Hotel Review
Emerson Resort & Spa, New York, USA
THE BACKGROUND: The resort stands on what was once a thriving dairy farm dating back to 1860. In the heart of the Hudson Valley, near Inner Peace, just a two-hour drive from Manhattan and 45 minutes from Rhinecliff railway station, which is served by Amtrak. It’s also 20 minutes from Belleayre ski resort, the closest to New York City.
THE ROOM: I stayed in the Adirondack-style lodge set away from the main building. The two-storey lodge had a King-size bed, two easy chairs with footstools either side of a coffee table, chest of drawers, small open alcove wardrobe and a large bathroom with whirlpool bath, shower, basin and toilet. Stairs lead up to the upper floor with a sofa bed, easy chair, chest of drawers, table with chairs, coffee table, small sink with coffee maker and fridge. Table lamps dotted around both rooms give a homely and cozy feel – in spite of the freezing December weather.
THE RESTAURANT: There are four options. The Phoenix is a fine-dining restaurant where breakfast is also served – Continental breakfast is complimentary; the Catamount is a ‘family-friendly’ option which, like the Phoenix has a separate bar; the Spa Café which is open for casual lunches; and the Starbucks Coffee Bar.
THE FACILITIES: The Emerson’s full-service spa offers more than 40 treatment options and has 10 treatment rooms, Nautilus fitness centre, outdoor hot tub, separate sauna and steam showers for men and women, yoga classes, Spa Cafe, and relaxation lounge. The very large Country Store includes cookware, furnishings and accessories, local and ‘green’ products and antiques. Highlight though is the world’s largest kaleidoscope, viewed in a special room built in the old grain silo. There’s also an outdoor pool for the summer and, nearby, hiking, biking, whitewater tubing and rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad.
RECOMMEND TO: Families and couples. If your clients are planning a few days’ skiing at Belleayre Mountain, then this is the place to stay.
THE COST: Until March 31 the hotel has a two-night Ski and Spa package, with accommodation in the Lodge or luxury suites of the adults-only Inn; two ski lift vouchers for Belleayre Mountain; a $200 spa voucher; après-ski platter; and a three-course dinner for two each night. From $984.
THE DETAILS: 146 Mt. Pleasant Road, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457, USA Tel: 001 877 688 2828
The Verdict
Exceptional
Pass
Loved It!
Farce
A great year-round Hudson Valley base: skiing in the winter, outdoor activities in the summer and fall foliage breaks in the autumn. The adult-only Inn rooms or family-friendly Lodge rooms gives plenty of options.
Alan Orbell
Managing editor, Selling Long Haul
