We're looking for a place to go a few hours outside of New York City following our wedding in February(our honeymoon is a month later). We've seen resorts in Lake Placid, but it's a 5 hour drive. We're looking for a nice resort/B&B for about $400-600 for one night. Thanks for any input.

Otesaga in Cooperstown?

The only "resorts" near NYC are Mohonk Mountain House or one of the casinos in Ct. like Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun. I've got to ask though, why do you need a resort for just 1 night? What's wrong with just a nice romantic hotel?

You might look at the Emerson Inn and Spa in the Hudson valley, about 2 hours from NYC : http://www.emersonresort.com/

or
The Tarrytown House just 45 minutes or so away http://www.tarrytownhouseestate.com/

maybe check out tripadvisor

Think Mohonk is perfect http://www.mohonk.com/ and suggest you make it 2 nights or it won't feel like you got away.

Mohonk just isn't very luxurious, IMO. Not really honeymoon-type material.

For close to the city, what about the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck? There are lots of things to do/restaurants in the Hudson Valley area.

For a little further away, I'd go to the Equinox in Manchester, VT.

Mohonk may not be a Rosewood or Hyatt-style property and may take a taste for the quaint/rustic/historical -- but for some it could be quite romantic, esp. with snow and skating, fireplaces, etc. Depends on the people.

Thanks for the suggestions. Only can spend one night and the next full day there, then need to drive back to NYC. Would like a place that has a selection of outdoor activities (not necessarily just skiing), such as horseback riding, carriage riding, etc. Would like a higher end resort or B&B which isn't rustic but is more luxurious with a fireplace, nice bath, etc...

How about the New Hope area in PA, there are several nice B#B's in the area, and some fun things to see and lovely surroundings.

I don't disagree that it depends on the person, Cassandra. Hubby stayed at Mohonk for a conference a few years ago and won't go back. He said his room was very rundown and there wasn't even a bar on the property (they have since rectified that). Just not my idea of a honeymoon. No one was suggesting a Hyatt.

Look ito the Castle in Tarrytown, very romantic

I spoke with a friend who told me the Mayflower Inn in CT is really nice. A bit more than we wanted to spend, but it looks really nice and is only 2 hours from the city. Any other suggestions in CT?

banker-- have you compared websites for the places listed here? Which seems closest to what you want?

(btw and fwiw: When I say "rustic," in this case it doesn't mean stick furniture and log-cabin shabby -- just that it's "country" rather than "city" in decor.)

Mohonk is an acquired taste. It is very basic and rustic and the food is abundant but nothing to write home about. I would think it a disaster for a honeymoon night (when I would want luxury - not the great north woods).

IMHO - I would do a really nice hotel in the city - with a special honeymoon package - for one night. (Feb in the countryside is not that great unless you want winter sports.)

The Castle on the Hudson seems romantic in nearby West Chester County. There does not seem to be a lot of activities available in winter, but the place looks really pretty.

www.castleonthehudson.com

I would agree with nytraveler. I don't think traveling 2 hrs. in each direction is worth 1 night/day. But did some research for you and came up with

Inn at National Hall
Westport, Ct.

The Lodge at Woodloch
Route 590 East
RR1 Box 149
Hawley, PA 18428
United States

both of which get great reviews on tripadvisor.com

If you want to head to the Hamptons, Baker House in East Hampton is very nice. It's like staying in a very wealthy friend's manor house.

NYtraveler and I are on the same wavelength. I would agree with the idea of a luxurious hotel in the city.

I saw your query last night and was thinking that I should post a reply suggesting the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT. It IS expensive but it combines a country setting with luxury in a way that would definitely make it perfect for a post wedding destination.
Jane

I just read the other postings, and I have to agree that February is not a reliable month weather-wise in the countryside plus you don't have a lot of time to spend getting to and from your destination if you encounter a snowstorm or black ice, etc. If I were you, I would consider a luxurious hotel in New York City, someplace you've always wanted to stay for whatever reason. If you run into bad weather on the way to your country destination, it could definitely spoil the trip. Just my thoughts...
Jane

We have spent many weekends at Mohonk Mountain House and love it. It is one of our favorite places. In fact we attended a beautiful weddding there. It is great for a short getaway. In the winter you can go hiking, ice skating - they have carriage rides, a spa.
The views from the lakeside are great. I would recommend going on the website to take a look.