AAA Four Diamond property in Lake
Placid, NY turned 100 in 2024 and the celebration will take
place Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
LAKE
PLACID, N.Y., July 23,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- When you turn 100, it's
easy to look back and see so much in the rear view mirror. This is
certainly the case for the iconic Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in
Lake Placid, which is celebrating
its centennial year in 2024.
"Just like Climena, our employees strive to
make our guests feel special and important," said Ed Weibrecht.
The history of the Mirror Lake Inn dates back to 1924 when
Climena Alford, a native of
Lake Placid, married William Rufus Wikoff of Massachusetts. Mr. Wikoff, who had found
financial success with his "Fuller Brush Man" concept, retired in
1926, and the couple moved to Lake
Placid. There, Mr. Wikoff transformed an old estate into the
Mir-a-Lac Inn, quickly establishing it as a high-quality resort
that attracted wealthy clientele from across the state.
Despite the Great Depression, the Mir-a-Lac Inn continued to
grow, adding guest rooms and making improvements, including the
construction of the main dining room. For the 1932 Winter Olympics,
the Inn was winterized, and the Norwegian Team rented the entire
property. In 1933, Mrs. Wikoff took ownership, renaming it the
Mirror Lake Inn. During World War II, the Army used the nearby Lake
Placid Club as a rehabilitation center and rented the Mirror Lake
Inn to house its guests.
The Mirror Lake Inn has always been known for its sports-related
innovations. It set up the area's first electric-powered "rope-tow"
on Dream Hill and purchased the first snowmaking machine in the
late 1940s. Mrs. Wikoff's father even built the first bobsled run,
initially used for hauling deer out of the woods. The Inn was also
the first in Lake Placid to have a
skating camp, housing future world figure skating champions like
Dick Button and Toller Cranston.
The Inn was a hub of activity, with winter guests enjoying
moonlit cross-country ski excursions and sleigh rides to a cabin in
the woods for steak or flapjack-eating contests and lively dances.
Up until the late 1970s, the Mirror Lake Inn consisted of several
private cottages surrounding the main building, including one built
specifically for Kate Smith singer
of "God Bless America" in the early 1950s.
In 1976, Ed Weibrecht, a
New Jersey business executive and
avid skier, was tasked with managing the Inn, with the
understanding that if Mrs. Wikoff approved of his capabilities, he
would become the new owner. This transition occurred in 1977, and
for nearly 50 years since, the Weibrecht family has continued to
build upon Mrs. Wikoff's foundation of providing guests with
upscale service and an authentic Adirondack experience.
Over the past century, the Mirror Lake Inn has survived the
Great Depression, endured World War II, participated in two Winter
Olympics, including the famous "Miracle on Ice" in 1980, and
secured 40 straight years of the AAA Four Diamond Award of
Excellence. It also withstood a tragic fire in 1988 while
preserving its Four Diamond status, served as a safe haven during
the COVID pandemic, invested millions in renovations and
improvements, and added popular features like The Cottage Café and
The View Restaurant, Lake Placid's
only AAA Four Diamond eatery. Additionally, a full-service European
Spa and Salon was introduced.
Throughout its history, one aspect of the Inn has remained
constant: its level of service.
"Just like Climena, our employees strive to make our guests feel
special and important," said Ed
Weibrecht.
This commitment to service has been the hallmark of the resort
for 100 years. With all 124 units offering superlative views of
Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks, the caring and attention
to detail provided by the staff, many of whom have served for over
20 years, create a unique and welcoming culture.
To commemorate 100 years of success, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort
and Spa is planning a celebratory weekend over Labor Day
(Aug. 31 – Sept. 1). The festivities will include a variety
of lodging packages, fun activities, live music, a wine tasting,
and special menu features at The View Restaurant. The weekend will
culminate in a drawing for a complimentary two-night stay in the
Inn's luxurious "Presidential Suite."
An authentic Adirondack
experience awaits those who plan to end the summer season at the
Mirror Lake Inn. With warm water temperatures, a heated outdoor
pool, and a private beach, guests can enjoy hiking, biking,
walking, fishing, boating, golf, tennis, and visits to the 1980
Olympic venues. Skating enthusiasts can even get ice time at the
Olympic Center, site of the Miracle on Ice.
As the Mirror Lake Inn celebrates its 100th anniversary, it
looks forward to the next hundred years under the guidance of a new
Weibrecht generation. Since retiring from his professional ski
racing career in 2018, during which he won two Olympic medals now
displayed at the hotel's front desk, Ed and Lisa's son Andrew,
along with his wife Denja, are ready to carry the torch.
Fully immersed in the resort's daily operations, their passion
for the family business is evident. Guests often experience this
firsthand when one of them stops by the breakfast table to say
hello, offer a smile, and top off their morning coffee. The
time-honored tradition of "family serving families" and creating
cherished memories remains in good hands.
For more information on an upscale stay at the Mirror Lake Inn,
please log on to www.MirrorLakeInn.com, or call our onsite
reservations team at 518-523-2544.
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 40 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.
Media Contact
Sandy Caligiore, Mirror Lake Inn
Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, NY,
1 518-302-3086, sandy@mirrorlakeinn.com, Mirror Lake Inn Resort and
Spa in Lake Placid, NY
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/100-years-of-the-mirror-lake-inn-get-ready-for-labor-day-weekend-celebration-302203559.html
SOURCE Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, NY