Callicoon HIlls

Callicoon Hills: A Charming Catskills Retreat with Modern Comforts

Callicoon Hills, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque Catskills & Hudson Valley, generally garners overwhelmingly positive reviews, offering guests a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary amenities. The property is lauded as an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation amidst nature and outdoor activities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Callicoon Hills is highly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a beautiful, well-maintained, and welcoming property. Review scores often fall in the "Wonderful" to "Exceptional" range, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return. For instance, Expedia shows a 9.0 out of 10 rating based on 151 reviews, with 105 reviews rating it as "Excellent". Similarly, Booking.com reviews indicate ratings such as 9.0 ("Great place, very cozy and friendly") and 10 ("Exceptional"), with an overall self-evaluation by the property as "8.0 Very Good". The sentiment often highlights a "calm" and "cozy" vacation experience, feeling like a "summer wonderland" or a "retreat".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise Callicoon Hills for several standout features:

• Beautiful Property & Grounds: The entire property is frequently described as beautiful and well-maintained, offering a serene setting. The grounds are appreciated for their beauty, often likened to a "summer wonderland".
• Amenities for Relaxation & Recreation: Guests love the on-site sauna and pool, with many enjoying evening s'mores by the fire pits. A gym hut, yoga terrace, and outdoor entertainment area are also highlighted. The property also features a game room with a pool table and video games, as well as lawn games.
• Welcoming Atmosphere & Design: The hotel retains a delightful throwback atmosphere from its century-old history while incorporating modern design elements. Original decor is largely untouched, complemented by modern artworks and artisan furnishings crafted by local carpenters. This creates a "retro feel" with sage wood-lined walls and cozy banquettes in areas like the Conover Club.
• Exceptional Food & Drink: The on-site restaurant and cafe receive high praise for delicious food and great cocktails.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Callicoon Hills are generally described as cozy and comfortable, blending a retro aesthetic with modern comforts.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms often feature white wood paneling and wood floors, with statement headboards and freeform coffee tables crafted by local carpenters. Snuggly wool throws and dainty artworks contribute to the cozy, retro look. Guests have specifically noted "one of the most comfortable beds (and sofa)" they've ever seen.
• Amenities: Accommodations include air conditioning and "swanky subway-tile showers". Rooms come with attached bathrooms, free toiletries (Malin + Goetz bath products), and free WiFi. Some unique options like A-frame cabins are available, providing a "glamping" feel with a modern, clean bathhouse a short walk away.
• Size: While generally comfortable, some guests have noted rooms can be "small but cozy". Bathrooms can be "tiny" with no window in some instances.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Callicoon Hills is a significant highlight for many guests.

• Conover Club: The main restaurant, Conover Club, is described as a proper restaurant and bar specializing in modern American comfort food. It offers a "retro feel" with a terrace overlooking greenery. The food and service here are often described as "exceptional" and "delicious". Menu items include unique spins on classics, such as eggs Benedict on latkes, and savory French toast. Dinner options range from quail with ramp chimichurri to gnocchi in rabbit ragout, alongside comfort food like burgers, wings, and fried cheese curds. The menu emphasizes local Catskills suppliers.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is available at the Rise & Shine Coffee Shop, offering items like yogurt parfait, overnight oats, and chia pudding. Full breakfast is offered for a fee, typically ranging from USD 5 to USD 15 per person.
• Cafe: There's also a cafe at the reception area offering delicious food.
• Cocktails & S'mores: Guests frequently enjoy great cocktails at the restaurant bar and complimentary s'mores in the evenings.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Callicoon Hills consistently receive high praise.

• Hospitality: Guests describe the staff as "super welcoming," "professional," "friendly," and "great people". Many feel "at home" due to the warm hospitality.
• Responsiveness: The staff is noted for being attentive and effectively solving guest requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Callicoon Hills is situated in Callicoon Center, within the Catskills & Hudson Valley.

• Natural Setting: The resort is "nestled in the breathtaking Appalachian countryside," surrounded by nature, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Guests appreciate the "lovely view from the terrace".
• Proximity to NYC: It's a "leisurely two-hour drive from New York City," making it an accessible getaway.
• Local Attractions: The hotel is within 9 miles (15 km) of Callicoon Town Hall, Villa Roma Driving Range, and Catskill State Park. There's also a nice walk across the street to a lake and creek.
• Transport: The hotel offers free self-parking.

7. Value & Pricing

While generally well-regarded, some guests have noted that Callicoon Hills can be on the pricier side, with some finding it "overpriced" given certain expectations.

• Room Rates: Standard hotel rooms typically range between $229 and $299, varying by season, with upgraded room types priced accordingly.
• Additional Costs: Full breakfast is an additional fee of approximately USD 5 to USD 15 per person. There is also a pet fee of USD 31.20 per pet, per night. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee.
• Resort Passes: For locals, resort passes are available daily for $15, granting access to amenities like saunas, s'mores, and dining discounts.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been mentioned by guests:

• Unheated Pool: A common complaint is that the outdoor pool is not heated, which can be an issue during cooler seasons.
• Restaurant/Club Hours: Some guests have reported that the on-site restaurant or club (Conover Club) had changed to winter or fall schedules, leading to limited or no restaurant facilities being available, which was a disappointment for some who booked specifically for these amenities.
• Room Heating: In some instances, guests experienced issues with room heating, finding it chilly.
• Minor Inconveniences: Isolated incidents like keys not working, requiring a walk back to the office, have been mentioned.
• Perceived Overpricing: A few guests felt the property was overpriced, especially if it didn't fully meet expectations of being a "luxurious resort".

Sources

1. expedia.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. mrandmrssmith.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. hotels.com
7. travelocity.com
8. callicoonhills.com
9. zola.com