REVIEWS*
Date of Stay: September 2024
Posted On: 10/15/24 by Joe D.
“Where to begin.. the owner John was very helpful and responsive. Otter Rock Hideaway is a secret gem. From the moment you pull in and see the copper downspouts on this amazing lodge you know you have arrived to someplace special. Any door to the inside leaves you in a very comfortable and wonderful space. It is more than the sum of its wonderful parts. Its a feeling more than a place to stay. We loved it! The list of endless positives begins with the view. The many different types of fireplaces. The comfy places to spend a sunny or rainy day whether you are inside or out. Our dog Kona loved it as much as we did. She loved to swim and sit by my side at the large fire pit. We used the small fishing boat a few times which was great. The lake is small but not tiny. The light changes quickly so when see it bright and vibrant go to the lake. The only negative was realizing the home was not ours and that we had to leave. Thank you John. Sincerely Joe Deb and Kona. ”
Date of Stay: July 2023
Posted On: 7/26/23 by Wendy L.
“What a beautiful retreat! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment in this amazing home. It was such a peaceful place to rest, away from the busyness of normal life. Great job on making the home both attractive and comfortable!”
Date of Stay: June 2023
Posted On: 7/25/23 by Jennifer H.
“We had the best time at Otter Lake, we staying at the end of June and early July. We had some rain days, but the lake was still pretty warm and very clean. The kids swam and fished daily and we used the kayaks to see the rest of the lake. It was very private and quiet at the camp, we have nothing but good things to say. We hiked 2 nearby mountains and went to Old Forge one day to check out the little shops. The house is equipped with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. We loved the fire pit where we had a lot of good memories. I highly recommend this Adirondack house for any family vacation. John was very helpful with everything little thing we needed to get settled when we first arrived. ”
Date of Stay: October 2022
Posted On: 10/11/22 by Bruce D.
“We had a great visit in Otter Lake. The house was well appointed and very comfortable. Everything was in good condition and worked properly. The house was comfortable for our two families and had plenty of space for us to cook, play, eat and sleep comfortably. The available boats were perfect (even if the fishing wasn't great, lol). Communication was easy with the owner and check-in and check-out were super easy. I would have not problem staying here again or recommending this property to friends or family. Thanks again!”
Date of Stay: December 2021
Posted On: 1/13/22 by Mary M.
“We vacation in the Adirondacks every year and the family agrees we need to return to this property! Spacious, comfortable and clean, the home perfectly accommodated us. We appreciate the ease of the entire process, including the booking and follow up communications with the owner. Already looking at the summer availability as the property would be a blast during the warmer months, too! Thank you!! Thank you!!”
Date of Stay: June 2021
Posted On: 6/29/21 by Donnie H.
“We have rented several vacation homes in the Adirondack and this by far was the best we've ever stayed. The house itself was amazing and everything we could ask for, and the location was top notch being right on Otter Lake while also being close to Old Forge. The beach area and lake view were the best parts, along with the countless amenities. The owner was very accommodating and dog-friendly, which is a requirement for us anytime we travel to the Adirondacks. We definitely plan on returning soon! ”
Date of Stay: May 2021
Posted On: 6/7/21 by Wendy L.
“Joh is always a great host! He responds quickly, and they are very accommodating. The house was very clean and well-stocked once again. We could not ask for a better place to stay. The backyard and the screened-in porch were available this time of year so many more options to enjoy with the summer months ahead, firepit, grill, beach, swim dock, including a boathouse. Overall a wonderful place: we will be staying here again! Don't forget to get to book a trip on the Railbike at the Thendara Rail station it was a very nice experience for all ages.”
Date of Stay: February 2021
Posted On: 3/17/21 by Lori K.
“The perfect winter getaway. We enjoyed snow filled days, and fireside snuggles with our young family including our two dogs. This beautiful waterfront lodge was an absolute gem. We watch snowmobiles cross the frozen lake and enjoyed many walks right from the front door. It was easy to run into town for little things we forgot (hot cocoa) and we had many options for takeout on the nights we decided not to cook. But most of all we had plenty to enjoy right at the lodge and had no reason to leave. We enjoyed the craftsmanship of the home and the Adirondack details were simply beautiful. We could just relax and play charades or connect four and make memories together with the crackling fireside and hot cocoa for the kids. ”
Date of Stay: February 2021
Posted On: 2/22/21 by Robert G.
“It started started with good communication prior to renting with the Owner with some questions I had regarding winter activities. All questions were answered promptly.
From there we decided to move forward. It was a good choice. We knew that immediately upon arrival. The location, the decor, etc was spot on. Our family felt comfortable with the place out of the gate.
We had a great trip enjoying the many winter activities the area has to offer. Good memories for the kids and ourselves.
”
Date of Stay: December 2020
Posted On: 1/5/21 by Michael M.
“This property is everything you could want and more for a family vacation. It is clean, updated and spacious. John Collins is a gentleman and made sure that we were pleased with our stay. I highly recommend this property. The view of the lake is excellent! We will definitely being staying at this cabin again!! ”
Date of Stay: November 2020
Posted On: 12/1/20 by Wendy L.
“Fabulous place to stay. Everything you need to feel like your in the Adirondack but with lots of rustic luxury.Location convenient to necessities but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy privacy. ”
Date of Stay: October 2020
Posted On: 10/14/20 by Kelley F.
“We really enjoyed our stay at Otter Rock Hideaway. The owner was great to work with, answering any questions. The home was beautifully decorated, spacious, and had little extras the kids really enjoyed - paddle boats, kayak, swing, beach area, fire pit with chairs, etc. You definitely can't go wrong if selecting this home for a vacation. We hope to return again in the future. ”
Date of Stay: August 2020
Posted On: 9/1/20 by Matthew B.
“We found this to be a well-appointed home with a very nice kitchen that had ample dishes, silverware, pots and pans and everything we needed to cook our meals for the week we spent there. There are two porches with great views of the lake. The home has a nice cabin feel with several modern touches. The sandy beach area was a hit. We brought our own kayaks, but there were several available in the boathouse with paddles and life jackets in various sizes. There are two large tables for dining, one in the house and one in the screened porch. Over all it is a very comfortable and welcoming home, and we very much enjoyed our stay.
The lake itself is on the small size, and easily paddled. We encountered a bald eagle, a family of loons and a great blue heron on our outings on the water.
The communication with the owner was smooth and painless. We have over ten years' experience vacationing in the Adirondacks, and this was one of the easiest and best experiences we've had with a property owner. I realize this is not a feature of the property, but a hassle-free rental transaction makes for a more enjoyable experience on the whole. ”
Date of Stay: August 2020
Posted On: 8/20/20 by Rachel B.
“Our family of seven returned to this wonderful lake house for the second year in a row. By far the nicest rental we have vacationed at so far in the Adirondacks. Many updates since last year by the owners. Very impressive!
The recent updated sandy beach made swimming such a pleasure. We spent hours floating around the warm clear water. After swimming, we washed the sand from our feet at the outside shower.
After dinner on the screened in porch, the family either went kayaking or fishing as the sun set over Otter Lake. Our granddaughter caught a good size small mouth bass this year.
The owners did everything possible to ensure all questions were answered in a timely fashion and our needs were met before and during our stay.
We look forward to a return visit this fall. If you are looking for a relaxing location for a getaway we highly recommend this lake house. ”
Date of Stay: June 2020
Posted On: 8/20/20 by patrick b.
“A week-long stay here is the perfect summer getaway! This was our second year staying at the property and we loved it just as much as our first stay. It's such a great house with plenty of space, loads of amenities, and a great location right on Otter Lake, a short drive from Old Forge. We loved the updates since last year, especially the private beach! It's a perfect spot to sit and watch the sunrise. Some of our favorite activities are kayaking around the lake, hiking nearby mountains, cooking in the spacious kitchen, and ending the night sitting around the fire. We can't wait to do it again next year!”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 8/17/20 by Stacey H.
“We returned this year simply because last year was so fantastic. This year, we again had an amazing time. The changes made to the lakeside of the property were well thought out, and fully put to use by our family and friends. I think we might have actually spent more time in the water than last year, and we didn't think that was even possible! And the "remodeled" fire pit was great!.
This camp is not just something made to look great (which it really really does) -- it is made to be used and fully enjoyed. The additions that were made over the past year just enhanced the whole visit. We highly recommend this camp to anyone thinking of visiting the Adirondacks. We love staying here! ”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 8/16/20 by Peter R.
“We rented this property last year and thought it could not get any more perfect...but it did! With the addition of a sandy area for wading, this property is ideal for families with children. The ample deck space, watersport options, thoughtful appointments, proximity to hiking trails, and responsive owners make this a dream. The owners obviously want your experience to be as special as possible.”
Date of Stay: August 2020
Posted On: 8/10/20 by Kristin H.
“Our second year back to Otter Lake and it did not disappoint. We are a family of 10 and all sleep comfortably. This year we were pleasantly surprised by the amazing upgrades of a beautiful beach area and updated fire pit. Kids spend hours in the lake jumping off the floating dock, pedal boating, and kayaking. The house is stocked with everything we need which makes packing and unpacking so easy! Owner is so responsive and makes everything easy! Can't wait until next year!”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 7/28/20 by Loretta M.
“It is a beautiful home with Adirondack decor galore. We thoroughly enjoyed the view of the lake along with the amenities inherent with the property: floating dock, sandy beach, fire pit, paddle boats and kayaks. Enjoyed having coffee in the morning in the screened in porch with a lake view. Plenty of space for everyone (we had 8). Beautiful kitchen with all that you need. We had a wonderful time. The only negative I would say is that Otter Lake seems to be a party lake and therefore can be noisy. All in all though, really great!”
Date of Stay: June 2020
Posted On: 6/26/20 by Diane L.
“We were BEYOND happy with our stay at Otter Rock Hideaway. The home is spacious, beautifully decorated and maintained. The furniture is totally Adirondack in theme, picked with care and made with quality. The kitchen is large and fully equipped and over the week that we were there, I never went for an item that wasn't already in place waiting to be used. The amenities are amazing...paddle boats, kayaks (both youth & adult), a row boat, and life jackets in all sizes. Everything both inside and out is of high quality and clean! The owners have thought of everything, including games, a modern washer and dryer, dishwasher, pots, pans and dishes for an army. It is obvious that they want you to feel at home when you are staying there...and we did! There were oohs and ahs around every corner. 2 stunning stone fireplaces, a very large screened in porch and a 4 season room (with a table just perfect for jigsaw puzzles) overlooking the lake and the fire pit. There was also the huge surprise of a new, private sandy beach, complete with a stone retaining wall and stone stairs leading down to the water. Our grandkids had a blast building sand turtles and lobsters. We swam, kayaked, fished and went all around the lake, with something new to see every time. We travel a lot and I don't know when I've ever been as happy with a home as we were at Otter Rock Hideaway. I sincerely believe that this home helped to put our vacation over the top. I wouldn't change a single thing! ”
Date of Stay: December 2019
Posted On: 1/21/20 by Kristin W.
“Gorgeous house! Better than the pictures. Very comfortable and had everything we needed. 3 couples with small children and dogs. Highly recommend! ”
Date of Stay: December 2019
Posted On: 1/12/20 by Susan C.
“We very much enjoyed our short getaway to Otter Rock Hideaway. When we arrived at the cabin our first thought was that it was even nicer than the pictures indicated. It was tastefully decorated and was comfortable and cozy. We especially enjoyed the kitchen, which was large, well-equipped and had lots of room for our food and beverages. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate so we spent most of our time inside. This was fine even with our large group, as there was plenty of room for everyone. We felt the cost was quite reasonable and would definitely rent this cabin again! Thank you to the owner for providing lots of helpful information, as well as coffee!!”
Date of Stay: October 2019
Posted On: 10/15/19 by Sheila M.
“We stayed at Otter Rock Hideaway over the holiday weekend. We have stayed at many different locations in the Old Forge region and Otter Rock Hideaway was definitely our favorite! Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The inside of the house was so beautiful and perfect for our extended family. The property outside was truly amazing. The view of the lake is breathtaking. We spent a great deal of our time enjoying boating, fishing from the dock, kids playing outside, enjoying the back deck, and having a campfire. We used the 4 kayaks (2 kid kayaks and 2 adult kayaks), 2 pedal boats and the fishing row boat. Otter Lake was just a short 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Forge. We enjoyed the hike to Bald Mountain and the scenic chair lift ride at McCauley Mountain. The owner was great to work with and we cant wait to stay at Otter Rock Hideaway again!”
Date of Stay: October 2019
Posted On: 10/13/19 by Michelle L.
“We had a party of 10 for the weekend to enjoy the fall leaf change. The view from this beautiful home was incredible! We woke up bright and early each morning to enjoy the sunrise & have our coffee - it was so serene and peaceful. The kitchen was fully stocked - we needed to bring nothing extra with us. There was enough room for all of us to enjoy each other's company without being on top of each other. The kids and adults enjoyed the paddleboats and kayaks. And we all enjoyed sitting on the dock taking in the views. It was an incredible weekend and we have already booked for next year. Excited to be making our stay here in annual tradition”
Date of Stay: July 2019
Posted On: 8/26/19 by Peter R.
“The camp was perfect in every way. Clean, well appointed and with every activity you could imagine available. It is a nice quiet location but immediately accessible to old forge or nearby outdoor activities. Each detail was well thought out and the size was perfect for our extended family. We will definitely be renting again!!”
Date of Stay: August 2019
Posted On: 8/18/19 by Cathy O.
“Our family truly enjoyed our stay at Otter Rock Hideaway! The home has beautiful views of the lake, especially from the porch! The kitchen was enjoyed tremendously by our family chef. The granite island was a perfect place for meal preparation. The living room furniture was very comfortable and cozy. There are so many local attractions that we need to come back again just to get to enjoy more of them. The weather was such a welcome relief from our weather at home! The owners of the home were easy to work with and even sent us a list of recommendations of items to bring with us for our stay. The list was so helpful because the house had so many things that we didnt have to bring much from our home. The house is beautiful and very welcoming! We would definitely return for another vacation! ”
Date of Stay: January 2019
Posted On: 8/7/19 by Kathy L.
“We loved the place. It was decorated so nicely. Everyday I saw something new.
Thanks for having such a wonderful place. Hope we cleaned up enough. Thanks again for a wonderful memory.”
Date of Stay: July 2019
Posted On: 7/30/19 by Patrick B.
“We absolutely LOVED this property and were thoroughly pleased with our stay! The home is located in a quiet neighborhood right on Otter Lake and includes every amenity you could possibly want. We loved spending time on the private docks, making smores in the fire pit, and kayaking around the peaceful lake. The boathouse was well stocked with life jackets and even had a stereo. The area around the shoreline is rocky, but the floating dock is perfect for jumping in and playing in the water. The inside of the home was clean and beautifully decorated. There was plenty of space for our party of 7 and we appreciated the luxury touches around every corner. It hardly felt like camping at all - the water pressure in the showers was even great! We also loved the gorgeous kitchen with huge center island which was great for preparing big family dinners. The owners are also extremely accommodating, communicative, and helpful, which is a huge benefit to out-of-town and first-time visitors. All in all, we had a tremendous week. The camp is a PERFECT place for a fun and relaxing family vacation and we can't wait to come back and visit again soon!”
Date of Stay: July 2019
Posted On: 7/21/19 by Stacey H.
“We stay on Otter Lake during our annual vacation. This year we needed something larger (had people join us) and something easier for my husband to get around with his very new ankle and new knee. This place was amazing! We spent time together because we never felt like it was too crowded. Wake up time had all of us in the kitchen (before 6!) and then we would drift down to the dock or onto the front deck. (We had our dogs, so we found that having child gates (we brought them) put up in both openings for the deck was perfect for them to be outside with us.
Dinners on the screen porch were full of laughs and no need for our bug spray! Down time was spent reading or playing games, and we had a group of us in the front enclosed porch. The television didn't get turned on until we had our rainy day on Wednesday!
The main event was Bald Mountain hike, then an afternoon spent on the lake swimming or kayaking. I'm glad to say that our Connecticut friends are now in love with the Adirondacks and hope to be able to come again for a longer visit. Thank you for sharing your camp! We appreciated all of the work that must have gone into this place to make it so open and comfortable.
It is truly a beautiful, well cared for camp. ”
Date of Stay: February 2019
Posted On: 2/24/19 by Shannon H.
“Everything was wonderful, we couldn't stop talking about how beautiful the house and lake are! We stayed at Otter Rock Hideaway for a weekend in February. We had a fairly large group of adults together for a weekend of ice fishing and this house was perfect! The house was clean and warm, there was plenty of space in the driveway for all of the cars, and tons of space in the house for our large group to gather. One of the best features was the screened in porch so that everyone could leave their snowy boots and fishing equipment in there instead of outside I can only imagine how wonderful it would be in the summer! The owners were wonderful- they were extremely responsive and accommodating. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone! ”
Date of Stay: January 2019
Posted On: 2/7/19 by Jennifer G.
“Absolutely stunning home, tons of attention to detail! Very comfortable for larger families, lots of room too spread out and meticulously cared for. Owners are phenomenal with communicating and making certain everything is in order for your visit (including a complimentary freshly ground bag of coffee). Approximately 8 miles to Old Forge Village with lots of eateries and shops. Youll love it!!!”
Date of Stay: January 2019
Posted On: 1/27/19 by Jamie P.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Otter Rock Hideaway. The owners were very responsive to all questions, including the day of check-in. Great location right on Otter Lake and close to hiking trails. We stayed here to be close to Old Forge and McCauley Mountain, and both were just 15 minutes away. The home is beautiful and spacious with plenty of room for a group. Having the bed linens provided is a plus! Plenty of parking in the driveway and a short walk to the home. Plenty of items in the kitchen to cook and bake during your stay. Have already recommended this property to others. Would definitely return.”
Date of Stay: January 2019
Posted On: 1/26/19 by David O.
“We stayed at Otter Rock Hideaway over a long January weekend for a family snowshoeing trip/birthday celebration. First, we will say that the owner was very communicative and easy to work with - thank you! The cabin itself is beautiful and very well appointed. They offer a space that is inviting and cozy, making you feel right at home instead of feeling as though you've invaded someone else's home. Given the time of year, the second wood fireplace in the kitchen was particularly appreciated. All in all, it was a perfect place to be snowed in during a winter storm. ”
Date of Stay: August 2018
Posted On: 10/15/18 by Jeannine H.
“Had a wonderful, relaxing stay at the Otter Lake Hideaway!!! The owner was wonderful to communicate with and answered any questions we had quickly. The cabin is beautifully furnished and well stocked with many utensils and cookware. The 2 1/2 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms were quite convenient for my family of 7. Plenty of 'toys' for water play and lots of room to find a quiet spot to read or just relax!!! A perfect week!!!! Thanks to John and his family for sharing this wonderful retreat!!!”
Date of Stay: July 2018
Posted On: 7/31/18 by Peter C.
“This is really the perfect getaway for those that want to enjoy the Adirondacks in an upscale setting. This home is gorgeous and filled with all the amenities one could want (top-line kitchen, internet, fireplace, screened porch, plenty of space, etc.). The home offers private lake access and is equipped with all kinds of water activities. We found this to be a huge feature since renting gear can get quite expensive. It's a short trip into Old Forge for supplies and other activities, but all we really wanted to do was enjoy the property. The owner is professional, kind, and diligent with communications. 5 stars, without a doubt. ”
Date of Stay: July 2018
Posted On: 7/23/18 by Kristie M.
“We had a great week at this rental! The house is beautiful! Very upscale, comfortable furniture, finishes, and layout. (3) Bedrooms on the second floor, with (1) bedroom on the first floor. The house was oversized for our family of 5, but we appreciated all of the extra room. The house was clean, well kept, and had all of the amenities of home. Lots of lake frontage. The large screen porch and dining table was awesome next to the kitchen and close to the grill on the deck for cooking out. We enjoyed the days swimming in the lake, kayaking and pedal boating with the provided equipment. Plenty of life jackets provided for our entire family and guests. High speed internet. Otter Lake is fairly small, but we preferred this over a larger busier lake with younger kids. Very quiet and peaceful. Owner contacted us both before and after our stay to answer any questions and follow up on our visit. Would highly recommend and stay again!”
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*Reviews and owner responses are the subjective opinions of the reviewers and owners. They are not the opinions of Adirondack "By Owner", LLC and are not endorsed by us. We do not investigate the accuracy of property listings, reviews, or owner responses. Please see our Important Notice & Disclaimer for more details.
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