Quality Inn Lake George

The Quality Inn signage is visible from the main street into town. The front desk entrance has a green “Office” awning just off the road, and guests can park right in front (or nearby) and walk up a few steps to the lobby. This cheerful area offers seating and large flat-screen TV, usually playing Fox News. On the other side of the room is a small business center with desktop computer and printer. The staff (usually just one person) sits behind the front desk, and the General Manager, Scott, has an office within hearing range. He is often on duty to say hello, as well. The grey and white U-shaped property has exterior hallways and two floors. White plastic outdoor patio furniture sits outside each room's green door, and overlooks the pool and mountains in the background. Lush green grass surrounding the pool area allows kids to burn off energy. In the fall, vibrant colors from surrounding mountains and trees takes center stage; staff replaces flowering plants with mums and pumpkins for a festive atmosphere. (This is a seasonal property and closes during winter months). Between the lobby and pool is a fire pit area, which is turned on nightly, weather permitting. Guests can take drinks from their mini-fridges to enjoy in this area. The scene during the summer is more family-friendly with kids and parents enjoying the pool, hot tub, and fire pit well into the evening. Many stay here while attending a wedding or event in town -- so there may be large groups. In the fall, couples come to enjoy leaf peeping, of which there is plenty.

The mountainous area of Lake George is a popular summer destination, with a population that more than doubles in size during these three key months. Unlike fellow Adirondack sister Lake Placid -- better known for winter sports thanks to Whiteface Mountain and Olympic game facilities -- the area around Lake George tends to see a tourism slow-down during winter months (which is why many hotels close down). Not surprisingly, the freshwater lake is the main attraction and provides activity for swimmers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts, with beautiful views in every direction. The lake is located in the southeastern part of Adirondack State Park -- the largest state park in the lower 48 states with more than 3,000 lakes and 2,000 miles of hiking trails to explore. The town itself sits at the southern end of the lake. Guests are able to walk to Lake George Village for restaurants and shops, as well as the public waterfront area for swimming, called Million Dollar Beach. This beach area is free (though it is not free to park — another benefit to staying nearby) and run by the state, so it has lifeguards, bathrooms and changing rooms. Fort William Henry is also within walking distance of the hotel, and this is where guests can purchase tickets for tour boats that make their way across the lake. Guests have plenty of other activities and beaches to choose from within easy driving distance. The front desk can offer maps of and insider advice about the best spots. 

There are just 54 rooms in this U-shaped property, on two floors accessed by stairs. Rooms come with either one king bed or two queen beds (higher-tier rooms have more space). Each room has a table and two crimson chairs. Outside, next to each green door in the exterior hallway, is a white plastic patio table and two chairs overlooking the pool.Blue bedspreads, wallpaper, and eyesore carpeting will not appeal to many. Rooms are kept as clean as possible by the housekeeping staff, evidenced by the sometimes obvious smell of cleaning products. Those sensitive to the smell will be happy to know that the windows can open for fresh air. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, cable TV (including HBO), free Wi-Fi, AC units, coffeemakers, and empty mini-fridges for storing food and drinks. Closets have an iron, ironing board, and security safe. Each room has an iPod dock, but as is the case with many hotels, the outlet only fits older iPhone models. Bathrooms have tub/shower combos, as well as a sink area with counter space and a hairdryer. 

The most notable feature of the property (due to its seasonal nature) is the outdoor rectangular pool. The pool, cleaned daily, is popular especially during peak summer weekends when kids rule the roost. The pool is surrounded by a white gate and loungers for sunbathing. An outdoor hot tub -- more adult-friendly -- can be found next to the pool on a separate deck under a wooden trellis. This decks sits next to the fitness center, which is a small room that faces the road with a weight machine, bike, and elliptical (this room is best suited for one person at a time due to lack of space and privacy). In the summertime, grounds are pretty with overflowing potted plants hanging from various parts of the white fencing. Green lawn areas allow kids to play ball or run around. Next to the lobby is a terrace with a large fire pit and soothing stone fountain. Guests can enjoy drinks here, BYO. In fall, the outdoor areas such as the hot tub and fire pit become quieter and slightly more romantic.The free continental breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. This is served in a small room (with more outdated decor) in the back of the property. The earlier, the better, due to lack of space. There is a staff member, usually a woman named Christina, who is running the show and keeping things (and conversation) flowing. On offer here is the usual continental spread of cereals, bagels, toast, English muffins, sausage, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, oranges, yogurts, and waffles. Coffee, tea and juice are also served, and the selection remains consistent on a daily basis.The lobby area has a public restroom, as well as a desk area with computer/printer for working and using the Internet. SPF products can be bought from here, as well. There is free parking, even for large vehicles like tour buses. Wi-Fi is also free but may prove unreliable in rooms.