Catskills Vacations

Hotels And Lodging For Tourists In The Catskills, New York

Did you know that peaceful countryside views, five star restaurants and gorgeous hotels, inns and spas are within two hours of New York? The Catskills region is home to six counties and includes just about anything travelers, tourists and vacationing couples or families could want - from sleepy towns with quaint charm to service that rivals the best hotels in the world.

If you'd like to check out some of the best places to stay in the Catskills region, here are my picks:

Catskills Region Hotels and inns - Friar Tuck Resort and Spa

Imagine a state of the art resort with at least 500 gorgeous guest rooms. Located in the incredibly beautiful and scenic Hudson Valley, you'll have views of the Catskill Mountains while enjoying the luxury of rooms that come with every amenity you'd expect, from cable tv to fine cuisine at your beck and call. Special features include a European spa, fitness center, three outdoor swimming pools , large indoor Jacuzzi and a variety of sports options.

The cuisine? Mostly Italian- American but with a range of international influences. No wonder this is a premiere destination of choice for many visiting the Catskills area.

Special features: Located within minutes of New York's best ski areas, Hunter Mountain and Ski Windham. This is a full-service Catskills resort, with excellent live entertainment. Horseback riding, a superior gift shop, daily and nightly entertainment, tennis, golf and a wide variety of stores selling antiques are all at the hotel or nearby. A game and fishing preserve, fitness center, basketball courts, video arcades and even a huge Teletheater with off track betting is on site. Crave a game of bocci? You'll find it here.

Room rates: Depending on the type of room chosen, rates vary between $100 to $165, on average (per person, nightly. To get a full idea of the rates and rooms sizes, check here: www.friartuck.com/Fall-Spring%2007-08.htm

Location: The Friar Tuck Resort, Spa and Convention Center (Catskills location) 4858 Route 32 Catskill, NY 12414

Phone: (800) 832-7600 Website: www.friartuck.com/index.htm

Catskills Area Lodging - Copperhead Inn and Spa for health conscious visitors who like luxury service

This one has the distinction of being named one of the top 15 resorts by both Wine Spectator and leading spa reviewers. This is definitely your Catskills region destination of choice if you are health conscious but don't want a spartan or meager diet. A sample menu here could include Roasted Vegetable Napoleon, mixed grains, potato soup and seasonal greens with mustard vinaigrette. Free range chickens and desserts such as Peach Melba satisfy all types of appetites.

Rooms are both stunning and inviting, a hard mix to pull off - but this Catskills resort does just that. Of course, you'll find such special touches as plush robes, high-speed internet and wireless access, hair dryers and views of mountains as you gaze out the windows.

Room rates range from $325 to $350 a person but you'll find it well worth the splurge as it includes three meals a day, the fitness program, daily guided hikes or bike rides, mediation or whatever form of relaxation or exercise your heart desires.

Special features: an emphasis on health and elegance prevails in this Catskills region spa resort. The services offered in the spa facilities are truly astounding, whether you want a luxurious massage or a basic waxing or other pampering tailored to your needs. To check those out, look here: www.copperhood.com/spa-facilities/facilities.htm

Location and contact info: Copperhead Inn and Spa Rte 28 Shandaken, New York 12480 (845) 688-2460

Website: www.copperhead.com

Catskills region resort - Mohonk Mountain House

How would you like to live in a Victorian castle? If that sounds like an odd mix of history and architecture, wait till you see the 251 room Catskills region castle! It manages to blend the appeal of a grand resort with a Victorian appeal. It is one of America's oldest family-owned places to stay in the area.

This is a 4 and 1/2 star resort, so you know it has top luxury touches. Features include thousands of acres of trails for exploring as well as opportunities for rock climbing, fly fishing, boating and swimming. It also has a 110 year old Scottish golf course! For children, there is a special kids' club

Special features: This Catskills region attraction offers the option of day meal reservations as well as overnight accommodations. Please note that jackets are required by gentlemen 12 and over for dinner, so even though casual activities are offered here, dining is taken seriously and proper attire is required. The wine list won Wine Spectator's 2007 award for being a top choice. Meals are cooked by five star chefs and include everything from gourmet chicken breasts to wild boar.

Room rates range from $300 to $2000 a night, depending on whether individual rooms or entire cottages are requested. The atmosphere? Check out sample rooms here: www.mohonk.com/accommodations/accommodations.cfm . All meals are included.

Location and contact info:

Mohonk Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Road New Paltz, NY 12561 (800) 772-6646

Website:www.mohonk.com/index.cfm