About two-and-a-half hours away from the madness of Manhattan, you’ll find New York’s Catskill Mountains, a popular destination for skiing, fishing, hunting, and countless other outdoor activities. It’s also here where you’ll find Eastwind Hotel & Bar. This Scandinavian-inspired retreat features specially curated furniture, high-style design, and the opportunity to sit back and relax with a cocktail by the fireplace. Here’s our review.
What's Inside
Hotel Type: A sleek and minimalist boutique property in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.
Number of Rooms: 16 rooms and suites plus three glamping units (Lushnas) — more on that later.
Bars and Restaurants: While the property doesn’t offer food and beverage during the weekdays, they do offer a hearty breakfast spread on weekends (think crepes, baked goods, eggs, fruit, yogurt, and more) and Saturday suppers in the Salon (the main common area, located just past the check-in desk with tables, books, board games, a fireplace, and a bar). While breakfast is complimentary, dinner costs $50 per person (add $18 for wine pairing); reservations are required.
Hotel Trivia: The property dates back to the 1920s. It previously served as a bunkhouse for hunters, fly fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
What it Looks Like
The Design: As a whole, the property offers sleek and stylish decor and features mid-century accents. Each piece of furniture is specially sourced and curated to encapsulate the Swedish idea of lagom, which translates to “just the right amount.”
The Rooms: Rooms and suites have a rustic-chic aesthetic — think barn doors, farmhouse basin sinks with brass accents, patterned rugs, woven wall art, navy blue-and-white striped blankets, and retro-inspired night tables. Bathrooms are equipped with brass-accented sinks and mirrors, with tiled walls, and blue patterned floors. Rooms in the Bunk House (the main building) have the same wood flooring from the original 1920s-era structure. The three 220-square-feet, A-lined shaped glamping units, known as Lushnas, are equipped with one large floor-to-ceiling window, a queen bed, and patterned blankets. Each Lushna has its own spacious private bathroom, complete with cozy bathrobes, right outside the cabin.
The Public Spaces: In the common spaces, you’ll find a mix of modern chairs and comfy couches, along with communal tables, Turkish rugs, tons of natural light, and open shelving to house books and board games. Highlights include the vintage-inspired Malm fireplace and the bar with green printed wallpaper and a large wooden table. The space is rounded out with framed photographs, retro light fixtures, and fun accents like wooden pinecone structures.
Accessibility: The Bunk House has handicap accessible ramp in the front, and the first floor is accessible. The Hill House is also handicap accessible, but note that it is up a small hill from the main building (about a two-minute walk).
What it Feels Like
The Mood: The Salon is buzzy in the morning (especially on weekends, when guests flock here for the breakfast spread), but, during the day, empties out as people hit the trail and explore the surrounding town. Come late afternoon the space is once again filled with people sipping cocktails, mingling by the fire, and playing board games.
Who Stays Here: Throughout our stay, we noticed mostly couples and some friend groups, which makes sense considering the property’s intimate ambiance.
You’ll Love It If: You’re in search of a quaint getaway or craving a mountain retreat. And, if cozying up under the fireplace with your loved one sounds appealing to you, Eastwind is a great choice.
Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You: The property is not within walking distance of downtown Windham or the slopes, so, if you don’t have a car, consider other options. Also, if you’re someone who likes to stay busy and partake in on-site activities, this hotel won’t do it for you. (Although, the hotel does host seasonal events like Saturday suppers in the winter and yoga on the lawn in the summer.)
What You'll Get
Fitness: Eastwind does not have a fitness center or spa. However, there’s an on-site sauna (which can be used any time of day or night) as well as an outdoor firepit.
Four-Legged Guests: The property is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friends for $50 per night.
What You'll Pay
Average Rates: Midweek springtime stays are available for as low as $189 per night; however, in peak season (winter, fall, and summer), rates run $300 per night and up. You can stay in one of the Lushnas for $229 per night in low season and up to $350 per night in high season. Two-night minimum stays are required for all Friday reservations.
When to Stay for Less: Springtime is the Catskill’s shoulder season, so plan your visit accordingly. Also, if you have flexibility, we recommend staying midweek to score the lowest rates.
Resort and Other Fees: There is no resort fee — just standard New York State taxes. Your room rate includes wifi, along with access to the sauna, use of seasonal outdoor gear (bikes, Hunter snow boots, and more), as well as complimentary use of an espresso machine, full-size bath products, and apothecary kits.
Know Your Neighborhood
Area History: Eastwind is located in Windham, New York. The charming mountain town and popular ski destination dates back to 1798.
Important Local Attractions: Bearpen Mountain is about a half-hour away by car. The winter sports center dates back to the 1960s, when it was first home to the Princeton Ski Bowl. Today, the family owned and operated facility offers snow tubing, sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and a warm and welcoming ambiance. Bonus: The hot chocolate is complimentary and the family dog, Speights, is adorable (and often joins in on the fun).
Windham Mountain — which is great for adventurous skiers — is just down the road from Eastwind (it’s a three-minute drive, or a 36-minute walk). Not into skiing? Check out the on-site Alpine Spa and treat yourself to a Signature Alpine Massage ($120 for 60 minutes). Pick up discounted tickets at Eastwind's front desk.
Culture vultures, foodies, and art enthusiasts will appreciate a stroll down Windham’s Main Street (about two minutes by car, half-hour by foot), which is dotted with restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and a local theater.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls — the highest cascading waterfall in New York State — which offers incredible views and is surrounded by forests. While there is an observation deck to admire the falls (it’s about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot), you can opt to hike the two-and-a-half mile trail, as well.
Before you leave, be sure to check out Bear and Fox Provisions, a gift shop and cafe all in one. Come for the avocado toast and lavender lattes, but stay for the eccentric display of gifts, knick-knacks, and the Instagram-worthy DIY bouquet bar.
Getting There and Getting Around: Eastwind is approximately 140 miles from Manhattan (about two-and-a-half hours by car). The closest airport is Albany International Airport (ALB), which is around an hour from the hotel. If you don’t have a car, you can also take an Amtrak from New York City’s Penn Station to Hudson, NY (about a two-hour ride). From there, hop in an Uber or Lyft (expect to pay around $40 for a 35-minute ride). You’ll notice that Windham is quite difficult to explore without a car — and ride-sharing apps can be pricey — so it’s best to rent one before your trip.
