FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Mohonk Mountain House

Sep 1, 2011
2011 / September 2011
imagePhoto: Francis X. Gallagher

Arrival/Check-in: After driving from Pennsylvania, we arrived in New Paltz and followed our GPS through winding roads and hills to the entrance of the resort. Security checked us in at the gate, and we drove for another two miles to the sprawling old hotel complex, which looks more like the castle in Harry Potter than a hotel. A staff of pleasant bellmen greeted us as I pulled the car up under the porte cochere and took our bevy of luggage. We were directed to the front desk and were immediately taken with the Dirty Dancing-like theme of the surroundings. Our luggage was delivered promptly to our rooms. (28/30)

Guest Quarters: We were a party of four, and our two rooms were nearly identical, both recently refurbished in keeping with the property’s 140-year history of continuous operation by the same Quaker family. Our room had a king-sized bed and a large bathroom decorated with small hexagonal tiles (very popular at the turn of the 20th century), a tub/shower and a pedestal sink. Our Victorian Room boasted all the dark oak splendor of the era and a lovely fireplace that we used whenever we were in the room, as it was late fall. The décor takes visitors back to a simpler time when guests spent little time in their room unless they wanted to read by the fire — there are no televisions. (25/30)

Services/Amenities: Mohonk is all about the buildings, the lake, the trails and the food. The meals are spectacular, and I was impressed by the service at breakfast and lunch and the top-notch cuisine at dinner. Only in the past 10 years did the hotel even have a bar, as this was a Quaker establishment and people were meant to get out and rejuvenate. The bar is there now, tucked away — and frankly, a place where I hadn’t the slightest interest in staying. At dinner, guests can order any cocktail they wish and there is a full wine list, something that would make Mohonk’s forefathers cringe.

You have to get out and hike here; magnificent trails start right out the front door. The Lemon Squeeze is a trail around the top of Lake Mohonk that turns and climbs through crevices and ladders to a shelf and then on to your destination — a stone tower built by the original owner, Alfred Smiley.

One of the most enjoyable attractions was the barn, with the most impressive collection of Americana I have seen in a very long time, including carriages and sleighs that have been used at the Mohonk House over the past century and a half. Unlike most museums, here you can get close to the artifacts.

There’s more to do — this is not a place to hang out in your room but one to hang from rocks and enjoy the splendor of the outdoors. Activities range from horseback riding to boating and fishing, and sports change with the season. Unfortunately, I did not plan properly and could not experience the award-winning spa. (39/40)

The Experience: Fun for anyone and at any level of activity, this Old-World destination is well worth a visit.

Total Score: 92/100

Mohonk MounTain house
1000 Mountain Rest Road New Paltz, NY 12561 tel 845 255 1000 www.mohonk.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 17, 2025

UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages in 2024

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, travelers can now discover the 55 newest Best Tourism Villages of 2024 as researched by UN Tourism. These are not overcrowded, mass-tourism villages, but instead very rural destinations that have consolidated their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

March 2025
Mar 17, 2025

Buenos Aires Embraces Life with Art, Music, Sports and Fine Food

The fascinating city of Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its appeal for travelers despite Argentina’s roller coaster economic history.

Daily
Mar 17, 2025

Welcome the Arrival of Tulip Season in Amsterdam with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Every spring, Amsterdam’s parks and fields erupt into an array of colors with the arrival of tulip season. To help travelers have the ultimate experience, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers three curated experiences celebrating the iconic flower through historical insights, natural immersion and gourmet food.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Slideshow
Mar 17, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Sedona, Arizona, Hotel Promises Perfect Nature-Centric Stay

Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at L’Auberge de Sedona. This luxury property in Sedona, Arizona, invites travelers to reconnect with nature through its accommodations and outdoor experiences.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Ancient Baths Brand Opens Second Location in New York City

AIRE Ancient Baths officially opened the doors of its second New York City location March 1, bringing even more wellness to New Yorkers and visitors. Following the success of its location in Tribeca, AIRE New York Upper East Side debuts, blending ancient traditions from Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations.