Upstate Escapes: The Best Summer Getaways Within a Few Hours of NYC
There’s something especially appealing about leaving the city in the summer — whether for a long weekend in the Catskills, a spa stay in Hudson Valley, or simply a change of scenery that involves trees and a pool instead of subway delays and overheated sidewalks. Fortunately, within a few hours of Manhattan, there are plenty of places worth checking into, ranging from design-forward hotels in Hudson to quiet cabin-style stays deeper in the mountains.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a few favorite Upstate getaways worth booking this summer.
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Set inside a restored 19th-century factory in Hudson, Pocketbook Hudson mixes contemporary art, industrial architecture, and fashion-forward details, all within a massive brick building that still retains much of its original character. Pocketbook’s restaurant, Ambos, has become so coveted it may be reason enough for the trip. There are also several shops inside the hotel, including Kasuri, which carries brands like Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons.
The real standout, though, is The Baths, the hotel’s spa and bathhouse across the courtyard. Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, saltwater pools, a cold plunge, steam, and sunlight pouring through tall windows. It’s an easy place to spend an entire afternoon. And because it’s right in Hudson, you can still spend the rest of the day walking around town or browsing some of the strip’s many vintage stores before heading back to Ambos for dinner.
Hudson, NY; (518) 660-0885
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Hotel Lilien sits in Tannersville, just minutes from Hunter Mountain, inside a restored Victorian mansion filled with original woodwork, stained glass, vintage furniture, and a very good cocktail bar. It manages to feel both elegant and relaxed, with guests lingering on the porch during the day and around the restaurant and bar at night.
Summer is especially nice here thanks to the large lawn, outdoor pool, nearby hiking trails, and access to small Catskills towns nearby. There’s also live music on weekends, a strong food and wine program, a regular rotation of DJs, and enough common spaces that it works equally well for a romantic weekend or a group trip with friends.
Tannersville, NY; (518) 718-4348
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Located in Hensonville near Windham, The Henson feels smaller and more intimate than a traditional resort stay. The 16-room inn was created by the teams behind Contra and Wildair alongside design duo Hunter Houses, which explains the strong food program and understated interiors.
There’s an on-site restaurant, Matilda, plus a café and luncheonette nearby run by the same team, making this a particularly good option for people who plan their weekends around meals. Beyond that, there’s a rooftop overlooking the mountains, an infrared sauna, and plenty of nearby hiking and swimming spots throughout the Catskills. The vibe strikes a balance between relaxation and style — an elevated, luxurious take on rustic immersion.
Hensonville, NY; (518) 734-4160
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For something quieter and a little more removed, The Bend in Phoenicia is a small adults-only property with just five suites. Each feels more like a private cabin than a hotel room, with kitchens, fireplaces, living rooms, and decks facing sweeping mountain views.
While there’s no restaurant on-site, the beloved Phoenicia Diner is nearby for classic Catskills breakfasts and lunch. Between the pool, sauna, firepit, arcade room, and generous outdoor space, staying put for the weekend feels entirely reasonable. But if you do venture out, Woodstock is just a short drive away, and the surrounding area is filled with swimming holes and hiking trails for long summer days outside.
Phoenicia, NY
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Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, sits on 140 acres in the Hudson Valley and has quickly become one of the region’s bigger luxury escapes. The property’s freestanding cabins are surrounded by meadows, forests, and views of the Shawangunk Ridge, with fireplaces, outdoor showers, and private terraces throughout.
The resort is centered around nature and the farm on-site, which supplies produce to its restaurant, Clay. There’s also a large spa with an indoor saltwater pool, hiking trails across the property, yoga and wellness classes, and seasonal activities ranging from flower arranging to foraging. It’s a good option for anyone wanting a more full-service weekend away.
Gardiner, NY; (855) 472-3188
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Piaule
Just outside the town of Catskill, Piaule remains one of the most visually striking places to stay in the region. The hotel’s minimalist cabins sit elevated among the trees with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, cedar interiors, and views directly into the woods.
The spa is a major part of the experience here — sauna, steam room, saltwater pool, cold plunge — and the overall atmosphere is intentionally quiet and low-key. There isn’t a huge amount of programming or activity, which is largely the appeal. It’s best for long walks, slow mornings, and disappearing for a summer weekend upstate — in other words, the dream.
Catskill, NY; (518) 719-1919
WORDS Hillary Sproul
PHOTOGRAPHY Taylor Keeran on Unsplash