Ampersand Bay Resort
31 Bayside Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1576
Update from hotel: This property has indicated that they are taking safety precautions against COVID-19.Read more
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A note from Ampersand Bay Resort
Updated 08/04/20
About
#1 of 9 in Saranac Lake
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.6
Value
4.4
Ampersand Bay Resort is a cluster of vacation rentals spread over 28 acres on the shores of Lower Saranac Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains of New York. We strive to provide our guests the privacy and family oriented nature of a vacation rental with many of the added amenities of a resort. All of our rentals units have full kitchens, necessary cooking utensils and appliances, BBQ grills, linens, dining rooms, living rooms and multiple bedrooms. We offer an evening campfire, marina with bait shop and gas station, free canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards, beach volleyball and other beach games for all of our guests. If you'd like to bring a boat, you can launch it here on our property and keep it in one of our slips.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Beach
Boating
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Business Center with Internet Access
Wifi
Canoeing
Hiking
Fishing
Patio
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Fireplace
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Wardrobe / closet
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
Full view
Contact
31 Bayside Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1576
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We stayed Dec10-12 and it was unseasonably warm! We came up for the weekend to spend my daughters birthday. We did not take advantage of too much in Saranac Lake the town itself unfortunately because it seems adorable just driving through but went to Santa’s Workshop in Willmington (30 mins away). We stayed in a Heron Luxury Townhhouse. It was wonderful, the space was unmatched. All amenities needed. The girls loved the big whirlpool tub. We felt like we were in a home away from home. The only downside was when we got in on Friday night it was very dark and finding the townhouse itself was a little difficult. Minimal lighting throughout the driveways and signage on the buildings but if that is our only complaint we will survive! So glad we chose this over a hotel. We are already planning on coming back in summer because it is the perfect summertime location.…
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
+1
My husband and I went to Ampersand Bay Resort Saranac Family Suite for our honeymoon. The views were totally amazing! We loved being right on the water. The staff were very friendly and the house was clean. We absolutely loved the rustic feel of the Saranac. It was so cozy and comfortable there! We did not lack for space at all. The open floor plan along with the views were super inviting. Loved it!!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
We stay at Tamrack lodge for three nights. I am a photographer. This is a nice location, plenty interesting places within half hour range for photograph. However our stay is not the most comfortable stay. They could easily do better. My wife is a head nurse, she always need connection with her workplace. Usually when we book a place, that’s the first thing we ask. But this time we did not ask because, we take it for granted that the resort is in a popular location is a place recommended, it must have WIFI connection. It's not their fault, but that's why we think it needs improvement. The cell phone reception is very weak in the area. WiFi connection is almost a necessity. Facility needs updating and maintenance, I am a small person. The shower tub is only one lower arm and half wide. Too narrow. The tub drain does not work well. The water is above ankle when finishing shower. The light in rooms are very dim. Some lights are there but does not work. Bath room is so dim that I can’t even see details of objects, making shaving, brushing teeth etc. not comfortable. Kitchen sink handle is broken. We had hard time to control hot and cold water. Above all, a good place that need a lot of detailed attention to make it a first rate vacation place. We may revisit the place but hope to see improvement. …
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Date of stay: October 2021
Helpful
This is not a "hotel," but a collection of units that are separately owned and maintained by an onsite company (very nice people who responded immediately when our TV didn't work). Location is remote but fantastic, right on the lake, but we found our 3 bedroom unit to be dusty, dirty and cobwebby. The floors were uneven as the entire large building (housing multiple units) appears to be listing back away from the lake. The floors and stairs were so creaky it was comical! When I looked behind the headboard in the master bedroom (it was made of unfinished branches of a tree woven into a headboard), the carpet had an inch of dust and lots of dead bugs. Spiders made webs all throughout our unit both inside and out. We were responsible to clean our own dishes which made me wonder if the people before us were just rinsing and putting back in the cupboard or actually running through the dishwasher as we did? The bedding was dated and the pillows smelled a bit off in our unit - which is likely just a reflection of the owner of that particular unit. Other units are probably much nicer - we were in Heron1. At night, the property was in complete darkness (landscape lighting not turned on) and you needed your cell phone light to be able to walk around - unfortunately, when we opened our front door, swarms of gnats flew in a big cloud into our unit as they were attracted to our light. It was very "campy" and likely great for a big family, especially if your young kids want to spend days playing in the lake. If you're looking for updated and luxury, this is not your place!…
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
We did not stay at this resort but just rented a fishing boat for a day. I am giving the place five stars because of the service. Every single person we interacted with was friendly and helpful, and we interacted with four different personnel. If I find myself back in Saranac Lake area, they will be my go-to place for boat rentals. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Location
Service
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay Resort, Other at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Jun 23, 2021
Thank you for sharing your kind review. We know there is a big world to explore but make sure you come back to visit us real soon!
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First, this is a beautiful property and the staff was very nice. We rented a boat for our camping trip on the lake and I was very pleased with the entire experience until the charges showed up on my credit card!!!! They charged us for 3 days rental even though we picked it up at 4 pm Friday and dropped off at 2 pm on Sunday. I was told it was $155 per 24 hour period. I called them and the woman I spoke to was very friendly, but would NOT credit the $155. She said they rent by the day, not by 24 hours, so Friday counted as day one. We WERE excited about coming back next year and staying a week at their lodging, but now I'm concerned about whether they charge those by the day as well (ie. would they charge you for the day you check out as well????). Disappointing finish to a lovely experience otherwise. Be aware of the extra day charge!!!!…
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Date of stay: September 2020
Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay, General Manager at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Oct 26, 2020
Thank you for the kind words about our friendly staff and beautiful resort. We take pride in making every guest feel valued, and we do our best to help each guest have a wonderful and memorable experience. We would never try to “sneak in an extra charge” or cheat our guests in any way. To that end, we strive to communicate openly concerning the property, amenities and pricing. We always provide an up-front price quote (either orally or written when possible) for each charge -- be it a weeklong stay or a weekend boat rental. Boats are rented here by the calendar day, not by 24-hour intervals. So, a boat that is rented on a Friday afternoon and returned on a Sunday afternoon, would indeed be counted as a three-day rental. We are truly sorry that we did not make sure that this information was fully conveyed. We hope that you continue to be our welcome guests, and when you decide to visit us again, we look forward to taking care of you and your family, and restoring your trust in our team. Please feel free to call our office any time and ask for me, Julie -- I would be happy to assist you.
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We stumbled upon this place and are still glowing from the sheer beauty of this resort. We stayed in the suites over the boat slips and woke up to a huge glass window looking out to Saranac lake every morning. We’d grab our coffee and relax on our one of two decks, which also catch the sunset as well. The place is extremely clean, quiet, and classy. I told them they have to take new pictures of the rooms bc they don’t do them justice. It’s way nicer and updated then it leads on to be online. The showers are huge, there’s a big bubble/jet bath in the middle of the master, the whole thing was pure bliss. We rented a boat for two days (on premise) and explored miles of Saranac lake. My wife and I turned to each other and said that we’ll be going there for the rest of our lives. That’s coming from two people that are currently sitting at White Face Lodge (In Lake Placid) and are underwhelmed with it after leaving Ampersand Bay. Book it ASAP !…
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay, General Manager at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Sep 10, 2020
Thank you so much for choosing to spend your precious vacation time with us at Ampersand Bay Resort! We are so glad to hear you were able to spend magical mornings over looking the lake and enjoyed your time exploring Lower Saranac. We hope Ampersand Bay Resort will be your home away from home for many more years to come!
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Our family just stayed at the Ampersand Bay resort for the first time but it certainly won't be the last! To start, all the staff (Julie, Jada, Kelsey, Jared) were fantastic! They were welcoming, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Our family of 5 stayed in Heron. What a fantastic place tp be! The kitchen was well outfitted, the unit was very clean and the setting was spectacular. The grandparents met us up at Ampersand and stayed in Beech, which they thought was also great (very clean, well stocked, comfortable and relaxing). Ampersand is the ideal place for kids! They can safely roam around the property, riding bikes, playing games on the beach or taking out one of the many available water crafts. It was like going to sleep away camp with the parents! We rented a pontoon for a day and had am amazing time fishing and exploring the beauty of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes. Truly an unspoiled gem in the Adirondacks. Thank you everyone at Ampersand Bay for an unforgettable vacation. We look forward to seeing you again!…
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Service
Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay, General Manager at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Aug 26, 2020
We are so happy to hear that you found our resort filled with breathtaking views and countless things to do! We really do strive to offer a little something for the entire family. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We already look forward to welcoming you back next year.
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+1
My family; my husband and grown son's family spent a wonderful week at the Ampersand Bay Resort. Lower Saranac Lake is not only an incredibly scenic lake but a wonderful place to go boating whether by kayak, canoe, paddle board or motorboat. The resort has many boats that are free to use or rent. Julie and Kelsey, in the office, are extremely friendly and will answer every question as if it is the first time they have ever been asked. We like to take our 23 foot Crownline on vacation and this was the perfect spot with covered boat slips available to boats less than 8' across the beam. Jason greeted us as soon as we pulled up with the boat and helped us get situated. He even moved one of the rental boats to make certain that docking was as easy as possibly. Jason was also quick to help us dock when we pulled in on a windier day. I suggest getting a map or downloading an App for your smart phone depicting the area lakes to show the water depths and the camping spots. However, the rocky areas were well marked with buoys. Picnic Point, Bluff and Burnt Islands are for day use only and there are many spots that you can safely tie up a boat so you can explore the area. Our favorite place is Bluff island named for the rocks that are fun to jump from if you dare. Also, Picnic Point and Bluff Island have picnic tables. We dragged one of the kayaks from the resort behind our boat to use not only to explore the more shallow areas but to also accompany an open water swimmer. Although there are mostly kayakers and canoers, it is best to have a kayak escort an open water swimmer because there are enough motorboats on the lake where it could be dangerous swimming alone across some of the more heavily trafficked channels. We stayed in Birch 3 which is a 3 floor, three bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms and allows dogs. It was very clean and well organized when we checked in. There was no evidence of any prior pets and our dogs were accommodated without any issue. There are three levels with access to the outside on all three levels. We sat on the third floor deck to star gaze every night before going to bed. The view was spectacular since there is so little light pollution in the Adirondacks. We had an end unit with only one shared wall. We could hear the people next door on the living level. It was extremely quiet on the bedroom floors. There are many activities off the resort that are close by such as; hiking or lunch in Lake Placid. Tops Supermarket is one mile away in the village of Lake Saranac. I would especially like to note that I felt very comfortable staying in the resort and going to Lake Placid during the pandemic. People are very respectful about wearing masks in public and observing social distancing. We will definitely return and highly recommend a visit.…
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Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay, General Manager at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Aug 3, 2020
We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. Here at Ampersand Bay Resort, we consider ourselves lucky to work in such a beautiful place. Our entire staff finds great joy in helping our guests have that wonderful Adirondack experience that we all love so much. We are thrilled that you had such a memorable experience. Thank you for sharing it with us and others that are looking to get out on Lower Saranac Lake. We look forward to seeing you and your family next year!
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We are a hyper-vigilant covid phobic family travelling with high risk members. Ampersand offered the ideal environment for us to safe safe. The staff masked when asked to and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The setting is ideal. With a lake view, we would rise to hear birdsong, step to the sandy beach, select a readily available kayak, canoes, paddle boards in very good condition and ease into the clear and calm waters. Family groupings are spaced out and respectful of each other, their is a roped off area where the young ones could play and explore with an adult nearby on a lounge chair. Bring goggles to see the little fish. The property is near excellent hiking and biking , a topps and aldi for groceries. The propane grill and grill tools were clean. We rented a boat to travel around the lake and do some fishing. Jason happily reviewed how to use it. Kudos to a welcoming staff, Julie, Kelsey, Jada…
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Date of stay: July 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The 2 story/3 bedroom Heron long stair to the 2nd floor if anyone has mobility issues, there is a...
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Helpful
Response from Ampersand Bay, General Manager at Ampersand Bay Resort
Responded Aug 3, 2020
We are so happy to hear that you found our resort filled with breathtaking views and countless things to do! We really do strive to offer a little something for the entire family. We already look forward to welcoming you back next year. Stay safe and thank you again for your thoughtful review:)
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PRICE RANGE
$375 - $587 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
ampersand bay and boat club hotel saranac lake
LOCATION
United StatesNew YorkSaranac Lake
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Ampersand Bay Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Ampersand Bay Resort?
Nearby attractions include Adirondack Carousel (1.2 miles), Saranac Lake (1.2 miles), and Saranac Laboratory Museum (1.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Ampersand Bay Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and a hot tub.
Which room amenities are available at Ampersand Bay Resort?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What are some restaurants close to Ampersand Bay Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Red Fox Restaurant, Left Bank Cafe, and Donnelly's Ice Cream.
Are pets allowed at Ampersand Bay Resort?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Ampersand Bay Resort?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Saranac Laboratory Museum (1.2 miles) and Bartok Cabin (1.4 miles).
Does Ampersand Bay Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
Is Ampersand Bay Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.