Hotel Lilien

Hotel Lilien, nestled in the Catskills & Hudson Valley of the United States, is a celebrated boutique property recognized with a Michelin Key for its exceptional design, service, and distinct sense of place. This 19th-century estate has been thoughtfully renovated to offer guests a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary cool.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Lilien is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its unique ambiance, attentive staff, and stylish interiors. It's often described as a "magical" and "charming" retreat that combines a homey Catskills feel with a hip, destination-worthy design. The hotel maintains a high guest score from verified Michelin Guide guests, indicating a consistently excellent experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Lilien for its:

• Eclectic Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts an "artfully restored" interior with original woodwork, stained-glass windows, and a curated mix of antique, vintage, and contemporary pieces, creating a "Victoriana en vogue" style. Common areas like the lounge, library, and bar are particularly celebrated for their inviting atmosphere and thoughtful decor.
• Exceptional Service: The staff and owners, part of The Lost Boys Hospitality Group, are frequently highlighted as "top-notch," "friendly," "available," and "accommodating," often going above and beyond to provide a welcoming and personalized experience.
• Communal Spaces & Amenities: The property features a lively bar scene, a billiards room, and a library for socializing. Outdoors, a seasonal swimming pool, fire pit, and spacious deck offer relaxation and recreation, particularly appealing in warmer months.
• Sense of Disconnection: The conscious absence of TVs in rooms encourages guests to unwind and engage with their surroundings and fellow travelers.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Lilien offers 18 unique rooms, including a suite, each described as one-of-a-kind with an eclectic mix of furnishings. Rooms are generally found to be "charming, comfy, and rustic," featuring brand-new Wright mattresses and Brooklinen sheets for a comfortable night's sleep. While individual rooms vary in layout and design, they share a "warm, organic style." Some rooms are pet-friendly, specifically the Deck King and Deck Queen & Bunk room types. A suite with a sitting room and kitchenette is also available.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides a complimentary modern European plated breakfast, served between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., which includes local yogurt and honey, fresh berries, warm croissants, smoked salmon or prosciutto, cheese, boiled eggs, and Partners Coffee and artisanal teas.

For dinner, the hotel's bar and lounge open at 5 p.m., offering a menu of "elevated sharing plates" and handcrafted cocktails. Popular dishes mentioned include fried chicken sandwiches, brisket tacos, and maple-roasted carrot salad. While the drinks and atmosphere are highly praised, some guest feedback suggests the food, while good, might not be the primary draw for everyone. On Saturday nights, a DJ enhances the dining atmosphere.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Lilien consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff, including owners Jason, Daniel, and David, as being "friendly, flexible, and always available." They are praised for their attentiveness, professionalism, and willingness to provide local recommendations for hikes and bakeries. The team's personal touch and the feeling of being treated like family contribute significantly to the positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Lilien is situated in Tannersville, New York, within the scenic Great Northern Catskills. Its location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, being just a five-minute drive from Hunter Mountain for skiing and mere minutes from hiking at Kaaterskill Falls. The charming village of Tannersville, with its shops and restaurants, is also within walking distance (about 30 minutes).

While convenient for local attractions, the Catskills are generally rural, making a car a necessity for exploring the wider area. The hotel is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from New York City and about 40 minutes from the Hudson train station. Free on-site parking is available.

7. Value & Pricing

Room rates at Hotel Lilien start from around $230 per night. For those considering it as a wedding venue, starting prices for receptions are around $10,000, with couples typically spending closer to $22,500. Many guests feel the unique experience, design, and high level of service justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring points have been noted by guests:

• No Televisions in Rooms: This is a conscious design choice by the hotel to encourage guests to disconnect and socialize, but it may be a drawback for those who prefer in-room entertainment.
• Early Closing of Common Areas: Some guests have expressed disappointment that the common areas, such as the library and lounge, close relatively early (10 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:30 p.m. on Sundays), limiting late-night socializing outside of their rooms.
• Accessibility: Due to the historic Victorian layout, the hotel's design may be unsuitable for guests with mobility issues.
• Room Aesthetics vs. Common Areas: One review suggested that the individual rooms, while comfortable, might not always live up to the "stunning" aesthetics of the hotel's common areas and could appear "rather run down" in comparison to newer competitors.
• No Daily Housekeeping: One review noted the absence of daily housekeeping, which might be a consideration for longer stays.

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