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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 ...
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.
A Guide to Franklin, NY
Set among the rolling hills and farmland of Delaware County, Franklin is one of the western Catskills’ quiet creative hubs — a small historic village where antique shops, artist studios, farms, and longtime cultural institutions line a compact stretch of Main Street. Unlike some of the Catskills’ busier weekend towns, Franklin moves at a slower pace. A day here might mean antiquing, talking with local artists, catching an evening theater performance, or driving scenic backroads between neighboring hamlets and farms. Though modest in size, the village has quietly built a reputation for its concentration of deeply personal businesses and creative spaces — the kind of places that feel more like collections, workshops, or studios than traditional retail stores. Plan a slow afternoon or full weekend escape with our guide to the best things to do, eat, and explore in Franklin, NY.
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.
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North Star Farm: Glamping Domes on a Working Farm in Franklin, NY
Set just outside Franklin, NY, North Star Farm is a glamping retreat with thoughtfully designed domes, roaming sheep, and sweeping Delaware County landscapes — offering a slower, nature-driven stay close to the western Catskills’ creative villages and backroads.
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.
Rowley House: a Scandinavian Cabin with Sauna in Eldred, NY
A design-forward, three-bedroom cabin in the woods of the Delaware River Valley, Rowley House was fully renovated by SOON Architecture Studio and thoughtfully furnished with pieces from local makers and boutique shops. Set across three levels, the home blends minimalist Scandinavian style with cozy, lived-in charm — and includes a private sauna, gym, and expansive outdoor deck.
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.
The Moon Cabin: a Handcrafted Log Cabin in Windham, NY
Set on 2.5 secluded acres just minutes from Windham and Hunter Mountains, The Moon Cabin is a rustic-luxe log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond. Thoughtfully designed for reconnection and rest, the home features soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and wood-burning charm.
The Mill Houses: Five Unique Homes in Livingston Manor, NY
Tucked into a five-acre parcel just a short walk from the heart of Livingston Manor, the Mill Houses are a charming collection of five individually renovated homes, each offering a distinct blend of original details and modern upgrades. Set near the banks of the Willowemoc Creek, these character-rich cottages make an ideal home base for exploring the Catskills — with breweries, restaurants, fly fishing, and hiking trails all within easy reach.
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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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Protected: The Andes Hotel in Andes, NY
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A Private Country Estate in Redding, CT
Set on just over two private acres in Redding, CT, this updated Fairfield County estate offers more than 5,300 square feet of living space designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Centered around a heated gunite pool, detached guest house, and beautifully landscaped grounds, the property balances the scale of a full-time family home with the atmosphere of a private countryside retreat. Inside, a traditional layout unfolds across multiple gathering spaces, including a library, home office, formal dining room, and a soaring family room filled with natural light. The eat-in kitchen sits at the heart of the home, while a finished lower level with its own entrance provides additional flexibility for guests, extended family, or work-from-home needs. Just beyond the pool, a detached guest house offers a living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and loft—creating a rare opportunity for hosting visitors, accommodating long-term guests, or establishing a private studio or workspace separate from the main residence.
Beaver Brook in Barryville, NY
For anyone who has spent time daydreaming through the pages of Cabin Porn, Beaver Brook may feel surprisingly familiar. Hidden within more than 50 acres of forest in the western Catskills, the property is home to Scott's Cabin—the beloved woodland retreat that helped inspire an entire movement of design-minded cabin living.
The Black Mountain House in South Egremont, MA
Set deep within the Taconic Mountains, The Black Mountain House occupies a rare position at the edge of the Jug End Reservation, surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest. Originally built in 1976 and recently transformed by interior designer Bruna Baiocchi—best known as the creator of the iconic Barn in Tivoli—and builder Andrew Personette of CB Design Build, the home balances the spirit of its original architecture with a thoughtful contemporary renovation. California's Sea Ranch movement serves as an architectural reference point, while interiors draw from Japanese restraint and Scandinavian warmth.
Casa de Campo in Ancram, NY
Set on a quiet hillside in Ancram, where open farmland gives way to distant ridgelines and uninterrupted skies, Casa de Campo is a study in restraint. Defined by a pre-cast concrete structure and positioned carefully within the landscape, the home pairs a rigorous architectural language with a setting that feels expansive, rural, and deeply private.
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.