My family just returned from a long weekend in LP (2/17-2/20/06). I can give you two bits of advice: don't book any rooms at the North Woods Inn on Main Street, and don't eat at Jimmy 21.

The Inn is old, which I thought would be charming, but it's just old. We were on the 6th floor and we were afraid to use the one operating elevator. When we arrived with our luggage, the front desk person actually told us to use the stairs. With all the luggage (2 teenaged daughters!). Up six flights.

The room was tiny and dingy, our "mountain view" was the back parking lot and hill. There wasn't any hot water; in three days, for four people, we managed one hot shower. The rest of the time the shower was COLD! If there had been an open hotel room in LP, we would have moved.

On to Jimmy 21. This is an Italian resaurant on Main Street, overlooking the lake. Service was surly, inattentive, and just terrible. The food was okay, but couldn't compensate for the indifference of the staff.

Good luck with your plans! I grew up in Marcellus and still have family there.

Thanks so much for your insights. We did block rooms at the Norhtwoods but will cancel them. Yikes! that had to be awful.

Do you self a favor and book at The Mirror Lake Inn. This is one of the finest properties around Lake Placid and possibly in Upstate NY. The service is excellent and the dining at The View is second to none. Over the past 15 years we have stayed at eight or nine different places in Lake Placid. The Mirror Lake Inn has been our choice over 17 times. It would be every time but sometimes its booked so call early. We have never been disappointed. Have Fun!!!

Gift Bag ideas... small containers ofMaple Syrup, pine needle pillows ( Try Asplin Farms ) , Candy from the Candy man ( on Main Street ). If you have time when you get to lake placid stop by the Visitors Bureau ( in the Olympic Arena ) and they have all kinds of maps, dining guides and other infor for free that u can stuff into the bags...

I am from the area and I am getting married on July 14th in Lake Placid. I agree with the gift ideas of Maple Syrup. Some area attractions are the Olympic sites (bobsled run, ski jumps, hockey arena) and the Lake Placid Hilton has an amazing Sunday Brunch. Enjoy your daughter's special day.

et24877

Congratulations Mother of the Bride! What a great place to have a destination wedding. I would agree with the comments about the Mirror Lake Inn. The quality of service there is top notch. It is easy for me to say that it is the best in the area!

The gift ideas that have been mentionned are great. Maple Syrup is a unique idea. For a July wedding, I would recommend miniature adirondack chairs, which could also be used as place cards (check out the Sagamore Resort's website. They sell these chairs online) For photo opportunities, the Lake Placid Resort's Golf House, gives the best views of the High Peaks. Take a ride on the gondola of Whiteface Mountain to see the ultimate view. Also, another unique idea, do a cocktail reception at the observation deck of the ski jumps! Pretty neat and unforgettable! Hope this helps, but whatever you end up doing will be great. Lake Placid is a special place!

I just got back from Lake Placid on 3/30 with my boyfriend and recommend booking rooms a block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza and/or Best Western. Both have spectacular views of Mirror Lake. For lunch I'd recommend Goldberries(great hot sandwiches)and Veranda (French) and Nicola's (Italian) dinner. I'd recommend a gondola ride, and a drink at the bar at Lake Placid Lodge.

Update on The Northwoods Inn

We've always loved the Northwoods Inn because the food at the restaurant is good and reliable, the rooms are inexpensive and clean and the staff is always friendly. Granted, we have always felt that they could use a little update, but you can't get a better value in town.

The good news: We found out on our last visit that hotel is under new management and ownership and they are slowly but surely making improvements. We were this this past weekend and they've painted and refinished floors in The Cabin (TV, Game Room and Bar) and it looks great. They are moving to the rooms next and are repainting them as we speak. The elevators are getting fixed this month and there are a lot more improvements (like replacing carpeting) in their plans.

We're thrilled, we just hope it stays a great value!

Bad time in the Northwoods!

You did yourself a favor if you cancelled your block of rooms at the Northwoods Inn. I stayed there with my family and it was very disappointing. If it's this way under the new management I can only imagine how bad it must have been before! If I go back, personally I'd check out Art Devlins Olympic Motor Inn, just down the road from the Northwoods. I've never stayed there but it looked nice passing it by and it's getting great reviews on this site, unlike the Northwoods...

I represent the ownership of the Northwoods Inn and am very sorry to hear of the poor experiences some of the people on this forum experienced. We purchased the Northwoods Inn on July 1st, 2005 and are continuing to pour resources into the property. The hotel is experiencing a face lift as we speak as the balconies are being replaced, we are installing a brand new elevator, the bar has been completely renovated, we've added new furniture to the guest rooms, and new furniture to the two restaurants. We are well on our way to creating a landmark hotel on Main Street in the village. As far as location is concerned, we are centrally located in the heart of the village and have the most beautiful views from our Lake View rooms on our top three floors. This summer, our roof top bar will be opening. If you have stayed at the property and have concerns you would be willing to share, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you in advance. Justin D. Smith - The Northwoods Inn.