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Beat the NYC Heat: 10+ of Upstate’s Best Hotels with Pools
Whether it’s a quiet afternoon beneath striped umbrellas, a social pool scene with cocktails and DJs, or a mountain-view swim after a long hike, Upstate New York does pool season exceptionally well. From restored roadside motels to sprawling wellness retreats, these hotels pair standout pools with thoughtful design, strong food programs, and the kind of summer atmosphere that makes it hard to head back to the city. All are within a few hours of NYC — and generally a little cooler, too. This list includes a mix of longtime Escape Brooklyn favorites, newer design-forward stays, and classic Catskills escapes that continue to define summer Upstate. Alongside each hotel overview, we’ve included an “Of note” section with extra details to help plan the rest of the trip — from restaurants and wellness offerings to nearby hikes, public transit access, and standout seasonal programming. Inness in Accord, NY Photo: Adrian Gaut The perfect blend of modern meets rustic is what you'll find at Inness, a sophisticated 28 cabin and 12 room farmhouse. Its campus includes a restaurant, store and reimagined golf course, located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Open to hotel guests and Inness members, the two saltwater pools are the perfect place to spend long, warm days that sometimes stretch into fall. The large pool near the Events Barn, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a seasonal pool bar, provides ample space for gatherings with family and friends. Stone walls and wooden fences merge with the natural landscape–so you can admire the far reaching views while relaxing in the water. Summer Details of Note: Golf, Tennis + Poolside Drinks at Inness Start your day by booking a tee-time at the incredible inland-links style golf course on the grounds. Inness also has tennis courts for those who prefer a quicker game before they spend the rest of their day floating in the pool. Camptown in Leeds, NY Photo: Lawrence Braun From the owners of Rivertown Lodge in Hudson comes Camptown, a throwback to the bungalow culture of Catskills yesteryear. With over 26 cabins and 24 hotel rooms, you can bet on funs vibes around the pool which includes waterbed cabanas, loungers and adult swim hours for those much needed moments away from the kiddos. It's a natural place to spend your days. A true upstate swim oasis. Don't forget dinner at the James Beard Award nominee Casa Susanna, an upscale take on Mexican cuisine or drinks and ceviche at pool bar Piscina. Summer Details of Note: Adult Swim Hours + Poolside Dining at Camptown Camptown's outside campus also includes a sauna, pool bar, and restaurant. Check out their great list of Things To Do, including a nearby drive-in movie theater, plus loads of arts and outdoor attractions. Scribner's Lodge in Hunter, NY Photo: Moriah Wolfe Set against sweeping ...
8 of Upstate NY’s Best Company Retreats (Catskills + Hudson Valley)
Company retreats have taken on a new shape in recent years. For many teams — especially remote or hybrid ones — the goal isn’t just a conference room and a schedule of meetings, but a setting that allows people to step away from routine and reconnect in person. Upstate New York has become a natural backdrop for that shift. Within a few hours of New York City, the Catskills and Hudson Valley offer a mix of design-forward hotels, restored lodges, and small inns well suited to everything from leadership offsites to full-company gatherings.
10+ of Upstate’s Coziest NY Bars + Restaurants
Thirteen of Upstate NY's coziest bars and restaurants – from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills. Think bars and restaurants that master winter ambiance with wood stoves, candlelight and fireplaces — plus thoughtful cocktails and soul-warming food. Good for chunky sweaters, winter boots, couples and friends trips.
A Guide to New Paltz, NY
At the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, New Paltz brings together scenic trails, historic architecture, and a lively downtown rooted in its college town energy. Just 90 minutes from New York City, it’s a place where access to some of the Northeast’s best hiking and climbing sits just minutes from cafés, restaurants, bars, and local shops. Known for its creative streak and outdoorsy edge, New Paltz moves comfortably between nature and culture. Mornings can mean ridge-top hikes or farmers markets; evenings, live music and small plates on Main Street. Plan your visit with our guide to the best hikes, kayaking spots, restaurants, and places to relax in and around New Paltz.
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Catskills Cloud House: a Modern Mountain Retreat in Phoenicia, NY
Tucked into the mountains of Phoenicia, NY, Catskills Cloud House is a serene, design-forward getaway with easy access from New York City — no car required. This renovated three-bedroom vacation rental is just minutes from Phoenicia Diner, Rail Explorers, and local trailheads, yet feels worlds away. With green amenities including an EV charger and eco heating/cooling system, the property offers a low-impact way to experience the Catskills in comfort and style.
Mountain Terrace: a Modern Mountainside Home in Parksville, NY
Tucked into the mountains of Parksville, NY, Mountain Terrace is a thoughtfully designed vacation rental that seamlessly connects comfort, style, and nature. Surrounded by trees with sweeping ridgeline views, the property offers a serene and highly private setting, ideal for restful weekends or extended creative escapes. With three bedrooms and an open living plan, it’s well-suited for families, couples, or a small group of friends.
The Graham & Co.: a Boutique Catskills Hotel in Phoenicia, NY
A modern take on the classic Catskills getaway, The Graham & Co is a 20-room boutique hotel nestled in the hamlet of Phoenicia. With a blend of vintage character and contemporary comfort, this laid-back retreat offers a nostalgic nod to the region’s heritage while delivering all the essentials for a stylish and simple escape.
Hutton Brickyards: A Riverside Retreat in Kingston, NY
With uninterrupted views, spa amenities, an on-site restaurant, and more than 100 acres of grounds to explore, Hutton Brickyards offers an elevated retreat on the Hudson River in Kingston, New York. Set just outside the city's Rondout district, the property is close to downtown boutiques, antique shops, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, while remaining within easy reach of Midtown and Uptown Kingston.
The Henderson: a Moody-Maximalist Victorian Escape in Hankins, NY
Victorian architecture meets modern design at The Henderson in Hankins, NY. 120 miles from NYC, this historic home was a boutique hotel in the 1860s, and is now offered as a unique escape in the Western Catskills.
Piaule: a Landscape Hotel + Spa Getaway in Catskill, NY
Located just outside Catskill, Piaule is a hotel and spa developed with Garrison Architects, defined by modern design and quiet luxury.
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Dog-Friendly Getaways in the Catskills and Hudson Valley (2026 Guide)
Traveling Upstate is better with four-legged companions — especially when the setting makes it easy to step outside and go. While many stays allow dogs, a select few stand out for their access to open land, trails, and walkable surroundings, where long mornings and post-dinner strolls are built into the experience.
Planning a Date Night Upstate? These 20 Hudson Valley and Catskills Bars + Restaurants Bring the Vibes
Ten of Upstate's most intimate, vibey spots that are perfect for date night – from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills. Think intimate spots for date night with tables for two, girls night, or solo spots to ignore the couples around you with a book… with strong drinks, dim lighting, quiet atmosphere, sharable plates, and an excuse to dress up.
10+ of Upstate’s Coziest NY Bars + Restaurants
Thirteen of Upstate NY's coziest bars and restaurants – from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills. Think bars and restaurants that master winter ambiance with wood stoves, candlelight and fireplaces — plus thoughtful cocktails and soul-warming food. Good for chunky sweaters, winter boots, couples and friends trips.
10 Architect-Designed Getaways & Boutique Hotels in Upstate New York
New York-based design lovers don’t need to look far for inspiration beyond the city: in recent years, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Berkshires have become home to some of the most architecturally striking getaways in the Northeast. From minimalist cabins to reimagined industrial landmarks, these properties combine thoughtful design with unforgettable settings; you'll find each of them on Escape Club, our lodging directory/web app that specializes in memorable, design-forward hospitality.
Upstate New York’s Michelin Key Awarded Hotels – Catskills, Hudson Valley + Beyond
In 2024 the MICHELIN Guide introduced its hotel-award system — the Michelin Keys — to honor stays that excel in design, service, and sense of place. Across Upstate New York, ten properties have received this distinction, from Adirondack resorts to modern Hudson Valley retreats.
Wellness & Spa Getaways in Upstate NY
A collection of our favorite getaways with saunas, hot tubs, and heated pools that help you shake the winter chills. Scattered throughout the region, this list dives deep into the Catskills, as far east as the New York/Connecticut border, and as far north as the Adirondack High Peaks.
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Blue Hill House in Hudson, NY
Originally built in the 1970s and thoughtfully renovated, Blue Hill House - a classic farmhouse just outside the heart of Hudson - carries the weight of a historic colonial while feeling notably fresh. The architecture reads as classic farmhouse, while the interiors feel precise and edited. Dark hardwood floors run wall to wall beneath exposed timber beams, and three wood-burning fireplaces anchor the floor plan, giving structure to the main rooms rather than serving as ornament.
Ravenswood in Salisbury, CT
A dark exterior gives way to light-filled, angular interiors, where oversized windows and glass doors create clear sightlines to the surrounding greenery and establish a strong connection to the grounds. This interplay between structure and landscape defines Ravenswood, a forest retreat designed by StoneFox Architects and later featured in Architectural Digest. Entering the open living space, soaring ceilings rise beneath a loft-style hallway on the second level. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the sitting area, while a wall of glass doors and expansive windows frames the landscape beyond. A dedicated dining area sits at the center of the room, comfortably accommodating a large table and flowing into the elongated kitchen, providing an ideal layout for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen is organized in a U-shaped configuration around a substantial eat-in island topped with Carrara marble. Custom European bleached white oak cabinetry conceals integrated appliances, set against a glossy blue tile backsplash that adds contrast and depth. Storage is generous throughout, and an additional set of glass doors opens directly to the grounds. Set apart from the rest of the main level, a den sits behind sleek, oversized French doors with a modern profile, offering separation when needed. An airy guest suite and a separate half bath wrapped in intricate monochromatic blue wallpaper complete the floor. Up the solid oak staircase, the landing forms the loft-like corridor seen from below, overlooking the living room and offering space for a desk or reading area. The primary bedroom centers on a large picture window facing the forest, while the ensuite bath includes a deep soaking tub positioned toward the property, a double vanity, and a large marble shower. An additional guest bedroom set beneath vaulted ceilings and a full bath complete the second level. Below, the ground floor provides flexible living space currently arranged as a living room and gym, along with a separate laundry room. The home’s grounds extend directly from the glass-lined living space, beginning with a stone patio spacious enough to accommodate both dining and lounge areas. A run of concrete stairs leads down to the heated gunite pool, subtly separating spaces for entertaining and swimming. At the front of the home, the pea gravel driveway doubles as an additional gathering area, where Adirondack chairs encircle a fire pit just beyond the property's entrance.
Skyline Ledges in Neversink, NY
Set on a wooded ledge and surrounded by forest, Skyline Ledges is a modern retreat designed by Catskill Modern Home Builders. Clean lines, oversized windows, and a restrained natural palette allow the landscape to serve as the centerpiece of the home, striking an architectural balance that feels intentional, calm, and elevated.
The Stone Cottage at Mill Brook in Glen Spey, NY
Set within Black Forest on six wooded acres, the Stone Cottage at Mill Brook blends the permanence of stone construction with the thoughtful precision of modern design. Its cottage-like exterior leads into a 3,400-square-foot home where vaulted ceilings, generous proportions, and carefully chosen finishes define each space. The home’s design balances lodge-like warmth with meticulous detail, from stone masonry and exposed beams to globally sourced finishes and integrated systems. Through the main entrance, the home opens into an airy living area rising under vaulted ceilings and rustic exposed beams. To the right, a sitting area centers around a grand stone fireplace framed by arched windows and a circular candlestick chandelier. To the left, the kitchen and dining areas offer a space for gathering: marble countertops, gold-toned accents, a six-burner Ilve range with griddle, and an oversized eat-in island. Three tall, narrow doors open directly to the wraparound deck from the kitchen, while the adjacent dining area features built-in cabinetry and a flat archway that reconnects to the foyer.
The Lodge in Parksville, NY
Once the heart of a 1960s sleepaway camp, this former dining and dance hall, known as Lodge #1 at Elko Lake Camp, carries forward the warmth and character of its past. Set on a wooded ridge just outside Catskill Park, The Lodge offers single-floor living surrounded by sweeping nature in every direction, with traces of its camp-era origins visible in every beam and plank.
1880’s Queen Anne Victorian in Glen Ridge, NJ
Set on a gentle rise beneath mature trees, this 1885 Queen Anne Victorian conveys a quiet sense of presence. Its wraparound porch, asymmetrical lines, and meticulously restored millwork hint at the craftsmanship found throughout. Inside, rich wood tones, sculptural lighting, and carefully considered modern updates bring warmth and refinement to every room, merging the home’s Victorian architecture with a clean, modern approach.