The Starlite Motel

The Starlite Motel, nestled in the scenic Catskills & Hudson Valley, is a Michelin Key Selected property that offers a unique blend of retro charm and modern comfort. Praised for its beautifully restored 1960s aesthetic and thoughtful amenities, it provides a tranquil retreat for guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Starlite Motel generally receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia and a "Very Good" score of 8.3 on Booking.com. Michelin Guide guests also provide high scores across categories, including 19.3 for overall experience. Guests frequently describe their stays as charming, comfortable, clean, and quiet, often expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of The Starlite Motel:

• Design & Atmosphere: The motel embraces an "unashamedly retro" 1960s aesthetic with an exterior palette of pinks, aquas, and mint greens, complemented by a giant "MOTEL" sign. The interiors, however, offer a contemporary feel, feeling "lighter, brighter, and more polished" due to the proprietors' backgrounds in art, fashion, and design. Many find the vintage charm and retro touches delightful and well-executed.
• Amenities: The property boasts a saltwater swimming pool, a firepit, barbecue facilities for each room, and a picnic area, enhancing the outdoor experience. There's also a "Starlite Canteen" serving drinks, and complimentary pour-over coffee in every room. Free Wi-Fi and free self-parking are also standard. Some rooms feature balconies or patios, and there are bikes available for guests.
• Unique Touches: Guests appreciate details like organic Starlite bath products, Brooklinen bedding, complimentary local snacks, and a hand-drawn map of local spots. The presence of a renovated vintage camper named "Hildegard" available for overnight stays adds to its unique appeal.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Starlite Motel are described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, feeling more like an apartment to some guests. They feature hardwood floors, tiled baths (often with a retro pink tile), and are well-maintained.

• Amenities: All studios and rooms come equipped with kitchenettes, including a microwave, full-size refrigerator, toaster, coffeemaker, and stove with oven, which guests highly value. King rooms, ranging from 250-300 sq ft, often include a balcony or deck. Queen rooms are 150 sq ft.
• Comfort: Beds are noted as comfortable, with new mattresses and premium bedding. Air conditioning, heating, and USB charging ports are standard.
• Design: While maintaining a retro charm, the rooms have a modern feel with lighter and brighter aesthetics. Some rooms surprisingly do not include TVs, encouraging guests to enjoy the natural surroundings.

4. Dining Experience

While the Starlite Motel doesn't offer a full-service restaurant for all meals, it provides thoughtful dining options:

• Breakfast: A daily in-room continental breakfast basket was previously offered, though recent changes indicate a discontinuation of this popular breakfast basket, encouraging guests to prepare their own meals. However, complimentary baked goods from a local bakery are provided on weekends. The Starlite Canteen serves breakfast on weekends.
• Starlite Canteen: This area serves drinks daily and local beverages and snacks.
• Kitchenettes & BBQ: The full kitchenettes in each room allow guests to prepare their own meals. The availability of barbecue grills and picnic areas for each room is a popular amenity for outdoor cooking.
• Local Sourcing: The Starlite Canteen prioritizes ingredients sourced from local Catskills purveyors.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the friendly, helpful, and attentive nature of the staff. The host, Alix, receives exceptional ratings for communication. Guests appreciate personalized touches like welcoming text messages with check-in information and local recommendations. The staff is happy to assist guests with information about local restaurants and attractions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Starlite Motel is situated in Kerhonkson, New York, within the Catskills & Hudson Valley region.

• Natural Attractions: It offers a quiet retreat near the Catskill Mountains. The motel is a short distance from Minnewaska State Park (a 10-minute drive) and within two miles of Catskill Park, making it ideal for hiking, skiing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is also within a 10-minute drive.
• Surrounding Area: The area is well-supplied with restaurants, local breweries, wineries, and farms.
• Transport: The motel is approximately two hours north of NYC and 20 minutes from New Paltz. Free self-parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

The Starlite Motel is considered to offer good value for money. As of February 13, 2026, prices for a 1-night stay for two adults start from $125.0, excluding taxes and fees. Nightly rates can start from $99 midweek, $155 on weekends, and $175 on holidays for Queen & Double Suites. There is also a one-time $25 fee at check-out. Considering the unique design, well-equipped rooms, and amenities, many guests find it a worthwhile cost.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, some points for guests to be aware of include:

• Cancellation Policy: The motel has a firm cancellation policy. Cancellations within 10 days but more than 48 hours of arrival will be charged 50% of the reservation, and within 48 hours, the full amount. A different source mentions a 7-day cancellation policy to avoid paying for the entire booking.
• No Housekeeping During Stay: Due to pandemic-related changes, housekeeping services are not provided during a guest's stay.
• Discontinued Breakfast Basket: The popular daily breakfast basket has been discontinued, with guests now encouraged to prepare their own meals. However, complimentary weekend baked goods are still offered.
• Pet Fees and Policies: While pet-friendly in some rooms, there are specific policies and fees. A pet fee of $75 or $100 per stay may apply, and only dogs are allowed in select rooms with an additional $10/night plus tax. Guests must also supervise pets and clean up after them.
• No TVs in Some Rooms: Some rooms do not have televisions, which might be a consideration for guests who prefer in-room entertainment.

Sources

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2. expedia.com
3. michelin.com
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6. wandercuse.com
7. starlite-motel.com
8. besthudsonvalleywinetours.com
9. visitulstercountyny.com
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