The Catskill Mountains in southeastern New York are beautiful to look at and fun to explore, whether that means hiking the trails, resting your head at boutique hotels or getting a taste of the local produce by eating at farm-to-table restaurants. It’s a perfect destination for a trip away from the city.
If you’re heading to the Catskill Mountains for a little R & R, consider a stay in one of these stylish boutique hotels. Not only are these hotels in the Catskills design savvy, they are located amidst some of the low-key region’s most beautiful scenery. Plus, you’re never too far from award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, craft breweries and distilleries.
The Graham & Co.
Phoenicia, NY
This stylish boutique hotel at the foot of Hunter Mountain in the charming town of Phoenicia has 20 rustic-chic rooms with beds made of reclaimed wood (some come with kitchenettes). Take a dip in the swimming pool (in season), play some badminton, have a picnic, take a catnap in a hammock, use one of the complimentary bikes to explore this incredibly scenic area, and in the evenings, chill by the outdoor fire pit. If you want to venture out into the Catskills, there are hiking, fishing, tubing and skiing opportunities nearby.
The Arnold House
Livingston Manor, NY
Located on seven bucolic acres in the Shandelee Mountains near the town of Livingston Manor is the twelve-room Arnold House. Nine of the rooms are located on the second floor and feature cork floors, an en suite bathroom and antique furniture. The large split-level suite is located above the spa and is perfect for a family or a pair of couples. The biggest private room is the King Room Studio in the Garden House, with a private deck. After a day of hiking, horseback riding or visiting local farms, try your hand at fly-fishing (the area is renowned for it), then have a cocktail and bite to eat in the cozy wood-lined tavern complete with a juke box and pool table.
Hotel Dylan
Woodstock, NY
Guests at the Hotel Dylan can borrow a vinyl record from the front desk to play in their rooms, which makes sense being that this bohemian 11-room boutique hotel is located in the famous Catskills town of Woodstock. Each room is named after the rock ‘n’ roll artists associated with Woodstock Nation, such as Jimi Hendrix. Outside, guests can take advantage of the gunite pool with underwater speakers, ping pong table and hammocks. They can also lounge on an Adirondack chair by the outdoor fire pit before or after a meal in the on-site Santa Fe Woodstock restaurant, which serves traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.
Spruceton Inn
West Kill, NY
It’s all about simple pleasures at the Spruceton Inn, a ’60s era motel that has been turned into a laid-back inn with 10 simply designed rooms. Take a stroll down to the creek and play a game of horseshoes, bocce or croquet, then rest after a day of fun in a hammock. A small bar serves craft beer, wine and cider and there are five fire pits around the property to take in the peaceful Catskill Mountain surroundings. Guests can shop for locally made foods at Room One (the front desk and bar) to use in their kitchenettes, at one of the grills located outside or to take with them on a hike. Fly-fishing lessons are available for those looking to try something new.
Hillside Schoolhouse
Barryville, NY
Once a schoolhouse, this boutique inn in Sullivan County is now one of the most charming hotels in the Catskills. It has only two rooms: the Belfry, a large suite located beneath the old school’s bell tower and Room 1893, named for the year the school was built. The Belfry offers a view of the original cast iron bell, which is encased in glass. Room 1893 has a skylight for a view of the stars at night. The main floor, decked out in both new and antique furniture, has a dining table, kitchen and powder room, plus sofas for relaxing, for every guest to use. Nearby, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities including kayaking and canoeing along the scenic Delaware River, horse riding and skiing. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is also nearby, which will host a number of activities and events.
Have you ever stayed at any boutique hotels? What other things are there to do in the Catskills? Tell us in the comments!