Comfort Suites Lake George

The year-round, vaguely tudor-style hotel is set back from the highway on the way to Lake George. Guests — mostly families during weekends and business travelers during the week — will drive up a hill to get to the covered wooden entrance. Sliding doors lead to a comfortable lobby area that feels like a large home than a hotel, and features seasonal decor touches. There’s a large crystal chandelier, patterned carpets and wallpaper, and a curved staircase by the front desk. Though traditional and slightly country in style, furnishings feel clean and fresh, since the hotel opened in 2007. The building was a new construction, and is run by twin brothers Mike and George, who are often around to meet guests and sometimes accompanied by their wives, kids, and dogs. This family environment gives the place some added personality, and the twins' parents and younger brother run a place next door.Even though the hotel isn't on the water, its extensive facilities — including a recreation area with an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a game room — help make it an attractive pick for leisure travelers. Business travelers will likely appreciate the conference room near the lobby. A driveway surrounds the entire property with mature trees and grassy lawns, a gazebo, basketball court, picnic facilities, and a kids playground. 

This convenient highway hotel is along highway 9, which runs along route I-87. The location is south of the Village of Lake George — just a five-minute drive from town. Guests can easily get to both Lake George and smaller Glen Lake for swimming and boating opportunities, by car. Also within easy driving distance are a number of family attractions, outlet malls, and restaurants (the hotel does not serve breakfast or lunch). Guests have plenty of other activities and beaches to choose from within easy driving distance, and the front desk can offer maps and insider advice for the best spots.This is a year-round resort, but, the mountainous area of Lake George is a popular summer destination and has a population that more than doubles in size during the three key months. Unlike fellow Adirondack sister Lake Placid — better known for winter sports thanks to Whiteface Mountain and Olympic game facilities — the area around Lake George tends to see a tourism slow-down during winter months (which is why many other hotels close down). The lake is located in the southeastern part of Adirondack State Park — the largest state park in the lower 48 states with more than 3,000 lakes and 2,000 miles of hiking trails to explore. 

There are 98 spacious rooms on four floors in this elevator building, which was a new construction as of 2007. All have traditional decor with flowered, striped, or solid upholsteries and dark mauve carpeting. The seven room types come with either one king bed or two queens, and have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, nice work desks, and seating areas with pullout sofas. Bathrooms in all rooms -- especially the suites -- are quite spacious, with ample counter space and a few personal touches such as framed Thomas Jefferson quotes.Some Standard rooms have gas fireplaces, and some larger suites have large whirlpool tubs. Meanwhile, for more privacy, One Bedroom Suites have enclosed living rooms separated by a door. Since the hotel is near a highway and on the water, views aren't really a standout here. 

The property sits on a large piece of property with pretty trees, lawn space, and outdoor seating areas. There are flowers and benches in front by the entrance — decorated seasonally — as well as a romantic and peaceful screened-in gazebo next to a set of trees. In the rear of the property is a basketball court, large playground, and picnic area with tables and charcoal barbecues —an area better suited for kids and groups.Inside, families (with little kids especially) can be found at the indoor pool area, which has a 50-foot yellow waterside. There is a separate kiddy wading pool and hot tub, as well. Parents who aren't swimming can use the tables and chairs while watching their kids. During quieter times (kids can can create a lot of noise), guests will find the pool is great for lap swimming. Next to the pool is a vending area and a fitness room with three cardio machines (bike, elliptic, and treadmill) and weights. This hallway is lined with hockey memorabilia from the owners' collection and leads to an arcade game room with a pool table. The free breakfast is served daily in the lower level off the lobby. The spacious and comfortable breakfast room has more of the same country decor (think loud carpeting), a gas fireplace, and large flat-screen TV usually showing news or weather programs. On offer each morning is a nice spread with hot and cold items including eggs, meat (usually bacon), waffles, yogurts, fresh fruits, pastries, and cereal. Coffee, tea, and juices are also served. A business area and conference room is open 24 hours a day with a copy and fax machine. Parking is free and buses and boat trailers are welcome. Wi-Fi is also free.