and soaking in the view. It's the kind of peaceful, communal space that makes you want to linger. A Rustic Feel -- and That's a Good Thing Let's set expectations: This isn't the Four Seasons or some polished modern lodge -- and that's not the goal. Ampersand Bay delivers a comfortable, clean, and authentic Adirondack experience. Think cozy rather than luxe, with wood accents, nature all around, and yes, a dirt parking lot -- because you're in the mountains, not Midtown. It's charming without pretending to be something it's not, and the vibe fits the setting beautifully. Boating Made Easy One of the best parts of our stay? Taking out a pontoon boat to explore Lower Saranac Lake. The process was seamless, the boat was spotless, and we were out on the water in no time. It was the perfect way to kick off our trip and get into that vacation state of mind. Hospitality That Feels Personal A huge part of what makes Ampersand Bay shine is the people. Brian, the GM, couldn't have been more helpful, welcoming, or genuinely kind. He clearly leads by example, because every single staff member we met was warm and friendly. I always say hospitality starts at the top -- and Brian walks the walk. It's rare to feel so at home at a resort, but that's exactly what we experienced. Sunset Bistro -- A Must-Visit We also had dinner at the Sunset Bistro, located right downstairs. Let me just say -- don't skip this spot. It changed my whole perception of resort dining. The food, wine, service, and views came together for a magical post-hike meal that I'll be thinking about for a long time. You can read my full review on Google or Yelp, but in short: this is a destination-worthy restaurant in its own right. Get a reservation. Final Take If you're planning a trip to Saranac Lake, Ampersand Bay Resort should absolutely be on your shortlist -- if not the only place on your list. It's a rare mix of relaxed charm, thoughtful amenities, unbeatable location, and sincere hospitality. Whether you're climbing a mountain, cruising the lake, or just looking to unplug for a few days, this place delivers.

Rented a boat from them for the day - second time in two years…read more When we got out in the boat, we discovered it had no auxiliary power- radio didn't work, horn didn't work, could not chage phone, etc. We texted the owner to let them know. He apologized and state he would give us back a $100. Never got the money back. Followed up a couple of times. Was told that the electrical system worked fine and that it was operator error but he would send me a check for $100. Never did Would never rent from them again.

I recently stayed here for a wedding, and while the event itself was wonderful, the property really…read morefell short of expectations. This place has great potential, but right now it feels like it's trying to be something it's not. It markets itself as a spa and a "culinary experience" (given its history as a former culinary school), but neither really delivers. The hotel itself feels dated and a bit cheap. The carpet tiles throughout give it a very worn, patchwork feel, and the rooms just aren't comfortable. My bed was honestly one of the most uncomfortable I've experienced in a hotel, and the pillows weren't much better. The rooms were also noisy, which didn't help the overall stay. (I will say--the sheets were surprisingly soft, one of the few highlights.) As for the "culinary experience"--the food was fine, better than average, but nowhere near what you'd expect from a place branding itself that way. Hanging photos of vegetables everywhere doesn't make it a culinary destination. That said, with the right investment, this could be a beautiful property again. The setting and bones are there--it just needs serious attention and upgrades. I wouldn't choose to stay here again unless I had to, but the wedding itself was fantastic.

We stayed at the Essex in February and unfortunately had a very poor experience. We were placed at…read morethe end of a hallway where outside doors slammed all night, the room was dirty, small to the point where you almost tripped over the bed to enter the room and the heating system was noisy. We asked to change rooms, but the hotel was sold out. After we returned home, the manager kindly reached out and offered two complimentary nights, which we appreciated. I've stayed at the Essex for years and have always loved the rooms, spa, and restaurants--especially the comfortable beds (which are no longer there)--so we returned this past weekend hoping for a better stay. Unfortunately, from the moment check-in began, things went downhill. We were unable to check in online despite multiple attempts during our four-hour drive. We were assigned room 303, which was quieter and more spacious, but it came with many issues. Both outlets by the bed were broken, our shower never got hot despite running it for an extended time, and we found trash left in the room along with several ladybugs and spiders. Maintenance came and said the shower eventually reached temperature, but it never felt warm enough for a comfortable shower. They also said the outlets wouldn't be fixed until after we checked out. My husband spoke with the front desk the next morning, but nothing was addressed when we returned that evening, and there was no offer to move our room. We were told that because our stay was complimentary, nothing could be done--though the only reason it was free was because of our previous bad experience. We weren't looking for compensation, just a comfortable stay: working outlets, a hot shower, and a chance to relax. Even a simple room change would have made a big difference. We also chose not to dine at the restaurants this time, as our last visit showed a decline in food quality and fewer vegan/vegetarian options than before. This was once my favorite place to stay in Vermont, and I recommended it often. Sadly, after two disappointing visits, it's clear the Essex needs significant improvements to return to what it once was.

Friendly and welcoming staff, beautiful rooms and a gorgeous property on the lake. An amazing place…read morefor a summertime getaway.

Why is there only one Yelp page for the inn, dining room, and bar combined? Kind of makes it…read moreuseless. I notified Yelp but I don't think it can be changed now, with many reviews already. Oh well. I've tried the dining room and bar so I'm reviewing 2 out of 3 here. First the bar. I've been here several times now. Spectacular view, ok food, not great drinks. Now to the details. The setting is spectacular, on a grassy peninsula jutting out into Lake Champlain. Water on 3 sides, the Green Mountains across the lake. Sit outside at the tables on the lawn or under the roof, which is still outside because it has open sides. It can be very windy here! But that's part of the fun. Under the roof, where I sat, you can choose the high tables down the center, the benches to the sides, or at the bar itself, which was either repurposed from, or built to resemble, a classic wooden motorboat. (See photo.) I've always sat at the high tables which aren't that comfortable with their noisy metal stools, but I wasn't into the bar seating and the benches are reserved for groups of 3 or more. I've tried the fish and chips and the fish tacos. Both are ok. The fish batter tends to be slightly overcooked and a bit greasy but the fish is fresh and the portion size is good. The fries are decent. The main problem is the usual one with fried seafood dinners: the coleslaw is an afterthought, hardly more than a thimble-sized serving. It was ok but I'd prefer less coarse texture, less mayonnaise, and sweeter dressing. For some strange reason they serve their food on wire baskets with legs and lined with fake newspaper. Maybe ok for finger food but try using a fork: it plunges through the paper and goes through the basket! Kind of dumb. Drinks: avoid the mixed drinks. They are very weak and overly sweet. Surely from a mix. And served in disposable plastic cups, not even quality ones, more like flimsy Dixie Cups. Not festive at all. The first time I went I had a margarita on the rocks. Next time, a frozen daiquiri. Big mistake. It came with a dollop of whipped cream on top! What? The? Hell? I hope I wasn't too rude when I noticed this travesty, stopped my waiter from walking away, and demanded a replacement. In my defense I was pretty incredulous when I saw it. Is this a thing now? It better not be. Do I have to remember to request no whipped cream on my daiquiris from now on? Up to now it wouldn't have occurred to me, just as it wouldn't occur to request no anchovies! Strange new world. On my most recent visit I tried the sangria. This I actually did like. Tart and tangy, fruity, and plenty of wine. But still served in the cheap plastic cup. On all my visits I've never been offered dessert. I didn't really want any but it's normal to ask. Do they not have dessert or did they just forget? I'm not sure, but come to think of it I don't recall seeing any on the menu. That's unusual. On to the dining room. I guess this is the closest thing to "fine dining" on the Champlain islands but it falls short. The food is competent but undistinguished. I had scallops with risotto. The scallops had a maple glaze and were nicely seared. The risotto was cheesy rather than creamy and I appreciated that for its lighter quality. But the portion size was off: Not enough scallops and too much risotto. Yes they were very large scallops but three is just not enough no matter how big. Having prior experience with undersized scallop entree portions elsewhere I asked the waitress before I ordered how many it comes with. She replied, "I don't know, maybe 4 or 5?". Well that's not an answer but I let it go. As I said above, the actual number was 3 (very large ones). That's not the response I expect from my waitress; if you don't know you find out and get back to the customer. All in all, our waitress was satisfactory, though not particularly personable. Other than the host who greeted us when we entered she was the only person we dealt with during our meal. We shared an arancini appetizer that we both enjoyed. Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake. That's all it was: a slab of cake. Good for what it was but boring without add-ons like a sauce, some fruit, or whatever. It fell far below my expectations for this level of restaurant. As for ambience, I think they were going for a country home feel on the enclosed porch, with its white walls and blue wood chairs. Too bad it is across the road from the Lake and there aren't really any views - go over to the bar for that. Bottom line: nothing wrong with the place but undistinguished and not really worth another visit.

We spent a couple of nights here during the off-season and enjoyed it very much. Although the room…read morewas a bit small, it was comfortable. The pool, hot tub, and sauna were welcoming as well. And we pretty much had it all to ourselves due to it being off-season. They provide a free tea and cookie hour from 4:00-5:00, but I would not recommend it. They need to offer organic teas and better cookie choices in our opinion. The staff were so very nice and offered a lot of advice about local businesses. We would certainly stay there again.

My husband and I stayed at Green Mountain Inn this past weekend and we were thrilled with our…read moreexperience. Everyone working at the Inn was friendly and helpful. The room furnishings are very basic, but the beds and linens are wonderfully comfortable. We were pleasantly surprised to have a large two room suite with two bathrooms. The grounds are pretty and the pool and sauna inviting. The location is ideal. Coffee is available in-room, a nice coffee machine is available adjacent to the lobby, and the Inn is located steps from a delicious little breakfast cafe, right downtown. We enjoyed walking around town and shopping. I'd definitely stay here again and highly recommend it!