Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn

The shower pressure was good, and I liked the view from the back porch. I’d had only positive stays at other White Rainbow properties in the Adirondacks, so this place was a letdown. There were no towels in the room; I was told to fetch them from the laundry room. There was no rug, so snowy weather left puddles, and I found hair on several bathroom surfaces. The Wifi and TV didn’t work, the walls were thin and the deadbolt wouldn’t lock all the way. No staff were on site, and the parking lot didn’t have enough room, especially with winter snow piles. Anything I left in the refrigerator froze overnight.

The water’s-edge location has potential, but that’s about the only positive. Opening the door, I was hit by a strong moldy, musty odor. I opened both windows, though they only lifted a few inches, which helped a little. The bed was terribly uncomfortable, and everything felt worn out. The sink cabinet door was broken, two bulbs above the sink were out, and the heating and AC unit was filthy. I won’t come back and definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

We booked three nights for Columbus Day weekend 2025, but left without unpacking and drove the three hours home. Room 41 was a bottom-level corner room, not really lakefront. The bathroom was dirty, with black mold in the tub and grime on the tub floor. The room hadn’t been dusted or cleaned, although the beds were made. There was no phone, clock or luggage rack, and nowhere I could see to hang anything. The curtains wouldn’t stay closed. At check-in, the lobby phone was dirty, which should have been a clue. The desk clerk was abrupt and unhelpful, then left shortly after we arrived. This inn seems like a shadow of its former self, whatever it used to be. I noticed the positive reviews were from 2010 to 2013, with nothing recent. I disputed the room charge with Visa and demanded a full refund. This definitely isn’t a 3 star motel, and I wouldn’t return or recommend it.

Waking up beside the water was peaceful, and the lake view was stunning. The property has free kayaks, which made it good value for money, and the staff were helpful and the service was good. The rooms were decent, though they could use some improvement. I had a good, relaxing stay.