Mohonk Mountain House
 

I looked at some past posts but none seemed to address this- Can you explore the resort without eating there? I was thinking of having breakfast there, but previous posts all pretty much say the food's ok. I was wondering if we would be better off eating elsewhere then head to Mohonk.

I plan on calling the resort with similar questions - I would like to eat at the resort and hike. As I understand it, in order to park in their parking lot, you need a reservation - whether it be for dining or for a sleeping room. If you do not have this advance notice, you need to park at the entrance of the drive and hike up to the resort and go from there. I am not sure if this information is accurate, but it is the best I can figure out without calling them direct. I have their hotel brochure right in front of me and their number is 800-772-6646.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Yes, you can drive in, park in one of the many parking lots that are for hikers and visit the hotel, grounds and hike. We have done it often and never eat there.

Check the hours because I think a gate was closed one time we tried to go up there.... or was it off-season.... I can't remember.

Paul's info in right on target according to my experience a couple of years ago. Only those staying overnight or haveing a meal get access to the house and suuroundings. Technically, if you come for a meal you can use any of the house and grounds facilities and stay for whatever after dinner entertainment is offered but you cannot use the lake/boats.
There is a grounds/hiking admission charge anyway (which is like $12 per person on weekends)just to get on to the property and park, use their picnic pavilion, etc. The food was, as you've noted, OK--not fine dining, but not dreadful either (I had dinner there, but arrived pretty much after lunch hour and spent the whole day)

Paul's info is correct. If you don't have a dinner or room reservation you have to park at the bottom of the drive and hike up (about a mile?). You still have to pay to park at the bottom of the drive.