The Scoop: Couples seeking a place to enjoy the tranquil Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York often book an experience at The Inn at Erlowest. The 19th-century home-turned-Inn offers romantic suites and townhomes for retreats on the shore of Lake George. Couples can travel to The Inn for a weekend or longer to escape their busy lives, reconnect, and explore nature. The Inn, only a few hours away from several major cities, also has an on-site restaurant and hosts stunning indoor or outdoor weddings. For its commitment to helping couples celebrate their relationships, The Inn at Erlowest has earned our Editors’ Choice Award.
When couples decide to escape New York City, many travel to Lake George, a picturesque town located in the Adirondack Mountains. When they want a bespoke getaway adventure, they can book a romantic stay at The Inn at Erlowest, a Queen Anne mansion dating from 1898. Its Erlowest Experience package introduces them to almost everything The Inn has to offer.
Each room at The Inn is named after a historical figure. The Howe Suite, for example, is named for General William Howe, the commander-in-chief of the British Army during the Revolutionary War. The suite is decorated in cream and red colors with gold embellishments, and it has a fireplace that adds warmth and coziness.
Couples enjoy a bottle of prosecco, full turn-down service, and a farm-fresh breakfast each morning of their stay — all included in the package.
The package also includes a three-course prix-fixe dinner served in The Inn’s elegant restaurant. For a more private and cozy dining experience, guests can choose to dine in an igloo — a heated plastic-covered dome installed on The Inn’s back patio. That option also allows them to enjoy views of the snow and stars.
“We offer our five-star fine-dining restaurant not only to overnight guests but also the general public,” said LeAnna Avila, The Inn’s Director of Sales and Events.
The à la carte menu includes a selection of starters, including the creamy Harvest Bisque, served with pumpkin seeds and maple foam, and the Wild Mushroom Risotto, with black truffle salted ricotta, parmesan, balsamic, and crispy leeks.
The chef’s select entrées include a grilled filet mignon, the chef’s catch of the day, and braised boneless beef short ribs served with bacon, Australian cheddar polenta, seasonal vegetables, and herb au jus, among other tantalizing offerings. And to end the meal on the right note is a special dessert the chef picks daily.
The Erlowest Experience package exemplifies The Inn’s commitment to helping couples celebrate their relationships.
A Historic Inn Built in the 19th Century
The Inn at Erlowest sits on a 15-acre estate on Lake George’s shore, a clear, blue lake in the Great Appalachian Valley. The setting has provided relaxing, nature-filled getaways for people to reflect on their relationships for more than 120 years.
The Erlowest was built in 1898 by Edward Morse Shepard, a Brooklyn politician and attorney who wanted more opportunities to get out of the city. He came up with the name for his home by using his parents’ hometown of Westerlo as inspiration.
Over the years, The Erlowest has hosted prominent guests and even served as a convalescent home for returning soldiers in World War I.
“We have guests from all over the world visit The Inn at Erlowest,” LeAnna told us.
The stone castle remained a private residence until 1999 when it was remodeled into a luxury inn. The owners decided to decorate Erlowest to make it look like it had in the early 1900s. They also restored many of the original features, including stained glass windows, woodwork, and the grand staircase.
Its amenities, staff, and historical connections delight guests who stay at The Inn at Erlowest.
“The Erlowest is gorgeous, and secluded but not far from the village. Dinner and breakfast were both phenomenal, and the staff was great through and through,” wrote Martin, a recent Erlowest guest, in a glowing Tripadvisor review.
Another guest, Megan, agreed: “Rooms were very clean, all staff were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed a delicious dinner in a heated igloo and stayed in the Schuyler suite. The champagne upon arrival in the room was a nice touch, too.”
Design a Picturesque Wedding at The Erlowest
Many couples choose to host their weddings at The Inn at Erlowest because of its history and picturesque location. The Inn can host weddings with more than 250 guests, and intimate ceremonies with fewer attendees.
Depending on the season, couples can plan indoor or outdoor ceremonies. Some prefer to marry on the lakeshore, with the Minne Ha Ha, a restored steamboat, chugging by. Others opt to wed in the Grand Ballroom, a large room that retains turn-of-the-century sophistication.
“Because of our Grand Ballroom Wedding Space, we host many destination weddings,” LeAnna said.
The Grand Ballroom or the outdoor patio can also host receptions, with the in-house dining team providing food and drinks.
One parent described her son’s wedding at The Inn in a testimonial on the site:
“The place is beautiful, and the staff is excellent. The wedding coordinators were spot on, and the event went on without a flaw. The food was excellent. Not a bad word was spoken from over 150 guests. Everyone was impressed. I’d love to live it over again.”
Couples who marry at The Inn — and their families — often return to celebrate relationship milestones. Many return to their wedding spot annually and a few couples have even visited The Inn at Erlowest each year for the past 30 years.
Even if couples don’t live near Lake George, they can work with The Erlowest team to plan the wedding of their dreams. The team appreciates designing customized experiences that reflect unique relationships.
“Our management teams and staff are considered more family than co-workers. Because we are a smaller property, we have the opportunity to experience a more close-knit working atmosphere. We take great pride in the working relationships we have on our property,” LeAnna said.
The Inn at Erlowest Creates Special Memories for Guests
Visitors traveling to The Inn at Erlowest have several transportation options to Lake George. The Inn is about 200 miles from New York City, so guests can drive the four hours. The Albany International Airport is 50 miles south of the Lake George Area and serves most major airlines. Amtrak runs routes from New York City to Montreal with daily stops in Fort Edward, which is about 20 minutes from the Lake George area.
When booking, couples can also decide which of the 10 king suites they prefer. Each suite has a different style, and the luxury options offer more amenities.
Couples can also choose from a variety of packages. In addition to The Erlowest Experience, The Inn offers The Romance Package throughout February — except for Valentine’s Day weekend.
Couples who opt for The Romance Package stay in one of The Inn’s jacuzzi tub suites. They are greeted with two bottles of champagne, two champagne flutes, chocolate, and chocolate-covered strawberries. They’ll also enjoy dinner for two in an igloo, as well as an Erlowest blanket that they can take home.
Couples can plan excursions in Lake George and its surrounding areas. Outdoor lovers have recreational opportunities year-round, including skiing, boating, and whitewater rafting.
The Inn at Erlowest allows guests to explore Lake George or enjoy a relaxing weekend on The Inn’s grounds. Couples can also spend time appreciating their relationships.
“Our guests feel they are in their own turn-of-the-century home overlooking the lake, all while being pampered by our staff,” LeAnna told us. “From the moment they are greeted with chilled prosecco to our maintenance team cleaning the snow off of their vehicle windows for them.”