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The Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa in Lake Placid has had a rather interesting history. Founded in the 1920's by William Wikoff who developed the concept of the "Fuller Brush Man," his Mir-a-Lac Inn later became the home of the Norwegian Olympic Team during the 1932 Winter Olympics. But in1988 the historic Main Building of this popular lakeshore inn disappeared, lost in a tragic fire.
Happily, it was soon rebuilt, and as you enter the Main House today, you are immediately struck by the same sense of civility that must have existed during its earlier days. As you look around the mahogany-paneled lobby area, you think of other words to describe this area besides "civility" that also begin with "C". Comfortable-looking. Charming. Colorful. Classy. Cozy corners. Comfy chairs and couches. And crackling sounds from nearby fireplaces.
The one "C" word you would never think of here, though is "cold"-- even though you're in the heart of the winter sports area. But inside here, everything exudes warmth, from the welcome you receive at the front desk, to the glow cast by the brightly-polished wall and brown walnut floors, to the inviting-looking sitting areas.
One of the favorite spots is the Great Game Room off the lobby, which is warmed in the winter by golden-hued flames in the fireplaces. Here large stuffed animal heads gaze out above the marble and stone fireplace; chess and checker sets wait patiently for players on a side table beneath a book-lined wall; and the fur pillows and soft couches and chairs are as comfortable as they look. It's hard to bring yourself to leave, especially late in the afternoon, when you're listening to the pianist in the lobby playing dinner music on the restored 1910 antique Knabe piano which was saved from the fire.
Other first-floor seating sections, like the glassed-in decks, are warmed by heaters, and, instead of staring at fireplaces, you can look out through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The panoramic views of the lake and the majestic mountains behind it are as beautiful here in the summer as the winter, for this four-season resort is popular all year round and not just in winter.
Downstairs the focus is more on activities, and this 128-room Inn has all the amenities of a large resort. There's a spectacular 60-foot indoor heated lap-pool with a waterfall and wooden bridge inside it. Next to it a steaming sauna, state-of-the-art cardiovascular exercise room, full service salon, and surprisingly sophisticated spa. The Spa at Mirror Lake offers specialized massages and soothing and restorative body treatments, along with a quiet sanctuary of plush marble and mahogany to rest in.
You can also rest in the large hot tub down here after your treatment, or go to the one right in your room if you're in a suite. All twenty suites-some, by the way, are split-level, with custom-made oak spiral staircases that lead to lofts with down-feathered beds--have oversized whirlpool baths right at the foot of the beds!
Even the rooms that are not suites are special. Many are right on the water, or face it, offering unsurpassed views of the lake and the mountains. At night, when you're sitting on your bed, it's a delight to see the lights from the nearby town dancing down on the still waters below.
Beside all that's on the lower level, outdoors on this 7-acre property is a skating rink, private beach, heated pool, tennis, and hiking trails. Nearby, is exceptional golf, legendary skiing, and so much that Mirror Lake Inn has its own on-site Activities Receptionist to arrange your activities for you.
This Small Luxury Hotel property has come a long way from its beginnings as a small family estate, but its success and personality were destined. That Fuller Brush Man created by the founder was the embodiment of hospitality; someone whom people were supposed to invite into their homes and make feel welcome. Almost 80 years later after he built this Inn, that's exactly what Mirror Lake Inn continues to do.
MIRROR LAKE INN
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