Laurel Lake Placid

We loved being able to walk into town from this gorgeous hotel, and parking was easy even though the lot was crowded when we arrived. Our lake side King Junior Suite had plenty of room, comfortable beds, and a gorgeous view of Mirror Lake. Breakfast was a nice start before our morning hikes. We’d happily stay here again.

The beds were comfortable, and the hotel’s European look and attractive decor have some charm, though parts of it are worn. Beyond that, our stay at the Laurel from December 30 through January 1 was disappointing for what we paid. The rooms feel bare, with no closet or hooks for winter coats, just one small nightstand between two queen beds, no desk or coffee maker, and no bathroom door lock. A wall sconce had a broken switch, so we had to loosen its bulb to turn it off. The vending machines had no food or drinks for our entire stay. Getting to the property was difficult and felt unsafe: the driveway is steep, poorly plowed and salted, with ice under the snow. Staff communication was often hard, and questions went unanswered. The lobby bathrooms were closed for about 45 minutes while the area was cleaned, and nobody could explain why they were unavailable. On checkout morning our dog sledding on Mirror Lake started 30 minutes late. I asked for a short checkout extension because we’d be back only 15 minutes before checkout, but the request was refused outright. We had to pack early, leave all our luggage in the lobby, then reopen the bags to separate clean and dirty things when the family returned. On New Year’s Eve, guests were asked to pay $10 per person to stay in the lobby for the festivities. That seemed unnecessary after paying a premium for the holiday. While we waited in the lobby on checkout morning, another guest loudly complained at the desk that staff had been rude the night before. It echoed our own experience. We had a much better stay at the Lake House at High Peaks Resort on an earlier visit, even though its remodel was older.

Everyone was so warm and friendly, and they kept checking to see if I needed anything. My room at Laurel Lake Placid was extremely cozy and very clean. The service went above and beyond.

The location advertises a pool that is supposedly “not working,” though it looks fine, which was frustrating and made me suspicious. They also list a gym, but there isn’t one on the property. Parking is tight, and breakfast is just bagels and cereal, not what I’d call a real breakfast. The Bluebird Hotel in Lake Placid was the worst place I’ve ever stayed. The room and common areas were dirty and poorly kept, and the room was so cramped there was barely room to move. The bathroom door had no proper lock or deadbolt, which felt like a serious privacy and safety problem. It was uncomfortable and misleading, and I wouldn’t consider staying there again.