Ok, maybe this is more of a new-ish hotel in the Catskills. And while it may not be a traditional luxury hotel, it is a luxury hotel in the Catskills. Think of it as charming luxury. This little inn of a spot soft-opened in 2019. (As in maybe the most inopportune time to open a new hotel.) So we’re playing catch-up, in case you don’t have it on your road trip map yet. For an easy summer weekend, the Shandaken has all the makings for a quick getaway. Chic décor-focused rooms, homemade breakfast, a little pool time and nature galore. Here’s where to go this weekend.
The Area
A lot of people were priced out of the Hamptons the past two years. There are silver linings to this, because there is so much more to New York State than the beach. The Catskills is an alternative for those who want to getaway, and to keep it simple. The Catskills feels like you’re not even amongst New Yorkers, because if you’re looking for the Hamptons, the Shandaken is not for you. This is low-key Catskills, where it’s about nature, hiking and fresh air. You come here for attractions like Kaaterskill Falls, the highest cascading waterfall in New York and a hike to Diamond Notch Falls are the highlight.
On food and scene, there is no Bilboquet or Surf Lodge. Instead, you’ll find local breweries like Woodstock Brewing and Wayside Cider. A trip to the Catskills and Shandaken is to escape the Hamptons.
The Hotel
The Shandaken is where a genuine warm welcome, beautiful scenery and homemade muffins in the morning equate to a luxury hotel in the Catskills. The Shandaken Inn is two hours from New York, and a good base for hiking in the summer, and skiing in the winter at Hunter Mountain. The Inn itself was built in the 1920s, and became the modern incarnation it is today in late 2019. The Shandaken’s 15 rooms stay true to the nature theme of the area, and is almost like an elevated camp resort. Rooms are cozy and completely rehabbed with thoughtful design that combines contemporary with rustic pieces.
Our advice is to book the best room you can in your budget, where the Concord Master Suite has its own fireplace. For a luxury hotel in the Catskills, the rooms are fairly priced and reasonable by the Hamptons standards. If Dirty Dancing was filmed today, it is perfectly set here amongst the 12 acres of grounds.
Food & Activities
Yes, there is a pool, to cool off this hot summer. There’s also tennis and an on-site restaurant, which is a destination for locals too. The bar makes thoughtfully crafted cocktails and serves local beers. It’s the place you would order yourself a good burger and beer. There’s no spa on property but there is a gym.
FAQs
Q: Does the Inn have Wi-Fi?
A: The Shandaken Inn has high-speed Wi-Fi.
Q: Is there complimentary breakfast?
A: Complimentary breakfast is served daily at The Clubhouse Restaurant from 8-10a.m.
Q: Can guests use the tennis courts?
A: Guests can play tennis on the courts on their own, or they can sign up for private lessons with the Inn’s tennis professional.
The Shandaken Inn Information
Address: 1 Golf Course Rd E, Shandaken, NY 12480
Phone number: 8452802828
Map: