Garnet Hill Lodge

We came to the area to do some snowboarding at Gore and ended up falling in love with the cross country skiing. What a gem of a place. From the perfectly groomed trails that lead us to the sugar house for some delicious fluffy pancakes then out again to our shuttle pick up where we ended in a warm cozy pub over looking the frozen lake and the sun setting mountain range. It really was amazing up there. We became addicted to the sport and thought it would be nice to support a local business so we purchased our very own cross country skiing gear and look forward to returning. The staff was great and the other guest were a pleasure to bond with. Hope to return in the spring.

This is strictly for the dining area, and strictly related to the level of hospitality extended to three tired and cold xc skiers who popped in at 1:30 pm for some beer and food. And that level was «eek, wethinks not». Last Saturday we skiied their fab 4-​star xcski course for a couple of hours in frigid conditions then headed to the Lodge. Jackpot! we thought – a bar with local brews on tap, a spot at the fireplace to warm our frozen toes, a virtually empty dining room. We grabbed beers, settled at the fire with its couches and table, then tried to catch the eye of one of the two waitresses who were serving exactly one table apiece. No luck. They seemed blind to our attempts. Finally one of us walked over to the path to kitchen and asked politely whether we could be served, that we were ready to order a bunch of food. (And I might add, to tip super generously, because that’s the right thing to do at these brave upstate winter outposts!) «I’ll be right with you,» she replied. But in fact, she did not return, but sent over the manager instead. Unsmiling, inhospitable and with an unacceptable message: We can’t /won’t serve people fire side.
Really, a lodge in midwinter that wont serve cold patrons next to a warm fire? In an otherwise nearly EMPTY restaurant? Worse, not a smiling, jovial brush off but really putting out the «you are not welcome» face – and bad on you, waitress, for escalating rather than just smilingly splaining you can’t serve that comfortable hearthside table but promise to take extra good care of you at that nearby table. We had a similar experience last year, so this kind of seals it for us – we left and won’t be back. We ended up fireside at Frederick’s in Bolton, soup and smiling service at the ready – if you need a lesson in hospitality, Garnet Lodge, stop by sometime.

This review is only for the restaurant at Garnet Hill Lodge. We were visiting the area and a friend had recommended the lodge as a good dining experience. When our group of six arrived, we saw that the lodge overlooked the Adirondack Mountains. It was twilight, very cool for a mid-​August night, but the lodge had astonishing views of the mountains and the valley below. It took a good 15 to 20 minute ride on a pebble-​strewn road to get there, but the charming lodge decked out in Adirondack-​style furnishing made for a very inviting atmosphere. There were two separate dining rooms, one was long and narrow, facing the mountains, the other, which was larger, had a huge fireplace with many tables and a small seating area near the fireplace where guests could warm up.
Before coming to the Lodge for dinner, make sure that you call ahead of time because they may have a very limited menu when their executive chef isn’t there. The staff kindly told us when we made our reservation. Now for the good stuff! The food!
Here’s a list of what we had:
Shrimp Cocktail
Mojito Marinated Lamb
Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops
Miso Duck
Butter Spaghetti (kid’s menu)
Homemade Veggie Soup
Raspberry Pie a la mode
All I can say is that that the presentation and food quality were excellent! I’ve attached several pictures to my review. The shrimp cocktail had excellent snap to the bite. The marinated lamb was cooked medium which was alright, but I should have asked for a medium rare. The mint sauce was just right for the gamey lamb. As for the sea scallops, they were cooked just right with a citrus accent. The rice was a bit nice and tender as a pilaf should be. The miso duck was more medium to well done, but less gamey than the lamb. The outstanding dish in my opinion was the raspberry pie. They also offered an blueberry version that was served a la mode, but the thing that I enjoyed most was the pie crust, I mean the bottom portion, tasted just as good as the top. How did they manage that?
Anyhow, we were all satisfied with our meals and also to the service levels. We noticed that there were some downstate New Yorkers in the dining room along with those who seemed like locals. I really enjoyed that blend and the quiet serenity of the dining room. There wasn’t any music playing to give anyone a headache and you can really carry a conversation in the dining room that I was in.
I can highly recommend Garnet Hill Lodge as a dining destination. Just remember to bring and appetite for both food and relaxation!

what a lovely secluded place. We went on the perhaps the coldest weekend of the winter but the hostpiality was warm. The rooms were not fancy, but adequate clean and comfortable. The lodge and restaturant were perfect. Already talking about going back next winter

Very nice staff. Very helpful. The housekeeper found a lamp for me to read by in bed.
The lighting in the hotel is very very low. Bring a flashlight to negotiate the central stairs.
The hotel seemed clean enough .
Shower didn’t work properly. Resorted to a bath but the water wasn’t hot, just tepid.
Met a Sysco food purveyor truck driving into the place. Didn’t expect much but the rolls were stale and the onion tart appetizer Inedible.
Very thin walls. Very soft bed with cheap scratchy sheets. No phone, hairdryer, or coffee pot although coffee was available downstairs at 6:30 am.
I paid $ 175 for each night including taxes and a «gratuity for the housekeeper», not optional. Looks like for that price they could have paid the maids.

A gem! The duck was delicious, not at all gamey. The chef was eager to accommodate my vegan/​no wheat wife. The house wines were more than adequate. The wait staff was attentive to a fault, no question was answered by a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’; this is not the place to go if you’re in a hurry. The peach pie alone is worth the trip (up a windy partially paved road).

Located between Gore and Indian Lake off of Route 28, the recently reopened lodge contains one of the area’s most beautiful dining rooms. The rustic setting is country casual, complete with a piano in the dining room. If you’re lucky the owners, Don and Mindy, will serenade you during dinner. If you don’t have time for dinner it is worth the drive up the mountain just to see the place and have a drink in the lounge. On my list of Adirondack Favorites