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Costs for Lake Placid, Lake George and Northern New York

Things to do / Travel Guide

Northern New York can truly accommodate travelers of all means, from those looking for a budget adventure to those hoping for five-star luxuries and comfort. Campsites and local shops offer budget travelers everything they'll need to vacation at a relatively low cost. Mid-range motels and inns, as well as affordable restaurants, diners, and of course fast-food joints also abound for those willing to spend a bit more. And for those who wish to live it up and vacation in style, many upscale restaurants as well as luxury accommodations can be found, particularly around Saratoga Springs and the Thousand Islands.

Lodging Costs in Northern New York

Lodging rates vary tremendously around northern New York, as accommodations can run the gamut all the way from campgrounds and RV parks up to luxurious five-star resorts. Additionally, rates fluctuate from season to season, with summer being a peak time for visitors and winter being the “off” season in many areas, with the exception of popular skiing destinations like Lake Placid.

The hubs of Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid, and Lake George offer a wide range of accommodations, while smaller towns in northern New York tend to offer mostly motels and lodges. During Saratoga's popular racing season over the summer, rates at luxury and historic hotels rise a good bit. The Champlain Valley is quieter than most of the region, meaning that you can secure higher-quality accommodations for less expense.

Total luxury and extravagance can be found in tucked away resorts such as The Point in Upper Saranac Lake, where guests pay upwards of $1,000 per night. At such resorts, guests can enjoy sporting and boating activities, such as golfing and waterskiing, are pampered in elegantly-adorned rooms, and have spas, restaurants, and other facilities at their fingertips.


Cozy bed and breakfasts can be found nestled in towns around northern New York, with prices generally staying below $100 per night, but varying slightly depending on when you're visiting, the location (for example right in downtown Saratoga versus on the outskirts of the city), and the amenities provided.

Motels, lodges, and inns around northern New York are plentiful and reasonably priced, again with the rates fluctuating depending on the season as well as day of the week. Visitors can find motels ranging from just $40 per night and slightly more throughout the entire region, making it generally a very affordable and accommodating region to visit year-round.

Finally, numerous very affordable campgrounds are dotted throughout the region, where vacationers can set up tents or park their RVs, often for less than $20 per night.

Dining Costs in Northern New York

Northern New York offers its visitors a diverse selection of dining options, with the majority of restaurants being local establishments that serve up basic dishes at modest prices. Diners and small-town shops, where decent meals can be had for not too much money, can be found along the main roads of many “one-road towns.” Many of the region's hotels include at least one restaurant on-site, with the higher-end hotels housing five-star restaurants; the prices of the restaurants generally reflect the caliber of hotel.

Attraction, Activity, and Entertainment Costs in Northern New York

Throughout the summer months, many of the towns around northern New York host music and arts festivals, most of which are free and open to the public, or charge modest admission prices.

A huge draw to northern New York is the opportunity it provides for sporting activities, such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling. If you have your own equipment, you can enjoy many such activities for free on the waterways and trails throughout the region. However, if you require equipment and/or guides, you'll need to pay the appropriate costs, which can run high depending on your hobby.