Best of Denver
Ski Mountains of the Catskills
Escaping to the Catskills is about slowing down until the noise falls away. Cabins face open fields, saltwater pools catch the morning light, and woodsmoke drifts through quiet hills. From spa lodges tucked in the trees to small motels that trade polish for peace, these are the places built for stillness, firelight, and long mornings with nowhere to be.
Best Spa Experience: Hemlock Neversink — Indoor pool, sauna, goat hikes, and a full spa wrapped by woods.
Best Riverside Retreat: The Bend — Creekside A-frames, heated saltwater pool, and woodland tranquility near Phoenicia.
Best Design-Forward Escape: INNESS — Minimalist cabins, sweeping mountain views, and a modern farmhouse restaurant.
Saltwater pool light glints beside creekside suites and fire pits, with a wood-fired sauna filling the dusk. A-frames, river access, and seasonal amenities define flexible options for group gatherings.
🥾 Morning Hikes: Rail Trail and Panther Mountain trailheads both within 10 minutes—get out before late risers show up for quieter woods.
🔥 Best Zen Den: For creekside firepit access, book Zen Den 2—closest to water and secluded from other rooms.
🍳 Breakfast run: Phoenicia Diner opens at 8 AM, just a 5-minute drive down 214. Early birds get the counter seats and fresh biscuits.
🧖♂️ Sauna Trick: Firewood and matches supplied—light the sauna 30–45 minutes before you want a real sweat, then hop straight into the river after.
Timber beams, stonework, and a crackling hearth set the rhythm for mountain-view rooms and sunrise breakfasts. Panoramic porches, a game lounge, and daily eggs made to order mark the stay.
🍁 Porch Views: Best mountain views from East Lodge balcony rooms—perfect for fall foliage or sunset after a hike.
🥾 Trailhead Shortcut: Walk left out the drive for easy Green Lake trail access, or drive four miles to Kaaterskill Falls before noon to beat crowds.
☕ Morning Ritual: Skip the line in town—hotel coffee is local and strong, with house granola and eggs made to order every morning.
🦉 Quiet Tip: Light sleepers should request second-floor rooms away from the lobby for the calmest nights and easier mornings.
Fog drifts across meadows beside a pond while spa steam and warm pastries greet each day. Meals at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub in the pines, and a 24-hour art studio shape the retreat at Hemlock Neversink.
🥾 Best Goat Hike: Morning hikes with the goats fill quickly—sign up at check-in for a spot, especially on weekends.
🍂 Peak Foliage: Late September into mid-October brings dramatic color across the ridge by the upper pond—walk the wooded loop just before sunset.
☕ Early Coffee Tip: If you’re up before 7:30 a.m., grab a mug from your room—early coffee isn’t out until then, but there’s hot water in the relaxation lounge.
🎨 Studio Access: The 24-hour art studio means night owls can paint or make mosaics after dark—just ask staff for the access code.
Corridors burst with color and each suite spins a new story, from disco shimmer to archaeological wonder. Guests unwind with an indoor spa, bagged breakfast, and waterfall walks near manicured grounds.
🗝️ Best Rooms: Ask for one on the lodge property for quieter nights and waterfall proximity—themed cottages book up fast.
🧖 Spa Bookings: Reserve spa and sauna sessions ahead—they fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
🎬 Movie Marathon: DVD players and a huge library at the front desk—pick one up for late-night movies in your room.
🥯 Breakfast Tip: If you want a heartier meal, head across the road to Queens Mountain Cafe, early before the crowd.
Stone and polished wood catch morning light, with panoramic decks offering five-state mountain views. Updated rooms, group lounges, and self-serve breakfast support gatherings in a scenic lodge setting.
🌄 Best Room Views: Ask for a room facing the back deck for perfect sunrise colors and peaceful early mornings.
🥾 Trailhead Proximity: Windham High Peak trail parking and a string of creekside hikes are five minutes east; perfect for a sunrise walk.
☕ Morning Coffee Ritual: Early risers will find hot coffee and a fresh pastry spread by 7:30 AM in the lounge—sunbeams hit the tables first thing.
🍲 Where To Eat: Route 23 cafes and the Chicken Run roadhouse are under 10 minutes west—Friday/Saturday can fill up quick, so book ahead or plan takeout.
Old wood floors creak underfoot as sunlight warms the library and garden-view rooms. Continental breakfast features local baked goods, with access to a pool, fire pit, and art-filled common parlors.
🥯 Hidden breakfast: Grab a sweet or savory pastry from Mel the Bakery—just a short stroll and sells out fast.
🎟️ Art & Antiques: Don’t miss the antique shops and gallery pop-ups on Warren Street—best explored mid-morning before crowds.
🌳 Secret trail: The South Bay nature trails begin only a few blocks away—good for sunrise or winding down after dinner.
🛌 Quietest room: Ask for Room 6 on the top floor for the best pool view and mellow mornings.
Rooms open on wildflower fields, sprawling golf greens, and mountain silhouettes, shaped by crisp modern architecture. Onsite restaurant, 9-hole course, and spa define multi-day options for ceremonies and receptions.
🌄 Best Sunrise: Cabins 12–14 face the ridgeline—step out early and catch the sky lighting up above wildflowers.
🥾 Nearby Wanders: Mohonk Preserve trailheads are a 12-minute drive east for serious hiking before the crowds.
🔥 Firepits: The communal firepits outside the farmhouse light up after dinner. Bring a local cider and linger.
☕ First Coffee: Farmhouse coffee service starts at 7 AM. If you're up even earlier, Accord Market down the road opens at 6 AM and does a hot breakfast sandwich.
Afternoon sun fills restored wood interiors while private porches and backyard decks beg for slow mornings. Each suite balances historic bones with new mattresses and a well-stocked guest pantry.
☕ Nearby Breakfast: Wylde and Nolita’s are a block away for espresso, pastries, and early morning baked goods.
🛒 Warren St Wander: Galleries and antique shops stay open late Saturdays—perfect for after-dinner browsing.
🐦 Best Suite: Suite 5 at the top gets sunrise through the windows and a little more quiet—just note the stairs.
🛶 River Spot: The Hudson Riverfront park is ten minutes on foot—bring coffee for an easy sunrise walk along the docks.
Rooms glow with morning light across crisp linens and modern writing desks, a block from Warren Street. Guests find their pace with private balconies, in-room Nespresso, and walkable access to downtown.
☕ Neighborhood Coffee: Mel’s on Warren opens early for pastries and espresso just a block away.
🛍️ Shopping Pulse: Made X Hudson and Mikel Hunter are local favorites for one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing—browse around the corner.
🥾 River Walk: Hit Promenade Hill Park for Hudson River views at sunrise or sunset, just a five-minute walk north.
🔑 Balcony Tip: Room #4 offers a private balcony—guests say it’s worth requesting when booking.
Woodsmoke lifts above A-frame cabins and porches, with laughter spilling from the rec room and bonfire ring. Morning yoga, hot tubs, and a hearty local breakfast welcome guests after mountain hikes.
🎿 Closest mountain runs: Belleayre’s lifts are under 5 minutes away—get up early for first tracks on powder days.
🍳 Breakfast fix: The weekend breakfast at the lodge rivals anything nearby—load up before a ski or hike.
🌲 Hike out back: There’s a marked trailhead directly from the property for morning walks or snowshoeing.
🎵 Rec room secrets: The record player in each cabin actually has local vinyl—ask the staff to swap in hidden gems.
Mist rides over fields and the hum of creek water sets a calm beside rooms with mountain views. Direct trail access, acclaimed tasting menus, and daily chef-driven breakfast frame a full-immersion stay.
🌄 Best morning walk: The Overlook Trail on property catches sunrise through the pines and leads to a hidden pond anglers love.
🎣 Willowemoc secrets: Hotel guests can borrow gear for fly fishing—the trout run strongest just after a rain or in late May.
🥚 Classic breakfast stop: If you want town grit, Robin Hood Diner in Livingston Manor serves eggs and coffee from 7 AM.
🔥 Porch at dusk: Early evenings, grab a cocktail and sit on the front porch—locals swear the light and quiet can’t be beat.
A Catskills getaway is as relaxing as you make it, with every detail designed for rest, reflection, or simply joy in the morning light.
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