Sagamore Resort Review: A Peaceful, Family-Friendly Escape in the Adirondacks
Golden-hour family photo with the iconic Sagamore dome in the background—an unforgettable weekend.
Not all family resorts come with noisy arcades, water parks, and cartoon mascots—and thank goodness for that.
Just a few hours from New York City, The Sagamore on Lake George is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive. Nestled on a private island in the Adirondacks, it feels like stepping into a slower, more elegant world—where your biggest decision is whether to order a glass of wine now or after your kids finish their s’mores.
We came here for a long weekend with our kids and were struck by how peaceful and unexpectedly grounding it felt. It’s not luxury in the marble-and-butler sense—but in the fresh air, wide open lawns, and no one glued to their phone sense. We played mini golf, wandered the paths by the lake, stayed up late for s’mores by the fire, and let the days unfold without a packed agenda. There’s a calm here you don’t find at theme parks or splashy resorts—but you still get the indulgences that make a trip feel special: cocktails on the porch, beautiful views in every direction, and meals you didn’t have to plan, prep, or clean up.
You don’t need a passport for magic like this.
If you're looking for a place that feels upscale but unfussy, beautiful but not buttoned-up—and kid-friendly without being kid-takeover—this might be your next favorite getaway.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Sagamore: what to expect, what we loved, and how to make the most of your trip.
What Makes the Sagamore So Special
The Sagamore doesn’t just feel like a hotel—it feels like a place with stories. Perched on its own island in Lake George, just a few hours from New York City, this resort has been welcoming families since 1883. And the best part? It still feels like a place where summer actually slows down.
You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate it—you can feel the charm the minute you walk through the front doors. There’s floral wallpaper and wide staircases, French doors that open to sweeping lake views, and Adirondack chairs perfectly lined up on the porch, like they’ve been waiting for you for decades.
Step through the French doors and into another era—the charm is immediate.
It truly feels like stepping back in time—but in the best possible way. Not dusty or old-fashioned, but comforting and calm. Like something from a book you loved as a kid, or a place your grandparents might’ve visited when they were young. You slow down without meaning to. You start noticing the light. The breeze. The smell of the lake. It makes you want to stay out late making s’mores, wake up early for breakfast in the dining room, and savor every hour in between.
But it’s not formal or fussy. It’s the kind of place where your kids can run barefoot across the lawn, roll down the hills without anyone scolding them, and then keep playing while you watch from the porch of the restaurant with a glass of wine in hand. The staff doesn’t just tolerate children—they welcome them. It’s relaxed elegance, family-style.
What makes the Sagamore special isn’t just the setting (though the views are unreal), or the architecture (which still carries traces of its Gilded Age past). It’s that feeling of stepping into a slower, softer rhythm—one that’s been drawing families back for generations. The kind of place where you imagine people used to summer, and now you get to be part of that story.
Things to Do at the Sagamore Resort: Lake George Adventures & Family Fun
The Sagamore isn’t the kind of place where fun is crammed into a noisy arcade or splashed across waterslides. Instead, it gives you space to breathe—and just enough planned activities to keep everyone happily entertained, without ever feeling overstimulated or overscheduled.
Whether your version of vacation means paddleboarding at sunrise, playing tag on a lawn with mountain views, or simply sitting on the porch with a glass of wine while your kids roll down a hill laughing, this place makes it all feel easy.
The Lawn Is the Real Star
This hill? Hours of entertainment for them. Lawn-front seats and wine for us.
The heart of the Sagamore is a wide, sloping lawn that rolls down toward Lake George—and it’s pure magic. Our kids spent hours out there: barefoot, giggling, racing, and making up games with whatever they found. No structure, no screens, no itinerary—just fresh air and wide-open joy.
While they played, we relaxed on the restaurant’s porch with a cocktail, listening to live music and not once needing to scroll our phones. This is the kind of resort where unstructured play is part of the plan—and it’s perfect.
You’ll also find:
Mini golf, ping-pong, and cornhole
Room to run, tumble, and actually be a kid
Adirondack chairs perfectly placed for long, slow mornings or golden-hour lounging
Lake Life, Without the Logistics
No screens, no schedule—just joy and space to run.
You don’t need to be a lake family—or haul in gear—to enjoy the best of Lake George. The Sagamore makes it turnkey. From the private dock, you can step right onto a replica steamboat for a narrated cruise around the lake (free and included), or head out on your own mini adventure.
Options include:
Kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards available for guests
Motorboat rentals if you want to fish, tube, or cruise
A heated infinity pool with panoramic lake views and plenty of space
Direct lake access (though we recommend floating in a tube if you’re not into slimy lake bottoms—we get it)
The views are stunning from every angle, and you never have to leave the property to feel immersed in nature.
Thoughtful Programming That Doesn’t Feel Forced
The s’mores truck & campfire was a nightly highlight—nostalgic, cozy, and full of sugar-fueled fun.
One of the best surprises was how much the Sagamore offered in terms of daily programming—especially over long weekends and during summer. The schedule isn’t overwhelming, but it’s full of genuinely fun, low-key family options you can jump into as you like.
During our visit, highlights included:
Evening s’mores by the fire pit with live acoustic music
Tennis clinics, lawn games, and kickball for kids
Ice cream socials, crafts, and even a Build-a-Bear workshop
Movie nights with popcorn in the Rec Center loft
Mini golf and free throw competitions
It’s the kind of family fun that doesn’t feel like a production—just simple, well-run extras that make the stay feel thoughtful.
A Cozy Escape for Rec, Rest or Rain
Perfect for rainy days or burning energy before dinner.
The Rec Center is exactly what you want when the clouds roll in or everyone needs a break from the sun. It’s not a big, flashy arcade—and that’s the point. It feels like a clubhouse: warm, comfortable, and flexible.
Inside you’ll find:
A movie room with beanbags and a big screen
Foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey
Indoor Mini-Golf, Baseball and Basketball
A selection of games and crafts
Friendly staff, comfy couches and space to decompress
It’s a great mid-day option for little kids, tweens, or honestly—even parents who just want to sit somewhere quiet while the kids play.
Dining at the Sagamore: Casual Comfort Meets Elevated Family Meals
Kid-approved menus, fresh air, beautiful views and great food.
One of the best surprises during our stay at the Sagamore was how easy and enjoyable dining felt—from breakfast with a view to evenings where no one was rushing to leave the table (even the kids). It’s not Michelin-starred or overly curated—and that’s exactly why it works. Every meal was relaxed, beautiful, and better than we expected.
Whether you’re feeding picky toddlers or hoping for a meal you’ll actually savor, the Sagamore does a great job of striking that family-friendly but elevated balance.
La Bella Vita: Classic Italian, Lakeside Views
This was our favorite dinner spot—not just for the food, but for the view. La Bella Vita offers a menu of Italian classics with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a vibe that feels just upscale enough for a date night, but totally comfortable with kids in tow. You can eat inside or outside, and both options feel special.
The kids’ menu had plenty of safe bets, but the adults' dishes were standouts—pastas, salads, fresh seafood, and thoughtful cocktails. The bucatini was so good I almost didn’t share.
Bonus: the tables overlook the lawn, so while we lingered over our meal, the kids ran around with new friends just steps away.
Dinner or breakfast with a view—Lake George makes every meal here feel special and serene.
The Pavilion: Easy Lunches + Lake Breezes
During the day, The Pavilion is the perfect laid-back spot for lunch or an early dinner. You can grab a sandwich, salad, or a great burger without needing a reservation, and the atmosphere is light and breezy—especially outside near the water.
It’s casual, fast enough to be kid-proof, and scenic enough that even a quick lunch feels like a moment.
BRGR: Casual Dining with a Twist
Formerly Mr. Brown’s Pub, BRGR has a fun, modern menu with a mix of pub classics and creative updates. It’s especially good if you want something hearty and relaxed. We overheard other families sharing their nostalgia for the former pub, but honestly, we loved the new setup.
My turkey burger here was one of the best I’ve ever had—and I almost never say that about a turkey burger. There are also options for salads, fries, shakes, and shareables that work well for a casual dinner or a late lunch after a long lake day.
Breakfasts Worth Waking Up For
From omelets to outdoor tables, breakfast at The Sagamore is relaxed, family-friendly, and full of little moments that start the day right.
If your family usually skips breakfast on vacation, don’t. The Sagamore’s breakfast buffet is a highlight—especially if you’re staying in the lodges and want something quick and filling before heading out for the day.
There’s an omelet station, French toast, fresh fruit, and plenty of options for even the pickiest little ones. It was one of the only breakfasts we’ve had on vacation where everyone actually left the table happy and full.
Kid-Friendly Without Feeling Like a Kids’ Menu Resort
Across all the restaurants, the Sagamore struck a rare balance: our kids had plenty of options they liked, but the food never felt dumbed down or phoned in. Menus had real variety, and we appreciated not having to choose between “grown-up food” and “kid food”—everyone got what they wanted.
More importantly, the staff never made us feel rushed, awkward, or apologetic for dining as a family—which is more than I can say for some luxury resorts.
Where to Stay at the Sagamore: Lodges vs. Main House for Families
Lodge rooms are roomy, relaxed, and ideal for families who need space to unwind.
Here’s the truth: if you’re coming to the Sagamore for luxury-level rooms, you’re missing the point.
The resort itself is gorgeous—historic, spacious, elegant—but the rooms vary. Some feel a little dated, some could use a refresh, and others are exactly what you need after a full day on the lake. But when you step outside your door and look at the view? You’ll stop caring.
We stayed in a Lodge suite, which worked beautifully for our family. It had:
A king bed, pullout couch, and a kitchenette
More space than a standard hotel room
Quick access to the lawn, pool, and restaurants
A layout that gave everyone room to spread out
The best comparison I can make? It reminded us of a Disney Vacation Club one-bedroom villa pre-renovation—comfortable, family-sized, and functional, with a slightly dated vibe and a few design quirks (including a pullout couch that was fine for small kids, but not ideal for older kids or adults).
Lodges: Best for Space, Families, and Easy Access
The Lodge rooms are steps from the Rec Center—perfect for families who want space and easy access to all the fun.
If you're traveling with kids and want space to relax or prep snacks between meals, the Lodge buildings are a great choice. You’ll have more breathing room, easy parking, and a lower-key vibe. We loved being just far enough from the main building to feel relaxed—but close enough to walk to everything.
Pros:
Larger layouts and separate living space
Kitchenette and fridge
Ideal for families or longer stays
Cons:
Decor leans “HomeGoods chic”
Some units need cosmetic updates
Pullout sofas vary in comfort
Main House: Best for Classic Charm + Convenience
Staying in the Main House feels classic and cozy—closer to the action, with charming lake views and a nod to the resort’s history.
The Main House is where you’ll feel the Sagamore’s historic roots most clearly. Rooms here are smaller, but full of character—and closer to the lobby, dining areas, and front porch.
While we didn’t stay in a Main House room, we chatted with a few guests who loved the convenience, especially for those traveling without kids or with limited mobility.
Pros:
Historic charm and ambiance
Quick access to restaurants, lobby, and lounge spaces
Closer to the action during winter months
Cons:
Smaller rooms
Less space for families to spread out
Some may feel a bit dated or less functional for young kids
Which One Should You Choose?
If your top priority is space, flexibility, and family flow, go with a Lodge. If you’re visiting as a couple, traveling with teens, or just want to feel immersed in the resort’s grander aesthetic, the Main House may be the better fit.
Just go in with the right expectations: this is not a glossy luxury resort where the rooms are the star. At the Sagamore, the magic is everything outside your room.
When to Visit the Sagamore: Seasons, Tips, and What to Expect
From spring tulips to snowy holiday magic, The Sagamore shines in every season.
One of the most unique things about the Sagamore is that it’s not just a summer resort—it’s a year-round destination, and every season brings something different.
Summer: Classic Lake George Vibes
If you’re looking for long lawn days, s’mores by the fire, and lake activities in full swing, summer is peak season—and for good reason. The weather is warm, the schedule is full of family programming, and everything from the infinity pool to the paddleboards is in daily rotation.
Fall: Crisp Air, Foliage, and Cozy Mornings
If you want to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Adirondacks, fall is magic. The trees turn fiery shades of orange and red, the air is crisp, and you can still sit on the porch with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine wrapped in a blanket.
The lake is quieter, the resort less crowded, and the vibe leans cozy—think fireplaces, books, and golden-hour walks.
Winter: Quiet Beauty and Holiday Spirit
The Sagamore transforms in the winter. Snow blankets the grounds, twinkle lights line the Main House, and the pace gets even slower. You’ll find seasonal programming, indoor activities, and plenty of space to breathe—without summer’s crowds.
Spring: Shoulder Season Sweet Spot
Late spring is underrated. Fewer crowds, blooming flowers, warming temps, and better rates make this a great time to visit—especially for flexible families or a grown-up getaway before summer hits.
Is the Sagamore Worth It? Our Honest Verdict
Quiet morning mornings at one of the prettiest spots in the Northeast.
Absolutely—especially if you’re craving something peaceful, beautiful, and easy to enjoy with kids in tow.
The Sagamore isn’t a modern, ultra-luxury resort, and the rooms won’t feel like a five-star city hotel. But they’re clean, comfortable, and spacious enough to unwind after a full day of swimming, exploring, and soaking up the lake views. It’s the kind of place where the focus isn’t on the room—it’s on the time you spend together outside of it.
The real magic is everything beyond your door: the rolling lawns, the boats on the lake, the porch at sunset, the feeling that time moves just a little slower here.
If you're dreaming of a getaway that blends comfort, calm, and connection, the Sagamore might be exactly what your family needs.
Planning a weekend escape from NYC?
If you're looking for more family-friendly getaways within driving distance, don't miss our guide to 5 Amazing Road Trips from New York City—from scenic lake towns to mountain resorts like The Sagamore, we’ve got you covered.
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