Well, it was a gem once. No longer.

Seems like the new owners have pretty much ruined the place - the gift shop is gone (it was the biggest in the area), and the great food is too, along with the outstanding stuff that made the place such a pleasure and so homey. My last experience at the hotel made me swear off the place, and I had been staying there for years. In fact, this being the local Greyhound stop, I was going to buy a ticket here for a short trip - the desk overcharged me, and it took a call to Greyhound to get them to listen without being incredibly imperious.

I could go on and on, but the root of my bad experience was the extremely rude staff, who I later found out were the owner and family. Of course, prices have gone up considerably also.

There have been a few upgrades in the rooms, but that does not make up for being treated badly. I have never been treated so poorly. Save your sanity and go elsewhere. The motels and cottages along Lake Flower are rated very highly.

I had a wonderful time at Hotel Saranac. The hotel staff were unbelievably accommodating, and the hotel itself was spotless! The shops and restaurants around the hotel were fun to visit, and I felt very welcome in the town. At night, the hotel was quiet and not at all noisy so that I could enjoy a good night's sleep. And I know that my puppy thoroughly enjoyed being able to stay with her mom and dad in the hotel!

This Historic hotel is the centerpiece of this sleepy little village,just west of Lake Placid. We've been coming here for years and have enjoyed every stay. The new owners were very friendly and accommodating (it was recently sold by Paul Smiths College). The wait staff--from the janitor to the bar tender were extremely pleasant, and service oriented. We stayed in a freshly repainted room--- the new owners appear to be making substantial capital improvements. As with all classic hotels; austere and tastefully appointed rooms. The restaurant combines an elegant, but rustic setting conforming with the Adirondacks. We highly recommend this jewel of the North Country!! ---JG,Saratoga Springs,NY

If you remember the Hotel Saranac from past stays this is not the same place. There are no enthusiastic college students, the fire is not lit in the second floor lounge, the gift shop is closed.

Yes, this is a budget hotel, but it used to be fun.