Upstate

5 Offbeat Places to Stay in the Hudson Valley and Catskills

Maryann’s Coconut Cream Pie room in the Roxy Motel The Catskills and Hudson Valley are filled with small inns, hotels and B&Bs. Whether they’re simple and geared toward unobstructed access to nature, or fancy with plenty of luxurious amenities (a spa would be nice, too), there’s a pillow for every personality around these parts. So…

by kandyharris

10/30/2015 9 minute 1

Maryann’s Coconut Cream Pie room in the Roxy Motel

The Catskills and Hudson Valley are filled with small inns, hotels and B&Bs. Whether they’re simple and geared toward unobstructed access to nature, or fancy with plenty of luxurious amenities (a spa would be nice, too), there’s a pillow for every personality around these parts. So skip the Comfort Inn and stay in one of these lodgings instead.

The Roxbury Motel. Photo via the Roxbury Motel

For the Whimsical

Roxbury Motel in Roxbury, Delaware County. With themed rooms like Wizard’s Emerald Room, Maryann’s Coconut Cream Pie and Archeologist’s Digs, there’s nothing average about the Roxbury. Situated in the idyllic Catskill Mountain village of Roxbury, the eclectic hotel offers studio rooms, kitchenette rooms and suites decorated to the nines, making it the coolest place to crash around.

The Roxbury also includes the Shimmer Spa, where guests can relax with a massage, take a dip in the hot tub or enjoy a trip to the sauna. Shimmer Spa North, the Roxbury’s brand-new 1,200-square-foot facility, is located across the road from the hotel and includes spa treatments, a fully stocked library and a steam room.

Need a cocktail but don’t feel like driving away from your room? Stroll over to next-door neighbor Public Lounge for a drink, bar appetizer or entree. They’ll even deliver your food right to your room.

Getting There: Roxbury is deep in the Catskills, so driving is your best bet. And if you plan to drive, the Roxbury suggests that you follow their directions instead of using your GPS so you aren’t “cranky upon your arrival.” Or, you can take the Trailways bus to Margaretville and arrange for cab service to Roxbury, which is 20 minutes from there.

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa. Photo via Buttermilk Falls

For the Locavore and Spa Lover

Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, Ulster County. This popular Hudson Valley inn is well known as a wedding venue, but did you know that the inn has its own farm? The Millstone Farm provides produce, herbs and other foodstuff for its on-site restaurant, and also hosts chickens, peacocks, ducks, llamas, angora goats and miniature donkeys.

Most of the rooms at the Buttermilk are situated in the main circa-1764 farmhouse, but there are also guesthouses, cottages and a barn. All of the inn’s accommodations feature fireplaces, whirlpool bathtubs and charming antique decor throughout. Meanwhile, over at the spa, a long list of services await you should you wish to pamper yourself, along with a pool, steam room and juice bar. Yoga classes are offered some mornings during the week.

For dinner, make a reservation at Henry’s at the Farm, Buttermilk’s own farm-to-table restaurant. Henry’s uses fresh ingredients from Millstone as well as local growers all over the Hudson Valley, offering seasonal menus yearlong.

Getting There: Buttermilk Falls Inn is located in Milton in Ulster County, not far from the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Take the Metro-North to Poughkeepsie and get a cab to take you across the bridge to the inn (ride should take about 10 minutes).

Hotel Dylan. Photo via Hotel Dylan

For the Wes Anderson Fan

Hotel Dylan in Woodstock, Ulster County. Situated on Route 28 just outside of Woodstock village, Hotel Dylan — designed by Robert and Cortney Novogratz — opened its stylish and fun-loving doors last year and has since grown to be a favorite with area visitors. Each room seems to take its quirky sensibility straight from Moonrise Kingdom, and you’ll get no complaints from us about it. Its low-key Bohemian atmosphere spills outside onto the lawn, where guests can enjoy the fire pit, hammocks and two ping-pong tables.

For those looking to inject some wellness into their visit, 28 West Gym is located right across the road and offers fitness equipment, personal training sessions, group fitness and yoga classes.

The restaurant on the property is currently being renovated into an onsite eatery, but until that’s completed, take advantage of the great food in Woodstock village, catch a movie at Upstate Films, see live music at the Bearsville Theater or head into Kingston for the nightlife.

Getting There: Trailways bus stops in both the village of Woodstock and Kingston, and either option is a short cab ride to Hotel Dylan.

Deer Mountain Inn. Photo via deermountaininn.com

For Those Who Pine for Mountain Solitude

Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville, Greene County. This turn-of-the-century Arts & Crafts lodge near Hunter Mountain consists of six rooms, each one named after a historical figure who lived during the same time period. There are also two detached cottages on the property, both of which can accommodate larger groups.

The onsite restaurant means that if you don’t feel like leaving the divine isolation of the Catskill Mountains, you don’t have to. The locally sourced offerings include bar snacks or a full three-course meal, as well as a fully stocked bar and beer and wine lists. The charming village of Tannersville is just a few minutes away, and it’s worth a drive into town to check out the local stores and cafes.

Skiing is right around the corner from the Deer Mountain Inn. From your room to the front gates, it’s 15 minutes to Hunter Mountain, 20 minutes to Windham Mountain and less than an hour to Belleayre Mountain. Might as well ski or snowboard the whole Catskills trifecta while you’re in the neighborhood.

Getting There: Planning to hole up for the weekend? The Trailways bus will get you to the center of Tannersville, and from there you can take a cab from a local company. However, cab services aren’t exactly prolific in these parts, so plan accordingly.

Rhinecliff Hotel from the Hudson River. Photo via Rhinecliff Hotel

For the Romantic and Car-less

Rhinecliff Hotel in Rhinecliff, Dutchess County. If we had to pick the most romantic spot along the Hudson River, the Rhinecliff Hotel would certainly end up on our short list. The hotel was originally built in 1854 and gained a reputation as a locals bar and live music venue before closing its doors in 2003. In 2008, the hotel was purchased by new owners and underwent some heavy duty renovations before becoming the classy boutique hotel and restaurant it is today.

The Rhinecliff’s rooms all have private balconies, perfect for taking in some seriously spectacular views of the river. Premiere rooms and the premiere suite provide extra space for more than two guests, while the hotel’s other suite is perfect for celebrating an intimate romantic occasion. It also includes a sundeck overlooking the Hudson for private gatherings.

Rhinecliff’s casual bar and lounge is a comfortable place to enjoy wine, beer or cocktails either outside on the deck seating or inside when the weather isn’t so nice. The bar serves upscale bar food, brunch and complimentary breakfast for all guests.

Getting There: No car? No problem. The Rhinecliff Hotel is next door to the Rhinecliff Amtrak station. Get on the train, walk to the hotel, stay for the weekend and get back on the train home. How easy is that?