Just under 100 miles from Manhattan, the Hudson Valley has long been a beloved vacation spot among New Yorkers seeking a serene, easy escape from the city. In recent years, the region has — and continues to — grow in popularity, ushering in dozens of buzzy new restaurants, bars, and accommodations. However, one Hudson Valley institution that has withstood the test of time is Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle resort and National Historic Landmark that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. The family-friendly, all-inclusive oasis (consistently named one of the best hotels in the U.S.!) has welcomed guests since 1869, and most of its dedicated staff has worked there for decades. We tapped two of the resort’s concierges — Diane Ippolito and Regina Roach, who have worked at Mohonk for 17 and seven years, respectively — to reveal how to make the most of your stay here.
Linger Longer
Diane recommends guests stay in the area for at least three or four nights. “There's so much to do here on the property, and most of it's included in your overnight room rate, so I would take full advantage of everything that Mohonk has to offer,” she says, adding that guests should put aside a day or two to explore the property’s extraordinary surroundings.
Arrive Early and Stay Late
Maximize your Mohonk experience by arriving early and staying late. Although check-in isn’t until 4 p.m., guests can take advantage of the property’s ample amenities and activities by arriving earlier in the day, thereby getting a head start on their vacation. They can go for a nice hike (fun fact: the hotel is home to 85 miles of hiking trails on-site), indulge in a spa treatment, or play a game of golf or tennis. The same holds true on the day of check-out: While guests must be out of their rooms by noon on the day of departure, they can stay on the property for at least a few more hours to keep the fun going just a bit longer.
Book Your Spa Treatments ASAP
Mohonk is home to an award-winning spa with over 80 treatments to choose from — along with unique offerings like cold plunge therapy in the lake and 1:1 mindfulness sessions. Since the spa is so popular, Diane recommends booking your services as early as possible.
Know What To Pack
According to Diane, guests should pack layers and bring an extra pair of shoes, especially in case one pair gets dirty while you’re out exploring the trails. Also, while dinner is not overly dressy — “we’re not following a strict dress code” — “you do want to have polo shirts and khakis and nice blouses to have a nice meal in the evening.”
Enjoy Delicious Meals On-Site
For lunch or brunch at the hotel’s Main Dining Room (one of five on-site restaurants), Diane recommends ordering the “delicious” pecan-crusted chicken. For dinner, she says you can’t go wrong with one of the seafood dishes — “salmon, Chilean sea bass, cod, you name it! We do a really good job with our fish here,” she says. Regina, on the other hand, recommends the New York strip steak, calling it “phenomenal.” She continues, “I’ve been to other steakhouses in the area, and ours just blows them out of the park! It’s just deliciously seasoned and cooked to perfection.”
Splurge on the Chef’s Table Experience
Both concierges raved about Mohonk’s Chef’s Table experience. Available for an extra fee, the nine-course food and wine pairing takes place in the kitchen, surrounded by chefs and sommeliers. Available exclusively to guests ages 21 and over, reservations for this three-hour-long culinary adventure are available on Fridays and Saturdays, with seating at 6 p.m. Sample menu offerings include smoked caviar, baked risotto, and wagyu beef.
Bring the Extended Family
Mohonk Mountain House is a popular spot for family reunions and group celebrations. As such, it makes sense that the property offers special group-centric amenities. “Our Group Recreation team can create private activities for families, including hikes, games, and even friendly competition events,” says Regina. Additionally, “Large families and groups will often book the entirety of Grove Lodge to have a place where they can all meet and stay together.” This standalone home has six spacious guest rooms and a fireplace-equipped great room for communal lounging.
Take Advantage of the Complimentary Kids’ Club
Regina recommends that parents make the most of the kids’ club, a complimentary club for children ages four through 12 that offers a variety of fun-filled and interactive activities such as movie screenings and crafting sessions. It’s open daily throughout the summer, and on weekends and holidays year-round, with three daily sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening. Parents can rest assured that their little ones are in good hands with the trained and experienced kids' club counselors while they partake in adult fun in the form of spa treatments or a romantic dinner.
Check for Special Packages and Special Offers
Mohonk Mountain House offers discounted multi-night getaways including up to 20% off two-night stays and up to 30% off midweek stays. The property also offers “mini-cation” rates featuring 25% off three-night stays plus an additional 10% off spa treatments. Also, on select dates in spring, summer, and winter, kids under 12 can stay and eat for free. To view the complete list of current packages and promotions, click here.
Come with an open mind
Regina says that the best thing you can do at Mohonk is to get out of your comfort zone since the resort has so many unique activities to choose from. For example, she explains that the new Pinnacle Ledge Tour (a guided walking and rock scramble tour) is among the property’s most strenuous activities and that many guests feel hesitant to try it. However, once guests take the plunge, they’re usually thrilled. “They might be nervous, but, at the end, they feel like they just ran a marathon and they're so proud of themselves. I think it's neat that when you're on vacation, you're still getting that sense of accomplishment by just stepping outside your comfort zone,” she explains.
