The Monhonk Mountain House is a historic American resort located on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, New York. It's prominent location in the town of New Paltz is just beyond the southern border of the Catskill Mountains on the western side of the Hudson River. The historic resort is located on the shore of Lake Mohonk, which is half of a mile long and 60 feet deep. The main structure, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. This magnificent hotel was built by Quaker twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley between 1879 and 1910. It has 259 guest rooms, an indoor pool and spa, and an outdoor ice-skating rink for winter use.
This hotel is absolutely wonderful. All of it's long, wide decks are lined with rocking chairs, there are romantic gazeboes scattered all over the grounds with breath taking views of the Lake, there are tons of hiking trails, row boats are available for rent, and they have the most gorgeous hidden garden. It was an absolute dream staying here and enjoying the beauty of Mohonk Lake and the majestic Mountain House, and we seemed to of hit it at the most spectacular time of year, all the leaves and climbing vines were in their stunning fall colors.
The inside of the hotel is very rustic and victorian. The rooms are cozy and quaint complete with a fireplace but no TV, they don't want their guests wasting their stay here watching the news or pointless sitcoms. Pictured below is my adorable little room. Every room also has a nice big balcony with two rocking chairs. My room faced the Catskill mountain range that Washington Irving made famous in his short story, "Rip Van Winkle."
The back of the hotel faces the Lake. We did quite a bit of exploring in the wonderful back grounds of the resort. One morning we took a hike up to the tower. We got the most marvelous views of the lake, the hotel as well as the mountains in the distance.
We would have loved to have taken one of these boats out on a little ride around the lake, but alas we didn't have enough time. Looks like I will just have to come back.
The view from the top of the tower.
Their gardens are located just a little walk from the main buildings. They are gorgeous. Their dalias were so beautiful!
On our second day at Mohonk Lake, we went into town for lunch. We ate at Arielle, the most adorable little french restaurant. Their food was delicious and their decor was beyond charming.
So fun to see what was at the mountain top! You made this look like the most wonderful rustic hotel in the East! Perhaps it is. The paths and gazebos make it a charming view wherever you are...your pictures are fantastic and so fun to look at and see how you caught the flavor of the area in photos.
ReplyDeleteKate, do you do any professional photography? Cuz you should, this looks like a professional marketing site for this place. Every time you post pictures of something it makes me want to go there!
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