Hampton Inn & Suites Lake George

The expansive footprint of this property, along with its airy, two-story public spaces, make it feel like a larger hotel than it is. Its wooded, hilltop setting and fireplace in the lobby give it a rustic lodge vibe, and the vintage wooden canoe hanging above speaks to the Adirondack Mountain location. Comfortable seating entices guests to grab a cup of joe from the coffee station or a drink from the bar and sit for awhile. The outdoor fire pit is also a popular spot for unwinding in the evening. The bright and pleasant lobby and breakfast room handles the morning rush of business travelers and tourists quite well, with plenty of booths for larger groups, including families with kids who frequent the hotel. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Lake George is located on a hilltop off Route 9, just a five-minute drive from the southern tip of Lake George and Lake George Village. It's a scenic spot that's far enough from the road to be peaceful, but the hotel isn't within walking distance of area attractions. A couple of restaurants are about five minutes away on foot, although reaching them requires trekking along a busy thoroughfare. 

Adirondack State Park -- the largest state park in the continental United States, with more than 3,000 lakes and 2,000 miles of hiking trails -- surrounds the property. Million Dollar Beach, with a public waterfront area for swimming, is a five-minute drive, and it's only 12 minutes by car to Queensbury. The historic town of Saratoga Springs takes about 30 minutes by car, and Albany International Airport is one hour away, as is Rutland, Vermont  

Comfortable units with ample amenities are common to Hampton Inns, and rooms at this property fall in line with what fans of the chain would expect. Soft earth tones are the dominant color theme, and light beige walls, drapes, and upholstered armchairs mesh nicely with the reddish-brown wood furniture. Hanging photos of Lake George provide a much-needed dash of style and color. 

The rooms are quiet, clean, and generally well-maintained, but guests note that some show wear and could use a refresh. Space is an asset -- even the Standard Double Queens are roomy enough for armchairs and corner desks -- and Studio Suites (Kings and Double Queens) include wet bars and sleeper sofas. Some suites feature small balconies with sweeping mountain views. Bathrooms are equally spacious, and contain large granite-top wood vanities and shower/tub combos. Individual Neutrogena toiletries are provided. Standard amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

This Hampton Inn features something that properties in the chain don't -- a lobby bar with a fireplace. It's adjacent to the breakfast room where a free, hot breakfast buffet is served, and to-go bags are available for eating on the run. The heated indoor pool is on the small side, but popular with families traveling with kids, and there's also an adjacent whirlpool. Just outside, there's a patio with a fire pit that's sparked nightly, weather permitting. The hotel has a fitness center, but it's cramped and has limited equipment. 

Other amenities include a 24/7 snack shop, which sells beer and wine as well as frozen entrees that can be microwaved in rooms, and coffee in reception is free. Two computers and a printer can be found in the business center, which is open 24-hours, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking. Self-serve laundry facilities are also on-site, and valet laundry and dry cleaning is offered.