The Allure of the Sagamore Resort: Lake George Luxury Retreat

When it comes to an escape that combines natural beauty, historical charm, and modern luxury, the Sagamore Resort on Lake George, New York, checks every box. A sprawling estate that offers panoramic lake views and a plethora of amenities, the Sagamore is the epitome of a rejuvenating getaway.

sagamore lake george

Sagamore Resort Location and Accessibility

The Sagamore Resort rests on a private disc of land – Green Island – in the midst of Lake George, with a short bridge that connects it to the mainland in Bolton Landing.  Its location on the water offers guests a scenic and serene environment, while its proximity to local attractions and outdoor activities makes it a convenient spot for those looking to explore the Adirondack Mountains.

With over three hundred rooms, in both the main hotel and adjacent condo-like lodges, a marina, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, five restaurants (two right on the lake), an airplane-hanger-sized indoor “Rec Center” and tennis courts, the resort is the kind of campus many visitors never want to leave.

Front of the Sagamore Resort

First Impressions of the Sagamore

Driving up to the rambling white main building is like traveling back in time, when families spent summers in the Grand Resorts peppered around the mountains, lakes, and shorelines of the Northeast USA.

The valet service is swift and friendly. The lobby is beautifully redone (with fire roaring in the fireplace on a cool early May morning). And reception staff is warm and accommodating.

Sagamore Resort lobby

But the piece-de-resistance, of course, is the stunning view of Lake George from the back of the main building. Especially in the morning and evening when the sun sets.

Dozens of inviting wicker and Adirondack chairs, wearing soft chenille throws, are arrayed on terraces that descend to the lakefront. Had I spent more time here, this is where you would find me. With a glass of wine and a good book.

Accommodations at the Sagamore

The resort offers a variety of lodging options, from traditional hotel rooms in its historic main building to condo-style suites for those seeking a homey experience. For a truly exclusive stay, you can even book one of their private lodge suites. Rooms are tastefully decorated, blending rustic charm with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

In the main building, you won’t find the airy nautical shades of a typical waterfront property. Deep-hued walls and upholstered furniture lend old-world charm to these rooms and suites.

Designers added a touch of whimsy–leaping stag window valences, frog wallpaper in bathrooms (monkeys are so yesterday, bring on the frogs!), along with tufted wing chairs and 19th-century landscape paintings.

Suite in The Lodges, Sagamore Resort

For optimal lake views, splurge on a suite in the main building. There’s nothing like rising early in the morning, grabbing a coffee, and sitting on your private balcony overlooking the outdoor pool, marina, and Lake George as the sun comes up.

The lodges used to be a bit run-down-motel-ish. But that has changed with this last restoration. One-bedroom suites – with lovely contemporary Adirondack décor and full kitchens – offer rustic lake views.

boats at Sagamore resort dock

If you plan to bring your own canoe or kayak, rent a room or suite in Building 7. From there, you can walk straight out to the docks on the shores of Lake George. Lower-level “land views” units are the least expensive rooms in the whole complex and are perfect for guests who’d like to apply their money elsewhere (like renting a boat on the lake for a day).

Sagamore Resort Amenities

There’s so much to do here, but most visitors come for lake time. You can rent a pontoon boat, Boston Whaler, or jet-ski directly from the on-site marina, and add banana boats, tubes, and waterskis.

The Morgan cruise on Lake George

There’s also parasailing! Take a complimentary cruise on The Sagamore’s own wooden cruise vessel, the Morgan (11:30 and 2:30 in season), or just hang out by the large lakeside pool.

On rainy or cold days, the Indoor Activity Center – affectionately called “The Rec” – teems with kids, teens, and adults playing mini-golf (yes, inside), climbing a rock wall, hitting whiffleballs, shooting pool, or playing ping pong, Wi, X-Box and hundreds of games. See a movie – with popcorn! – or sing Karaoke.

The Rec, Sagamore Resort

The Rec Center is where you’ll drop off your tots for the complimentary “Kids Camp.” Yes, you and your honey can have some alone time, knowing that your kids are happily engaged. (In season only).

Of course, the Sagamore has more and more: an indoor pool, Zumba and Yoga classes, a spa, tennis courts, and a challenging offsite mountainside Golf Course. 

The Donald Ross-designed course is long and narrow – built into the mountains that rise above Lake George. First built in 1928, it was restored in 1985 and is considered the “Fifth Best Public Golf Course” in NY State by Golf Digest.

BRUNCH: Lobster Benedict at La Bella Vita
BRUNCH: Lobster Benedict at La Bella Vita

Dining at The Sagamore

When it comes to food, the Sagamore does not disappoint. The resort boasts multiple dining venues, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. La Bella Vita, for instance, serves Italian fare paired with beautiful sunset views over the lake. For lighter meals or drinks, Caldwell’s Lobby Bar offers a more relaxed setting. Sing with a guitarist daily (in season) at Mr. Brown’s Pub.

But for full-on lake views, nothing beats The Pavilion – a burger spot by day and a steak and lobster restaurant by night; right on the waterfront.

The Sagamore Resort pool

Just the Facts

Shoulder season, mid-May, June, and September, is the best time for comparatively low rates for a stay at the Sagamore. The weather is warming and crowds are scarce. In season, even the very modest, no-view lower-level lodge rooms are $300. With suites going for over $1,000 per night.

But off-season rates range from $200-$850 (for a two-bedroom condo) per night. Balcony Kings in the main building range from $500-$800 low to high season – and have a pull-out Queen couch in the sitting room. The resort fee includes Wi-Fi, bottled water, use of all resort facilities, shuttle, parking, Kids Club, and cruise on the Morgan.

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  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen and Sandra Foyt

    Travel experts Malerie Yolen-Cohen and Sandra Foyt share all-in-one destination guides for the best romantic getaways. Although they generally publish independent articles, this is their collection of collaborative posts. Malerie’s focus and specialty is the Northeastern USA, and she is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. Originally from the Caribbean, but based in New York's Capital Region for over twenty years, Sandra specializes in warm-climate destinations.