As the temps continue to drop and the city becomes a frozen tundra, nothing will warm you up like a jaunt to a place with a many-a-charming new, and old favorite boutique hotels.
Some of them have spas, some have trails, some have quaint fireplaces with a bar where you might meet a new friend, some have it all. The possibilities are endless… in Upstate NY. Look at us, we're on the New York State Tourism Board now.
Pack your cozy little fits, pack up the Subaru rental and dive headfirst into our very exhaustive guide to all of the amazing hotels in and around Hudson Valley and the greater Catskills.
Inness
10 Bank St, Accord, NY 12404
What is it?
Located sort of in the middle of nowhere (which is a perk), Inness is a former Golf Club re-imagined as a minimalist luxe hotel and spa. Featuring 28 cabins, a 12-room farmhouse with stunning mountain vistas, and luxury amenities … say less. Dig firepits? They have that too.
Why we love it.
After hanging in Copenhagen for the half marathon, we were down to try anything that resembled Scandinavian-chic–Inness has that and then some. The understated elegance Inness presents cannot be overstated. Every detail has been accounted for from check-in to the rooms to the spa.
Also, we love a solid on-site restaurant. Bespoke cocktails and rustic Mediterranean cuisine are available at The Restaurant.
Wildflower Farms
2702 Main St, Gardiner, NY 12525
What is it?
Do you like to be outside, even when you’re inside? Wildflower combines a luxury open-air hotel experience with an actual working farm. The word ‘rustic’ comes to mind, but the hotel is hardly roughing it on a 140-acre property with beautiful open-air porches and 65 bespoke cabins + cottages.
Why we love it.
Combining nature + luxury can seem way overdone, at Wildflower there’s an elegance to the craftsmanship. Every decision for the traveler has been made to either maximize a connection to nature or to allow for a relaxed luxurious stay. The on-site restaurant, Clay, scores huge points with menu items like a Dry Aged Porterhouse to Black Angus Tartare, it doesn’t seem like you can go wrong here.
The Maker Hotel
302 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534
What is it?
Set in the town of Hudson, The Maker is one of those hotels that make you wish you lived there. Every one of the comfortable 11 rooms has high-end custom designed furniture that pays homage to a different “maker” (e.g. an artist, a writer, a gardener.) And if you like your room, you can take some of it home with you as many of the furniture pieces are available to purchase.
Why we love it.
High concept places sometimes fall flat, this does not. Each room boasts an impressive attention to the original “Maker” detail with styles varying from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern. The bar is one of the best of any hotel in the region – set in a renovated, 19th century carriage house with soaring ceilings with a dark and dare we say, sexy ambiance, it’s the perfect place to lose a night in Hudson. The restaurant is up there too with a chicken sandwich that will blow your running socks off.
The Alander
7519 NY-22, Copake, NY 12516
What is it?
Who doesn’t love a good travel lodge? The Alander is a newly top-to-bottom renovated lodge with what some might call “retro charm.” Without overdoing it, The Alander has thought of all the proper amenities for their cabins, like an in-room french press, locally sourced snacks, and a campfire with s’mores on weeknights. (pro-trick: replace chocolate with Reese’s for your s’more - you’re welcome).
Why we love it.
The Alander is perfect for couples and families looking to explore. It’s situated in Columbia County, NY which has access to the best of the Hudson Valley and the Southern Berkshires.
Nearby Trail
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail: New Paltz to Rosendale
Rail Trails are sometimes the best option, this 14.4 mile trail is nice, flat, scenic and shady. If you are looking to bike, not all of the path is paved.
Nearby Food
Karma Road
Everything vegan, and everythings tasty. This spot features great service and excellent coffee. Portions are generous so you won’t leave hungry. We’re eyeing the Tempeh Bacon and Tofu Scramble Sandwich.
Nearby Thing
Arrowood Farms
Want to keep it simple with a 'lil food and beer hang? Who doesn’t. Check out Arrowood farms, a small-hops brewery and limited-release distillery. Here you’ll find open air beer drinking with on-site food trucks. If you want to sit down for a proper restaurant experience, then find a table at The Apiary.
Westwind Orchard
Who doesn’t love an orchard? (If you don’t it’s ok but we’re totally judging you.) Westwind is perfect for large groups and families looking for an open air rustic environment. Pizza is highly recommended as is the cider.
Further North
How far from NYC?
The following places are about 2hrs 45 min from Bandit HQ in Greenpoint
Autocamp
882 NY-212, Saugerties, NY 12477
What is it?
Acres of new age camping, Autocamp gives any traveler a premium camping experience without any logistic hassle.
Why we love it.
Glamping sometimes can be a four letter word, but trust us you’ll want to glamp here. Autocamp provides flexible options for however you like to stay connected to nature—from luxury tents, to indoor suites. Our favorite is the luxury airstreams–they’re roomy and comfortable featuring bluetooth speakers (blast a Bandit playlist or listen to the latest episode of Fast & Loose.) Also if you’re nervous about being reliant only on your individual “campsite”, there is an amazing lodge stocked with additional showers, lounge areas, and food.
Piaule Catskill
333 Mossy Hill Rd, Catskill, NY 12414
What is it?
Who doesn’t like a good cabin retreat? Piaule boasts beautiful scandinavian-inspired cabins along with a tranquil spa to ease your connection with nature. Each cabin can vary in size, but we assure you that it doesn’t impact the impressive check-in to check-out experience that has been designed down to every detail.
Why we love it.
It feels like everyone wants to get that “cabin in the woods' ' feel these days, but Piaule gets it right. Each cabin provides heated floors, is modernly furnished, and faces different parts of the scenic landscape. This serene setting was created to reduce traffic noise and limit light pollution for guests.
Scribner's Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Rd, Hunter, NY 12442
What is it?
A design-forward lodge including a brand-new skating rink, firepits, a barrel-shaped sauna, and a cozy lounge built around a freestanding fireplace. Rooms have details like fireplaces and sunken living areas, locally crafted artwork, and a vintage vibe.
Why we love it.
Do you want an Après-Ski moment without actually skiing? Scribner’s has managed to create a lodge vibe that never feels overcrowded. Also with big bonfires on the weekend, personal firepits, ice skating, and an on-site pool table there’s never a shortage of things to do without leaving the premises.
Rooms are also generously stocked with luxury amenities, like their own line of shampoo and bodywash that you can purchase to take home, Pendleton blankets. And some rooms have their own fireplaces.
Nearby Trail
Escarpment Trail and Schutt Road Loop
We wouldn’t suggest a 5.6 mile loop if it wasn’t solid. This is a moderately challenging route that takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It’s popular, so don’t worry about getting lost. Dogs are welcome but please keep them leashed.
Nearby Food
Ohana Cafe
When you think about the Catskills, you obviously think about Hawaiian food. For real though, check this place out.
Prospect in Scribner's
Scribner’s very own restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner means you really don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. The relaxed atmosphere somehow fits for anything from a date night to a family dinner. Check the happenings calendar too, there are guest chefs just about every weekend.
Nearby Thing
Saugerties Lighthouse
Def old, def beautiful, def instagrammable. Built in the late 1800s there’s a small half-mile trail that brings you out to the scenic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Huson. On the weekends it’s also a B&B if you like being surrounded by water.
Kaaterskill Falls
They’re beautiful, they’re large, they’re waterfalls. This is a must-see in the area although warning, things can get touristy if you go at the wrong time (which is anything that isn’t early in the morning or late afternoon.) Also note that there is no parking at the trailhead. We highly recommend checking out the visitor’s information before heading out the door.
Out West
How far from NYC?
The following places are about 2hrs 20 min from Bandit HQ in Greenpoint
The DeBruce
982 Debruce Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
What is it?
Old mountain resort from the early 1900s that has evolved with the times - we assure you that nothing about the accommodations feels antiquated in the slightest. Every one of the 12 guest rooms is clean and straightforwardly designed for comfort. With a pool and acres of land to explore. If you book for the weekend you may not have a reason to leave.
Why we love it.
In addition to the old bones charm of a 100+ year old building, The DeBruce boasts one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley. While the price is very similar to NYC ($225 per person), we’d recommend the 9 course tasting menu. Trust us and you’re welcome.
Callicoon Hills
1 Hills Resort Road, Callicoon Center, NY 12724
What is it?
Callicoon Hills may be the best family friendly resort in the Hudson Valley with no compromises. The 23 acres and 65 guest rooms are beautifully designed for a laidback stay and a warm charm.
Why we love it.
You’ll feel like you’re at a family retreat (in the best way, we assure you.) The property features many outdoor communal spaces and many family friendly activities, this spot will key into your camping nostalgia, even if you’ve never gone camping before.
Seminary Hill
43 Wagner Lane, Callicoon, New York 12723
What is it?
This Catskills hotel and cidery has two separate houses, both equally impressive, the Boarding House for more of a traditional hotel stay experience, and the Mountain House + Guest Cottage which is also available to book on AirBnB. You’ve probably seen someone post about the latter on IG–stay here and you’ll see why it’s in-feed worthy.
Why we love it.
Rustic country design along with European minimalism. If Seminary Hill was only a hotel, we’d recommend staying there. But the incredible part of staying here is their orchard which features a cidery that Condé Nast Traveler called “James Fennimore Cooper’s America with a dash of Tuscany.” We aren’t entirely sure what that means, but either way, sign us up.
Hotel Darby
9 Manor Drive, Beach Lake, PA 18405
What is it?
The only hotel we’d recommend that’s out-of-state. Hotel Darby, located right on a lake and not far from a small (but intensely charming) town called Narrowsburg, is a place you’ll come to for outdoor activity. All 27 rooms are focused to accommodate any kind of traveler, and two are even dog friendly. (Pro-tip, if you’re bringing your dog, call ahead to reserve the specific dog friendly rooms.)
Why we love it.
Private trails for hikes, the lake for canoeing (not recommended for winter), and skiing only 30 minutes away, Darby is your luxurious lodge without pretension.
Nearby Trail
Bouchoux Trail
Who doesn’t love a decent challenge, this is a steep grade at first but then is fairly easy the rest of the 5.8 miles. View’s are decent, but more of a great trail to escape and feel lost (while on a well marked trail.)
Nearby Food
The Arnold House
Pool table, old school jukebox, live music, and BBQ? Sign me up. The BBQ barn at The Arnold House seems to have been untouched by time. It may appear to be a “locals only” spot but we assure you, this is a cozy spot for anyone who ventures in.
The Laundrette
The hippest wood-fired pizza place you’ll find in the Catskills. Started by a former DJ from Brooklyn, The Laundrette serves some of the best pizza to hit your palette and it’s been known to serve up a mean little dance party on the weekends. A must vist.
Nearby Thing
The Museum at Bethel Woods
Woodstock wasn’t in Woodstock. It was in little ole’ Bethel. The Museum at Bethel Woods is famed for its main exhibit—“Woodstock and The Sixties”—connecting you to the artifacts and the 60’s spirit that laid the groundwork for modern day self expression.
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Looking for a more Airbnb-like experience? Red Cottage is a platform that curates beautiful stays upstate (and other areas).
Stay warm and cozy on your trip up north.
