Hudson River Valley resorts: Top 9 most popular locations

The Catskill region and the Hudson Valley have been experiencing a renaissance in recent years, making this a surprisingly popular tourist destination for both summer family vacations and winter weekends. The area is less than three hours away from the capital, offering travellers numerous antique shops, art galleries and museums, and a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. In addition, the range of outdoor activities is huge. You can try boating, kayaking, hiking, or winter sports.

Thanks to a number of new resorts in the Hudson Valley, the region is at the top of the tourist map once again. The following list of the most popular hotels, both traditional and modern, will help you choose the best option for your upcoming adventure.

1. Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, Milton

The four-star Hudson River Valley resort is located on a 75-acre property in Milton. This is a great place for a family trip or a romantic vacation, as Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa offers accommodation in various configurations. For example, you can book a three-storey mansion, a two-bedroom cottage, or a spacious house.

The complex combines historical charm and modern amenities. For example, one of the houses where you can stay dates back to the 1760s. The spacious apartments, recently renovated, offer wonderful views of the river or garden. The rooms are beautifully decorated, featuring Victorian-style furnishings or rustic Adirondack elements.

The most popular accommodation option is the Anning Smith House. The rooms include Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa king-size beds, fireplaces, antique furnishings, and garden views.

The following amenities and activities are available:

• spa;
• Henry's at the Farm, a gourmet restaurant offering seasonal dishes using produce grown in the hotel's own organic garden and bought at local farms;
• conference rooms, etc.

You can visit the Millstone organic farm and surrounding gardens, as children will love spending time with animals.

2. Glenmere Mansion

This exquisite estate is located in Chester. Glenmere Mansion is one of the best Hudson Valley resorts, which offers to experience the luxury of the life of the nouveau riche of the early 20th century.

The mansion itself was built in 1911 and served as a country retreat for the family of wealthy industrialist Robert Goulet. The estate is located on top of a picturesque hill among 150 acres of countryside in the lower part of the valley. At one time, the resort was recognized as the best romantic destination in the world by Hideaways Aficionado.

The five-star hotel, built in a Tuscan villa style, has only 18 rooms, which ensures the maximum sense of privacy and exclusivity. All the suites, penthouses and rooms are elegantly decorated and feature spacious marble bathrooms. Some accommodations feature a private garden or private terrace.

Key amenities include the following:

• a full-service spa with a hammam decorated with Carrara marble;
• two gourmet restaurants;
• a playground for playing bocce;
• two tennis courts;
• outdoor swimming pool;
• fitness center.

The hotel's windows and terraces offer magnificent views of the Catskill Mountains and Glenmere Lake. Guests can stroll through numerous hiking trails, gardens, and meadows. The complex is often chosen for weddings and important events due to its beautiful locations and high-class service.

3. Castle Hotel & Spa, Terrytown

One of the best resorts in the Hudson Valley, New York, stands majestically on top of a hill like a medieval fortress. Overlooking the valley, the complex is surrounded by dense forests and lush green gardens.

The Castle Hotel & Spa is an estate hotel located in Terrytown just half an hour from the state capital, offering a break from the bustle of the city amidst amazing nature. The resort's luxurious interior immerses in a refined old-world atmosphere. The rooms, recently renovated, include high-quality linens, goose-down duvets, and Bose sound systems. Castle Hotel & Spa offers accommodation in suites and standard rooms, of which there are only 31. The main amenities include:

• fitness centre;
• outdoor swimming pool;
• hiking trails;
• spa.

On weekends (from Thursday to Saturday), you can order a private dinner, which includes three full meals of new American cuisine.

4. Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House is a beautiful all-inclusive Hudson River Resort that is ideal for family outdoor recreation. The hotel is a National Historic Landmark located on the shores of the lake and covers an area of 300 acres. There are more than 80 miles of hiking trails, several dining options, and a number of recreational activities to suit all tastes and ages. The most popular activities include:

• yoga;
• rock climbing;
• archery;
• boating and swimming;
• ice skating and cross-country skiing in winter.

After an eventful day, we recommend a visit to the spa or a meditation session, or simply enjoying the fantastic views of the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson Valley.

The rooms at Mohonk Mountain House are originally decorated with antique furniture, draperies, and wood-burning fireplaces. Most apartments have private balconies.

All-inclusive accommodation includes three meals a day. The hotel's restaurant uses products from local farms located in the Hudson Valley to prepare meals.

5. Hasbrouck House, Stone Ridge

This Hudson Valley resort allows you to enjoy a stay in an 18th-century Dutch mansion from the colonial era. The luxurious complex is located in the historic village of Stone Ridge, surrounded by orchards and farmland and protected from piercing winds by the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains.

Thanks to its convenient location, Hasbrouck House can be a starting point for exploring the Hudson Valley. We also recommend visiting Woodstock and Phoenicia, which are nearby. In addition, the Main Street neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, filled with eclectic cafes, shops, and stone buildings.

Hasbrouck House offers the following amenities:

• an outdoor pool with a sun terrace;
• two dining options;
• yoga classes;
• spa treatments as part of the wellness program.

In summer, the list of events and activities increases significantly. For example, open-air movie screenings are organized every Saturday.

6. Maker Hotel

This special boutique hotel resembles an elegant bohemian residence, decorated in a discreetly luxurious style. Hudson Valley resorts and lodges are always cozy. The public areas are decorated with mahogany panels, leather upholstered chairs, and a collection of old books.

The Maker Hotel is located on the main street in the heart of Hudson. The complex occupies three historic buildings, including a Georgian mansion. Each room is uniquely decorated and reflects a different aesthetic, such as mid-century modern or 1920s Paris.

A variety of amenities are available for guests, including:

• a European-style cafe;
• a restaurant serving natural farm products;
• candlelit lounge, which occupies a restored 19th-century carriage house;
• a gym offering individualized programs with a juice bar.

When the weather permits, we recommend spending time by the small pool, which is hidden in the garden courtyard.

7. Hutton Brickyard, Kingston

The minimalist, modern rooms at Hutton Brickyards are designed specifically for retreats. Another accommodation option includes guest rooms in a restored Victorian mansion. A special feature of the resort is a 73-acre recreation centre with views of the Hudson River. Guests can also take advantage of the spa or engage in seasonal activities, such as apple picking in the nearby orchard or an autumn river cruise. In addition, Hutton Brickyards is known for its various festivals and music concerts.

8. Inness, Accord

This Hudson Valley resort is surrounded by wooded hills and apple orchards. Located in the rural community of Accord, the hotel offers accommodation in traditional farmhouses or luxurious country-style rooms. The resort allows you to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still offering modern amenities like:

• outdoor pool;
• fitness centre;
• golf course;
• tennis courts;
• spa centre.

The farm-to-table restaurant focuses on seasonal dishes made from farm products. The restaurant offers a magnificent view of the Hudson Valley, with a special experience during the sunset over the Catskill Mountains.

9. Stewart House

The three-star hotel was reopened in 2018 after an extensive renovation. The Stewart House welcomes guests in a restored 19th-century inn located in the historic town of Athens, a two-hour drive north of New York City and minutes from the Catskill art village.

The resort has only nine rooms in a minimalist style decorated with antique furniture and modern amenities. A continental breakfast is included in the booking price.

There is an on-site restaurant, the 1883 Tavern, which often features live music. Chefs there pay special attention to maintaining relationships with local farmers.