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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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New Paltz Way: A New Boutique Hotel Opening July 2026 in New Paltz, NY
Opening in July 2026, New Paltz Way is New Paltz’s newest boutique hotel. With curated rooms, a self-service spa, and walkability to the town’s boutiques, restaurants, and bars, the hotel encourages a slower, more relaxed style of stay.
Two Good Cabins: a Private Lakefront Getaway in Roscoe, NY
Tucked along the tranquil shores of Lake Muskoday, Two Good Cabins offers a serene lakeside escape in the heart of the Catskills. A little more than two hours from NYC, the pair of cabins offers a natural balance between shared spaces and tucked-away rooms, creating a comfortable setup for families or groups who want time together without giving up a sense of privacy.
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.
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.
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.
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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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A Storybook Cape Near the Ashokan Reservoir in Kingston, NY
Set down a long driveway just minutes from the Ashokan Reservoir, this custom-built Cape is surrounded by nearly four acres of mature woodland and gardens. Built with an appreciation for natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, the home features locally sourced heart pine floors, antique chestnut beams, reclaimed tobacco barn oak, and custom-built cabinetry throughout. A detached studio, greenhouse, and established gardens extend the living space outdoors, creating a peaceful retreat just under two hours from New York City.
Protected: Rockbound in Woodbury, NY
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The Andes Hotel in Andes, NY
For more than 175 years, The Andes Hotel has occupied a singular place in the Catskills. Part historic inn, part neighborhood tavern, part destination restaurant, it has welcomed generations of travelers while serving as a year-round gathering place for the Andes community. Since opening its doors in 1850, the property has remained woven into the fabric of Main Street—hosting celebrations, welcoming weekend visitors, and providing a place where locals and newcomers naturally cross paths. Now offered as both a historic property and thriving hospitality business, The Andes Hotel presents a rare opportunity to become the next steward of one of the Catskills' most enduring landmarks. Thoughtfully restored in recent years while honoring its nearly two centuries of history, the property balances timeless character with the amenities and flexibility of a modern boutique destination.
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.