New hotels, inns to visit this fall in New York State
“It was worth the wait,” says Craig Reid, President and CEO of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the luxury chain that opened its first property in New York in October. “We’ve had our eye on the Hudson Valley for many years,” he says. With travel gaining post-pandemic steam, several new properties have opened in the past year or so, from truly luxurious to comfortably rustic. And there are more on the horizon to book an overnight gateway this fall.
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resort Collection
There’s a lot to do at this sprawling Hudson Valley resort, but you might be tempted to simply luxuriate in the stunning surroundings. As the name suggests, wildflowers are abundant in the meadows and a creek flows through the property. The 140-acre resort has 65 free-standing cabins, cottages and suites.
The restaurant, Clay, sources from nearby farms and describes its menu as “rustic new American.” There’s a 9,000-square-foot spa featuring botanical treatments, an indoor saltwater pool and fitness center, and an education center where guests can learn everything from foraging to mixology. Or get your hands dirty on a walk with the farmers to feed the animals.
Room rates vary, averaging $1,000; midweek rooms in late November/early December starting at $390.
INFO 2702 Main Street, Gardiner; 855 472-3188; aubergeresorts.com
NEARBY Immerse yourself in the region’s history at Historic Huguenot Street, a restored 18th Century settlement in New Paltz. The 10-acre historic district takes you back 300 years, with several museums featuring period rooms and artifacts, a 1717 French church and a replica of an indigenous wigwam. Guided tours are offered periodically: $12; seniors/students/ children 6-13 $10; free children under 6 (huguenotstreet.org).
AutoCamp Catskills
If you want to rough it just a bit, AutoCamp recently opened its second East Coast location in Saugerties. Similar to their camps in places like Yosemite and Zion National Parks, the property offers lodgings in well-stocked Airstreams, as well as tents and cabins. Airstreams and cabins have their own bathrooms; guests in tents use the clubhouse, which also houses a restaurant.
Hiking and biking (bikes are provided) are the primary activities at least until the snow comes, but AutoCamp also offers yoga classes and brings in local musicians to sing around the fire. A plunge pool and hot tub open later this year. Rates vary, but in late October rates start at $358.
INFO 882 NY-212, Saugerties, New York; 866-921-7440; autocamp.com
NEARBY Often called the Stonehenge of North America, Opus 40 in Saugerties is a sculpture park created by artist Harvey Fite. Visitors can wander the grounds to see Fite’s stone sculptures that are worked into the natural surroundings. And the abandoned quarries might be considered artwork on their own. Tickets are $11; students, seniors, veterans $9; children under five $5 (opus40.org).
Chatwal Lodge
This is not your grandma’s Catskills. Opened in May, the rustic but luxurious lodge sits near a lake (actually a reservoir) on 100 acres of the private Chapin Estate, once part of a larger game and wildlife reserve. With just 11 rooms and suites, this is a quiet spot for an intimate weekend escape. It’s pricey, but the nightly rate includes all meals (the dinner menu offers things like foie gras mousse and dry-aged beef), and most activities (canoeing or kayaking on the lake, a fitness center, fishing on a nearby stream, duckpin bowling for rainy days). Early visitors raved about the service — nice touches like rustling a picnic for a couple who skipped lunch, a sunset boat ride on the lake, the car returned washed and detailed. Rates average $2,500 a night.
INFO 338 Chapin Trail, White Lake, New York; 845-583-8300; thechatwallodge.com
NEARBY The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts sits on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. The center hosts concerts (Jim Messina on Nov. 5) and offers behind-the-scenes golf cart tours of the grounds and a museum with photos and artifacts from the historic festival. Museum admission, $19.69-$15, children 6-8 $5-$7, free under 6 (bethelwoodscenter.org).
INNESS
Taking its inspiration from Hudson River School artist George Inness, this rustic complex set between the Catskills and Shawangunk mountain ranges offers 12 rooms in a quaint Dutch Colonial farmhouse, as well as 28 cabins, some with kitchenettes. Think clean Scandinavian design with a little Shaker simplicity thrown in. Amenities include a nine-hole King Collins’ designed golf course, tennis courts and a saltwater pool; a spa and gym will open next spring. The restaurant offers seasonal menus with a Mediterranean flair, serving fruit and vegetables grown in the on-site garden, and a small store selling crafts and beauty products that set it above your typical hotel gift shop. Rates in late October/early November start at $325 for a midweek room in the farmhouse; $540 for the grand king cabin.
INFO 10 Banks St., Accord, New York; 845-377-0030; inness.co
NEARBY Hike around the Ashokan Reservoir or buy a pass to the famed hiking trails at the Mohonk Mountain House. Visit Kelder’s Farm, where you can pick pumpkins and apples, visit the farmers market and petting zoo and pose for a photo with Ghome Chomsky (once the world’s largest garden gnome, though now relegated to third place.) Ticket for farmyard and picking, $25.70, children 2 and younger and seniors 80+ free, (keldersfarm.com).
Piaule
It’s all about the 24 cabins at this eco-friendly boutique Hudson Valley hotel — they’re modular, with a Japanese/Scandinavian flair; one wall is all glass and they’re raised on stilts, making them appear to float. The spa is minimal, with yoga rooms, sauna, steam room and an indoor pool with a glass wall that slides open. You can book a massage or take part in wellness experiences like breathwork meditation or a sound bath. The restaurant serves complimentary breakfasts to guests (yogurt, fruit, pastries), and is open to the public for lunch and a four-course seasonal dinner. A midweek room in October starts at $534, weekends require two-night stays.
INFO 333 Mossy Hill Rd., Catskill, New York; 518-719-1919; piaule.com
NEARBY Hiking and rock-climbing abound, but foodies might rather visit Cafe Mutton in Hudson. Look for a fried bologna sandwich for breakfast or deviled pork trotter (yes, pig feet) for dinner (cafemutton.com).
Coming attractions
Long Island will get a new boutique hotel, opening in Northport later this year or early next. The Northport Hotel, on Main Street right across from the John W. Engeman Theater (and being developed by its owners), has been in the works for several years, but was seriously delayed by the pandemic and supply chain issues. The hotel will have the quaint feel of an inn, with 26 guest rooms and an Italian steakhouse.
Also on the horizon, The Aurum Catskills in Mount Tremper (theaurum.com), is scheduled to open later this year. Inspired by the bathing culture of ancient Rome, the hotel will feature an authentic hammam (think luxe Turkish bath).