Just a hundred miles from New York City, the Catskills Mountains have been a popular summer getaway since the early 20th century: if you've seen the original movie Dirty Dancing (set in 1963), you get the idea. Though the heydey of those decades is nostalgia now, there are still choices for families. (Some of these places have seen better days, so always check visitors' comments!)
Catskills Lodging: Hudson Valley Resort
Four-season resort; 400 acres; indoor & outdoor pools, tennis, basketball, miniature golf; nearby horseback riding and boating, hiking, mountain biking, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, outdoor ice skating, Kidz Klub. Shawangunk Mountains area, 20 minutes from New Paltz. Check visitors' comments about the condition of this resort.
Kutshers Country Club
Kutshers is one of the old hotels that's still remaining, open since the year 1907. Kids programs for several age groups are offered; ice rink in winter is a feature. Check visitors comments about the condition of this hotel.
Mohonk Mountain House
Picture a Victorian castle perched on cliffs by a mountain lake-- a National Historic Landmark, no less, with 2200 acres, 85 miles of hiking trails, lots of outdoors activities year-round; and only 90 miles from NYC. Kids Club runs during summer and occasional weekend throughout the year; theme programs include Haunted Happenings at Halloween. New Paltz, NY.
Rocking Horse Resort Ranch
500-acre Rocking Horse Ranch offers numerous activities all included in your price (meals, too.) Winter snow tubing and skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides; indoor pool with fountains and geyser; horseback riding; summer water skiing, fishing, tennis, volleyball archery range, paddle boats, kids' program; lots more. Hudson Valley, near New Paltz, NY.
Villa Roma Resort Hotel
Villa Roma has programs for tots, kids, preteens, and teens during peak periods; "tot lot", kiddy pool, arts & crafts, daily activities, barbecues, hayrides... Golf, outdoor pool, year-round indoor pool, tennis and other sports, spa, bumper boats. Winter skiing, snowmobiling, sleighrides. Check for family specials at holidays; Italian festivals, too.
More Catskills Lodging: Ulster County
New Paltz, nearby Shawangunk and the surrounding area are popular spots for summer vacations. The Ulster County website has a good list of Lodges, Inns, Resort Hotels, and more.
More Catskills Lodging
See lists of accommodation (resorts, inns, etc.) at the Sullivan Countysite, Green County, and Delaware County.
Catskills Lodging - Nostalgia
Click on Photo Galleries for old hotels, family photos, etc.
