Urban Cowboy Lodge - Catskills

Urban Cowboy Lodge - Catskills: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Nestled amidst the sprawling 700,000 acres of Catskill Park, the Urban Cowboy Lodge offers a distinctive retreat that blends rustic charm with curated luxury. This Michelin Key selected property, opened in March 2020, promises a unique escape from city life, characterized by its "modern Americana lodge" vibe and commitment to providing a deeply relaxing and engaging experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a profound sense of relaxation and fun. Many describe it as a "luxurious forest playground" and a "magical world away" from the hustle and bustle. The Lodge is praised for its ability to foster disconnection from reality, offering an optimistic and lighthearted hospitality that leaves guests feeling happy and rejuvenated.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects:

• Exceptional Staff: The staff are frequently described as very friendly, amazing, attentive, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a welcoming experience.
• Unique Design & Vibe: The lodge boasts a "hickster" style – a rural aesthetic with a modern flair – and a design ethos of "patterns on patterns on patterns," featuring custom, hand-printed wallpaper and vintage decor. The atmosphere is laid-back and hip, often compared to a Wes Anderson film.
• Amenities for Relaxation & Fun: Standout amenities include fire pits with S'mores kits, a pool table, shuffleboard, and board games. The Estonian sauna, sometimes described as a speakeasy, and indoor/outdoor soaking tubs are particularly popular. The property also offers a pool, tennis courts, miles of hiking trails, and in-room massages. Communal activities like Reggae Bingo and live vinyl DJs contribute to a lively social scene.
• Focus on Disconnection: The lack of strong cell phone service (though complimentary Wi-Fi is available) is often cited as a positive, encouraging guests to unwind and disconnect.

3. Room Quality

The 28 rooms and suites, spread across five buildings on 68 acres, are celebrated for their comfort and unique design. They range from cozy cabin-style king rooms to vast six-bedroom suites.

• Design and Comfort: Rooms feature a decadent mountain luxury aesthetic with Pendleton blankets, wood, and leather decor, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Hand-printed wallpaper and vintage decorations add to the distinctive character.
• Unique Features: Many rooms include a private deck and a signature sexy copper clawfoot tub or Japanese cedar soaking tub, with some even offering in-room potbelly stoves. Walk-in rain showers are also noted for comfort.
• Amenities: In-room minibars are well-stocked, and Pendleton robes are provided for guests' comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The Urban Cowboy Lodge offers a notable dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

• The Dining Room / Public House: The on-site restaurant, known as The Dining Room or The Public House, specializes in wood-fired, vegetable-focused cooking, though a reviewer highly praised the Long Island duck breast. Chef Matthew Hamilton, known from NYC restaurants, leads the culinary team.
• Breakfast: In-room breakfast and brunch options are available and described as "lovely." Some guests have appreciated the convenience of ordering breakfast via text message for delivery to their door.
• Bars: Ralph's Bar & Bowling and The Public House Bar offer craft beers and incredible cocktails.
• Weekend Offerings: Auggie's Tiny Pizza Kitchen pops up on weekends, and the dining experience can include lively events like Reggae Bingo and live vinyl DJs.
• Criticism: While generally positive, one guest found the restaurant to be "stupidly overpriced" for a pasta dish, suggesting it aligned with Manhattan prices but lacked the expected garnishment or exceptional quality.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Urban Cowboy Lodge receives consistent high praise. Staff members are described as very friendly, cheerful, attentive, knowledgeable, and relaxed. They are noted for going "above and beyond" to make guests feel welcome and ensuring a pleasant stay, including a cheerful greeting with cocktails upon arrival. The hospitality style is likened to visiting a friend's house.

6. Location & Accessibility

The lodge is perfectly situated atop Alpine Road in Big Indian, within the vast Catskill Park, offering a serene and wild setting.

• Proximity to NYC: It's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from New York City, making it an ideal escape.
• Local Attractions: Guests have access to numerous nearby hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort, the closest ski resort, is recommended for skiing in winter and features a human-made beach in summer. The lodge also has its own swimming hole.
• Neighborhood: While remote, there are surprising spots to eat and drink nearby, and the town of Margaretville offers funky cafes and shops.

7. Value & Pricing

The Urban Cowboy Lodge is generally considered not cheap but "worth the price" for the unique experience it offers.

• Price Range: Typical weeknight prices average around $288, while weekend nights can be significantly higher, averaging $569, indicating a premium experience. Prices can start from around $150.07 for a 1-night stay for 2 adults.
• Perceived Value: Despite the cost, guests feel the value is high due to the luxurious accommodations, unique amenities, attentive service, and immersive atmosphere.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Restaurant Pricing: The most prominent complaint concerns the high prices of the restaurant food, with one guest specifically mentioning a $28 bowl of pasta that felt overpriced for its presentation and quality, even acknowledging the captive market.
• Cell Phone Service: The lack of strong cell phone service can be an inconvenience for some, though complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. This is often framed as a positive for disconnecting, but it can still be a practical issue for others.
• Adult-Oriented Environment: While children are allowed in specific rooms, the lodge is generally considered "more of an adult playground." Some sources state the property does not allow guests under 18, and extra beds are not available.The initial comprehensive Google search provided all necessary details to address each point of the user's request. No further search actions are required.

Urban Cowboy Lodge - Catskills: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Nestled amidst the sprawling 700,000 acres of Catskill Park, the Urban Cowboy Lodge offers a distinctive retreat that blends rustic charm with curated luxury. This Michelin Key selected property, opened in March 2020, promises a unique escape from city life, characterized by its "modern Americana lodge" vibe and commitment to providing a deeply relaxing and engaging experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a profound sense of relaxation and fun. Many describe it as a "luxurious forest playground" and a "magical world away" from the hustle and bustle. The Lodge is praised for its ability to foster disconnection from reality, offering an optimistic and lighthearted hospitality that leaves guests feeling happy and rejuvenated. The ambiance is often compared to a Wes Anderson film.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects:

• Exceptional Staff: The staff are frequently described as very friendly, amazing, attentive, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a welcoming experience.
• Unique Design & Vibe: The lodge boasts a "hickster" style – a rural aesthetic with a modern flair – and a design ethos of "patterns on patterns on patterns," featuring custom, hand-printed wallpaper and vintage decor. The atmosphere is laid-back and hip.
• Amenities for Relaxation & Fun: Standout amenities include fire pits with S'mores kits, a pool table, shuffleboard, and board games. The Estonian sauna, sometimes described as a speakeasy, and indoor/outdoor soaking tubs are particularly popular. The property also offers a pool, tennis courts, and miles of hiking trails. Communal activities like Reggae Bingo and live vinyl DJs contribute to a lively social scene. In-room massages and outdoor yoga options are also available.
• Focus on Disconnection: The lack of strong cell phone service (though complimentary Wi-Fi is available) is often cited as a positive, encouraging guests to unwind and disconnect.

3. Room Quality

The 28 rooms and suites, spread across five buildings on 68 acres, are celebrated for their comfort and unique design. They range from cozy cabin-style king rooms to vast six-bedroom suites.

• Design and Comfort: Rooms feature a decadent mountain luxury aesthetic with Pendleton blankets, wood, and leather decor, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Hand-printed wallpaper and vintage decorations add to the distinctive character.
• Unique Features: Many rooms include a private deck and a signature copper clawfoot tub or Japanese cedar soaking tub, with some even offering in-room potbelly stoves. Walk-in rain showers are also noted for comfort.
• Amenities: In-room minibars are well-stocked, and Pendleton robes are provided for guests' comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The Urban Cowboy Lodge offers a notable dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

• The Dining Room / Public House: The on-site restaurant, known as The Dining Room or The Public House, specializes in wood-fired, vegetable-focused cooking, though a reviewer highly praised the Long Island duck breast. Chef Matthew Hamilton, known from NYC restaurants, leads the culinary team.
• Breakfast: "Lovely" in-room breakfast and brunch options are available. Some guests have appreciated the convenience of ordering breakfast via text message for delivery to their door.
• Bars: Ralph's Bar & Bowling and The Public House Bar offer craft beers and incredible cocktails.
• Weekend Offerings: Auggie's Tiny Pizza Kitchen pops up on weekends, and the dining experience can include lively events like Reggae Bingo and live vinyl DJs.
• Criticism: While generally positive, one guest found the restaurant to be "stupidly overpriced" for a pasta dish, suggesting it aligned with Manhattan prices but lacked the expected garnishment or exceptional quality.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Urban Cowboy Lodge receives consistent high praise. Staff members are described as very friendly, cheerful, attentive, knowledgeable, and relaxed. They are noted for going "above and beyond" to make guests feel welcome and ensuring a pleasant stay, including a cheerful greeting with cocktails upon arrival. The hospitality style is likened to visiting a friend's house.

6. Location & Accessibility

The lodge is perfectly situated atop Alpine Road in Big Indian, within the vast Catskill Park, offering a serene and wild setting.

• Proximity to NYC: It's approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from New York City, making it an ideal escape.
• Local Attractions: Guests have access to numerous nearby hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort, the closest ski resort, is recommended for skiing in winter and features a human-made beach in summer. The lodge also has its own swimming hole.
• Neighborhood: While remote, there are surprising spots to eat and drink nearby, and the town of Margaretville offers funky cafes and shops.

7. Value & Pricing

The Urban Cowboy Lodge is generally considered not cheap but "worth the price" for the unique experience it offers.

• Price Range: Typical weeknight prices average around $288, while weekend nights can be significantly higher, averaging $569, indicating a premium experience. Prices can start from approximately $150.07 for a 1-night stay for two adults.
• Perceived Value: Despite the cost, guests feel the value is high due to the luxurious accommodations, unique amenities, attentive service, and immersive atmosphere.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Restaurant Pricing: The most prominent complaint concerns the high prices of the restaurant food, with one guest specifically mentioning a $28 bowl of pasta that felt overpriced for its presentation and quality, even acknowledging the captive market.
• Cell Phone Service: The lack of strong cell phone service can be an inconvenience for some, though complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. This is often framed as a positive for disconnecting, but it can still be a practical issue for others.
• Adult-Oriented Environment: While children are allowed in specific rooms, the lodge is generally considered "more of an adult playground." Some sources state the property does not allow guests under 18, and extra beds are not available.

Sources

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15. hudsonvalleystylemagazine.com
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