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.
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.
This modern motel is take on a classic Catskills getaway. With a blend of vintage character and contemporary comfort, the laid-back Graham & Co. offers a nostalgic nod to the region’s heritage while delivering all the essentials for a stylish and simple escape.
Near both Windham and Hunter Mountains, The Moon Cabin is a thoughtfully designed log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond. One of our lodging picks for Windham, NY, featured in a few of our guides, the rustic-luxe log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond.
Suspended among the trees above a tranquil pond in the Catskills, the Willow Treehouse is a cozy, design-forward escape for two. Built on a 34-acre property just 15 minutes from Woodstock, this architectural hideaway was designed by Antony Gibbon and constructed using salvaged cedar and pine to blend seamlessly into its forested surroundings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.