Reviews

“Our vacation was wonderful, really a dream come true.  The privacy, beauty, serenity of Shangri La was delightful as was the ambiance and authenticity of the cabins.   We had some wonderful outings one day motoring around Lower Saranac and Lake Flower, and another doing a full-day portaging trip around Rollins Pond. We stayed the week of August 8, 2020.  5 adults and two teens. Saw it on ADK By Owner. Accommodations were excellent.  Very rustic and authentic aura but with all modern comforts.  Wildlife was spectacular, we heard and saw all kinds of birds and wildlife but despite that, we did not see any frightening creatures on the property all week.  Weather was perfect.  High 80s in the day, mid fifties at night, so we could enjoy a good swim and a good sleep everyday. Did we?  Yes : Fish, Canoe, Swim, Island, Birds Watch, Walk, Fire Pit, Sunbathe, Go to Malone, Meacham Lake, Colby Lake (Saranac Community Beach), Flower Lake, Lower Saranac, Rollins Pond and surrounding Lakes, Lake Placid (briefly on the way in).  No: Golf, Canada, any museums or indoor activities due to Covid19. What I liked most about Shangri La: 1) The beauty and peace as I've said above and in the pictures.   2) Very well maintained. Clearly the roof, windows, electricity, hot water, are all virtually new, everything about the pond, the lawns, trees, fire pit .... everything is very well maintained. 3)Well equipped: Everything was provided, things we wouldn't find in any other rental and things we wouldn't expect.  Suntan lotion, Bug Spray, masks and gloves, everything needed in the kitchen, fishing equipment.   And the wonderful caretaker, a friendly, interesting guy, delightful to talk to, kept bringing us more things that we might need and some that we just enjoyed including his home-grown vegetables that we cooked on the immaculate gas barbecue.”

— Jonathan H.

“This place was fantastic! The nostalgic cabins were roomy and relaxing. The scenery was beautiful. Our dogs couldn't get enough of the water! Our family enjoyed the lawn games and campfires on the cooler days and visited nearby Meacham lake for the hot beach days. Nothing beats a starry night in the ADKs! Thanks so much for renting to us!”

— Linda K., Fairport, NY

“From the kids... we had a great time this week! We went swimming in the lake almost everyday with our dog Marley. We hiked through some gorgeous trails with stunning views and also spent many hours on the canoes during lazy afternoons. We built campfires and even heard coyotes one night. Yesterday, we went on our first ever 10- mile hike, and we were exhausted. We had a lot of fun here, and we cant wait to come back!! Thank you Mr. Bob. Lucas and Milo Lutzky (ages 14) From the grown-ups...We all enjoyed our stayed at Shangri-la. We saw beautiful butterflies, frogs and bunnies and colorful flowers all around the property. We especially loved sitting in the screened porch with a glass of red wine and watch the sun go down and listen to the frogs. Later at night, being so deep in the forest, the star filled sky was truly remarkable. Beautiful place, great hikes nearby, very relaxing and quiet - exactly what we were looking for. We plan to come back. Thanks Bob! Juana and Michael (ages withheld ;o).”

— Micheal L., Takoma Park, MD

“Our family of 9 (5 adults and 4 children) along with our two dogs enjoyed a very peaceful stay. This is the perfect place for a family vacation, as it allows for closeness, yet the opportunity to have your own 'space'. My son and his family enjoyed staying in the two story house. My husband and I loved the main house, although the bed was just a bit small for both us and our two dogs ;-) My teenage daughter really enjoyed having her own space in the lovely two bed cabin. The weather was a bit chilly, but the family did enjoy some swimming and catching frogs. The owner was excellent to speak with and very attentive and the caretakers were wonderful. My only regret is that I did not get the opportunity to meet Barbara, but there is always next time. We would highly recommend this resort!”

— Kelly T., Nauet, NY

“We had an amazing stay at the cabins. My husband and I stayed in the original cabin with our 3 daughters. Our oldest, 19, enjoyed having her own space in the second bedroom upstairs. The bunk cabin was perfect for my mother-in-law, while my sister-in-law stayed in the main cabin with her husband and 3 boys. Having 3 cabins was really what brought us here because of everything going on with coronavirus, and it was the best decision we ever made. Plenty of room for everyone, including all of our dogs. We swam, hiked, sat around the campfire and just relaxed and enjoyed each other. We did fish, although all we caught were tiny babies. The kids loved it and will probably never forget it. The entire property is utterly amazing and absolutely beautiful. The stars are unbelievable, and we are hoping to return again!!!”

— Shana F., Wantage, NJ

“WOW.....another relaxing and truly peaceful vacation! The kids had a blast enjoying the time outside, fishing, swimming, jumping off the dock & getting in the boats for a trip around the pond. Our only regret was not staying long enough. It was another amazing time & can't wait til our next visit!!”

— Michelle S., Rochester, NY

“The property is fantastic, and the caretakers friendly and helpful. There are three living spaces, the main areas has a kitchen, living room, bedroom, with a smaller room off that bedroom, which then leads to an outdoor screened in porch. The second unit has a mini kitchen, with one large room adjacent that has two beds, and a second floor that has two living spaces with a bed each. The third space has just room for two beds and a sink. This setup is ideal for many family and multifamily types. We loved spending outside time, playing in the water and on the grass. Sipping coffee there, and cocktails later, with even more time in front of the fire at night.”

— Marc Davies, Philadelphia, PA

“Another great stay at Shangri La with my family! We rented the 1st weekend of Aug. Walked into the main cabin to find that the owners have installed internet service. I have to admit that I was at 1st a little disappointed because I like the kids to be disconnected when we're there but no worries they had no interest. As usual they were outside all day boating, fishing, swimming & taking picnic lunches to the island in this beautiful & private Adirondack setting. We had 4 kids from ages 7 to 17 who have all been coming to Shangri La for the last 4 years & made us promise we'd come back again next Summer. It WAS nice to have the use of our cell phones :) Thanks Bob & Phil!”

— Kathy K., Branchport, NY

For anyone taking a moment to read this. I don't write reviews, or fill out surveys and such. My time is valuable and they take time. With that said I feel our stay at Shangri La was worth my time to review... Bob couldn't have been a better, more kind, easy to talk to person. I sincerely thank him for allowing my family to stay there. We were really lucky to find this place last min, and he was very accommodating. He called me prior to departure, and while we were there. He answered all questions and provided important details you would want to know via conversation or promptly by email. The gentleman that cares for the property was also great, and lives very close. He stopped by to introduce himself, made sure we didn't need anything, and offered information on the area. The property was beautiful and well kept. I can't think of anything we were in need of that wasn't provided. The pond was the prize of the property and we had it all to ourselves. My daughter, our dog Maggie, and I made it out to the island a few times. The property around the pond was well kept enabling us to walk around the entire pond. Our old girl Maggie was so fun to watch as her youth revisited as soon as she was outside, and in the water. She absolutely was in heaven swimming at her leisure. She fetched anything we could throw as far as we could, walked the bank looking for frogs to catch and would swim along side us. Also note worthy is the large wooden bird nest posted on the bank of the pond, outside the cabin. I have learned the resident birds are Tree Swallows, and this time of year (July) they were busy feeding their young. If we stood too close they became very protective and occasionally would buzzed our heads. The pond was well stocked with brook trout, and fishing was a good source of entertainment. We landed countless trout, and a few small bullhead. The rental manager told me of a large pond behind the property that holds land locked Atlantic salmon, the name of the pond escapes me. I drove to its closet parking area and walked a trail down to the pond. There was a beautiful log home estate, where I launched my pack raft. I never expected to catch anything... However I did manage to land one small Atlantic salmon, and it was really an uplifting moment for me, and well worth the trip. Our family has discussed returning to the rental next year with other family members.”

— Mark T., Fayetteville, NY

“Away from city lights, the Milky Way was spectacular. And the silence, except for my companions, was golden. Stunning foliage colors nestled in among the deep greens of the pines and spruce. I found it difficult to tear myself away from the tranquil pond for a day's jaunt to nearby Montreal, and while that trip was enjoyable and educational, I welcomed returning to Shangri-la - a delightful place for rest and rejuvenation.”

— Debbie B., Swanville, ME

“Beautiful. Perfect for everyone, young and old. Lawns, surrounded by forest. The pond is outstanding for the canoe or rowboat, with lunch on the island. Spent many hours in an Adirondack chair, reading at the lake edge. Coffee on the deck in the morning, enjoying mist rising from the pond, listening to fish splash.”

— Andrew L., Brooklyn, NY

“We had a lovely time here at Shangri-La! We're certainly going to hate leaving. The three of us have been joined this trip by our friends, the Klober family. The three kids ages 5, 8 and 12, have been very busy chasing frogs and catching fish and watching the hummingbirds at the feeders. We’ve been extremely lucky with weather, a couple of rainy afternoons, but every evening we’ve been able to enjoy the stars while sitting around the campfire. The two boys celebrated their birthdays here this week and they will always remember the great time they had. Bob and Roger have been great hosts. Thank you so much for an amazing week. We look forward to returning.”

— Darcy P. Auburn, NY

“We had a wonderful weekend at Shangri-La. We had plans to hike, shop, and sightsee, however, we didn't leave the grounds. The trout were biting and the pond was calling. We enjoyed the canoes and boats. The dogs love the island and the boat rides over! We enjoyed playing poker, Phase 10, and the Worst Case Scenario games. What a beautiful, quiet, little getaway this is! Thank you for sharing it we'd love to come back.”

— Bill B.

“Great week - 8 adults, three kids, and four dogs. Checked out Elephant Head from the parking area. Several hikes at Paul Smith's VIC. Walked from cabin to debar pond. Debar Pond is definitely worth exploring. Great ice cream at Bakers in Malone! Enjoyed evening fires under the Milky Way. Thanks for sharing this beautiful spot with us!”

— Joel M.

“The evening we arrived, about 6:00 PM, just before sunset, Bob was right! It was worth the drive. We drove from Niagara Falls. The lake was glassy, and the shoreline mirrored the reflections. We ran around the entire lake with excitement. Kelly says, “it's the cutest darn thing I've seen in ages.” The night of our arrival was covered in dark rain clouds. The dark night was completely pitch black like a dark room. We couldn't see an inch in front of us. It felt eerie but peaceful. We were pooped out from the trip and went to bed. When we awoke it was raining. I went outside to fish while Kelly sat on the couch and read. Sadly, we couldn't stay longer. Thank you for inviting us to your Shangri-La. It lived up to its name. We had a wonderful time at Shangri-La. It is so beautiful that we didn't want to leave the grounds. We all enjoyed fishing and caught some very nice trout that we grilled over the campfire and our kids were busy catching frogs, clams, and crawfish. We were here with our friends and we all can't wait to come back again!”

— Bryan and Kelly