Mohonk Mountain House is one of the most extraordinary resorts in America, a sprawling Victorian castle on the shore of a small, deep mountain lake on the Shawangunk Ridge, about two hours north of New York City. Built by Quaker twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley from 1869 onwards, it has been run by the same family ever since, and it is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest, cliffs and trails.
Mohonk Mountain House is one of the most extraordinary resorts in America, a sprawling Victorian castle on the shore of a small, deep mountain lake on the Shawangunk Ridge, about two hours north of New York City. Built by Quaker twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley from 1869 onwards, it has been run by the same family ever since, and it is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest, cliffs and trails.
Location: New Paltz, New York, USA
The resort sits on the Shawangunk Ridge, above the town of New Paltz in New York's Hudson Valley, at around 380 metres. New York City is roughly two hours away by road, making it one of the most popular weekend escapes for New Yorkers.
The surrounding Mohonk Preserve, created when the Smileys conveyed much of their land in 1963, protects a dramatic landscape of white quartz conglomerate cliffs, forests and meadows, with around 85 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads. The Shawangunks, known as the Gunks, are also among the most famous rock-climbing areas in the United States.
The Hudson Valley around the resort is one of the most beautiful regions in the north-eastern United States, with historic towns, farms, orchards and wineries, and the town of New Paltz, at the foot of the ridge, has a lively main street of restaurants, cafés and shops, along with some of the oldest stone houses in America.
Rooms and suites at Mohonk
The resort has 259 guest rooms, including 28 tower rooms, spread across the rambling, turreted building, which was built in stages between 1869 and 1910. Rooms are decorated in a Victorian style, with antique furniture, and many have balconies, working fireplaces and views over the lake or the valley.
Because the building grew over decades, rooms vary considerably in size and character. Request a lake-view room with a balcony for the most memorable experience.
The house itself is a fascinating, rambling building, with stone and timber wings, long porches lined with rocking chairs, grand parlours and libraries, and the Smiley family's collections of art and furniture throughout. Walking its corridors, it is easy to imagine the generations of families who have holidayed here since the nineteenth century.
Facilities at Mohonk
Stays traditionally include meals, served in the grand dining room, and afternoon tea, making it easy to relax and enjoy the resort's many activities. The spa, with an indoor pool, treatment rooms and a fireside lounge, is a popular addition, and there are tennis courts, a golf course, boating, swimming and fishing on the lake, horse riding and a programme of nature walks, talks and family activities.
In winter, there is an outdoor ice-skating rink, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the carriage roads, and evenings by the many fireplaces. The resort's numerous gazebos, perched on rocks and cliffs around the lake, are a signature feature.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is the climb to Sky Top, the stone tower on the highest point of the ridge above the lake, where the views stretch across the Hudson Valley to the Catskills and, on clear days, to five states. The walk passes along cliffs and through narrow rock crevices, a memorable adventure for families.
On a summer evening, sitting in one of the lakeside gazebos as the sun sets over the cliffs and the lake turns gold is pure Mohonk.
Why Mohonk is one of the best mountain hotels
Mohonk Mountain House earns its place as a classic American mountain resort, with history, character and a stunning natural setting, within easy reach of New York City. It is expensive, and its Victorian style will not suit those looking for modern minimalism. But for families and couples who want fresh air, hiking, lake swimming and old-fashioned hospitality, it is unforgettable.
The resort is a National Historic Landmark, designated in 1986, and its Quaker heritage still shapes its character: calm, unhurried and focused on nature, conversation and simple pleasures.
It is also a fine place for those who want a break from screens and noise: the resort's tradition of quiet, nature-focused hospitality, rooted in its Quaker origins, makes it a genuinely restful escape from the city.
When to go to Mohonk
Mohonk is open year-round. Autumn, from late September to early November, is the most popular season, with spectacular foliage across the Hudson Valley. Summer brings swimming, boating and hiking, and is ideal for families. Winter offers skating, snowshoeing and cosy evenings by the fire, and spring brings wildflowers and quieter trails. Weekends and holidays book up early.
Questions, answered
- When was Mohonk Mountain House built?
- Quaker twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley built it between 1869 and 1910, and it has remained in the family ever since.
- How far is Mohonk Mountain House from New York City?
- Roughly two hours by road.
- Are meals included at Mohonk Mountain House?
- Stays traditionally include meals and afternoon tea. Check the current rate details when booking.
