Great Escape Lodge

If you think "Six Flags hotel" means tacky or low budget, think again. Taking its cue from the Great Wolf Lodge resorts (which in turn hew to classic national park lodges), the resort is striking and elegant--in a comfortable, pseudo-rustic kind of way. An inviting, early-1900s Adirondack theme pervades the property. All of the rooms are generously sized suites. Prices, of course, are very 21st-century and reflect the quality; consider midweek and/or off-season periods for lower rates.

The medium-sized indoor water park offers the usual assortment of slides, a (surprisingly long) lazy river, and other water fun. Featured attractions include the Tall Timbers Treehouse, an interactive water play structure with a tipping bucket, the Avalanche family raft ride, and Boogie Bear Surf, a FlowRider wave simulator for body surfing. The unique roof is made of a transparent material that allows plenty of sunshine and makes year-round tanning possible. Compared to larger indoor parks, the Great Escape Lodge is lacking a wave pool and doesn't have a water coaster (a natural for a Six Flags park) or other marquee attraction. Also, its single whirlpool spa is rather small and reserved for adults.

In addition to the water park, the resort offers contests, crafts projects, and a full daily complement of dry activities through its Kids' Club. Think of a cruise ship itinerary for youngsters. It's possible to get greasy fries and pizza at the Great Escape Lodge, but the resort's decent restaurants, particularly the cozy Tall Tales Tavern, are a quantum leap removed from typical Six Flags fare. And here's something you definitely won't find at other Six Flags: Guests can restore their waterlogged skin and get pampered at the resort's onsite spa.

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From Boston: I-90W (Mass Turnpike) to Exit B3. Take I-90 to I-87N (towards Albany) to Exit 20. Take Route 9S and turn right onto Six Flags Drive.

From New York City: I-87N (NYS Thruway) to Exit 24 (towards Albany). Continue on I-87N to Exit 20. Take Route 9S and turn right onto Six Flags Drive.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.