The Roxbury

Fodorite Reviews

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  Roxbury: vibrant mélange of marvelousness

  My husband and I drove upstate to spend a few days at the Roxbury boutique motel (July 2009). It seemed like it would be such a fun, hip place from its enticing website (theroxburymotel.com). Fortunately, once there, we discovered that the only surprises were happy ones.
  
  A picturesque Catskill property nestled in a sleepy, historic town, the Roxbury is a riot of color, from its doors—lime-green—to its pop-culture room schemes. The profusion of flowers encircling the porch and walkways were no exception and are the beautiful handiwork of the talented proprietor Joe. Meanwhile owner Gregory Henderson works guest reception with supreme savoir faire. The tousled-blond Mr. Henderson chatted amiably while he gave us a quick tour of the property.
  
  Although the thematic rooms we saw were fabulous confections, my husband and I had reserved an elegant, modern kitchenette. Opening our citrusy door, we found a room rife with masculine glam. Divine in décor details and texture, our space was graced with a playful circle motif enhanced by deep color accents, such as the royal-blue boa feathers in a copper-hued vase, and silver-sequined throw pillows. Of course, the 42” flat screen, DVD player, free Wi-Fi, AC/heat, sink, micro, coffeemaker and fridge didn’t hurt either!
  
  “These fresh, white tiger lilies look so pretty against the blue tiles,” I thought, surveying the bathroom. I turned over the soap (cool citrus basil). Just as I suspected: made in the Catskills. (We noticed that our cheese platter had also been purchased locally, not only from its label but from the freshness of the goodies.) The bathroom was spotless, the amenities pleasing, the toilet paper fluffy. We discovered later that the king-size bed was clean and comfortable too.
  
  Ravenous from the road, my husband and I made haste to the backyard to eat the gourmet-cheese platter we had ordered with our reservation. Along with crackers, dried fruit and chocolate, we savored it all with a bottle of director Francis Ford Coppola’s bubbly, Sophia ($60 wine & cheese) out in the gazebo. From our cool and cozy enclosure on the sweeping green lawn, we could see a guest draped over her chaise longue, a book splayed across her forehead to block out the sun. A pile of wood stood ready in the fire pit a few yards away. But if there was a fire that night, we would have missed it, because we were a few doors down sipping excellent cocktails—albeit at downstate prices—at Public Lounge. (In winter, when folks finish skiing on nearby slopes, a hot toddy here must hit the spot.)
  
  Unfortunately, the entrée offerings at Public were slim. The steak had sold out, so my husband made due with his “skimpy” chicken quesadillas, but my fish was savory and fresh. And we both agreed my sugar-pea side dish (local, organic) was delish. The next night we visited the restaurant at the golf course up the street. We had a view of the lake, our portions were ample and the food sufficient, however the dining room’s ambiance and service left something to be desired.
  
  The complimentary breakfast at the Roxbury was light and right. Fresh fruit and cake, granola, muffins, yogurt and a variety of gourmet toast spreads, which we munched out on the veranda. The morning air was brisk for July and we blinked in the bright sunshine while coddling our cups of coffee. Decorative shards the color of peridot were scattered about the warming fireplace and glinted in the sun. We would drive into the towns of Claryville and Phonecia, we decided. The latter had an assortment of small specialty shops and restaurants, but Sweet Sue’s was our main target there—the primo place for a delectable brunch (cash only). That evening, it was nice to come back to the Roxbury, kick off our shoes and watch the movie we borrowed (gratis!) from the front desk on the flat screen. We stepped outside afterward for some great stargazing too.
  
  Before checkout we noticed one of the larger rooms being cleaned, peeked in, and were absolutely delighted by the space and charm of the Genie’s Bottle suite. The thrilling theatricality of the Roxbury’s décor was never more evident than at that moment.
  
  The Roxbury is not your staid, cookie-cutter hotel but a vibrant mélange of marvelousness.

  by Chess, 8/20/09

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