You’re driving into Lake Placid, coming off that long, winding stretch of Route 73 where the trees hem you in, and suddenly the High Peaks just crack wide open. It’s breathtaking. But once the initial shock of the Adirondack scenery wears off, you start looking for a place to actually park your boots. If you’ve spent any time in this town, your eyes eventually land on a sign that feels like a permanent fixture of the landscape. Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn. It isn't some glass-and-steel monstrosity or a minimalist boutique hotel designed to look like a Pinterest board. It’s a motor inn. It’s got that classic, sprawling layout that reminds you of a time when family road trips were the pinnacle of American life.
But there’s a reason this place hasn't been swallowed up by the corporate hotel chains that have slowly started to colonize Main Street. It’s the history. It’s the man behind the name.
Honestly, you can’t talk about the inn without talking about Art Devlin himself. Most people staying there today might just see a comfortable room with a killer view of the mountains, but they’re sleeping on the legacy of a literal Olympic legend. Art wasn’t just a guy who built a motel. He was a world-class ski jumper who competed in five Olympic games—1940, 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960. Think about that for a second. The 1940 games were canceled because of World War II, yet he stayed competitive enough to keep going for two more decades. That’s a level of grit you just don't see anymore. He was the face of American ski jumping, a color commentator for ABC Sports, and the guy who basically willed the 1980 Winter Olympics into existence for Lake Placid.
The inn is an extension of that personality. It’s sturdy. It’s reliable. It doesn’t try too hard because it doesn’t have to.
The Reality of Staying at Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn Today
Let’s get real about what a "motor inn" actually means in the 2020s. Usually, that term conjures up images of thin walls and questionable carpets. Not here. The Devlin family—because yes, it is still very much a family-run operation—has managed to keep the property in a state of constant, quiet evolution. You get the nostalgia of the 1950s motor lodge architecture, but the interiors don't feel like a time capsule in a bad way.
The location is basically unbeatable. You’re sitting right on Main Street, but you’re just far enough away from the "Olympic Miracle" souvenir shops that you don't feel smothered by the crowds. You can walk to the Olympic Center. You can walk to Mirror Lake. You can walk to the bars. But when you’re back at the inn, lounging by the pool or sitting on your balcony, it feels like you're tucked away in the woods.
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Why the "Motor Inn" Model Actually Works Better for Hikers
If you’re coming to Lake Placid to hike the 46 High Peaks, you don’t want a valet. You don't want a grand lobby where you have to schlep your muddy gear through a crowd of people in cocktail attire. Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn is built for the Adirondack lifestyle. You park your car right outside your door. You load your pack, you head to the trailhead at 4:00 AM, and when you come back smelling like pine needles and sweat, you just collapse into your room.
It's practical.
The rooms are spacious—surprisingly so. A lot of the newer builds in town cram you into these tiny, "efficient" spaces to maximize profit. The Devlin rooms feel like they were built in an era where people actually traveled with trunks and heavy coats. There’s breathing room. Most rooms come with two queen beds, which makes it the go-to for families or groups of climbers who are splitting the bill. Plus, the mountain views from the private balconies or patios are legitimate. You aren't looking at a parking lot; you're looking at the high peaks that Art Devlin used to fly off of.
The Art Devlin Legacy: More Than Just a Name on a Sign
Art Devlin passed away in 2004, but his presence is everywhere in the motel. There’s a trophy room—well, more of a hallway/lobby display area—that is basically a mini-museum of 20th-century winter sports. You’ll see his skis, his medals, and photos of him mid-air, looking absolutely fearless.
He was a pilot during WWII, flying B-24 bombers. He flew 50 missions over Europe. When he came home, he didn't just sit on his laurels. He poured his energy into his hometown. He served as the Vice President of the 1980 Olympic Organizing Committee. When you see those iconic ski jumps towering over the town as you drive in from the south? Art Devlin had a massive hand in making sure those were built to Olympic standards.
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When you stay at Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn, you’re supporting that specific kind of local history. It’s the antithesis of a Marriott. The staff often consists of people who knew Art or have worked for the family for years. They know which trails are iced over and which restaurants are actually worth the thirty-minute wait.
Comparing the "Old School" Experience to Modern Resorts
Lake Placid has seen a surge in luxury resorts lately. Places like the Whiteface Lodge or the Mirror Lake Inn offer a world-class, high-end experience. And they’re great—if you have $600 to $900 a night to burn. But for the average traveler, those places can feel a bit... stiff?
Art Devlin’s occupies that middle ground. It’s affordable but not "cheap." It’s clean but not "sterile."
- The Pool: It’s an outdoor pool, which means it’s a seasonal vibe, but it’s impeccably maintained.
- The Breakfast: It’s a continental spread. It’s not a five-course brunch, but it gets the job done before you hit the trail.
- The Grounds: The landscaping is actually one of the underrated parts of the property. They keep it lush. In the summer, the flowers are everywhere. In the winter, they handle the snow better than almost any other property in the village.
Common Misconceptions About the Inn
Some people see "Motor Inn" and think it’s going to be noisy. Because the rooms face away from the main road or are set back significantly, it’s actually one of the quieter spots in the village. Another thing people get wrong is the "Olympic" branding. They assume it’s just a marketing gimmick. In this town, everything is "Olympic" something. Olympic gas station, Olympic laundry, Olympic pizza. But here, the name is earned. It’s a direct link to the man who helped define what Lake Placid is today.
Is it the most high-tech hotel in the world? No. If you need a smart mirror that tells you the weather while you brush your teeth, go somewhere else. But if you want a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a fridge that actually stays cold, and a bed that doesn't kill your back after a 12-mile hike, this is the spot.
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The Logistics: What You Need to Know Before Booking
You should know that this place fills up fast. Especially during the Ironman Lake Placid weekend or the Lake Placid Horse Shows. Because it’s a staple for returning guests—people who have been coming here every summer for thirty years—the "good" rooms get snagged early.
- Request a mountain view. Not all rooms are created equal. The ones facing the back of the property offer that quintessential Adirondack vista.
- Plan for the seasons. The inn is beautiful in the fall when the foliage hits, but remember that Lake Placid basically shuts down for a "shoulder season" in late October and early November.
- Parking is a dream. Unlike the hotels directly on the water where you’re fighting for a spot in a cramped garage, you have plenty of space here.
The "Secret" Value of Art Devlin’s
The real value isn't just the price point. It’s the accessibility. You are a five-minute walk from the Olympic Oval where Eric Heiden won five gold medals. You’re a stone’s throw from the theater. You can walk to the public beach at Mirror Lake in ten minutes.
Most people don't realize how much they’ll appreciate not having to move their car once they arrive. Lake Placid traffic in the peak of summer is a nightmare. Parking is even worse. Staying at Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn effectively deletes that stress from your vacation.
It’s also worth noting the architectural charm. It has those classic mid-century lines—the long, low rooflines and the brick accents. It’s a style that’s disappearing as developers tear down older motels to build massive, multi-story condos. Every year that the Devlin family keeps this place running as a motor inn is a win for people who actually like the "village" feel of Lake Placid.
Actionable Steps for Your Lake Placid Trip
If you’re planning to stay at Art Devlin’s or just visiting the area, here is how you make the most of it:
- Visit the Lobby Early: Don't just check in and run to your room. Take fifteen minutes to look at the Art Devlin memorabilia. It sets the tone for the whole trip and helps you understand why this town is so obsessed with winter sports.
- Walk the Lake: Instead of driving to the trailhead, start your morning by walking the 2.7-mile loop around Mirror Lake. The inn is the perfect starting point.
- Check the Event Calendar: Lake Placid is a busy town. Check the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) website before you book. If there's a World Cup event at the ski jumps or a hockey tournament, the inn will be buzzing.
- Ask About the History: If you see a member of the Devlin family, ask a question. They are incredibly proud of their heritage and usually have a story or two about the "old days" of the Olympics that you won't find in a guidebook.
Art Devlin’s Olympic Motor Inn is a bridge between the Lake Placid of 1950 and the Lake Placid of today. It’s not trying to be a fancy resort, and it’s definitely not a run-down motel. It’s a well-oiled machine run by people who care about their name and their town. It’s exactly the kind of place that makes the Adirondacks feel like home. If you want the real experience—the one with the views, the history, and the parking space right outside your door—this is where you end up.