Winter Travel: In one of the premier new resorts nestled in New York’s Catskill Mountains
While the idea of traveling with a “pandemic pod” may be on its way out, other pandemic-inspired travel trends will remain. This ranges from looking for a hotel or resort with plenty of outdoor space for seasonal activities and sports, to looking for a place to both work and relax during an extended stay.
Many sprawling resorts in locations that experience dramatically different seasons over the course of a year are typically closed for part of the year (i.e., ski resorts in summer and beach hotspots in winter). But there are a growing number of year-round resorts that offer new experiences and activities throughout the year for new and returning visitors.
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The newly opened Wylder Windham at update New York was designed to reflect and celebrate the local vibe of the city of Windham, with long summer days, changing fall foliage colors and the ski season. (Also an ideal destination for anyone looking for a city that loves Christmas.)
With plenty of parking around the property, most guests arrive by car, but Hudson Station isn’t too far away for those wanting to catch an Amtrak from New York City or Boston, for example. (Note, however, that Uber and taxis are scarce, so arrange transportation with the hotel in advance. The hotel has a restored Land Rover that it uses to take guests to Windham Mountain, even during ski season.)
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The property houses seven different accommodations on the 20-acre property with a total of 111 suites. One of these suites is actually a guest house with a full kitchen, living room, washer and dryer, and four bedrooms that sleep eight people.
And while the 110 other suites can only be booked directly through Wylder Windham, the “Farm House,” as it’s called, is also available to rent through Airbnb. And better than most Airbnb rentals, guests don’t have to wait for housekeeping before leaving, as it’s the best of both worlds: staying in your own property with all the comforts of home, but also all the amenities and services of a hotel .
These other amenities include a full bar and restaurant open daily for dinner and weekend brunch, and a bakery open daily for breakfast and lunch. For spring and summer visitors, there is an expansive outdoor lawn area with hammocks, tree swings, fire pits, lawn games, an oversized heated inground pool, and live entertainment. (The hotel is also very dog-friendly, and there’s a dog run on the property for key guests to exercise and play.)
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And in the winter there are several private barrel-shaped saunas with views of Windham Mountain, tubing and snowshoeing, and a new ice rink opening in time for the New Year. The hotel is currently in the process of adding a small skate rental booth with an outside bar serving hot chocolate and hot toddies.
Also crucial for anyone looking to work remotely, the hotel offers very strong, fast Wi-Fi that’s included in room rates, which is essential given there’s little to no wireless phone service in the immediate area.
And while the seven lodges themselves are historic, dating back more than 140 years, everything inside has been renovated and updated to modern standards. All rooms have king or queen-size beds with oak floors, custom furniture, marble bathrooms (some with claw foot tubs) and central heating/air conditioning. Most suites have balconies with custom wooden lounge chairs and uninterrupted views of either Windham Mountain or the Batavia Kill River.
Since opening six months ago, the hotel has hosted several events, including weddings and several corporate retreats, the latter primarily during the fall conference season. For weddings, business meetings, and other events, the ballroom is suitable, with a capacity of up to 200 people (although 150 would be more appropriate for tables, live music, and the like).
Just below the ballroom is a huge lounge of almost the same size, completely renovated and livable with a pool table, foosball table, video slots and sofas in front of a large HDTV. The space is now open to guests, and the hotel already hosts a few events for guests down there, such as: B. Movie nights. It can also double as an after-party space for weddings, and management hopes to add a popcorn machine and bar down there in the future, among other amenities.
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Also for wedding parties (or anyone wanting to treat themselves over the weekend) there is the “Baller Suite”, a two bedroom suite in the main lodge just above the lobby and just steps from the ballroom. With plenty of space, lots of natural light, creek views, two spacious balconies and a full bathroom with clawfoot tub, the Baller Suite would also make an ideal honeymoon suite before the big event.
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Starting prices for guest rooms and suites range from $172 to $215 depending on availability and size. Baller Suite rates start at around $675 per night and Farm House starts at $1,200 per night.
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