I don't quite know how to describe our getaway to Winter Clove Inn this December. My overall sense…read moreis that many guests are returning families, for whom Winter Clove Inn holds special nostalgic memories, and they love it here. However, new guests that are expecting a 5-star resort based on Google classification will likely be pretty disappointed. The main Inn is old and charming, but it and the adjacent property buildings are showing their age in a not-so-charming way. For example, two of our five guest rooms in Oak Lodge had broken heat, which the property was certainly aware of as they had placed space heaters in the rooms before our arrival. During our last day, there was no water at all in the Carriage House, so guests could not flush toilets or wash hands, even after bowling! Really basic features you would expect in even a roadside motel, such as tissues in guest rooms, were not provided. Toilet seats that needed replacing are mismatched, with oval seats on square front toilets, and the toilet cover in the main lodge was broken and not repaired during our stay. Despite being "pet-free," blankets smelled like dog. Despite the rustic accommodations, our family created our own fun together. Our reserved table in the dining room was uncomfortably tight for 13 guests, which was continually apparent during the slow food service. The amount of food at each meal was plentiful, but servers were poorly trained as they repeatedly failed to clear place settings from one course before bringing another course, and repeatedly miscounted orders bringing the incorrect number of soups, desserts, etc. Aside from some disappointing low points, such as the embarrassing frozen mixed vegetables being served as the "vegetable of the day," or uncut unripe honeydew wedges served as the fruit option, the meals were basic but acceptable fare.

Wonderful Inn at Round Top. Great views of the Catskills with lots of trails available for hiking!…read moreThere are soo many activities on the property. There are no golf carts when you go golfing, but it wasn't a bad walk through the 9 holes. Beautiful place to stay, that was recently made a historical site!! Breakfast was amazing! Rooms don't have mini fridges and it's an older place, but beautiful and everyone was oh so friendly! Would definitely come back for a stay!

This is my third trip to Barn on the Pond. Every time it just gets more and more magical. This time…read morewe were 13 people for a three day birthday celebration. We arrived on Friday night and kicked things off with a barbecue on the terrace. Everything you need for an easy and fun cook up is on hand. Most of the group were new to BOTP and the Catskills and were in awe of both. The accommodations are more fabulous than they look in the already great photography on the website, and so comfortable. Everyone was happy and we spread out across the barn, airstream and cabin. I slept in the solarium with hubby. Now he wants us to upgrade to king size bed at home. Propped up on all the fluffy pillows and bolsters for my morning read surrounded by the verdant scenery was a balm for this New Yorker's psyche. Hubby also took an instant liking to one of the armchairs. This one room is so versatile. One of the writers in our group used the desk during the day. When you close the doors it is very very quiet. The couples in kitchen and master bedrooms respectively slept soundly, while the mezzanine crew were equally happy and at ease. The cabin peeps, a father and son, were thrilled to have their own separate digs and absolutely loved it. Two gal pals had the airstream and they too rested well . In short we were all in our happy place and were all able to really relax. Everything through out the property sings inspired human. As a group we felt so blessed and connected, free and flowing. When our Saturday morning attempt to leave and go swimming was thwarted by a deluge we just danced and practiced yoga in the rain. This was just happy sober. When the skies did clear in the afternoon some of us went swimming at a nearby lake, some went for a scenic drive and checked out a whiskey distillery and some just lounged. Barn on the Pond is amazing, a luxury immersion in nature, the service from the Team incredible, we will be back next year for another birthday and to host a meditation retreat.

What a great experience!!! Terrific place for a weekend getaway. Peaceful, excellent, and wonderful.read more

Wow! What a beautiful hotel. This old home tired hotel was amazing! We were lucky enough to have…read morethe whole house as friends rented it for a wedding party and it was beyond amazing beautiful quaint and perfect location from the venue and town. Quick walk from the train and walking distance to so much beautifully decorated and just perfect atmosphere.

The Amelia is a wonderful, truly unique place. I came here on a self-created writer's retreat, to…read moremake some progress on a stalled book project, and it was the perfect place for me to write, free from distractions. But it would also be a superb choice for a solo or couples' vacation--I'd love to return someday with my spouse--or a corporate or extended-family retreat, if you reserved the entire property. It's important to understand what The Amelia is and isn't (in light of some of the other reviews). It isn't a full-service hotel--there isn't 24/7 staffing--and it isn't a bed and breakfast (so there's no hot breakfast, or even a restaurant). That said, if you need anything, the staff is super-responsive by text, and they do offer daily housekeeping if you want it. Instead, think of The Amelia as a private home, owned by a wealthy friend with impeccable taste, and you have the run of it. And the lack of full-time staff gives you even more privacy (aside from other guests, but when I was there, we didn't bother each other). There are multiple beautiful public rooms on the first floor--perfect for lounging with friends, reading, or working--and a gorgeous area in the back with a 35-foot-long pool, patio, and fire pit. And you get to enjoy it all. My room (#6) was fabulous. It's spacious and at the top of the house, so it feels secluded, and it has what I'm guessing is the best view in the house, overlooking the pool and backyard. The serenity is great for working, reading, or sleeping. There's a giant walk-in closet (which I didn't avail myself of, but it's there). My bed was incredibly comfortable, of what I consider ideal firmness (a pretty firm mattress). There's a desk in the corner that's excellent for working. The windowed bathroom has a huge shower with a rainfall showerhead and great water pressure (weak pressure is a pet peeve of mine). The location can't be beaten. It's on Allen Street, which is pretty and quiet (and has lots of parking--but there are also multiple spots behind the house, on the property itself, and they never got filled up during my stay). At the same time, it's a short walk to Warren Street, the main thoroughfare in Hudson, and all that it has to offer--including restaurants, cafés, galleries, and shops. (Some recommendations: Feast and Floret, for a nice meal; Isaan Thai Star, for a casual meal; Mel the Bakery, for incredible pastries; and Culture Cream, for creative flavors of scrumptious ice cream.) In short, I LOVE The Amelia. I've stayed at some great hotels and resorts over the years, but this is a personal favorite. It overflows with understated luxury, while at the same time abounding in character and charm. I can't wait to return, as either a solo traveler--maybe I'll make this "writing retreat" an annual event--or with my spouse!

We just got back from our 2nd trip to Hera's Farm and it was just as wonderful as the first! It is…read morewell worth fighting traffic and our 4-hour drive and something we hope to do every year as we've fallen in love with the place. Hera is very kind and accommodating and helps as little or as much as you'd like. She spent a good amount of time answering our questions about the area, giving us a history of the farm, and even recommended a great place to grab some coffee in town. Couldn't recommend this place more! We will be back!

My husband and I just camped at Hera's. We found it to be peaceful and rejuvenating! The symphony…read moreof frogs at night lulled us to sleep, as the view of the mountains made the visit even more relaxing. Hera is an absolute love! She is not only charming and kind, but just a delight to talk to! The site was very easy to find yet tucked away enough from everything for privacy. The tent itself is very cozy. Although nights and mornings were a bit chilly, we didn't use the wood stove. The mattress surprised me at how comfortable it was! The water and firewood were easily obtainable and easy to replenish for the next campers. Hera is a gracious host who we hope to be able to visit again soon!

Gorgeous, airy rooms with truly comfortable beds - I especially love the pillows…read more The owners and staff are truly hospitable and the hotel is a much needed gem in the region. It's a walkable tiny town with some nice restaurants and shops very conveniently located with a minute or two of the hotel, and a whole lot more in the region. No food service at the hotel, but there is a coffee station in the common area and a shared mini fridge as well. The bagel shop located literally across the street is open nice and early, though, and the tokens for the fancier coffee shop nearby are a nice touch. The setup for traveling with kids is also great - my kid loved the crib and the cozy lounge room with toys and books was a much-appreciated play space.

A+ Experience. The rooms are elegant and the staff is very attentive…read more Despite what one other guest reported, there was no issues using the coffee tokens in town and we loved exploring all that Kinderhook has to offer.

What a gem. This was a unique peaceful getaway. We had…read morevisited as a family many years ago. The back deck is open to the public. The kids waded in the Hudson River. There was a group of lively people going in and out of the building. They offered to take our picture and they told us they were staying at the light house. STAYING!? Yes. Staying , as in sleeping in beds inside; using the facility ... SPENDING the night. Wow. I needed to find out how to do this. Later on I joined their email list... And forgot about it. Fast forward to last summer. I got an email at 9:03am from the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy informing me that next week- they had a cancellation and and opening for a single night's stay. That room was booked at 9:08! And my husband, the Fast n Furious franchise lover- the "I only tolerate nature walks" guy was, unbeknownst to him about to spend the night... in a light house. Begrudgingly. Drive up. Park in the small lot and walk though the fence which leads to a trail. The hike is short but time your arrival with the tide , or you may have to wade though some of the river water. The building is historic so History buffs would love it. The stairs have a pleasant creak to them. The living room has books about the area. The hall upstairs has a shelf with more books and games for Kids. No phones or televisions. Heaven. There is a room designated as a small Museum which documents the history Of the lighthouse. Our guest room was enough. We had two different window exposures, one of them looking right over the river. The bed was only a full size - a bit cramped for a big guy and his wife. But hey! I am sleeping in lighthouse sooo I don't care. There is a gracious innkeeper who lives onsite in a separated part of the house. The back deck is boat shaped and has a series of beautiful wood tables over looking the Hudson River. It was mid- afternoon and we had the place all to ourselves when we checked in. We had packed a lunch for the patio. The day was beautiful. When you sleep in a lighthouse you get a key. It gives you access to the house and the ladder which leads up to the actual light and the 360 degree views of the area. Nearing sunset, We climbed up and were able to look down at people who were on the deck. Some of them looked up at us confused as if wondering how we got up there? We had the key! It was a beautiful sunset. I stayed up In the glass enclosure until the light turned on. Since our room windows were huge and we left the shades up, I awoke at dawn and to the sound of the waves lapping outside. A few minutes later I heard voices and when I looked outside there were some fisherman passing very close to us in a small boat. So close I could have had a conversation with them from my window. The innkeeper cooked us a breakfast of French Toast with strawberries, eggs, juice and coffee. It was just all so pleasant and quaint that I didn't want it to end. We had to checkout two hours early because my husband had to get to work. Overall I loved every minute of it. I slept in a Lighthouse. I can't believe I got the chance.

When was the last time you looked up and saw a night sky full of stars glistening above? For me,…read morethose opportunities are few and far between so when it happens, it leaves an impression that I'll carry and remember fondly for a long while. My darling boyfriend surprised me with an impromptu weekend trip to the beautiful Saugerties Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast a few weeks ago. He'd been stalking their website months prior, never finding any openings, but alas, thanks to a last minute cancellation and some impeccable timing, he was able to snag a night for us at this charming BB. The lighthouse only operates as a BB on Thurs-Sunday, and it's open all year round. Reservations must be made months in advance so if you want to visit during a particular season, I suggest to start your planning two full seasons prior. The drive up was scenic and lovely. We downloaded some podcasts and had goggle maps lead the way. We chose to avoid tolls and that increased our ETA by 15 minutes but it was great, and only took about 2.5 hours to get there! The lighthouse has a shared fridge for its guests so we brought food with us for the stay, not knowing what to expect, but it turned out not to be necessary because we found some really great farmers markets along the way, and bought more food than we needed. The lighthouse also has a grill that guests can use, as well as nearby restaurant options. Make sure you bring your rain boots if you plan to go with the restaurant option for dinner, though. The tide comes in when the sun goes down so you'll have to waddle through some shallow water along the route from the lighthouse to the parking lot. It's pretty amazing to see, so also make sure to bring your flashlight, too! We also saw huge, gigantic boats glide right by our room at all hours of the day. They were incredibly close, I felt like I could almost touch them from the window. And listening to the waves crashing down as I fell asleep was truly entrancing. Breakfast was amazing, too. The inn-keeper made us the most delicious French toast, yogurt with fresh organic strawberries and fresh tapped maple syrup with fresh squeezed orange juice. The bathroom was the only feature that I would change. Don't get me wrong, it's very clean and I love the products they use; all natural shampoos, soaps and conditioners, but they use stored rain water for the sink and showers, and don't have a flush toilet... But then again, maybe that's all part of the charm. I loved every minute I spent up here with my best friend.

First, the experience I just had. We needed a venue for a work project that required a venue that…read morecould host and house 40+ guests, and it needed to come together in less than 3 weeks. By some stroke of pure luck, we came across Marybeth (MB), who graciously agreed not to paint her venue in order to accommodate us. I'll say that at first, I was hesitant, and some of my initial reactions were on par with the more negative reviews below. However, after just having concluded my event, I can tell you that those reviews couldn't be farther from the truth. Yes, MB is a strong personality - but it's worth it. MB and her team put on a flawless, thoughtful and incredibly joyful 3 days for our guests, including an important client. She'll tell you repeated to just trust her and that she knows what she's doing. And you know what? SHE DOES! I wouldn't have had my event at any other venue with any other person running it. And will definitely be keeping MB and her space in mind for future opportunities. I can't stress enough how amazing our time was. Let her do her thing and you can sit back, relax and trust that you'll have an incredible event on your hands.

Do NOT let the reviews from over a year ago change your mind! I got married here and cannot find a…read moresingle thing wrong with Marybeth or Apple Barn Farm. MB was able to make my day the most wonderful experience of my life. There was not a single problem (that I was ever made aware of). Everyone told us we had the best wedding they have ever been too! MB set us up with the vintage china, a hayride, had my father bring me to the aisle in a vintage truck. I have never heard so many "Wow! This is an awesome touch!" So many times. I come from a large family and everyone kept saying that this was the greatest wedding they have ever been too. MB and her staff were wonderful, the guy driving the hayride brought us close to the trees to pick some apples and through out the rest of the farm. When I came to MB with any concerns about anything she had it taken care of IMMEDIATELY! I wish I could get married again because she puts on an EPIC wedding. If you are looking for the most unique, incredible, stress free day of your life; Apple Barn Farm and MB will do that for you!!

~Where to begin? When we reached out to Adena Orchard & Vine, Alana told us that all we'd have to…read moredo to fall in love with it is to just take a trip and see it in person. Boy, was she right. Adena was the first venue we looked at, and we knew right away that it was everything we were looking for! ~Alana & Kevin feel like family, no joke. From the beginning, Alana was extremely communicative and transparent about costs, vendors, and even time. We have had such an amazing time communicating with her, that it's so hard to think that it's finally over. Jackiie and I knew from the get-go that we would be having a large, bohemian, non-traditional, DIY wedding, and Adena fully truly wholly delivered. From the GORGEOUS setting deep in the Catskills, to the STUNNING authentic barn that Kevin has put so much work into restoring, our wedding would not have been anywhere near as magical or perfect had Adena not hosted it. ~Alana's thoughtful and thorough list of vendors in the area was integral to us finding the perfect collaborators for our big day. The whole family was incredibly helpful and excited to get to help us iron out details and move tables around the day before (and of). Kevin had the best technical considerations and advice throughout the whole process. If you are looking for a transactional, cookie-cutter, wedding factory, hands-off venue, find it elsewhere. If you are looking for a human touch, endless enthusiasm, plentiful creativity, to feel cared for, look no further. This family feels like our family. ~Things we love in no particular order: stunning and thoughtful get ready rooms (for both me and Jackiie, it was so important that we both felt special as it was OUR day!); lovely vintage furniture in the barn and main house; idyllic views of the Catskills; how Alana just hopped in as our wedding fairy godmother (no joke, this is her name in my phone) when we didn't have a wedding planner; everyone's willingness to creative problem-solve and roll with the punches when our day-of timeline flew out the window; the bonfire at the end of the night (our guests have not stopped raving); all the little nooks and areas for folks to explore and disappear and contemplate (the willow bridge & the tree tunnel, to name a couple); ok I could keep going on and on and on, but there is nothing not to love. ~We cannot wait to get our photos back so that we can share more, but please enjoy these two magical images (courtesy of Rosey Red Photography, you HAVE to book them). ~Adena fam; there are no words to describe how important you are to us, and how wonderful it has been to work with you. A thousand thanks, and a thousand again!

If you are looking to do a barn wedding, or a wedding outside on some GORGEOUS grounds, this is the…read moreplace. I just had the wedding of my dreams here last weekend. The barn itself is beyond perfect, and we were able to set up the space exactly how we wanted to. All of my guests can't stop talking about it, and I keep hearing "this is the best wedding I've ever been to." The usable space near the barn is huge, and we even played with the idea of doing a large wedding tent as well as the barn. They have multiple options for areas to do the ceremony- all set with the mountains in the backdrop. The bridal suite area is seriously something out of a bridal magazine. The best part of the whole experience, however, are the two fantastic people who own this space. They were always available for my new husband and I to ask any questions, or for any of our vendors to reach out to. They checked in often with logistical, and checking in to see if we needed anything leading up to the day of. They were truly beyond helpful when it came to day-of setup and could not have been sweeter the entire process! By the end, I felt like they were family! I could not be more sincere, the first time I saw Adena Orchard & Vine, I was in LOVE. I knew it was the one, and that was in February, when everything blooms or the leaves start changing it is just perfection.