NEWSLETTER
The View Restaurant gains 19th straight Four Diamond honor
Outside of New York City, the Mirror Lake Inn stands alone in this category of AAA achievement in New York State
Lake Placid, N.Y. – The only AAA Four Diamond lodging and dining combination in the Adirondack region officially extended their long-running designations as the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa recently received the prestigious honor for the 42nd consecutive year. Its’ accompanying restaurant, The View, collected the same award for the 19th straight year.
As we are now on the cusp of the summer vacation season in Upstate New York, the Mirror Lake Inn looks forward to welcoming guests with a uniquely hospitable and authentic Adirondack experience.
To earn the impressive AAA Four Diamond designation, hotels and restaurants must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes unannounced, in-person visits by AAA’s expert inspectors. AAA Diamond Program hotels and restaurants are re-evaluated annually to ensure they provide the best experience for travelers and diners. This process has been ongoing for nearly 90 years.
“AAA is pleased to recognize the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, along with its’ accompanying The View Restaurant, with the Four Diamond designation, meaning its unwavering attention to both service and surroundings have placed it into the upper tier of AAA’s Diamond Program,” said Stacey Barber, AAA Travel Vice President. “To maintain the exceptional standards required for this designation on a daily basis is an outstanding achievement. Four Diamond hotels and restaurants are attentive to guests needs and consistently deliver memorable travel and dining experiences.”
According to AAA, hotels at this level – a select few (only about 7%) of the nearly 23,000 AAA Diamond lodgings - are noted for their upscale style and amenities enhanced with the right touch of service.
Restaurants at the Four Diamond level, which includes only approximately 10% of the nearly 5,400 AAA Diamond restaurant listings, feature distinctive fine dining amid upscale ambience.
The announcement highlighted the exclusivity enjoyed by this iconic resort property:
Only one other property in New York State has held the Four Diamond rating longer: The Carlyle in New York City for 48 years. Outside of the city’s borders, the Mirror Lake Inn stands alone in this category of AAA achievement in New York State.
The Mirror Lake Inn’s run of AAA lodging awards dates back to 1984. In that time, resort owner Ed Weibrecht has observed not only how this lengthy streak has occurred, but the key to extending it each year. That important factor is the Inn’s dedicated staff who interact with hotel guests.
“The Mirror Lake Inn has always appealed to upscale travelers,” said Weibrecht. “Our hallmark is providing unique and memorable experiences. Certainly, we are blessed with our location, and our physical plant is beautiful, but that’s not enough. The secret ingredient is the passion of our staff. A house isn’t a home until somebody lives in it and puts their love in it. Well, this place has become special because the staff puts their love into it.”
The Inn’s owner since 1976 regularly compliments employees on creating a home away from home ambiance. As part of this, he always encourages staff to engage the guests, “making them feel welcomed and showing them how important they are.”
“We are honored to receive the acclaimed Four Diamond designation from AAA,” added Andrew Weibrecht, Vice President of the Mirror Lake Inn. “This award reflects the commitment of our staff and management to provide every guest with exceptional hospitality throughout their visit.”
Recent comments on TripAdvisor, where the Mirror Lake Inn is ranked as Lake Placid’s best hotel, illustrate the Inn’s approach in achieving the AAA designation:
“The Mirror Lake Inn owners and staff strive for perfection. Believe me they hit the mark every time. We’ve been coming here for 40 years. Guests are made to feel welcome….Caring, friendly staff. Spotless rooms and facilities. The restaurants are excellent.” - mjmre2, June 2026
“The Inn is absolutely beautiful, and the staff couldn't be more attentive and friendly. We really loved the view from the sitting area in our room, overlooking Mirror Lake. - lmg6263, June 2026
“Mirror lake Inn once again was an amazing overall experience. This was our first time traveling with our infant, and the accommodations were perfect. We took him to the pool for his first time swimming and he loved it. Will definitely be returning. – Bourke K, June 2026
“Best hotel in Lake Placid. Continues to evolve and get better every year. Breakfast is outstanding and the room was comfortable. Workout room is well equipped and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. I'd recommend this hotel to anyone at any time of the year.” – Jim Bouran, June 2026
The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is now embarking on the summer of 2026, anticipated to be busy with family travel once schools are dismissed.
Over 200 employees will cover all corners of the operation, which features 123 lodging units across seven acres that include the Mountain View and Terrace buildings, Colonial House and the Lake Cottage. Each of the living quarters faces Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks – no units look away from that spectacular view. Additionally, visitors will be pleased to know that the resort does not charge a daily resort fee.
Guests will find two distinct dining options: the aforementioned The View Restaurant for fine dining, and the hip lakeside Cottage Café which is Lake Placid’s lunch, dinner and happy hour spot that offers indoor and outdoor settings. The Cottage is one of the few eateries where guests can literally paddle their boat almost to their table from spring to fall. When the snow starts falling, the resort creates 2 skating rinks out on the lake in front of The Cottage, adding to what is already known as the perfect apres-ski spot. In fall and winter, The Cottage is the only establishment in Lake Placid with outside dining available in heated Whiteface Mountain gondola cabins.
Since the Inn secured last year’s AAA award, the hotel has added to its evolving experiences. In late November, a game room with accompanying business center came on board. It can be found by walking from the front desk, past the living room and library. There is a billiards table, shuffleboard, living room with television and heated outdoor terrace overlooking Mirror Lake.
Two months later, the new Nordic Spa opened for year-round outdoor soothing. It features an outdoor hot tub and sauna along with a cozy fire pit and sitting area.
Also, guests may use the Inn’s highly acclaimed European spa/salon/fitness center located in the main house. Recently, the fitness center has been greatly enlarged and modernized while still offering that inspirational view of the lake and mountains.
The new, stylishly bright Peak Boutique, next to the spa reception, carries personal items, gift and clothing suggestions and healthy snacks and beverages.
Aquatic enthusiasts will enjoy the resort’s indoor pool, Nordic Spa, and private beach complete with complimentary personal watercraft. Coming in the summer of 2026, visitors will be able to experience tours of Mirror Lake aboard the resort’s new electric boat.
For more information, please log on to the resort website at www.mirrorlakeinn.com. Follow on the hotel’s Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter platforms using @mirrorlakeinn and #mirrorlakeinn
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About the Mirror Lake Inn
The AAA Four Diamond Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is a luxury lakefront resort offering an authentic Adirondack experience. The Inn, rated Four Diamond for 42 consecutive years, presents both Four Diamond world-class cuisine and casual dining options, with impeccable service amid awe-inspiring views. Only one other property in New York State (located in Manhattan), has maintained the Four Diamond designation longer than Mirror Lake Inn. It is the only property in Lake Placid that combines Four Diamond lodging and dining. The Inn's renowned Lake Placid spa pampers the body and refreshes the mind with a comprehensive menu of services. The Inn is conveniently located one block from the restaurants and shops on Main Street in Lake Placid.