Destination Review: The Whiteface Lodge

The Whiteface Lodge

Lake Placid, NY

The Whiteface Lodge can best be surmised as a retreat miles away from ordinary. There’s not a detail overlooked by the staff, who seem to genuinely take pride in working at this establishment. Secluded just off the map of New York’s sports haven in Lake Placid, The Whiteface Lodge, named for the nearby peak in the Adirondack range, is a beast so grand and perfect it’s hard to imagine the details were contrived and realized just seven years ago.

Playboy.com had the opportunity to explore this lodge and see for ourselves how this adult playground has garnered esteemed reviews by travel publications such as Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler’s top resort lists in North America.

FACILITY

Reception. Shot with the Panasonic High-Zoom DMC-FZ150.

When you first drive up to the covered gateway that leads to the lobby, you immediately notice the enormity of the lodge set amongst the relative wilderness. The hotel’s lobby, complete with hidden store in case you forget an item they don’t have on premise (which we find hard to believe), is wrapped in the golden darkness of a summer camp fire. The exposed timbers that make up the furnishings, walls, and ceiling are ornamented with the largest collection of antlers (in the form of hanging and wall-based chandeliers), seen outside a Christmas film.

SUITES

Presidential Suite Great Room. Shot with the Panasonic High-Zoom DMC-FZ150.

Walking into the three bedroom suite in the second building, known as “The Club House”, it’s apparent that expense was not a concern. Complete with a granite kitchen boasting everything from a European-style fridge to a full-range. The rooms are furnished in a similar manor to the main lodge, with varied-state wood beams framing almost every feature. The in-suite fireplaces create the environment one would expect from escaping to a storied hunting lodge. The two-level, sprawling presidential suite as seen above, has played host to past international conferences, celebrities, politicians, and high-rollers. The master suite sleeps 10 and is reached via private elevator; our personal choice for hosting a guy’s weekend away, or even rocking bachelor’s party (if one decides to go down that slippery slope).

AMENITIES

Indoor Portion of Pool, Courtesy of The Whiteface Lodge

In between the Main Lodge and Clubhouse is a landscaped courtyard that leads to the steaming indoor-outdoor pool complemented by two welcome hot tubs. The pool leads to the inner clubhouse which is great for getting in and out without going outside in a bathing suit. Though, as demonstrated by most guests and the fractional owners who come every six weeks: there’s no shame in walking around the resort in a robe.

DINING

Kanu Restaurant. Shot with the Panasonic High-Zoom DMC-FZ150.

Kanu, the lodge’s primary dining destination, is split between an informal lounge consisting of leather sofas and a wrap-around bar; and the grand dining room. Designed to be the focal point, the opposing rock fireplaces draw you to another massive chandelier (all made by a company called Chicken Coop Forge).

The food was fantastically prepared and presented, consisting of a Chilean Sea Bass entrée (which was seared perfectly); and main of grilled wagyu beef with cherry peppercorn glaze that melted in your mouth with its subtle gaminess. The wine selection of an ’09 South African White and ’07 Piedmont were well paired by the sommelier and complemented the meats.

A surprising revelation came after dinner concerning the number of professional bobsled and skeleton athletes currently employed by the resort (sparked due to the fact Vancouver gold medalist Steve Holcomb was hanging out at the table next to us). Being in an Olympic training town has its perks!

EXPERIENCE

Skating Hut. Shot with the Panasonic High-Zoom DMC-FZ150.

The Whiteface Lodge has a lot to offer without ever leaving the property. A large ice-rink (complete with resort Zamboni) is created in the courtyard, with a skating hut for borrowing skates or snowshoes for the miles of on-property trails. Tennis and basketball courts are available, along with a stocked fishing pond. Attractions below-ground include a movie theater (films are scheduled three times a day); ice cream parlor with adult selections (try the light but creamy Whiteface Mudslide with Kahlua); games room with full-length bowling alley; and the ubiquitous fitness center and spa. The true experience of visiting the lodge however is letting the concierge surprise you with a schedule (we’d recommend it!).

COMFORT

Armagnac Tasting Menu and Cigar, Courtesy of Scott Waller/The Whiteface Lodge

Whiteface’s sommelier has put together one of the most interesting aspects of The Lodge: the alcohol tasting menus. Each selection allows the participant to taste the difference between say a 5 Year Old variety, a 25 year old sampling, and a 1977 vintage. We recommend trying one of these with Kanu’s cheese sampler featuring a selection of blue, soft, and aged-cheddar cheeses primarily from New York. With one of the hand-rolled cigars on display this becomes a great end to a great evening.