Weekender Hotels: Reinventing Adirondack Stays with Keir Weimer
From Great Pines on Fourth Lake to the rebirth of North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, Weekender Hotels is rewriting the script on where (and how) we stay in the Adirondacks.
In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Keir Weimer, CEO of Weekender Hotels, whose mission is to breathe new life into classic Adirondack motels and resorts while keeping them rooted in place, history, and the outdoors.
Keir shares how a 100-year-old, run-down waterfront resort on Fourth Lake became Great Pines—and the unlikely origin story of Weekender’s growing portfolio of boutique adventure hotels stretching across the Adirondacks and the Northeast.
We dig into his philosophy of adaptive reuse, why he wants guests out of their rooms and into the mountains, and what’s in store for the former Phoenix Inn / Copperfield in North Creek as it transforms into a four-season basecamp for Gore Mountain and beyond.
Great Pines Lodge overlooking Fourth Lake near Old Forge.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How a real estate broker became a hotelier with the transformation of the old Northwoods Lodge into Great Pines Resort.
Why Weekender Hotels focuses on reviving classic Adirondack motels instead of building new ones.
The philosophy behind their three pillars: iconic locations, inspiring adventure, and modern, tech-friendly stays.
What’s ahead for North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, including new restaurants, wellness spaces, and community membership options.
How adaptive reuse keeps the Adirondack character alive—mixing nostalgia with sustainability.
Town House Lodge in Lake Placid
The role of local partnerships and tourism development in making projects like North Creek possible.
Lessons Keir’s learned growing a hospitality brand rooted in the outdoors.
His advice for entrepreneurs chasing big ideas in small towns.
Reflections on Adirondack heritage—from Great Camp Sagamore to today’s “get outside” mindset.
Why the Adirondacks remain his go-to place for inspiration, adventure, and renewal.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Links & Mentions:
North Creek’s Alpine Lodge near Gore Mountain.
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ADK Talks Podcast
Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. We share stories from the people behind the best places to eat, shop, stay and explore in the ADK.
