Has anyone stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn or Whiteface Lodge? They are quite a bit more expensive than the chain hotels like the Crowne Plaza (which seems to be in a good location)
Tips about casual places to eat and things to do in the area are also helpful.

Is this for winter or summer? Actually, I don't think it matters.

I have stayed twice at Mirror Lake Inn and it was wonderful. No comparison to chain hotel/motel. It is the Adirondack lodge at it's best. The food there is excellent and it has all sorts of water toys for use in summer.

Thanks, DebitNM. It would be early June, so almost summer, I guess.
In the winter it would be a no-brainer for me to pick the more luxurious lodging to come back to after a cold day's activities. In summer since I spend most of my time outside, it's less obvious to me. The lodges read fall/winter "themed", so I wonder about them seeming dreary for this time of the year,
The only chain I'm considering is the Crowne Plaza (used to be a Hilton?) which has a good location across from Mirror Lake.

Even in early June you might find that the big hearth and fire going in the parlor/lobby to me most delightful.

Check out the St Regis Cafe:

http://www.paulsmiths.edu/food_services/stregis/

The Lake Placid Lodge is one of our favorite places. We've also enjoyed the Whiteface Lodge; not so much Mirror Lodge anymore. It's getting a bit run down of late, for our taste, but others seem to return year after year.

I had drinks and lunch at the Lake Placid Lodge and it was very good. The property was beautiful in the winter time and I am sure will be nice in June as well.

We stayed at lake placid lodge last fall for four days and it is just beautiful. Great boat ride on the lake too in there boat.

I understand there's a new hotel opening - Hampton Inn I believe.