You’ve probably heard of the Gilded Age, but most people don't realize you can actually still live in it for a weekend. Nestled on the edge of Upper Saranac Lake, The Point Resort NY is basically the last stand of the Great Camp era. It isn't just a hotel. It’s a time capsule.
William Avery Rockefeller II built this place back in the early 1930s as a family retreat. He called it Camp Wonundra. Back then, "camping" meant having a full staff, massive stone fireplaces, and enough fine wine to sink a boat. Honestly, not much has changed since then, which is exactly why it remains one of the most expensive and elusive stays in North America.
It's expensive. Really expensive. We're talking several thousand dollars a night. But when you pull up to the gate, you aren't just paying for a bed; you’re paying for a level of privacy that simply doesn't exist in the modern, hyper-connected world. There is no lobby. There are no room keys. There is barely any cell service. You just... arrive.
What Actually Happens at The Point Resort NY
The vibe is "house party at a billionaire’s cabin." That sounds intimidating, but it’s surprisingly chill once you get over the initial sticker shock. The Point operates on an all-inclusive basis, but not the kind with watered-down margaritas and buffet lines. We're talking about an open bar with top-shelf spirits and meals prepared by world-class chefs that you eat at a communal table.
Dinner is the main event here. Twice a week, it’s a black-tie affair.
Imagine sitting in a massive timber-framed room, dressed in a tuxedo or a floor-length gown, while a fire roars in a hearth large enough to stand in. You’re sitting next to strangers—maybe a tech CEO, maybe a retired doctor, maybe a famous author—and by the time the cheese course hits, you're all best friends. It’s weirdly social in a way that modern luxury resorts usually aren't. Most high-end places emphasize "isolation." The Point emphasizes "community among the elite."
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The Guest Rooms Aren't Standard
There are only 11 guest rooms spread across four original log buildings. Each one is different. The "Weatherwatch" room is famous for its views of the lake, while "The Mohawk" feels like you’re sleeping in a very fancy treehouse.
- No TVs. If you need to watch Netflix to fall asleep, this isn't the spot for you.
- Real fires. Staff will come in and build a fire in your stone fireplace whenever you want.
- The "Morning Coffee" mystery. You wake up, and there’s a thermos of hot coffee and fresh pastries outside your door. You never hear them put it there. It's like magic.
The furniture is all original or period-appropriate. We're talking heavy fabrics, taxidermy, and deep soaking tubs. It feels lived-in. It feels like Rockefeller just stepped out to go fishing and might be back any minute.
Why People Get The "Great Camp" Concept Wrong
A lot of people think "Great Camp" is just a fancy name for a big cabin. It’s not. It was a specific architectural movement in the Adirondacks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea was to bring the comforts of Manhattan—fine dining, soft linens, professional service—into the rugged wilderness without ruining the "wild" feel.
The Point Resort NY is the pinnacle of this.
Architect William G. Distin designed it to blend into the shoreline. The logs are huge. The stones were hauled from nearby quarries. It’s meant to look like it grew out of the ground. When you're there, you notice the smell first—balsam fir and woodsmoke. It’s intoxicating.
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Some critics argue that the communal dining is outdated. "I don't want to talk to people on my vacation," they say. But that misses the point. The communal aspect is what makes it a Great Camp. In the 1930s, you didn't go to the Adirondacks to hide in your room; you went to hold court. The current management, led by folks who understand this legacy, keeps that tradition alive because it's the soul of the property.
Seasonal Reality: When Should You Actually Go?
Most people think of summer. It’s the obvious choice. You have the electric boats (the "Hacker-Crafts") that look like something out of a James Bond movie. You can swim in Upper Saranac Lake, which is surprisingly clear and bracing.
But winter is secretly better.
When the lake freezes over, the resort transforms. They set up "The Pub" with a self-service bar, and you can go ice skating or cross-country skiing. There is something deeply satisfying about being wrapped in a fur blanket (faux or real, depending on the room) while a blizzard howls outside and you have a glass of 18-year-old Scotch in your hand.
The Cost Factor
Let's be real: $2,500 to $4,000+ per night is a lot. Is it worth it?
If you value "newness," probably not. Go to a Ritz-Carlton in the Maldives.
If you value "patina" and "soul," then yes. You are paying for the fact that this place hasn't been "modernized" into a bland, corporate version of itself. You're paying for the staff-to-guest ratio, which is nearly two-to-one. You're paying for the fact that you can walk into the kitchen at 2:00 AM and make yourself a turkey sandwich, or ask the chef to whip something up, and it’s all part of the deal.
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Navigating the Logistics of Upper Saranac Lake
Getting there is half the battle. You can fly into Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, and the resort will pick you up. If you're driving from NYC, it’s a solid five to six hours. The drive through the High Peaks is stunning, but don't trust your GPS blindly once you get off the main highway—cell signals drop fast.
The resort is adults-only, for the most part. They do certain weeks where families are welcome, but usually, it's a sanctuary for grownups who want to act like sophisticated children.
One thing most people don't realize is that The Point Resort NY is a member of Relais & Châteaux. This is a big deal. It means the food isn't just "good for a hotel"—it's a primary reason for the stay. Executive Chef Loic Leperlier (or whoever is currently at the helm, as talent rotates at this level) focuses on "Cuisine de la Campagne." Think local venison, foraged mushrooms, and berries from the property.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Here
- "It's stuffy." While there’s a dress code for dinner, the rest of the day is rugged. You wear flannels, boots, and jeans. You get muddy. You go for hikes. It’s "shabby chic" in the truest sense.
- "There's nothing to do." If you need a scheduled "activities director," you'll be bored. But if you like reading by a fire, boating, tennis, or just wandering through 75 acres of private forest, you'll be fine.
- "It's just for old people." Increasingly, younger entrepreneurs are flocking here to unplug. The "digital detox" aspect is a huge selling point for the 30-40 crowd.
Expert Tip: Ask for the "Lean-To"
There is a private lean-to on the property where they can set up a private dinner or cocktails. It’s right on the water. If you're there for an anniversary or a proposal, this is the move. It’s arguably the most romantic spot in the entire state of New York.
Final Insights for the Aspiring Traveler
If you’re planning a trip to The Point Resort NY, keep these practical steps in mind to ensure you actually get what you’re paying for.
- Book way in advance. With only 11 rooms, they fill up months (sometimes a year) ahead of time, especially for the October foliage or the Christmas season.
- Check the dress code. Don't be the person who shows up for a black-tie Wednesday without a dinner jacket. They have some extras, but you’ll feel better in your own gear.
- Communicate your preferences. Because the kitchen is so small and bespoke, if you tell them you love a specific type of obscure gin or have a weird allergy to nightshades, they will remember it forever.
- Lean into the "No Tech" rule. Turn off your phone. Leave it in the room. The Point is one of the few places left on Earth where being "unreachable" is considered a luxury rather than a crisis.
Ultimately, this place is about a specific kind of American nostalgia. It’s a glimpse into a world where luxury was about craftsmanship and conversation rather than screens and speed. It’s not for everyone, but for those who "get" it, there is nowhere else like it.
To maximize your experience, start by browsing the specific room galleries on their official site to see which "vibe" fits you—whether it's the lake-level intimacy of the Shoreline or the grand proportions of the Main Lodge. Once you've picked a room, call them directly. The staff at The Point are experts at tailoring the stay before you even set foot on the property, and a quick conversation about your expectations can often result in small, personalized touches that make the steep price tag feel like a bargain.