An Updated List of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Catskills
Here’s where to book your cozy autumn getaway.
The Catskills are a treasure trove of natural splendour. Forested hikes, cascading waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a smattering of exquisitely charming small towns all make up the region’s distinct atmosphere. In essence, it’s the perfect getaway destination for those who need a calmer, slowed-down pace (at least for a few days). And for New Yorkers who are looking for a quick weekend trip, it’s conveniently only a few hours away.
With peak fall still ahead of us, now is the time to book a stay in one of the region’s numerous boutique hotels. Accommodations range from Scandinavian-inspired Lushna cabins to a century-old resort that evokes the spirit of a vintage ski lodge. Ahead, eight picks that will spark wanderlust.
Originally founded in 2016 as a boutique homeware label, Piaule (slang for ‘digs’ in French) opened the doors to its Catskills escape in 2021. It takes a couple of hours to reach the property by car from Manhattan, and once you arrive you’re greeted with a panoramic view of Catskill Mountain and surrounded by wetlands and nature preserves. There are 24 wooden cabins available to rent, which were designed in collaboration with Garrison Architects. The overall concept draws inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian architecture and design, with the natural landscape being the main focus. Piaule also has a spa and wellness space that’s tucked into the hillside below the main guesthouse. Here, treatments like sound baths and reiki can be booked, as well as massages and facials.
Situated below Hunter Mountain in the Great Northern Catskills, Bluebird Hunter Lodge is a picturesque respite from everyday life. The hotel opened in July and is part of Lark Hotels’ growing brand of redesigned motor lodges, motels, and ski lodges. It’s less than three hours away from Manhattan and once you’re there it feels like you’ve stepped inside a vintage ski lodge. Wide windows face the mountain and all 45 rooms bring together rustic-yet-modern decor accents. The on-property restaurant beckons guests to enjoy a cocktail or meal gathered around the fireplace, but if you’re in search of an outdoor adventure, surrounding trails for hiking and cycling abound.
This breathtaking hotel is located on 220 sprawling acres between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges. Accommodations range from 28 cabins to a 12-room farmhouse and the spaces feature custom furniture and lighting crafted in collaboration with Roll & Hill. Vintage tables, chairs, objects, and art can be found placed throughout the property, which all complement the natural landscape. The restaurant’s concept is rooted in simplicity and nods to different regions of the Mediterranean, and the dining room is a peaceful blend of natural wood, lime-washed walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. While here, take a walk throughout Inness’ expansive grounds, take a dip in two saltwater pools, or pick up a racket and play some leisurely tennis on one of the two hardcourt tennis courts.
What was once a motor inn is now a modern hotel taking cues from the classic ski lodge. Scribner’s offers 38 pet-friendly rooms and suites designed with atmospheric touches like dark maple floors, vintage rugs, and items from local markets. It’s located just a mile from the slopes of Hunter Mountain and the guest rooms come with private decks overlooking the Catskill Mountain range. There are also sunken living rooms, freestanding wood stoves, and lofted beds for added charm. The onsite restaurant, called Prospect, is at the helm of Culinary Manger Bill Clark and here he serves up dishes inspired by the diverse ingredients found in the region. There are 20 acres of mountainside to explore when staying here, but we don't blame you if you stay inside curled up by the fire with a good read, either.
Dreamt up by a group of friends in 2018, Eastwind is a boutique hotel brand driven by hygge design principles that feel like a blend of Scandinavian-inspired motifs with Mid Century vintage charm. The hotel is located in Windham and accommodations range from minimalist Lushna cabins for an authentic glamping experience to the main lodging that’s a 1920s-era converted bunkhouse. It’s minimal but enduringly cosy thanks to touches like a wood barrel sauna, the hotel’s assemble-your-own barbecue kits, or even the indoor fireplace with complimentary board games. If you make your way here during winter, be sure to make use of nearby Windham Mountain for a day of skiing on the slopes.
For peak small-town charm, head for Woodstock just a couple hours north of Manhattan and located at the base of Overlook Mountain. While here, book a stay at Hotel Dylan. The husband-and-wife-led property has 22 rooms (each of which is named after a rock n’ roll figure) and artwork by Elliott Landy and Michael De Feo hanging on the walls. Atmospheric amenities are charming — think: up for grabs board games and vinyl records to play in your room. There’s also a heated saltwater pool and a central lawn with two fire pits. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the hotel is the perfect home base for exploring nearby small towns, parks, and landmarks.
Positioned on the tranquil shores of the Lake Toronto Reservoir less than two hours from Manhattan lies The Chatwal Lodge. The luxury property resembles a grand Adirondack lodge and is on preserved land that was part of Chapin Park (an 18,000-acre private game and wildlife reserve acquired by entrepreneur Chester Chapin in 1891). Guests can delight in original branch work and native stones that make up the property’s architecture and rooms are composed of original barn beams and carved wood bed frames. The dining concept is at the helm of Chef Jesse Kloskey and is defined by its rustic American cuisine.
If you’re in search of a historic retreat in the Catskills, Callicoon Hills is the ticket. This century-old resort began as a boarding house in 1905 and is now a boutique hotel with 65 guest rooms. The spirit of the property points to what was known as the Borscht Belt era of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s when the Catskills region experienced its first heyday as a getaway for New Yorkers. The decor is sourced locally, as is the food programming at Callicoon’s restaurant, The Conover Club. Nearby towns include Callicoon, Narrowsburg, and Livingston Manor and popular destinations like Storm King are within driving distance.
More like a cool friend’s elegant estate than a boutique hotel, Hotel Lilien is one of the region’s most exciting new hospitality additions. This 18-room property is situated within a 19th-century Victorian mansion that still features original 1890s woodwork and stained glass windows. The design strikes the perfect balance between historic and contemporary, with renovated rooms for an exquisitely comfortable stay. The bar and lounge is a natural gathering space with its jukebox and mid-century modern decor nods, as is the library (the only room in the house that was completely left untouched). Outside, there’s plenty of room to stretch your legs including a sprawling porch and nearby pool deck. And while you won’t ever want to leave, Hotel Lilien is conveniently located 8 minutes from Kaaterskill Falls and even closer to downtown Tannersville and Hunter Mountain.
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