The 11 Best Hotels in Upstate New York

• Price: $881/night
• Why We Recommend It: historic, all-inclusive stay, amazing food, natural beauty, outdoor recreation

Head to this National Historic Landmark, a gorgeous Victorian castle, in New Paltz for an all-inclusive stay that treats guests to the majestic beauty of Mohonk Mountain State Preserve. The activities available are endless during any season and the scenic surroundings promise a very memorable stay. As for the rooms, they’re both high-end and old-timey with a wood-burning fireplace in every suite (they’ll come to your room and get it started for you) and stunning views of the lake and cliffs that can be enjoyed from every private balcony. I visited in the winter with my family and we were delighted by the comfort of the accommodations, the excellent quality of the food and the many opportunities for outdoor recreation. (The massage I got at the spa was hands-down the best I’ve ever had, too.)

• Price: from $750/night
• Why We Recommend It: scenic, couples retreat, historic, amazing food, luxe interior design

This small (15-room) boutique hotel is a Hudson valley retreat that exudes luxury and elegance. The property, which overlooks Glenmere Lake, features acres of beautiful gardens, a heated outdoor pool and tennis, croquet and bocce courts, to boot. The interior of this Gilded Age mansion boasts sweeping marble staircases and tasteful European decor. The suites are plush and well-appointed and the hotel has four different on-site dining options, serving up delicious gourmet fare. Just keep in mind that Glenmere Mansion is intended to be a romantic retreat—it’s a popular wedding venue, in fact—and thus does not welcome guests under the age of 18.

• Price: $279/night
• Why We Recommend It: glamping retreat, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, amazing food, spa amenities

Nestled in the mountains of an area known as the Big Indian Wilderness, this property is described in five-star reviews as being “stunning” and like “something out of a travel magazine.” The beauty of the natural surroundings surely contribute to the awe-inspiring effect this boutique hotel has on visitors, but it’s worth noting that this glamping experience goes above and beyond with Scandinavian-inspired accommodations that include top-notch interior design that prioritizes comfort, saunas for guests to use and amazing farm-to-table culinary experiences on-site. The hotel also makes bikes and other outdoor recreation equipment available for guests so they can fully enjoy their surroundings and enjoy a true natural escape.

• Price: $1118/night
• Why We Recommend It: spa amenities, amazing food, scenic, nature retreat

This 140-acre property is a pastoral paradise that offers guests a decidedly peaceful stay in a very picturesque farm setting. There’s no roughing it here, though, since visitors to Wildflower Farms have access to pools, saunas, hot tubs and other spa amenities, as well as well-appointed private rooms that boast heated floors to ensure a cozy and comfortable stay during the winter months. (Psst: We also have it on good authority that the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, Clay, serves up a seriously memorable dining experience—just check out our review of the hotel here.)

• Price: $362/night
• Why We Recommend It: historic, prime location, comfortable accommodations, budget-friendly

This charming boutique hotel is centrally located so visitors can explore the up-and-coming and oh-so hip city of Kingston, along with many of the other surrounding townships in Hudson Valley. (In fact, glowing reviews describe the locations as “unbeatable.”) This option isn’t quite as extravagant as some of the other hotels on our list, but satisfied guests describe the rooms as clean and comfortable and the historic buildings that comprise the hotel as being thoughtfully restored. Bottom line: If you’re looking to explore in this neck of the woods, Hotel Kinsley is a budget-friendly and widely favored option.

• Price: $159/night
• Why We Recommend It: natural attractions, wine tasting, luxe accommodations, spa amenities, amazing food, budget-friendly

This Finger Lakes resort promises visitors superior comfort and boasts an ideal location for touring the region, which features a whopping five state parks and vineyards galore for those interested in wine tasting. The area is also renowned for its food scene and the restaurant at La Tourelle gets very high marks for the gourmet fare it serves. Best of all, the sleeping accommodations are, by all accounts, extremely plush and comfortable and reviewers report that the spa is exceptional, too. (Hint: If you’re going on a romantic retreat, don’t leave without getting a couples massage at the August Moon Spa and maybe consider booking the Tower Suite with mirrored ceilings for an extra sexy stay.)

• Price: $550/night
• Why We Recommend It: interior design, artistic vibes, hip town, close proximity to city

Massive black marble bathtubs, vintage furniture and artsy interior design makes the interior of this Hudson Valley gem a true feast for the eyes, and quite a luxurious place to unwind at that. The antique decorative touches are so tasteful it’s almost like staying in a museum, with the difference being that the numerous amenities will make you feel right at home. Glowing reviews report that the food is great, the bedding is comfortable and one happy guest describes the place as “the most beautiful, well-designed hotel/restaurant [they’ve] been to in a long time.” Come here for a bespoke experience that channels the creative energy of the Hudson Valley, and be sure to explore the town when you’re not languishing in the luxury of your room; there’s a reason so many former city dwellers escape to Hudson.

• Price: $435/night
• Why We Recommend It: spa amenities, interior design, luxurious accommodations, close proximity to city

This Parisian-inspired boutique hotel, located in the low-key upscale town of Rhinebeck, is the closest thing to Versailles you’ll find in New York. The rooms and suites exude Old World French charm and romance, with details that include ornate, Victorian fireplaces. oversized clawfoot soaking tubs and Juliet balconies. Guests are also sure to enjoy the high-end Italian linens, as well as the plush bathrobes that will likely come in handy when you head to the five-star spa for one of their signature treatments. (Word on the street is that the Mirabeau Glow Facial is life-changing.) Best of all, Rhinebeck is easily accessible from NYC, so if you’re hoping to spend your weekend in the lap of luxury without straying too far from your urban abode, this hotel checks all the boxes.

• Price: $224/night
• Why We Recommend It: nature retreat, luxe amenities, amazing food

Given its location in the Catskills region of Big Indian, NY, there’s nothing particularly urban about the Urban Cowboy Lodge…except perhaps that city-dwellers flock to the place when in need of a quiet and oh-so blissful retreat. Take a soak in your private forest soaking tub, plunge into the natural swimming hole and be sure to try everything on the menu at the award-winning (and pleasantly unpretentious) on-site eatery. Come nightfall, you should definitely do some stargazing (because yes, you can actually see them!) before you cozy up beside the fireplace in your cozy and well-appointed suite.

• Price: $349/night
• Why We Recommend It: lakeside retreat, water activities, outdoor recreation, scenic

Despite its name, Mirror Lake Inn is less of an inn and more of a palatial, Colonial-style estate, which sits on a sprawling plot of land just five miles away from the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex and 10 miles from the popular skiing destination of Whiteface Mountain. Mirror Lake Inn is not only a beloved winter retreat, though, as the grounds and surrounding area provide guests with plenty to do at any time of year. The resort boasts a (60-foot) indoor pool, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a private beach, top-notch on-site dining and a picturesque lakefront location that will make you swoon.

• Price: $169/night
• Why We Recommend It: historic, glamorous design, scenic views, close proximity to natural attractions

This impeccably restored Art Deco gem is a boutique hotel so opulent you will feel like you’re stepping into The Great Gatsby. The amenities are luxurious and include fireplaces, whirlpool baths and access to a Skyview Room that boasts breathtaking views. Plus, the hotel is within walking distance of Niagara Falls, so the location is pretty hard to beat. In other words, if you’re looking for a bucket list destination in upstate NY, this is it.