OVERVIEW of The Sagamore
It’s all about the views here at this extraordinary resort located on a 70 acre island in Lake George. The Adirondack mountains provide the backdrop for the stunning lake views that surround the property. Sunrises and sunsets are dazzling and the pristine lake, fed by natural spring waters, provides both recreation and tranquility.
The Sagamore has a rich and colorful history. It opened in 1883 with luxurious and spacious accommodations that attracted a wealthy, international clientele, was twice damaged by fire, in 1893 and 1914 and was fully reconstructed in 1930. The resort fell into disrepair in the 70’s and finally closed its doors in 1981. In 1983, one hundred years after construction of the first Sagamore, builder and real estate developer Norman Wolgin, of Philadelphia, purchased the hotel and after a $75 million renovation, re-opened the resort in 1985. In 2009, a $20 million dollar renovation was completed which included the addition of an outdoor pool and 37 rooms being added to the main hotel.
There are so few “grand” resorts left that harken back to another time. No modern, glitzy resort can match the charm and elegance of these old world gems. While the Sagamore retains that treasured history, it is a fully contemporary property with all the conveniences expected today…but done in their way. This sprawling resort takes full advantage of its lake and mountain views with most of the rooms and all of the dining looking out over the lake. Recent additions have added an outdoor pool and restaurant right on the lake. The property is extremely well maintained and in pristine condition.
THE ROOMS at The Sagamore
The property has 381 rooms and offers a variety of options. The main building, the Historic Hotel, has 137 rooms and suites, 37 of which were added in the summer of 2009. These rooms are spacious and many have views of the lake. They are furnished with traditional furniture, in shades of cream and brown with original artwork, marble baths (with great showers) and luxury bedding and towels. The Lodges, originally built to be sold as condos, feature 223 rooms including 111 spacious suites. The basic rooms in the Lodges are certainly adequate accommodations, but I prefer the Historic Hotel. The suites, however, are ideal for couples traveling together or for families and are particularly comfortable. They have a kitchen, fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the lake. The Hermitage, a self‐contained executive retreat with its 10 bi‐leveled suites overlooking Lake George, is available for small groups or individuals.
DINING at The Sagamore
La Bella Vita is the Sagamore’s main dining room, an elegant yet comfortable space that serves as the resort’s signature restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with Italian inspired dishes. The restaurant is open from 7am to 10pm daily. With dark wood touches and a color scheme of cream accented with warm yellows and browns, the La Bella Vita allows the panoramic lake views to be the focal point for guests. Running along the entire side of the restaurant is a brand new outdoor deck for guests to enjoy meals on while admiring the scenery. Excellent menu and wine list, and oh, the views!
Caldwell’s Lobby Bar serves morning coffee, as well as light fare throughout the day and evening. It features an old fashioned mahogany bar, beautifully finished hardwood floors and large columns. Great drink menu and appetizers.
Mister Brown’s Pub is an Adirondack style inspired eatery in a casual setting serving a pub style menu for lunch and dinner, in addition to providing evening entertainment.
The Club Grill Steakhouse is perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque first tee and Lake George. This New York style steakhouse sports a rustic décor and casual atmosphere for lunch and dinner.
The Veranda is located in the Historic Hotel and is a glass enclosed room which affords a panoramic view of Lake George and offers afternoon tea, raw bar and sushi, and creative drink specials.
The LakeHouse. Open air dining with a wrap around deck under the canopy of a giant old oak tree. Lite fare and cocktails.
Pavilion offers lakeside lunch and dinner in July and August.
Each year for two weekends in January, the Resort hosts the Annual Glacier Bar, set outside on the patio. Everything is made out of ice: the bar, the barstools, the sofas, the chairs, the tables, glasses that you can actually drink out of, all made out of ice.
The elaborate display all starts with between 60 to 100 300-pound blocks of ice and a multi-person sculpting team, which includes directors of food and beverage, executive chefs, and members of other Opal culinary teams. The hulking blocks are unloaded with hand trucks and lugged around before the carving commences. Chainsaws, ice chisels, and hot aluminum pieces chip away and shape the blocks.
THE RATES at The Sagamore
From $599 Peak Season Weekend
WHAT OTHERS SAY About The Sagamore
AAA Four Diamond
“The tweedy set” love this “big, old rambling hotel” that “brings you back to the heyday of the Adirondacks” with “rustic suites” (stay in the main lodge) and “afternoon tea on the veranda”; the “genteel service” may be a “bit uppity” at times, and nostalgics orly note “it’s had its day in the sun”…during the Roosevelt administration,” but few can argue with the “inspiring views” of Lake George or the “spectacular Donald Ross” designed golf course. ZAGAT
PROMOTIONS at The Sagamore
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