The Best Hotels for Fall Foliage Views in New York

Sure, it’s nice to take a leisurely drive to see New York’s spectacular fall foliage, but it’s really nice to be able to take in those rich autumnal landscapes from the comfort of one of the best hotels for fall foliage views in the state. New York has many of the best hotels in the world, so it should come as no surprise that it has plenty of hotels, inns and resorts that not only offer fab fall foliage but plenty of creative comforts as well. Here are five of the best hotels for fall foliage views in the Empire State.

Mohonk Mountain House
Ulster County

This castle-like Victorian resort in New Paltz is a leaf-peeper’s dream. It sits on 1,200 acres and is surrounded by the Shawangunk Mountains, one of New York State’s most scenic regions, especially during fall foliage season. Long considered one of the best hotels in Northeast, Mohonk Mountain House has had many noted guests since it was founded in 1869, including John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie and presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Chester A. Arthur and Bill Clinton. Hit the hiking trails, kayak on the lake, go horseback riding or even rock climbing. Or you can just kick back on the porch in a rocker and take in the natural beauty.

Tip: Take a dip in the sea salt-infused outdoor Jacuzzi in the spa. The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House offers more than 80 treatments including couples massages, microgreens facials and the Shawangunk Grit Mineral Body Treatment.

Bedford Post Inn
Westchester

This eight-room Relais & Chateaux property in Bedford, owned by actor Richard Gere, is one of New York’s best hotels for a weekend getaway. Immerse yourself in Westchester’s glorious fall foliage along the wooden trails on the property and take a yoga class in a restored barn. Afterward, have a glass of wine by the wood-burning fireplace and dine at one of the two dining options on the property. Your options include the Barn, a more casual option with wood beams and rustic décor that offers salads, sandwiches, country classics and brunch on weekends. The Baldanza is a little more upscale, but offers delicious farm to table local organic ingredients and handmade pastas. Guests at this best hotel in the area nominee can choose from five different room layouts, each with its own unique romantic feel. Some even have their own terrace which overlooks the foliage-packed property come fall.

Tip: Don’t skip dessert: the Bomboloni – doughnuts with pumpkin spice ricotta and maple syrup – is a delicious option.

best hotels for fall foliage — The interior of the Lake Placid Lodge. (Photo: AAA Hotels)

Lake Placid Lodge
Adirondacks

Many know Lake Placid as a world-class winter destination (it has hosted the Olympics twice) but this charming village in the upper Adirondacks holds its own when it comes to the best hotels for stellar fall foliage, which you can take in from your rustic-chic cabin or one of the dozens of nearby Adirondack trails (guided hikes can be arranged). Dining on premises includes Artisans, which has a four-course dinner menu that changes daily and a pancakes that have been ranked among the top 10 in the country by Travel & Leisure magazine. The three-season Adirondack chic terrace at Artisans also offers an incredible view of the water. Accomodations at the Lake Placid Lodge are tucked into the trees and no two rooms are exactly alike. Activities at the resort include mountain biking, fishing and boating as well as in-room massages.

Tip: Make your own ooey, gooey smores during the bonfire beside the lake’s edge.

ECCE B&B
Sullivan County

High above the Delaware River in the tiny town of Barryville is this gorgeous, award-wining hilltop hideaway with just five rooms (some with private terraces) that is one of the best hotels in the region. It’s located on 60 private acres so there are plenty of hiking trails to lose yourself on – keep a watch for bald eagles and scarlet tanagers. Other outdoor activities nearby include canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, golfing and zip lining. And of course, during the fall you have plenty of foliage to keep you busy snapping incredible photos on your camera or smartphone. If you’re lucky, you can catch a concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which has come a long way since it held the historic 1969 Woodstock concert. There are also cabaret shows and theater productions nearby when you want to kick back and relax after a day of celebrating the outdoors. Breakfast is served on the deck in a prime position looking out over the river valley.

Tip: Spend an afternoon poking around Barryville’s antique shops.

The Roxbury, Delaware County

This transformed motel is fun and whimsical. The 28 rooms are inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s movies, tv shows and even cartoons, so expect lots of color and kitschy furnishings. Plus, there’s a great outdoor fire pit where you chat up other guests. At nearby Plattekill Mountain catch a chairlift ride to the summit where the majestic fall colors of the Catskills are in all their glory.

Tip: Late night, catch a flick—there’s a DVD library with more than 400 titles.

So there you have it, our list of the best hotels for fall foliage in New York.

Have you stayed at a memorable hotel that didn’t make the list? Share your story with us in the comments section below.

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