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Mohonk Mountain House

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Old Oct 19th, 2004, 09:10 PM
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Mohonk Mountain House

Hi,

Has anyone been here recently? How is it?
Thanks!
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Old Oct 20th, 2004, 08:52 AM
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Don't know much about this place except that it is in New York, not New Jersey. You might get more responses if you posted it under NY.
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Old Oct 20th, 2004, 09:39 AM
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Type Mohonk Mountain House into the text search, there were a few discussions about it a month or so ago.
I haven't been there in a year or so.
It depends on what you want? We lived in NYC so it was a nice day/weekend away without going too far..went to some wineries and enjoyed hiking and picnics on the grounds.
On the other hand, it is sort of old and stuffy and we liked it better for a day than overnight.
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Old Oct 20th, 2004, 09:45 AM
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Hi Travel_Chef.

I stayed there a year or two ago (do a search...I know I posted a few messages on it). I have also been there several times for meals and hiking. Personally, I think it's not worth it to stay there overnight. The rooms were tiny and expensive and old and worn. I like the common areas though, and LOVE the grounds. The hiking and views are fantastic.
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Old Oct 20th, 2004, 10:38 AM
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I went to my aunt's 75th B-Day party there 2 years ago. Beautiful area and grounds. I checked out the prices of staying and was appalled. I think they charge so much because it's considered to be "historic"
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Old Oct 25th, 2004, 03:31 AM
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We stayed there about 1 and a half years ago and it was extremely overpriced for the accomodations and food. The plusses:
-fabulous sleigh ride through snow covered trails
-great daytime children's programs with female counselors who really got the kids interested in nature activities(expensive)
-The hotel has lovely public spaces to relax and there was a nice afternoon tea.
-A cute little putting green out front.
There is a lake w/activities but we were there in the winter.

negatives- VERY high prices for very small rooms that reminded me of the attic at "Grammy's" house. There was one old, loud steam radiator which didn't work and it just was a tiny hovel compared to the grand living rooms and porches. All this for luxury prices.
-the food plan. We were there w/2 small kids who we paid(total 4 of us) for the meal plan. The food would remind you of what you might receive in a decent hospital. There were choices but none were particularly appetizing. I can't remember if we had to get the meal plan or if it was a choice.

We did not go off-property and I understand there are some very scenic hikes to be had in the area so that would have been nice. One other thing. This "resort" has many, many themed weekends so you may enjoy one of these.

Let us know if you choose to stay. I'd be interested to see if there are any changes at Mohonk. Threehearts
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Old Oct 25th, 2004, 08:08 AM
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Yeah, I'd like to hear from somebody that it was worth the price. We went to New York state about 2 weeks ago, I wanted to stay at Mohink but they had a 3 night minimum at $550 (!!!!!!) a night. Plus men had to wear jackets at dinner and there was no TV, I am sure my husband would have mutinied! LOL.
We ended up staying 2 nights in the Hudson Valley (loved it!) and 2 nights at Lake Placid (just ok.)
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Old Oct 25th, 2004, 12:34 PM
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My family and I have been to Mohonk 6 times over the last 8 years, most recently in June 2003 when we hosted a 60th wedding anniversary weekend for 55 people. Mohonk is a special place in a uniquely beautiful location, but it does not suit everyone. There is lots of old world charm, but few modern amenities (e.g., no TV in the rooms), and the real highlight of the place is the exquisite array of hiking and rock scrambling trails (plus a beautiful, although small, lake). We have never found it stuffy, and our kids have always loved it. The price seems expensive, but it includes 3 meals and afternoon tea & cookies, and all activities other than horseback riding and golf. If you enjoy the outdoors, I highly recommend it. If you have specific questions, let me know.
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Old Oct 25th, 2004, 05:33 PM
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Here is a review from starservice.

Review: Hudson Valley's Shawangunk Mtns, 90 m N of NYC. Perched on a secluded hilltop, this national landmark has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Built in 1869, the impressive, turreted seven-story hotel is an anachronistic holdout from a more gracious era, set beside one of a dwindling number of unspoiled mountain lakes and under the same family ownership for more than 120 years. A winding 2-1/2-mi road runs to the hotel from the gatehouse, where the public is kept at bay unless they pay for day passes. Set on 2,200 acres, with 6,000 more part of a surrounding preserve, this 130-year-old stone fortress has had numerous additions over the years, creating a mazelike environment worthy of an Old World resort.

Public areas, ornate and cavernous, include two dining rooms with acres of oak, panoramic views, and regional and heart-healthy meal choices. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. In parlors, guests sip afternoon tea, and a Victorian soda fountain shares space with the general store. The hotel has 151 working fireplaces (130 in the guest rooms) and two TV rooms (one for smokers, one for abstainers) but no bars, a reflection of a long family tradition. (Liquor is served only with meals, and guests are not allowed to bring in alcohol but can order it through room service provided that they consume it in their rooms.)

The fitness center and saunas are popular, and Field and Stream types enjoy fishin' holes and 35 miles of groomed trails for trekking, observing and skiing, but not hunting. Other outdoor pursuits include a nine-hole Scottish-style links course, six tennis courts (four are clay), croquet, lawn bowling and shuffleboard. Swimming and boating on the lake are popular, and with one winter under its belt at inspection, the ice-skating pavilion has proved a successful addition, indeed. The popular murder-mystery-weekend craze started here, and it continues today unabated. Meeting capacity is 300, valet parking requires long waits at times, and a shuttle runs to the bus station in New Paltz. Pets cannot be accommodated.

It is hard to categorize the guest rooms, as they come in 27 styles, all of them cozy and very simply furnished in period style. The age of this place shows, but continual renovation keeps wear from getting out of hand. The mostly oak-trimmed rooms have wooden blinds, attractive window treatments and sturdy desks, and some feature sitting areas beside fireplaces. Bed arrangements vary, and many beds still have original oak headboards. Fireplace rooms are stocked with wood, and some units have Eastlake furniture. A few baths have deep clawfoot tubs with steps. The hotel's 200 balconies survey the lake or the hills. The extravagantly priced Tower Rooms are on the corners. These are the largest units, offering more space and better decor and views. Radios and TVs are lacking, but awesome surroundings take their place.

The hotel?s large pool of popular, discounted packages?ranging from weekends designed for gardeners, puzzle fans, ballroom dancers and naturalists?reel in large number of guests. Overall, this mountain hotel in one of America's grand old structures provides more a family vacation experience than a romantic one.
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 05:33 AM
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What is "starservice"? This sounds like a travel agency brochure who is using this description to book packages. I feel starservice's description is very biased toward the hotel. I am truly asking because I have never heard of this service. Is this like TripAdvisor? Thanks. Threehearts
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 06:02 AM
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Starservice is a company which provides unbiased reviews of hotels, resorts, etc. I normally use this for the work that I do. It's just a review from a different point of view, and it will not necessarily agree to everyone.
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 06:15 AM
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As a many-time guest at Mohonk, I feel that the starservice description is quite accurate.
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 08:02 AM
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In my opinion, Mohonk is NOT worth the price. I found to be a bit shabby and just not to our liking. I would rather take a long weekend and stay somewhere smaller and more elegant. Castle Hill in Newport, RI comes to mind...
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 06:02 PM
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CarlosSandoval- Thanks for answering my question re: starservice. Threehearts
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 07:30 AM
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I stayed there a few years back and was surprised at how small the room was. The food was almost ok. The grounds and hikes are very good. Why not stay elsewhere and drop by for the day for a hike?
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 08:23 PM
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Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the replies! We will not be going to Mohonk, by the way! Looking for a different destination... any ideas out there? -travelchef1
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 07:49 AM
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Well, where are you coming from? How far do you want to travel? What's important to you? Need more information in order to make suggestions.
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 09:06 AM
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I also want some ideas. Coming from Long Island (Nassau County) - - want to drive 2-3 hours and go in Feb - so a place that has nice winter sports (ice skating, snow mobiling, sledding).

Nice hotel and/or resort type (but not cheesy places where you all eat together at big buffet) and have heart shaped beds and mirrored ceilings.
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