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Catskills Accommodation Guide

Catskills Accommodation Guide

New York State, USA

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging

  • Hostels

    Limited, budget-focused options near towns like Woodstock or Kingston. Dormitory-style rooms are common.

  • Motels/Inns

    Affordable lodging along main roads and in smaller towns. Basic amenities are standard.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Charming, often historic homes with personalized service and a home-cooked breakfast.

  • Hotels

    From budget chains to full-service properties, found in larger towns or near ski resorts.

Unique & Extended Stays

  • Glamping

    Upscale camping with amenities like real beds or stylish structures, blending nature with comfort.

  • Camping

    Public and private campgrounds for tent campers and RV enthusiasts. Reservations are highly recommended.

  • Cabin/Cottage Rentals

    Widely available, ranging from rustic to luxurious, ideal for privacy and nature connection.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Private homes, cabins, and apartments suitable for families or groups, with home-like amenities.

Neighborhood Guide

The Catskills is a large and varied region, with each town offering a distinct vibe.

Ski Towns

Pros
  • Direct access to ski slopes
  • Resort amenities
  • Lively winter atmosphere
  • Hunter (ziplining), Windham (family-friendly)
Cons
  • Crowded and expensive in winter
  • Quieter during off-season
  • Fewer dining/activity options off-season

Arts & Culture Hubs

Pros
  • Lively atmosphere, cultural events
  • Unique shops and diverse dining
  • Woodstock (bohemian), Catskill (emerging arts)
  • Kingston (urban amenities)
Cons
  • Busy on weekends
  • Parking might be challenging
  • More urban feel in Kingston

Outdoor & Rural Spots

Pros
  • Direct access to hiking, fishing, river activities
  • Relaxed, laid-back vibe
  • Phoenicia (outdoorsy), Livingston Manor (craft beverages)
  • Quiet, community-focused in Delhi or Andes
Cons
  • Fewer dining and shopping options
  • Limited public transportation
  • Requires a car for exploration

Safety & Ambiance

Safety Considerations

The Catskills region is generally very safe. Crime rates are low. Always exercise normal precautions for securing valuables, especially in popular tourist spots or trailheads.

Noise Levels & Ambiance

Most areas offer a quieter, more rural ambiance. Towns like Woodstock can be bustling on weekends or during special events. For absolute quiet, consider accommodations outside town centers.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help you secure the best accommodation for your travel needs.

Advance Booking by Season

  • Peak Seasons (Fall foliage, Winter ski, Summer weekends): Book 3 to 6 months in advance. Prime dates and popular properties fill quickly, and prices reach their highest.
  • Shoulder Seasons (Spring, Late Fall): Booking 1 to 2 months in advance is wise. You find good selection and more favorable prices.
  • Low Season (Mid-week in spring or late fall): Often find last-minute deals and greater booking flexibility.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are significantly higher during peak foliage, winter ski weekends, and summer weekends. Mid-week in early spring or late fall often offers the lowest prices.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

Types of Accommodation Available

Standard Lodging
  • Hostels (limited, budget)
  • Motels/Inns (affordable, convenient)
  • Bed & Breakfasts (charming, personalized)
  • Hotels (chains to full-service)
Specialty & Rentals
  • Resorts (extensive amenities, e.g., Resorts World, Emerson)
  • Boutique Hotels (unique design, personalized)
  • Glamping (upscale camping)
  • Camping (public DEC, private)
Location Significance

Staying near major highways or ski resorts makes access to specific attractions easier.

Travel by Car

A car is essential for thorough exploration of the Catskills due to limited public transportation.

Driving Times

Factor in driving times between towns and attractions when planning your daily itinerary.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a comparison table and specific suggestions for different traveler types.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget

Simple, functional stays for cost-conscious travelers.

  • NYSDEC Campgrounds (e.g., North/South Lake Campground)
  • Local Motels (e.g., Catskill Mountain Lodge in Cairo)
Mid-range

Comfort and style with a good blend of amenities.

  • The Graham & Co. (Phoenicia)
  • Hotel Dylan (Woodstock)
  • Scribner's Catskill Lodge (Hunter)

Traveler Specific Options

Luxury

Full-service resorts with extensive amenities.

  • Emerson Resort & Spa (Mt. Tremper)
  • The DeBruce (Livingston Manor)
  • Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
Family-Friendly

Space and amenities suitable for groups with children.

  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)
  • Waterpark Resorts (Great Wolf Lodge, The Kartrite)
  • Resort Hotels (with pools/kids' activities)

Solo & Extended Stays

  • Solo Traveler

    B&Bs for a social atmosphere or smaller boutique hotels in walkable towns for independent exploration. Camping for adventurers.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) are ideal for longer visits, offering economical weekly or monthly rates and home-like amenities.

Cultural & Historic Stays

  • Mohonk Mountain House

    A grand Victorian castle resort, a National Historic Landmark nearby, provides a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury.

  • Historic B&Bs

    Many B&Bs throughout the region are housed in beautifully preserved historic homes, a chance to stay in local history.

  • The Roxbury

    A themed boutique hotel near Plattekill Mountain, featuring unique design inspired by local history and pop culture.

Accommodation Options Comparison

Camping & Motels

Price Range: $25 - $150 per night

  • Camping: Basic amenities, immersive nature, close to trails.
  • Motel: Basic rooms, convenient access to main roads, no-frills.
B&Bs & Boutique Hotels

Price Range: $150 - $450 per night

  • B&B: Personalized service, breakfast, historic charm.
  • Boutique Hotel: Modern design, unique amenities, often with glamping.

Luxury & Vacation Rentals

Luxury Resort

Price Range: $300 - $800+ per night. Full-service spa, casino, golf, extensive activities.

Vacation Rental

Price Range: $150 - $500+ per night. Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, often secluded, home-like feel.

Best For

Luxury Resorts: Luxury & entertainment. Vacation Rentals: Families, groups, privacy.