10 Hudson Valley Hotels for a Cozy Weekend Getaway

New York’s Hudson Valley sets the perfect scene for a cozy winter weekend getaway, just north of NYC. Look to hotel lounges with crackling fireplaces, old taverns pouring warm cocktails, spas primed for snow-day pampering, and winter adventures (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.) galore in this picture-postcard mountains-meet-the-valley setting. Here, we round up 10 of the best old inns, small boutique hotels, and historic resorts for the perfect Hudson Valley weekend getaway to enjoy the beauty of winter.— Elissa Garay

WHERE: Beacon, NY

For an artsy winter getaway, bunk down at The Roundhouse (set within a restored former factory complex) in the revitalized Hudson Valley town of Beacon, home to art haven Dia:Beacon and funky shops and eateries clustered along Main Street. Pull up a seat in front of the crackling fireplace, drink in hand, in the cozy lounge overlooking the Fishkill Creek and its falls just below. Back in the 41 contemporary rooms, guests can enjoy furnishings and wares handcrafted by local artisans—including the warm alpaca throw blankets to snuggle up in.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the new (debuted in November 2016) on-site eatery by Michelin-starred chef Terrance Brennan, featuring farm-fresh, sustainably sourced Hudson Valley fare.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Beacon Guide

WHERE: Mount Tremper, NY

Fresh from a $6 million renovation, the Catskill Mountains–cradled Emerson Resort touts two lodging options: the upscale, contemporary, 26-suite inn (where all rooms have gas fireplaces and private patios/decks) and the family-friendly, 27-room, Adirondack-inspired lodge. The adjacent properties share a slate of winter-friendly amenities across the 20-acre grounds, set alongside the babbling Esopus Creek. You can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes at the on-site Country Stores to explore just outdoors, or set out further into the surrounding Catskills/Hudson Valley region, boasting even more winter-worthy diversions like skiing and snowboarding (Hunter and Belleayre mountains are less than 20 miles away). Wind down back at the hotel in the fully revamped (as of September 2016) full-service spa, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and a fireside lounge; refuel at the year-old eatery Woodnotes Grille, sourcing local Hudson Valley ingredients and serving handcrafted cocktails; or for something really quirky, check out the world’s largest kaleidoscope, standing 60 feet tall in an old grain silo (shows are free for hotel guests).

Insider Tip: The spa deck is getting a brand-new outdoor hot tub for 12 guests in December 2016—while it normally closes at 7 pm, they’ll usually honor guest requests to keep it open until 10 pm.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Mount Tremper Guide

WHERE: Rosendale, NY

This landmark inn offers quaint digs trimmed with plenty of old wood, brick, and roaring fireplaces, with 10 guestrooms overlooking the Rondout Creek and the funky little boho town of Rosendale. The property recently added on a large creekfront deck with a tented and heated area—perfect for sipping the complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa, and hot cider. Prefer a beverage with a bit more kick? The tavern sells hot toddies, spiked cider, and other warm cocktails to help keep you nice and toasty. Nearby, guests can set out to take in snowy vistas along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail extension, or seek out cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or skiing farther afield in nature areas like the Mohonk Preserve (where hotel guests get free admission) and Belleayre Mountain.

Insider Tip: Book one of the hotel’s “Winter Adventureland” packages to team up with a local guide for instruction and local outings focused on ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Hudson Valley Guide

WHERE: Saugerties, NY

The upscale 30-room Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern offers a welcoming winter retreat in the historic village of Saugerties, complete with a fireplace in the lounge, cozy tavern restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine, and rooms that overlook Esopus Falls. Warm up with the hotel’s complimentary coffee then set out to explore area attractions that include several nearby ski resorts (Hunter, Windham, and Belleayre); nature areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; and cultural attractions like the Woodstock Playhouse, Bearsville Theater, and the Fisher Center at Bard College.

Insider Tip: Next door, the new Savor Spa grants hotel guests discounted rates on treatments.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Saugerties Guide

WHERE: Stone Ridge, NY

This September 2016 newcomer welcomes guests to a wonderfully restored 18th-century property (formerly the Inn at Stone Ridge), set within the quaint Hudson Valley hamlet of Stone Ridge. Book one of 20 rooms spread out across the Dutch Colonial stone mansion (circa 1757) and old carriage and stable houses; several suites offer gas fireplaces. For winter revelry, guests can explore the property’s 55 acres (as well as a neighboring orchard) with activities like ice-skating on the ground’s lake or attending nightly bonfires. Or seek out the plentiful nature preserves, mountain areas, and ski resorts primed for winter outings throughout the surrounding Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the hotel’s new farm-to-fork eatery, Butterfield, with its emphasis on local Hudson Valley ingredients and seasonal food and beverage offerings, like cider hot toddies for those cold winter days.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Hudson Valley Guide

WHERE: Milton, NY

Set on 75 scenic acres overlooking the Hudson River, this 18-room inn unfolds across the main house (circa 1764), former carriage houses, and newer guesthouses. All units come with working gas or wood-burning fireplaces and several have their own Jacuzzi tubs. Guests can borrow snowshoes to explore the estate, then warm up with complimentary afternoon tea featuring sweet treats from a local bakery. There’s also an on-site spa, featuring an indoor heated pool, sauna, and steam rooms—spa ingredients are sourced from the on-site organic Millstone Farm for special “soil to spa” treatments; the farm also provides fresh fare for the menu at the top-notch hotel restaurant, Henry’s at the Farm. Within about an hour’s drive, there are four ski areas for winter fun outdoors, while indoor attractions heavy on culture and history (like Dia:Beacon and the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt) are closer still.

Insider Tip: Look out for the menagerie of alpacas, llamas, and angora goats that roam freely on the grounds year-round (thanks to their winter-ready coats!).

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Hudson Valley Guide

WHERE: Rhinebeck, NY

Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, in the historic Hudson Valley town of Rhinebeck, boasts a long and storied history dating back to the hotel’s founding in 1766 (the tavern section dates back further still to 1704). Over its three centuries, what’s now America’s oldest continuously operated inn helped host the American Revolution (Benedict Arnold, Alexander Hamilton, and yes, George Washington all slept here)—later, FDR concluded his political campaigns for his presidency from the inn’s front porch. Today, the original Beekman Arms structure, marked with oak beams, wide wooden floor planks, and a fire in the hearth still remains a beacon for travelers. Choose from 80 rooms (23 rooms in the older Beekman Arms building and 67 rooms in the nearby, newer Delamater Inn)—a third of those in the American Gothic–designed Delamater Inn come with gas fireplaces. Spend winter days here delving into the fascinating surrounding Hudson Valley history, with spots like the Vanderbilt Mansion, FDR estate, Olana historic site (of Frederic Church fame), and more set within easy striking distance.

Insider Tip: All guestrooms offer guests a complimentary decanter of sherry to help guests stay warm on those cold winter nights.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Rhinebeck Guide

WHERE: New Paltz, NY

There’s a good reason this heavenly Hudson Valley hideaway—a National Historic Landmark—has had staying power for nearly 150 years. Its grand Victorian castle-inspired design, gracious family ownership, and an unforgettable location on 1,200 acres that surround Lake Mohonk and cut into the scenic Shawangunk Mountains combine to make this a splurge-worthy vacation spot. Book one of 259 guestrooms and suites (about half have wood-burning fireplaces), or get the gang together in one of the five cottages (or, new for 2016, the six-bedroom Grove Lodge). Rates at the Mohonk Mountain House are all-inclusive with three meals daily and plenty of on-site activities including ice-skating, snow tubing, and 30 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Back inside, warm up with daily afternoon tea in front of one of the resort’s many fireplaces, or book one of the winter revival treatments offered in the 30,000-square-foot spa equipped with an indoor heated pool, steam rooms, yoga studio, a solarium with a stone fireplace, and a new for 2017 menu of winter mindfulness programming, including options like fireplace meditation and winter “forest bathing.”

Insider Tip: Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa after a whirl at the ice-skating pavilion.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New Paltz Guide

WHERE: Tomkins Cove, NY

Fresh from a 10-year-long renovation, the century-old Bear Mountain Inn affords the perfect winter respite, anchored at the base of the mountain in Bear Mountain State Park, just off the Appalachian Trail. The immediate area abounds with winter-primed activities, with plenty of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, plus, an outdoor ice-skating rink. Back at the inn, guests can warm up by one of the oversize fireplaces, tuck into fresh local fare at three farm-to-table eateries, or rejuvenate at the full-service spa. There are 63 rooms to choose from, spread out over the stone-and-timber Inn, the more modern Overlook Lodge, and the standalone Stone Lodges—most afford Bear Mountain and/or Hudson River views.

Insider Tip: There are a small zoo and a carousel nearby that are open throughout winter for added family fun.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks Guide

WHERE: Gardiner, NY

Situated at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains near the college town of New Paltz, this 17-acre mountain lodge affords a proper winter wonderland retreat, with the additional 25,000 acres of Minnewaska State Park—including the face of a 1,200-foot-high ridge—set just at its doorstep (snowshoe rentals are available at a nearby shop). The Minnewaska Lodge‘s 26 rooms—some with soaring cathedral ceilings—are appointed with Mission-style furnishing, Arts-and-Crafts decor, and windows looking out on mountain and forest views to cozy effect. Warm up by the Great Room fireplace with hot coffee, tea, or cookies in hand, or head out back to the fire pits with s’mores ingredients at the ready.

Insider Tip: Just a few minutes away, get toasty with a tasting at Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery—the first whiskey distillery in New York State since Prohibition.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New Paltz Guide