Upstate New York is a great vacation destination at any time of the year; the fall foliage can’t be beat, winter offers an abundance of snow, and spring and summer are ideal for hiking, swimming, you name it. But while finding things to do is easy, figuring out where to stay is the hard part. To make things easier on you, I’ve rounded up a list of the Best Hotels in Upstate New York.
The Woodhouse Lodge
If you’re looking for nature and relaxation…
Cost: ~$225 per night
Location: Greenville, NY
Distance from NYC: under 3 hours
Tucked away in the woods of Greenville, New York, The Woodhouse Lodge is a magical hidden escape surrounded by the rolling hills of the Catskill Mountains. Owned by an artistic husband and wife duo, this design-centric 10-room lodge has the unique ability to make you feel instantly at home.
The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and bar whipping up fresh homemade meals and cocktails, and some pretty tasty natural wines, which you can enjoy in their outdoor dining area or right outside of your room. But, what really makes this place special is the ambiance as the sun starts to set and each fire pit on the grounds is lit for the night. The smoke fills the cool upstate air and that’s when you know it’s time to take out the complimentary s’mores.
Things to Do Near The Woodhouse Lodge:
- Hike at the Huyck Preserve
- Visit Catskill Creek
- Enjoy a classic drive-in movie experience at Greenville Drive-In
Read more about my stay at The Woodhouse Lodge here.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
If you’re looking for good food & adventure…
Cost: ~$345 per night
Location: Hunter, NY
Distance from NYC: under 3 hours
Nestled in the heart of the Catskill mountains and located under 3 hours from New York City, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is a great place to escape to enjoy the natural beauty of New York state. In fall, its idyllic location showcases the colors of the changing leaves and offers guests a much-needed cozy escape from the confinement of city life.
The interiors of the space are thoughtfully designed like a modern ski lodge, making both the communal areas and individual guest rooms an inviting place to kick up your feet and relax. And the individual fireplaces in the rooms are the ideal place to cozy up after a long day.
Scribner’s also has an in-house restaurant, Prospect, which is not only extremely convenient for hotel guests but also whips up a mean cocktail and some pretty delectable food. Plus, the ambiance and the view make it the perfect place to dine on a chilly fall night.
Things to Do Near Scribner’s Catskill Lodge:
- Visit Woodstock, New York
- Hike aHunter Mountain
- Dine at Phoenicia Diner & Jessie’s Harvest House
Read more about my stay at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge here.
The Inn at Five Points
If you’re looking for charm and small town living…
Cost: ~$358 per night
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Distance from NYC: 3 hours 20 minutes
A stunning Victorian property based in the city of Saratoga Springs, New York, The Inn at Five Points is oozing with old-school charm and is conveniently located only minutes from the famous Saratoga Race Course and a short walk from the center of town.
Likely built between 1886-1887, the property at The Inn at Five Points offers a unique experience, with each of the inns seven rooms highlight the buildings Victorian glamour and history. You can relax in your spacious room, the cozy communal areas, on the porch swing or by the outdoor fire.
What I loved most about this spot was its charm. It’s so easy for hotels these days to hone in the trends of the times, but The Inn at Five Points has stayed true to its roots, and that’s what makes it so one-of-a-kind.
Things to Do Near The Inn at Five Points:
- See the Famous Saratoga Race Track
- Visit Saratoga Spa State Park
- Hike the Geyser Creek Trail
- Have a picnic on Saratoga Lake
Read more about my stay at The Inn at Five Points here.
The Rivertown Lodge
If you’re looking for the traditional upstate New York experience…
Cost: ~$345 per night
Location: Hunter, NY
Distance from NYC: under 3 hours
A locally-owned boutique hotel with a vintage-modern aesthetic and beautifully done interior design, the 27-room Rivertown Lodge is a real treat. Relax on the custom made furniture by local craftsmen in the lobby, or grab a blanket and cozy up on the second floor outdoor couch while sipping on local wines.
Not only is this a great place to spend the night, but I also highly recommend a nightcap at their hotel bar or a brunch at their in-house restaurant.
Things to Do Near the Rivertown Lodge:
- Go Window Shopping on Warren Street
- Hike Taconic State Park
- Visit Art Omi outdoor exhibition space
- Grab a bite at the Rivertown Lodge Tavern
- Search for antique goodies at The Antique Warehouse
Read more about my stay at the Rivertown Lodge here.
Callicoon Hills
If you’re looking for a traditional Catskills resort experience, reminiscent of the old days…
Cost: ~$279 per night
Location: Callicoon Center, NY
Distance from NYC: 3 hours 30 minutes
A century old resort located in the Catskill mountains, Callicoon Hills perfectly balances the old-school resort heyday vibes from which it gets its roots, with its new modern design. Enjoy a summer day here lounging by the pool and finish it off with dinner and drinks at their delicious onsite restaurant, Conover Club.
Things to Do Near Callicoon Hills:
- Wander through the nearby town of Callicoon & check out their Sunday farmers market
- Grab a pizza at The Kaatskeller in Livingston Manor
- Enjoy a beer at Upward Brewing Company
- Hike the Trout Pond Trail in Roscoe, NY
*This list will continue to be updated as I experience more hotels in Upstate New York.
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