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While tourists might flock to New York City year round, there are tens of thousands of miles to be explored outside of Manhattan. The Hudson Valley and Catskills hotels give you a a starting point to explore it all. Head north of the five boroughs for just a few short hours and you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, history and, of course, boutique hotels and super chic cabins. Hot spots like Kingston, Woodstock, and Hudson all offer unique upstate New York charms, so we rounded up a few of our favorite places to stay in the Hudson Valley and the the Catskills regions for the winter and beyond. Read on for family friendly getaways, the best hotels for romantic retreats, and a few sprawling properties to spend time with friends in magical New York state surroundings.
Hudson Valley & Catskills Hotels
You’ll find plenty to do any season at the Eastwind Hotel and Bar. During the winter months, you can ski at nearby Windham and Hunter mountains, cook in front of a fire pit (with hotel-provided BBQ kits no less), or unwind in a Finnish style sauna. When weather allows, explore one of the many nearby hiking trails or partake in some outdoor yoga. The 1920s-era lodge, located in the so-called “gem of the Catskiils“ offers guests several experiences: Stay in a Lushna, one of the glamping cabins on the property, or book a more traditional guest room, decked out with high end linens and Scandinavian style vintage furniture.
Less than two hours from NYC in the Hudson Valley, Kingston is full of industrial charm–and the Hutton Brickyards provides a healthy dose of it for those looking. Located on 73 acres of Hudson river-front landscape, a series of 31 cabins are a welcome change from average hotel rooms, with amenities like breakfast delivered to your door each morning. Spend your days at the spa, taking in a local nature walk, or dining at the on-site restaurant–all with prime views of the Hudson river.
A stay at Wildflower Farms will not come cheap, but you will experience some of the best hospitality upstate New York has to offer at this very special property. Comprised of 65 freestanding cabins and cottages—the cozy interiors were designed by AD Directory duo Ward + Gray—you might not want to leave your suite, but there’s much to be explored on the property. Travel the grounds, which include a small scale farm with sheep, donkeys, and chickens, as well as an onsite dining room and bar serving American fare, a world class spa and wellness center, and an outdoor pool and hot tub to soak in under the stars.
Opened last fall in the charming Ulster County town of Accord, INNESS is a similarly sprawling compound of cabins with a shop, restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, and a few tennis courts to keep you occupied—so much so that you might never have to leave the property. Just as impressive as the amenities are the design accolades–AD senior design editor Hannah Martin admired INNESS’s interiors on a trip during the hotel’s inaugural season last fall,” gnarled wood stools, Shaker-esque dining chairs, rustic ceramics—mix with new, clean-line designs, like a lighting collection made in partnership with Brooklyn-based Roll & Hill or seriously covetable kitchens by Plain English.”
Arguably one of the buzziest Catskills hotels opened in the last few years, celebs and design lovers flocked to Japandi influenced Piaule–with great reason–seemingly before the paint dried on the 50 acre property last summer. Enjoy the environs with slightly less hype this year, and be sure not to miss the breathtaking spa, where massages and healing sessions can be booked and visitors can submerge in the hot pool and mineral plunge while enjoying a panoramic view of the woods below.
Another property situated near Windham Mountain, the very soon-to-be-reopened Wylder Windham will offer a distinct vibe for travelers looking to enjoy the area’s offerings starting July 13. A set of dwellings that includes a Victorian farmhouse, as well as several lodges cottages, and more traditional inn and motel structures, guests can fully choose their own adventure. Aside from the lodgings, pickleball courts, saunas, and river access can all be enjoyed in this picturesque setting, designed by the outdoor oriented Wylder Hotel group.
We’d be remiss not to feature the legendary Mohonk Mountain House resort, which has been welcoming guests to its mountaintop perch since the 1870s. The historic landmark is comprised of 259 guest rooms in a chalet style structure, situated alongside Lake Mohonk, where guests can enjoy kayaking or fly fishing.
The newly renovated Shandaken Inn is classic Catskills resort, reimagined. Nestled between the the Esopus Creek and the foothills of the Catskill Mountains—if you’re lucky, you can see the fog rolling down the hills from the great lawn of the property—the Shandaken offers 15 guest rooms and three very recently opened cottages located on the edge of the property. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast during their stay, as well as an outdoor pool, onsite gym, and a magical walking trail along the creek. Expect homey touches like wood accents, owl motifs, and mountain kitsch in a modern package.
Former Clever editor Nora Taylor described Hudson’s The Maker hotel as ”the perfect escape for design lovers” and delighted in the property’s collection of over 1,000 lights and lamps. Most of the furniture in the revamped historical structures–there are three total–is reclaimed or restored vintage but without the kitsch factor and stocked with luxe accoutrements, including a high end gym and juice bar. When you venture out, you’re in the heart of all that downtown Hudson has to offer, including great food and antique shops.
Just off the main drag in Hudson is the incredibly charming Wm. Farmer & Sons. Spread across three distinct buildings along Front Street (just up the road from the Amtrak station and the Hudson River) each structure offers a unique type of stay, from classic hotel suites to apartment style offerings and a freestanding townhouse with a shared outdoor space and kitchen. Consistent across the board is thoughtful decor with antique touches and top of the line amenities. You’re also in for one of the best meals Hudson has to offer at their onsite bar and restaurant. Their specialty is handcrafted cocktails, so mixologists might want to pay attention here.
Private Homes & Cabins
Everything about this 1800s cabin, tastefully decorated in cozy Scandi style, is picture perfect, but the cedar barrel hot tub might just be the star of the show. When you’re not indulging in a soak, enjoy the hillside views, curl up by the wood burning fireplace, or take a nap in the detached guest studio.
Animal lovers, don’t miss your chance to stay at this heritage breed farm–without any of the hard work required. The open floor plan cabin overlooks the horse pasture at June Farms, which is also home to the Pony Barn, a popular restaurant that serves wood fired pizza and often hosts events during the summer season. The 120 acre property is also home to cows, chickens, ducks and more –though you can escape it all in the comfortably appointed cabin if you’d prefer.
Located just outside of Delhi, New York (one of the small towns that surrounds Plattekill Mountain) this tiny home has been planted in the middle of the forest—but with all the modern amenities you might be looking for, including super fast wifi and a living room with a movie projector. Outside, enjoy the BBQ and firepit nestled next to a running creek. While the interior is quite small (it’s a tiny home after all) it’s tastefully decorated and well outfitted for a lovely stay.
One of our favorite treehouse Airbnbs, this super modern property is just 15 minutes from Woodstock for an off-the-grid experience that still feels luxe. The dramatic portrait windows open into the forest and overlook a peaceful pond and hot tub with breathtaking mountain views. Indoors is all clean lines and pine with a modern kitchen and wood burning fireplace.
