My husband and I want to get away for a long weekend with our 5 month old baby. Is Mohonk Resort in NY worth driving from DC?

Also I see mixed reviews on food. When people say the food is just avg - does that mean good but basic (not gourmet) or really not good?

Finally, is there no drinking outside the meals?

Thanks.

It ia an old hotel in a spectacular location, but I do not think it is a good value for the money Rates (including the 7% tax plus 12% servioce charge) will probably be around $400 per night
The food is, as you have said "good but basic (not gourmet)", not terrible.

Because the hotel was started by and I believe is still owned by a Quaker group, alcohol is served at dinner only.
There is no bar area anywhere on the premises. You MAY be able to order drinks via room service, but I'm not sure.

If the price isn't a deterrent, I would think a place like Greenbrier in West Virginia might be a better choice.

Beautiful setting but I don't think it is a good value for the money. . The food was adequate but nothing to write home about. I don't know that I would drive there from DC.

Keep in mind that Mohonk only offers TV in a public room, no TV's in your room. It's in keeping with the original theme of the hotel. Not my cup of tea.

If you're considering Mohonk because you want to be pampered for the weekend, it's probably not the place for you nor would it be worth the money. As other posters have stated, it's an older hotel, which prides itself on being able to offer same sort of Victorian charm it has provided to guests since, well, the late 1800s. Along these lines, the Quaker Smiley family that owns the facility places limits on such libations as alcohol, which is only made available at dinner. The food is fine--I believe Zagats gives it a 20 overall rating--but not commensurate with the overall grandeur of the setting.

On the other hand, if you're considering Mohonk because you're seeking the aforementioned Victorian charm and intend to spend as much time as possible outdoors, it is an excellent choice and well worth the money. The location is spectacular and offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. In this regard, Mohonk leaves Greenbrier in the dust.

By the way, the nearby village of New Paltz, which has a number of upscale bars, restaurants and wine shops, is well worth a couple hours of your time, if you choose Mohonk.

The grounds are spectacular. It makes you feel like you're at a luxurious camp in the middle of a green and rocky wilderness. I have never stayed at the hotel - don't have this kind of money! But I have eaten lunch there. The food is pretty average - basic and not all that tasty.

The hiking around there is great. There is a trail leading from the resort to the "lemon squeeze" (a very narrow canyon) that is very unique. However, it would be impossible to do with a 5 month old, as you have to climb over - and under - huge rocks and boulders).

Thanks for the info - it looks like this might not be the place for us!