AutoCamp Catskills

AutoCamp Catskills, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the Catskills & Hudson Valley, offers a unique "glamping" experience that blends the comforts of a boutique hotel with the allure of the outdoors. It's often described as a luxury outdoor dwelling experience, appealing to those who appreciate nature without sacrificing modern amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for AutoCamp Catskills is largely positive, with guests often praising its stylish accommodations and the overall "glamping" concept. Many find it a wonderful escape from city life, offering comfort in a wilderness-like setting. However, some reviews indicate mixed feelings regarding value for money and certain operational aspects. The property holds an 8.6 rating on Booking.com, with many "exceptional" and "very good" reviews.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the sophisticated design, both of the individual units and the communal Clubhouse. The property's commitment to a luxury outdoor experience, complete with amenities like fire pits, is a significant draw. The Clubhouse is frequently highlighted as a great common area, featuring skylights, a covered porch, board games, and family-friendly activities, along with complimentary hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. The setting itself, often described as a "wooded area," provides a sense of being surrounded by nature.

3. Room Quality

AutoCamp Catskills offers a variety of accommodations, including Airstream suites, cabins, and tents.

• Airstreams: These are a popular choice, described as very comfortable and spacious enough for families, equipped with queen-size beds, sofa beds, kitchenettes, and hotel-like bathrooms with showers. They come with premium bedding, down comforters, and Tempur-Pedic beds, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
• Cabins: Family cabins are available, often featuring bunk beds in addition to a queen bed and a folding sofa. However, some guests have noted that the family cabins can feel smaller than they appear in pictures, with bunk beds integrated into a corridor rather than a separate room.
• Tents: Tent accommodations also offer a comfortable setup, typically with a queen-size bed and a sofa that converts into a double bed. Guests staying in tents utilize the communal, yet luxurious, shower amenities in the Clubhouse.

All individually furnished rooms offer modern touches like laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning. Firewood and s'mores kits are often included or available, enhancing the outdoor experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining options at AutoCamp Catskills are designed for convenience rather than a full-service restaurant experience. Complimentary granola and coffee are offered in the Clubhouse in the mornings. The Kitchen provides freshly prepared food items for purchase from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and a General Store offers grab-and-go options 24/7. Happy hour runs daily from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. While the on-site food is convenient, it can be expensive. Some guests have experienced slow service at the restaurant and noted that tables in the main lodge were not consistently cleaned. There is a desire among some guests for a wider selection of food options.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on staff and service is generally positive, with many describing the staff as helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the property and local surroundings. Timely text responses for inquiries are appreciated. However, some individual guest experiences highlight issues such as staff being overwhelmed during busy periods like holiday weekends, leading to amenities like coffee and tea running out. There have also been significant complaints regarding management, with one guest describing the General Manager as "rude, short-tempered, and completely dismissive."

6. Location & Accessibility

AutoCamp Catskills is located in Saugerties, New York, in a rural and mountainous area. It is considered "one of the most beautiful places on earth" by some, situated in New York's Hudson Valley, a stone's throw from Saugerties village. The location offers proximity to natural beauty like Catskill State Park and Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, as well as cultural attractions such as Opus 40. There is a small hiking trail surrounding the property, approximately a mile long.

However, guests should be aware that while it provides access to nature, the specific spot is essentially right off a main road with nearby houses, gas stations, and restaurants, meaning it's not an isolated wilderness experience. The property has accessible routes into the Clubhouse and main public areas. Accessible Suites are available, designed like tiny houses with ramp access, roll-in showers, and roll-under sinks. Despite this, there have been significant complaints regarding ADA accessibility, with issues such as poorly attached toilet seats, heavy front doors, and non-functional "push to open" buttons in accessible units.

7. Value & Pricing

AutoCamp Catskills is generally considered an expensive option, with rates ranging from under $200 to over $500 per night, particularly on summer weekends or peak dates. Many guests feel it is overpriced for what it offers, especially the family cabins which some found smaller than expected for the cost. However, the value can be decent when using Hilton Free Night Certificates or Hilton Honors points (at a consistent rate of 70,000 points per night). For those seeking the convenience of camping without bringing their own gear, or for corporate retreats, the value proposition may be stronger. Elite status with Hilton Honors can also provide perks like free s'mores kits and firewood.

8. Common Complaints

Several recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Pricing: A common complaint is that the property is overpriced, especially for certain room types like the family cabins.
• Dining Service & Cleanliness: Slow service at the on-site restaurant and dirty tables in the main lodge have been reported.
• Space & Layout: Some guests found the units, particularly the Airstreams, to be packed tightly together. Family cabins were also perceived as smaller than depicted, with bunk beds not in a separate room.
• ADA Accessibility: Significant issues with accessible units, including faulty fixtures and non-functional automatic door openers, have been a point of concern.
• Lack of Amenities: Guests have wished for additional amenities like a swimming pool or creek for swimming, and a wider selection of adult-focused activities.
• Management Issues: Specific complaints about the General Manager's demeanor and unresponsiveness have been raised.
• Limited "Wilderness" Feel: Despite the glamping concept, the proximity to a main road and surrounding development means it's not a completely isolated nature experience.

Sources

1. ahotellife.com
2. agoda.com
3. michelin.com
4. hotels.com
5. booking.com
6. autocamp.com
7. frequentmiler.com
8. autocampreviews.com
9. thepointsguy.com
10. expedia.com
11. autocamp.com
12. reddit.com
13. reddit.com