While Fort William Henry Hotel’s charms have been cultivated over more than 166 years of history, it never ceases to evolve and remain relevant to today’s guests.
The next iteration of Fort William Henry’s continued evolution began in December with the unveiling of a new brand and the start of the first phase of a complete renovation. Phase one includes 36 annex guest rooms, a new kitchen, and the creation of an expanded outdoor three-season porch overlooking the magnificent view at the southernmost point of Lake George.
Officials said much of the first phase of the project will be completed over the winter months and first half of 2022.
A three-year plan includes renovations of the conference center, the standard 64 units, and the Grand Hotel. The guest rooms renovations will be finished in three stages to ensure only a limited impact on the guest’s stay.
The hotel’s lobby and room corridors now have a warm and luxurious atmosphere. A timeless palette of soft creams and pewters offers a seamless transition in mood from day to night, welcoming guests into a social space that is a destination in and of itself within the hotel. All of it has a nod to Fort William Henry’s historic past and deep connection with the outdoors.
“For over a century, The Fort William Henry has stood as a storied landmark in our area,” says Sam Luciano, president of Fort William Henry. “We will draw inspiration from its origins to incorporate into the design of the interior spaces of this grand hotel, while linking it to the draw of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and crystal-clear waters of Lake George. It is important to us that The Fort William Henry Hotel serve the needs of today’s guest, but also that its original charm is felt at every turn.”
The improvements will continue outside as well, none more evident than the three-season wrap-around porch, officials said. For decades, Fort William Henry’s guests have retreated to the sweeping views circling the hotel property, soaking in the sights and sounds and the pine-scented air that make the Adirondacks of New York so unique. Steps off the veranda and adjacent to the hotel is the village of Lake George and Lake George itself.
There will be outdoor fire pits and soft seating.
The three-phased $3.5 million renovations are being led by BBL Construction Services, Design and Supply Interior Designers, and HBT Architects.
Accompanying the renovations is a new brand reimagining a bolder future.
“While our original brand has served us well, over the past several years we developed a feeling that we needed a brand that would better communicate what we are all about; better encompass the feeling of Lake George, the Adirondacks, and the role The Fort William Henry plays in this community,” said Luciano.
In early 2021, Fort William Henry Hotel commissioned long-time partners from Behan Communications, based in Glens Falls, to help develop the new brand image.
The new logo with clear typography and a natural color palette features a view from the hotel that visitors recognize from the property. Said Luciano, “I think our new logo truly represents what we’re all about. It says, ‘The View is Just the Beginning,’ join us and relax while you take in the beauty of Lake George and the Adirondacks.”
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to give our guests the very best experience they can possibly have at Fort William Henry Hotel,” said Luciano says. “Once they stay with us, they come back again and again. Our reimagined hotel and new brand convey just that.”
Fort William Henry Corp. is pumping money back into its main campus after selling its 87-room Best Western Hotel in Lake George to a downstate investment group for $4.6 million in June. Selling the Best Western on Route 9N near Exit 21 of the Interstate 87 Northway freed up cash and gave hotel management more time to position its main campus for the future.
Fort William Henry Corp. is pumping money back into its main campus after selling its 87-room Best Western Hotel in Lake George to a downstate investment group for $4.6 million in June. Selling the Best Western on Route 9N near Exit 21 of the Interstate 87 Northway freed up cash and gave hotel management more time to position its main campus for the future.