The pictures of this place look gorgeous. We can't afford to stay here, but I read that if you make a meal reservation, you can drive up there and eat and then tour the grounds and hike the trails. Am I correct? Also I need a suggestion for a nice place to stay that isn't too far away from Monhonk that would be less expensive. Planning to go in late Sept. Thanks!

You are correct regarding the meal reservations. Go to their web site for full detailed info. www.mohonk.com Note the spelling, you added an "n".

Leta - I believe the meals alone are also quite expensive (something like $30 for lunch, if I remember correctly). However, I think they also offer a day pass (don't remember the price), where you can enjoy the grounds and hiking trails.

Leta-
Yes you will need meal or hotel reservations, or you can park at the lot at the entrance (paying a parking fee - $8?) and hike in (about a mile or so up a gentle slope). I've done it both ways. The grounds there are just gorgeous. By the way, the breakfasts and lunches there are buffet-style and good, for a buffet. The dinner I had there was very good.

A less expensive nearby hotel is the Minnewaska Lodge. Rooms run in the $150-$200 range generally. If you click on my name, my previous posting about it should come up.

This is a beautiful but old Quaker resort. Honestly, the rooms are a bit run down, and the food while very good is not gourmet. The grounds are beautiful, any season. You can drive up and wander the grounds any time. They often run web specials, including day specials for massage and lunch.

We used to stop before we got to the House and picked up picnic things in town. Then we hiked to a great spot and enjoyed good food with an amazing view.
Have fun!

Sorry about the name spelling! Oops! Thank you to all of you for your responses. I will check out the Minnewaska Lodge to stay at. I'm anxious to visit. I checked the website and the price for the breakfast buffet doesn't sound too bad for what you get. Then we could spend the rest of the day there.

Leta, did you see the offer from Travelzoo? Copy this link & paste it into your browser: http://dir.travelzoo.com/Lodging.asp...=210&id=159514

It's for Travel dates: Sept. 24-26, Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 (from the site) "The famous Mohonk Mountain House, 90 miles north of New York City, just released an amazing all-inclusive package for $149 per person/per night - that's 40% OFF their regular rates! This package includes: accommodations, All meals,
Afternoon tea and cookies, Activities like tennis, midweek golf, boating, yoga, rock scrambling and guided nature hikes
This special is available exclusively on the following dates:
-Sept. 24-26 (Weekend with a 2-nt minimum)
-Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 (Sundays with a 1-nt maximum)
-Add $10 pp/pn: Sept. 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 27-30 (Weekdays with a 2-nt minimum)
For $30 more per person/per night, upgrade into an elegant Victorian Room with a balcony, fireplace and Victorian decor. In addition to the activities included, fishing, horseback riding, relaxing spa treatments and weekend golf are also available. You must book by Sept. 1."

Thank you very much Margie. I will look into this.