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.

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.
• 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.
• A few of Keir’s favorite roadside treats and hidden-gem ice cream stops.
• Why the Adirondacks remain his go-to place for inspiration, adventure, and renewal.

Resources:

• Weekender Hotels
• Great Pines Resort – Fourth Lake, Inlet
• The Alpine Lodge near Gore Mountain
• Trailhead Lodge - Tupper Lake
• Partner highlights: Gore Mountain · The Wild Center · Warren County Tourism
• Ice cream favorites: Northern Lights (Inlet) · Benny’s (Old Forge) · Custard’s Last Stand (Long Lake)

Produced by NOVA