Camptown Catskills

Camptown Catskills: A Michelin Key Selected Retreat Blending Rustic Charm with Modern Luxury

Camptown Catskills, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled at the foot of the majestic Catskill Mountains in Leeds, New York, has garnered a strong reputation as a captivating escape. This boutique lodge, comprising a renovated 1930s motel and individual cabins, expertly combines alpine-chic aesthetics with contemporary comforts, offering guests a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Camptown Catskills is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its "awesome" setup, beautiful grounds, and serene atmosphere. Verified guests consistently rate the hotel highly for service, cleanliness, public spaces, and overall stay, with scores often exceeding 19 out of 20 on the Michelin Guide's scale. It's described as a perfect place to unwind and recharge, whether for a summer weekend or a cozy winter escape.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore several aspects of Camptown:

• Design & Vibe: The property showcases an impeccable design, blending modernism, Shaker simplicity, and rustic elements while preserving the character of its nearly century-old bones. The "alpine-chic" aesthetic, with custom woodwork and earth tones, creates a cozy yet contemporary ambiance.
• Amenities: Camptown offers thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation and enjoyment, including an amazing seasonal outdoor saltwater pool with waterbed cabanas and a bar (Bar Piscina), a rejuvenating outdoor sauna, communal fire pits, and grills. A round-the-clock "honesty pantry" stocked with local beers, wines, fresh produce, and snacks is also a much-appreciated feature. The property is also pet-friendly.
• Atmosphere: The intimate and quiet spaces around the rooms and cabins contribute to a sense of tranquility, allowing guests to truly relax and reconnect with nature.

3. Room Quality

Camptown offers a variety of accommodations, including 24 hotel guest rooms in the main lodge and 26 individual cabins.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms and cabins are described as comfortable, cozy, and impeccably designed, each individually styled yet sharing a rustic good look with mid-century furnishings.
• High-End Features: Guests enjoy luxurious Frette linens, fluffy pillows, and super supportive mattresses. Bathrooms feature handsome tiling and heated floors, along with divine-smelling local bath products.
• Cabin Specifics: Many cabins offer extra comforts such as wood-burning stoves, vintage kitchenettes, and living areas, making them ideal for longer stays or for groups of friends. Thoughtful details like ample storage in medicine cabinets and fire starter kits for wood stoves are also noted. Each cabin also includes a porch and seating area to enjoy the surroundings.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Casa Susanna, is a significant highlight and frequently receives exceptional praise.

• Modern Mexican Cuisine: Led by James Beard-nominated Chef Efrén Hernández, Casa Susanna offers a remarkably authentic Jaliscan cuisine with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce from the Hudson Valley.
• Menu & Quality: Guests are consistently impressed by the creativity and quality of dishes, with homemade tortillas being a particular standout. Dinner highlights have included Blood Sausage Tamal, Boquerones Tostada, Whole Grilled Mackerel Al Pastor, and Duck Leg Confit.
• Breakfast/Brunch: While rates don't typically include breakfast, complimentary tea and coffee are available daily, and an à la carte brunch is served on weekends, featuring dishes like blue-corn tetelas and chayote-topped tamales. Concha pastries are also a delightful morning option.
• Cocktails: The restaurant's cocktails are highly recommended, also served in the separate bar area. Bar Piscina, the seasonal poolside bar, offers Mexican-inspired drinks like frozen guava margaritas and paletas.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional hospitality at Camptown. Staff are described as extremely friendly, helpful, and accommodating. They make the experience personal, remembering guest preferences and proactively assisting with requests, such as finding earlier dinner reservations.

6. Location & Accessibility

Camptown is located in Leeds, New York, nestled at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, just beyond the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

• Nature & Attractions: The 22-acre property offers ample space to lounge and walk around without leaving. Its location provides easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural beauty of the Catskills.
• Nearby Towns: The small-town charm of Catskill Village, with its antique shops, art galleries, and cafes, is easily accessible. Hudson, NY (home to Rivertown Lodge, owned by the same team), is also nearby.
• Transport: Albany International Airport is approximately a 40-minute to an hour's drive away, and New York Stewart International Airport is about an hour. The hotel is approximately 2.5 hours north of NYC. Parking is available and free.

7. Value & Pricing

Camptown is considered a valuable and worthwhile experience by many guests. While specific pricing can vary, rates reportedly start around $250 per night for rooms and cabins, with some sources mentioning rates from $169 for a Queen room and $237 for a Standard Cabin. The high-end comforts, impeccable design, and award-winning dining contribute to its perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one minor recurring comment noted is that some rooms can be "adorable if small." Additionally, one guest mentioned being unsure if booking a half-hour at the sauna was worth it, although it doesn't cost anything. Another review mentioned a less than expected check-in experience, particularly regarding being sent into total darkness. However, these appear to be isolated or minor points in otherwise glowing reviews.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. hotelsabovepar.com
3. greatnortherncatskills.com
4. weddingwire.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. google.com.jm
7. outsideexposures.com
8. theknot.com
9. mrandmrssmith.com
10. fieldmag.com
11. hotelsabovepar.com
12. timesunion.com