Warm and friendly retro-looking hotel in Catskills, New York
Callicoon Hills / Callicoon Centre / NY / USA
I understand that for some, this reference I am about to use might be totally outdated or not even understood. But I will go for it anyway. This hotel has such a Dirty Dancing vibe. It isn’t as huge as the Kellerman Resort in the movie but there is something with the atmosphere here that makes me feel like I am Baby, about to be rescued from a dull corner by a hottie in a leather jacket and sunglasses.
The hotel in question is Calliccon Hills, located in the Catskill region in upstate New York. It started when the Wentzel family built a boarding house at the turn of the century. Maybe goes without saying but I am am referring to the beginning of the 1900:s, 1905 to be exact. In 1940 the Hill family bought the property and transformed it into a vacation resort (See! Dirty Dancing… I told you!). In 1970:s it was sold to the Ambrozewicz family who actually created the graphic profile that is still used today.
So, how to best describe this place? It is an informal vacation resort with personable hospitality. Totally relaxed and casual where you set your own pace and live by it. I actually think they describe the air of the place so well in their tag line, ”The friendly resort for nice people”.
The rooms are located in three different buildings, the Boarding House, the Pool House and the Ridge Rooms. Our room was in the main building, the Boarding House. The design feels thoughtful, warm. Like a modern take on an old mountain lodge. It reminds me of the cabins we used to stay in when we went to the Scandinavian mountains when I was a kid. But with a contemporary hipster twist. Which I love.
Welcome to Callicoon Hills, located in the tiny village of Callicoon Centre in the Catskills.
This place gives me Dirty Dancing vibes. If that reference is too old, I’m sorry. it is a classic movie after all.
I love these chairs leaning against the wall, next to the entrance.
The interior is so warm and welcoming. All the wood and the solid furniture gives me a vibe of my childhood Winters spent in cabins in the Scandinavian mountains.
Our room and our mega comfy bed.
The quirky interior is right up my alley. Colorful, solid, bespoke furniture and wood panelling. All things that I like.
Our shower was, just like the rest of the hotel, designed with a retro look.
Good morning! Time to get out of bed and explore the Catskills.
Most of the graphic material still used today was created back in the 1970:s
A sofa and the morning paper. The only thing missing is a coffee.
A branded blanket to bring back home.
Me reading up on all the things to do and see in the region, sitting in my favorite place at the hotel.
Just a nice photo of some logs that are waiting to be used for the s’more party later in the evening.
The on-site restaurant, the Conover Club. Super cozy!
This burger! The food was just as delicious as it looks. Or actually, it was even better.
I can’t get enough of this stunning building.
A short drive from Callicoon Hills you’ll find this place, Phoenicia Diner. It is a famous spot in the area well worth a detour.
I am such a diner lover and this one meets all my expectations, both when it comes to the look, the food and the service.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are a nature loving urbanite that love to unwind with similar people in friendly surroundings. If you like to escape to the country but still want to stay at a hotel with really cool, unique design and great food. If this is you, then this is your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is all in the tagline, ”A friendly resort for nice people”. This describes this hotel down to a T. You feel so welcomed as soon as you pull the handbrake of the car. The best thing is that the interior matches the atmosphere. It is just as warm and comforting.
What not to miss when staying here is…
… Phoenicia Diner. Yes, it is a 1 h drive from the hotel and yes it feels like everyone else in the area is heading here too but for a diner loving little Swede like me, I don’t care. The food is amazing (major food ordering decision dilemma), the lovely ladies working here end each sentence with a warm ”darling” or ”sugar”. What’s not to love?
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Les Cabanettes, Arles, France
Captain Whidbey Inn, Whidbey Island, WA, USA
Scribner’s Catskill Resort, Hunter, NY, USA
