We did a little research on hotels we’d love to explore in 2016 in New York State and came up with a wish list for those we’d like to take a closer look at for those long weekend getaways, all easily accessible from the Big Apple.
The Graham & Co.
My goodness, could this spot get any dreamier?! With its minimalist industrial vibes, it’s seriously an Instagrmmer’s utopia. Located at the foot of Hunter Mountain in Phoenicia, this 20 room hotel is inspired by the heritage of the Catskills, and features a swimming pool, hammocks to lounge in, a badminton court, a fire pit, picnic area, bikes to explore on and plenty of places to relax with a cocktail.
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours
Well suited for: Travelers seeking a Williamsburg, Brooklyn vibe in the country
The Roxbury Motel
This might be a motel yes, so not a standard “luxury” stay, but this isn’t just any motel, but one offering THEMED ROOMS! How fun is that?! With rooms ranging from “George’s Spacepad” to “Genie’s Bottle” to my personal favorite “The Wizard’s Emeralds”, you can truly have a different experience each time you visit!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
Well suited for: Travelers with a sense of humor seeking a quirky, kitschy experience
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
Built in 1883 as a private home, this Adirondack Mountain resort is on the shores of Mirror Lake, one block from Main Street and close to the Olympic Center. Rooms have mahogany walls, vaulted ceilings, polished walnut floors, and private balconies with beautiful water vistas. There’s plenty to do on site throughout the year (complimentary snow shoes, gorgeous indoor pool, one of the top 30 spas as voted by Conde Nast Traveler, yoga retreats, delicious dining, skiing, and much, much more!)
Distance from NYC: 5 hours
Well suited for: Travelers seeking an authentically Adirondack escape. Be sure to see the We Blog the World review on the property from last summer.
Turning Stone Resort & Casino
One of our favorite places to travel has always been Las Vegas. Shockingly, not for the gambling, but for the host of other great entertainment it provides around the clock: shows, exquisite cuisine, spas, nightlife, golf, and very entertaining people watching…! I doubt we’ll be flying to Nevada this year, but I was excited to find a resort in New York state that certainly looks like it has a lot of the same things!
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
Well suited for: Travelers looking to hit the blackjack or roulette tables
The Surf Lodge
We had brunch here during the height of the summer season a few years back (delicious!), but I’ve always had a thing for staying at beach getaways during the winter months. The idea of waking up to grey skies, bundling into Icelandic wool sweaters and beanies, and sipping morning coffee and reading a book while overlooking the quiet water sans crowds just makes me really, really happy!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
Well suited for: Travelers looking for bohemian sophistication in Montauk.
Would love to know…whether it be near or far, what’s on your travel wish list for 2016? Share below!
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
