We stayed at this hotel on 1/1/12. Never again! Totally needs basic renovation-doesn't have to be elaborate, just CLEAN and UPDATED. We would have been better off sleeping in our car! Hallway smelled musty, rooms were not cleaned. Bed looked neat, but not changed.

We did not get the AARP or AAA discount that was promised when we booked the room. Overpriced and horrible place to stay. It's really important to say it the way it is because maybe it will be inspected and the owners will need to address these flaws!

Because of its proximity, It certainly doesn't give Lake Placid a very good reputation either.

There are other hotels in the area that will be worth paying for.

2 buddies and I booked into the Hotel Saranac mid-week between Christmas and New Year 2011. Looking at past reviews we were a little apprehensive, but talking with Sewa, the genial owner, and checking out the room, put our fears to rest.

There were 3 of us with two double beds and a roll-away plus lots of gear for hiking. We were comfortable, the heat was adjustable, the hot water was hot (the bathroom was small but functional) and we slept well the two nights we were there.

It was an easy walk to a variety of local restaurants, and they didn't charge us for the on-site, off-street parking. (Your experience may vary).

I'm giving this a solid 3 or 3.5 stars, not because of any complaint but because it's a modest, clean and functional place without pretensions. If you want a heart-shaped bed or tub, look elsewhere.

We were travelling through the US during holiday time for us and the US, every place we went into was booked soiled and we came upon "The Hotel Saranac".
We were travelling by motorcycle, it was dark and we were cold and unfortunately had no other alternatives.
The lobby was outdated, dark and seedy looking, the halls smelled but could not pinpoint the odour. The restaurant and bar was closed (looked like it was out of business) gave us no food or drink options. We were told this was the last room and being desperate we took it. They not only took advantage of us but others were minipulated by "the last room" the next day we talked to guests who stayed for the night and they were told the same story from the front desk "this is the last room".
We paid $210.60 for a T.V that did not work, bed linens that had holes in them, the bathroom tub drain was painted and chipped with paint, the towels were an off white and the only positive thing I can express was my shower had hot water.
The next day I had given a piece of paper to the manager(owner)with an email and a number for ideas re: other wonderful establishments we have stayed at and as I walked away he tossed my paper in the garbage.
Hopefully more people can take a moment to view before they stay.... especially at The Hotel Saranac.

WORST by far the WORST place I've ever seen. The Hotel was horrible from my arrival when I was met by a rude and insensitive GM who claimed the room I had rented was unavailable and tried to "upgrade" me to a better room yet still trying to charge me $20 extra dollars! The room was small (yes, it is an older hotel) however the sheets were tinted from dirt and from the looks of it YEARS of usage. The pillows were flat and the over powering smell of mustiness was too much to handle. The bathroom had paint chips missing, tiles missing and the toilet ran the entire time I was there. The bottom two floors of the hotel were pitch black and no lights were ever on. The lobby was freezing cold. There was only one small elevator which got stuck twice while I was there. The towels were few are far between. When I went to the front desk and asked to have my room changed I was told there was nothing that could be done. This man was argumentative and not interested in the needs of his patrons at all! What kind of businessman are you?? He seemed to only want our money and even after promising a wake up call nothing was ever done. I got in and out of that hotel as FAST as possible! The gift shop was shut and locked. There no longer is a restaurant or a bar. The place looked like a ghost town and I personally only saw one other guest during my very BRIEF stay. Such a shame that such a nice historic place is going to waste and taking away the potential for business in the nice quaint town of Saranac Lake. For the money this man was asking DO NOT stay here go elsewhere in Saranac Lake. There are plenty of other inns and even a Best Western down the street for a comparable price. I ended up staying at Gauthiers which was MUCH MUCH nicer and as was the staff. This place should not be patronized by anybody and I really hope someone else buys this place and gets this family out of the town that used to utilize the Hotel Saranac for all its functions. I will say however in the morning Amber who was working the front desk was a very nice and helpful woman, just not sure how she fits in at this place with the absurdities that are taking place here.