For decades, the Catskill Mountains were known primarily as the region where Rip Van Winkle famously slept for 20 years. For a long time, the area followed suit. It was a charming, slightly sleepy getaway defined by barn weddings, pristine hiking trails, and the quiet hum of quirky Main Street shops. However, the global pandemic acted as a definitive alarm clock. As urban dwellers sought refuge in nature, the region didn’t just wake up; it transformed into a premier destination for high-end design and curated experiences.
The crowning achievement of this transformation came recently when Delaware County secured a massive public relations win: a feature in Vogue magazine. Titled “The Best Airbnbs in Upstate New York for a Weekend Away From the City,” the article spotlighted five Delaware County properties, thrusting them into the international fashion and lifestyle spotlight.
This wasn’t a stroke of random luck. According to Delaware County Tourism Specialist Sophia Picco, that was the result of a sophisticated, multi-year strategy in partnership with the Brandman Agency, a luxury travel PR firm.
By maintaining an “asset library” of professional photography and staying in constant communication with editors, the county was ready to strike when Vogue came calling. The result? These properties are now largely booked through autumn, proving that in the modern travel market, high-quality visual storytelling is just as important as the hospitality itself.
A Journey Through the Counties
While short-term rentals are trending, the Catskill Mountains offer a diverse range of accommodations that reflect the distinct personality of each county.
Delaware County
The “Vogue Five” lead the way, ranging from the masterfully decorated Inez’s Farmhouse in Bloomville and the expansive 1820s Farmhouse in Stamford to the minimalist seclusion of the Brushlands Owl Nest in Bovina Center. Families often gravitate toward the Fox Ridge Chalet in Margaretville, while those seeking a Zen retreat find it in the Wabi Sabi Tiny Cabin in Walton.
For a more surreal immersion into high-concept design, The Roxbury (theroxburyexperience.com) has become a regional landmark. Spanning two distinct locations—The Roxbury Motel and The Roxbury at Stratton Falls—the property is world-renowned for its “thematic” suites. From rooms inspired by The Wizard of Oz and 1960s television to the “Tower Cottages” that feature three-story theatrical designs and private waterfalls, it represents the pinnacle of the region’s shift toward destination-worthy, curated hospitality. For those preferring a less exclusive option, more budget-friendly properties like the Inn at Octagon Acres in Hamden offer refurbished retro-options that capture the area’s mid-century charm.
Greene County
Further east in Greene County, the landscape is defined by a blend of nostalgia and modern luxury. The Wylder Windham (wylderhotels.com) stands as a revitalized pillar of the “great outdoors” spirit, though many visitors still seek out the classic “ski-lodge” vibe found in the renovated A-frames clustered near Hunter Mountain.
Schoharie County
The narrative is rooted in history and agriculture. The American Hotel (americanhotelny.com) in Sharon Springs remains a historic gem that pioneered the revival of the famous spa town, while the county’s deep farming roots have given rise to unique farm stays where guests can spend the night in renovated silos or guest cottages on working dairies.
Sullivan County
The Eldred Preserve (theeldredpreserve.com) has become a premier luxury resort, while the Kartrite Resort serves those looking for a more active escape. Most notably, the region is witnessing a “Borscht Belt 2.0” revival. In places like Swan Lake and Livingston Manor, a new generation of hoteliers is reclaiming the spirit of the mid-20th-century golden age, replacing the aging bungalows with chic, design-forward retreats that honor the communal, celebratory energy of the original resorts without the dated decor.
Ulster County
The options range from the grand to the contemporary. The Mohonk Mountain House (mohonk.com) remains a National Historic Landmark, offering an all-inclusive, castle-like experience that has defined regional luxury for over a century. Joining it as a prime destination is the Emerson Resort and Spa (emersonresort.com) which serves as a cornerstone of Ulster hospitality. The “cool factor” in Ulster has been turned up to 11 by the arrival of Urban Cowboy Lodge in Big Indian. Set on 68 acres within the Big Indian Wilderness, the lodge brings a maximalist, “Western-inspired” aesthetic to the mountains, complete with outdoor copper soaking tubs and bold, patterned interiors that have become Instagram sensations. Simultaneously, Ulster is participating in the Return of the Borscht Belt movement, as historic properties near Ellenville and Kerhonkson are being reimagined as boutique retreats, blending the nostalgia of family-style hospitality with high-end culinary programs and modern wellness spas.
Traveler’s Note: No matter where you stay, be it a 400-square-foot tiny cabin, a geometric motel, or a grand historic hotel, the common thread of the Catskills remains the fire. Whether it’s a woodstove, a fire pit, or a grand stone fireplace, the “fire in the country” is the heart of the experience.
