Courtesy LakeGeorgeVacay.com
By Ann Donnelly
The Adirondack region is a popular destination for vacationers seeking natural beauty and outdoor recreation. A new company, LakeGeorgeVacay.com, aims to elevate the vacation rental experience in the area by focusing on luxury properties and personalized guest services. Co-owner James Rubino says, “We’ve seen that there’s a void in the luxury market up in the Adirondacks and Bolton Landing area and wanted to bring that resort feel to our vacation rentals and create lasting memories for our guests.”
Currently, LakeGeorgeVacay.com manages six properties, all located in Bolton Landing. While Rubino’s business partner, John Lasalandra, owns these initial properties, the company plans to expand its portfolio by managing other local vacation homes. This dual focus means they cater to two distinct client bases: homeowners seeking management services and vacationers seeking high-end accommodations.
Beyond simply providing a place to stay, LakeGeorgeVacay.com aims to be a comprehensive booking platform similar to Airbnb but with a key difference. By booking directly through LakeGeorgeVacay.com, guests can save 10 to 15% on booking fees compared to third-party platforms. “We want to offer a more economical alternative for guests coming to the area,” Rubino stated.
The properties managed by LakeGeorgeVacay.com are all high-end, luxury homes designed to provide a resort-like experience. One example is the Sagamore Golf House, a stunning property adjacent to the 11th hole of the Sagamore Golf Course. “The only house on the golf course,” according to Rubino. The property sleeps up to 18 people and boasts amenities like a game room, movie theater, and hot tub. All properties the company manages feature hot tubs and are either directly on the lake or within a short walk or drive to private dock access, allowing guests to enjoy the lake’s many recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing.
Rubino’s real estate background, starting with obtaining his license while in college, led him to property investment and the short-term rental market. He recognized the potential of this sector, particularly the ability to manage properties for others without the initial investment of purchasing them. Before LakeGeorgeVacay.com, Rubino started a similar business for the Saratoga area, mostly “track rentals.”
Like many local jurisdictions, Lake George has seen some recent regulations regarding short-term rentals, which Rubino views as a positive development. “We’re open to regulation,” he said. “It helps homeowners understand the requirements and makes our jobs easier.” He emphasized that LakeGeorgeVacay.com focuses on family-oriented rentals, aiming to bring families to Bolton Landing and Lake George for memorable vacations. The company is actively involved in the local community, participating in events like the Bolton Landing Holiday Home Tour and supporting local organizations.
LakeGeorgeVacay.com’s concierge services include options like private chefs and mobile hibachi experiences. They also offer unique “wow” experiences, such as donut walls, s’mores with Sasquatch, and themed breakfasts, like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” designed to add special touches to guests’ stays. “We want to make sure that they have an amazing experience here,” says Rubino, “so they come year after year and ultimately,, make Lake George an annual destination for these families.”
Rubino also highlighted the company’s mobile app, which provides guests with all the information they need for their stay, including house manuals, appliance instructions, local recommendations, and access to the “wow” experiences. “We want to ensure that our guests are familiar with our properties and the area before they even arrive,” Rubino explained. “We also have a house manual for each of our homes.” The manual includes appliance instructions and other necessary information to take full advantage of the high-end amenities available in each home.
For property owners considering entering the short-term rental market, Rubino advises thorough research, including using available tools to project potential earnings. He also suggests investing in properties where owners themselves would want to vacation. For guests, he recommends “creating a list of desired features, such as location, number of beds, amenities, and pet-friendliness, to narrow their search.”
Looking to the future, Rubino says, “Our main goal is to continually improve the guest experience, adding things, whether it be the experiences or different details for their stay.”
LakeGeorgeVacay.com is poised to become a leading player in the Lake George vacation rental market by focusing on luxury accommodations, personalized service, and community engagement. “We want to create a resort feel in the vacation home sector,” Rubino concluded, “and make each stay truly unforgettable.”