The Catskill Mountains offer a perfect retreat from bustling city life, with lush forests, sparkling streams, and breathtaking views just a few hours from New York City. These mountains have been a favorite getaway spot for generations of travelers seeking fresh air and natural beauty.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, family vacation, or solo adventure, these seven mountain lodges provide cozy accommodations with unique character and amenities that showcase the best of Catskills hospitality.
1. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz
Perched on a cliff overlooking a pristine lake, this Victorian castle resort has welcomed guests since 1869. Family-owned for over 150 years, Mohonk offers a step back in time with modern comforts.
The 259-room resort sits on 40,000 acres of forest and trails, providing endless opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, and ice skating in winter. Gardens surround the property, creating peaceful spots for meditation or simply enjoying mountain views.
Meals are included in most packages, featuring farm-to-table cuisine in a grand dining room. Guests particularly love the afternoon tea and cookies served daily in the lake-view lounge; a tradition that captures the timeless charm of this National Historic Landmark.
2. Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper
Named after poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, this luxury retreat combines rustic charm with sophisticated amenities along the Esopus Creek. The property features two distinct accommodation styles: the contemporary Inn and the more rustic Lodge, both beautifully designed with natural elements.
The world-class spa offers treatments inspired by the surrounding nature, including river stone massages and herbal wraps. After relaxing, guests can explore the resort’s unique attraction; the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope housed in a converted silo.
Dining options showcase local ingredients at Woodnotes Grille, where floor-to-ceiling windows bring the beauty of the Catskills indoors. Dogs are welcome throughout most of the property, making this an ideal getaway for the whole family.
3. Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville
Tucked away on 168 acres of woodland, this Arts and Crafts-style boutique hotel offers an intimate escape with just six uniquely decorated rooms in the main house. The century-old property blends historic charm with stylish updates, featuring original woodwork and stone fireplaces alongside contemporary furnishings.
Hiking trails begin right outside the door, winding through forests and meadows with spectacular mountain views. The acclaimed restaurant serves sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients from the inn’s gardens and local farms.
A highlight for many guests is the expansive porch with rocking chairs perfect for stargazing or morning coffee. The property’s secluded setting creates a peaceful atmosphere while remaining just minutes from Tannersville’s colorful main street and Hunter Mountain’s ski slopes.
4. The Roxbury in Roxbury
Fantasy meets luxury at this whimsical motel-turned-boutique resort. The Roxbury breaks all conventional lodge rules with themed rooms inspired by TV shows, movies, and fairy tales. One suite resembles an archaeological dig, while another transports guests to an underwater mermaid paradise.
Split between two locations; The Roxbury Motel and The Roxbury at Stratton Falls; the property offers both outlandish themed rooms and more subdued accommodations in a historic mansion. The newer Stratton Falls location features private cottages and access to a 50-foot waterfall.
The spa complex, aptly named the “Shimmer Spa,” continues the playful theme with a green glass tile hot tub and sauna. Despite its fanciful design, The Roxbury doesn’t skimp on luxury, offering high-end linens, designer toiletries, and attentive service throughout your stay.
5. Menla Retreat and Spa in Phoenicia
Spiritual renewal awaits at this Tibetan-inspired sanctuary nestled in a 325-acre valley. Founded in partnership with the Dalai Lama’s Tibet House US, Menla (Tibetan for “medicine Buddha”) offers a unique healing experience combining Eastern and Western wellness practices.
Accommodations range from simple dormitory-style rooms to deluxe private cabins with mountain views. The property features meditation gardens, a Buddhist shrine, and miles of hiking trails through pristine forest designated as a Bird Conservation Area.
The Dewa Spa specializes in Tibetan therapies rarely found elsewhere in America, including traditional herbal baths and KuNye massage. Vegetarian and vegan cuisine prepared with ingredients from the on-site organic garden completes this holistic retreat experience, making it ideal for those seeking both physical and mental rejuvenation.
6. Full Moon Resort in Big Indian
Musicians and nature lovers flock to this rustic retreat spread across 100 acres of meadows, forests and streams in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Known for hosting music camps and workshops with famous artists, Full Moon creates a creative atmosphere even during regular stays.
Accommodations vary from simple country inn rooms to private cottages and glamping tents, all designed to connect guests with the natural surroundings. The Valley View House, the property’s centerpiece, dates back to the 1880s and houses a cozy tavern where impromptu jam sessions often break out in the evenings.
Farm-to-table dining is a highlight, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s gardens and neighboring farms. Beyond music, activities include swimming in the natural pool, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or simply relaxing in Adirondack chairs beside Esopus Creek.
7. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter
A 1960s motor lodge transformed into an Instagram-worthy mountain retreat, Scribner’s attracts a stylish crowd of city dwellers seeking weekend adventures. The 38-room property features minimalist design with thoughtful nods to its vintage past, including custom maple furniture and panoramic windows framing Hunter Mountain views.
Fire pits dot the 20-acre property, perfect for evening s’mores and stargazing. In winter, the lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access to Hunter Mountain, while summer brings swimming holes, hiking, and outdoor yoga on the expansive lawn.
Prospect, the on-site restaurant, serves sophisticated Alpine-inspired cuisine in a dramatic space with 270-degree mountain views. The sunken lounge with its circular fireplace has become the social heart of the property, where guests gather with craft cocktails to share stories of their mountain adventures.
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