Our Serene Stay at The New York All-Inclusive Resort Named Best of The Year
Ninety miles north of New York City, a Victorian castle overlooks a lake within 40,000 acres of protected forest. Beloved by families, couples, groups, and centuries of distinguished visitors, Mohonk Mountain House transports guests to a nature-filled oasis that feels worlds away. After welcoming guests for 150 years, they’ve practically perfected it. So, it’s no surprise that they’ve received another award as one of America’s best getaways.
The Lake Castle in The Sky
According to ancient legends, the word Mohonk means lake in the sky. Thanks to the Smiley family, who have purchased and nurtured the land for the past 155 years, you can enjoy this heavenly National Historic Landmark and its 85 miles of trails today, along with all the conveniences, amenities, and services of an all-inclusive resort.
Let Nature Nurture You
The original owners, brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley, believed people should spend time in the mountains for a break from hurried city life. Long before medical studies showed exactly how being outside can improve health, they knew that humans’ relationship with nature should be a priority.
With this in mind, they designed a resort where people could shed their everyday cares and feel invigorated by the scenery, mountain air, and outdoor experiences. And in 2026, that vision is still alive, wowing guests, including my family.
No Wonder It’s a Regular On ‘Best of’ Lists
From Condé Nast Traveler to Good Housekeeping, and TripAdvisor to USA TODAY, the resort’s long list of awards reflects the elevated experiences and service offered in this mountain paradise. From couples to multi-generational families and groups, it’s a go-to destination that’s sure to please everyone.
Recently, they added another feather to their cap. In Best of the Year’s inaugural class of winners, they were one of only three hotel winners.
The All-Inclusive Format Shines
In line with the founders’ vision, the all-inclusive structure allows guests to focus on enjoying nature through a myriad of activities without worrying about the cost of each one. Dining, sports, water activities, nightly entertainment, classes, valet parking, gratuities, and the award-winning Kids Club are included in the nightly rate. Spa treatments, carriage rides, and alcohol are available for an additional fee.
It lets guests move seamlessly from activity to meal and back to activity. This let us squeeze in both leisure time and everything everyone in our family wanted to do.
Award-Wining Dining
Their Main Dining room was voted into the 4th spot for Best Hotel Restaurant in America by USA TODAY’s 10Best readers. And we saw exactly why.
While breakfast and lunch are buffets, they’re nowhere near your typical buffet. My husband remarked that it’s like an over-the-top wedding offering with carving stations, fresh-made omelets and salads, and one surprising farm-to-table option after another. Nightly dinner is a three-course meal with an optional kids’ menu. The service was outstanding and could not have been more accommodating to kids, even when they changed their minds.
There’s Over 150 Things To Do
At check-in, a staff member gave my daughter a brochure of 150 things to do at the resort. She loved circling her picks, like nighttime s’mores, afternoon tea, and the putting green. Activities are elevated with special, unexpected details. For example, the fireside acoustic sing-along at S’mores was a wonderful touch and a great end to the night.
Depending on the season, guests can pick from ice skating, rock climbing, and over 85 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The grounds include colorful gardens, a nine-hole golf course, numerous sports courts, and stables for horseback riding. Don’t miss lake activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming at the summer beach.
Enjoy Family Favorites Or Try New Things
I love that all-inclusive resorts provide a “no worries” approach to trying out new things with your kids. For example, if they want to canoe or paddleboard but change their mind after five minutes, they don’t have to back out of a tour. We played classic lawn games with the kids for the first time after we checked out and before heading home.
The resort considers you a guest throughout your check-in and check-out days so that you can enjoy as much of the property and its stunning setting as possible.
Indoor Options, Too
One afternoon during our weekend stay, it rained for four hours. After a morning of outdoor activities, we had a leisurely lunch. Then we enjoyed the indoor pool, afternoon tea and cookies in the library, and family fun in the game room. Before we knew it, it was time for dinner.
World-Class Entertainment Is Included
One of the many surprises of our experience was the high-quality evening entertainment. On Friday night, the six-time GRAMMY-nominated music group Tiempo Libre played, and on Saturday night, Natalie Merchant, best known as the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs, performed.
Unlimited Golf Rounds Included in The Nightly Rate
Established in 1897, the Mohonk Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the U.S. It features undulating fairways and challenges players with blind tee shots and uneven lies. Its 19th-century design can battle 21st-century equipment, making it a shot-maker’s paradise. Nestled on a mountaintop, the course offers breathtaking views of the Shawangunk Mountains. The natural topography features rolling terrain and varied elevations, creating a challenging yet scenic golfing experience. Over the years, the Mohonk Golf Course has welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including renowned golfers, celebrities, and world leaders who have enjoyed its unique challenges and scenic beauty.
Green fees are complimentary, and overnight guests may play unlimited rounds of golf during their stay.
Classic Rooms
The resort includes 256 rooms, suites, and six new luxury guestrooms in the Grove Lodge, making it ideal for groups. Parents will love the TV-less accommodations, while couples and families can cozy up to the fireplaces in every room during mountain nights.
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