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06/12/2009

Mirror Lake Inn receives 25th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award

While celebrating 85 years on the shores of Mirror Lake

Lake Placid, N.Y. (June 12, 2009) - The Mirror Lake Inn has graced the shores of Mirror Lake for 85 years and this year marks the 25^th consecutive year that it has been recognized by the American Automobile Association as an "Exceptional" lodging property with the AAA Four Diamond Award of Distinction.  On June 11, owners Ed and Lisa Weibrecht, along with their staff, accepted their 25^th AAA Four Diamond Award for lodging and 2^nd AAA Four Diamond Award for The View Restaurant. The Mirror Lake Inn is one of only three hotels in New York State, the only hotel outside of Manhattan and one of only 66 resorts in the world to receive AAA Four Diamond status for 25 consecutive years; no other New York hotel, outside of Manhattan, has been honored for longer.

"Considering that less than 4% of the over 31,000 AAA properties receive the AAA Four Diamond status, receiving it in any one year is a significant achievement," says AAA Northway President and CEO Jim Phelps, "to have earned it for 25 consecutive years says a great deal about the passion Ed and Lisa, their management team and all of the associates at Mirror Lake Inn have for ensuring that their guests experience is at such an exceptional level. This achievement reflects well on Ed and Lisa, their team and the pride each of them has for what they do."

Restaurants and lodgings must undergo a thorough inspection to be considered for AAA rating and approval.  The evaluation assesses a hotel's overall quality, range of facilities and level of services.  Judging criteria is broad and includes everything from the size of the hotel to regional architectural style and design. AAA Four Diamond ratings are recognized by the industry and travelers as a standard for rating lodging properties.  These widely trusted symbols help AAA members choose lodgings that will meet their needs and expectations.

"It's an honor for us to have been recognized by AAA for the past 25 years" said Ed Weibrecht, proprietor of the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa.  "This rating is a reflection of the efforts and professionalism of our staff. They earned it!"

85 years on the shores of Mirror Lake

The history of the inn dates back to 1924 when Climena Alford, a native of Lake Placid, married William Rufus Wikoff of Massachusetts. Mr. Wikoff had achieved financial success with his concept of the "Fuller Brush Man," and in 1926 he retired and the couple moved to Lake Placid. Mr. Wikoff created the Mir-a-Lac Inn out of an old estate and it quickly became known as a high-quality resort attracting very wealthy clientele from all over the state and especially New York City. The Inn survived the Depression years, and in 1932, it was winterized for the Winter Olympics and rented by the Norwegian Olympic Team. Up until 1978, when construction of the new buildings began, the Mirror Lake Inn consisted of several private cottages surrounding the main building. One of these was built specifically for Kate Smith in the early 1950's. She and her staff occupied this cottage until her large camp on Lake Placid was completed. In 1988, the main building was lost in a tragic fire and was rebuilt that same year in the tradition for which it had achieved renown. Guests today can enjoy dining in the Wikoff Room as well as view paintings of the area in the Inn's AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The View.

Purchased in 1976, owners Ed & Lisa Weibrecht knew that it was a property steeped in Lake Placid history. They are proud of its local landmark status and greatly value its unique heritage. Any renovations and upgrades to the inn are always carefully planned and scrutinized by Ed and Lisa with a design philosophy that embraces the inn's historic genteel casual elegance as well as its beautiful natural backdrop. Particular attention is paid to preserving the natural environment. Classic architectural style with warm traditional interiors - including the maximum amount of porches, decks and picture windows - and an abundance of trees, grass, shrubs and flowers all work together in connecting guests to the Inn's spectacular natural setting.  

Good food - from casual pub fare at The Cottage to European-inspired cuisine at Taste Bistro to their AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The View - as well as warm and hospitable service are continuing traditions at the Mirror Lake Inn.  The Weibrecht's commitment to both their community and Inn is reflected in all that they do. Whether hosting the annual Joy to the Children event or seeing to the comfort of a guest, it is clear that their passion, for the Inn and their community, will ensure the inn's highly respected position in Lake Placid for many more years to come.

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