Inness

The place is stunning, and my stay was satisfactory, but several details kept it from feeling like a true five-star experience. The air conditioning wasn’t working and made a loud, grating noise all night. We were moved to an upgraded room for one night because of it. At the restaurant, the menu felt limited and underwhelming for the price, and my party was given the wrong menu a few times, which was confusing. The front desk also couldn’t take my international card at check-in, even though the restaurant and spa accepted it without trouble. That caused needless worry as a traveler from abroad. Some cleanliness fell short too. The spa bathroom floors and the area around the pool didn’t seem as well maintained as I expected. Inness has lovely features and a beautiful setting, but those service and operating details need attention to match the five-star price.

The restaurant is fantastic, and the fire pits looking out over the Hudson Valley are wonderful. The setting is gorgeous, and it seems especially suited to couples with young kids or dogs. The massage was terrific, too, though the spa’s design felt odd and some things weren’t working. The rooms, though, felt strangely uninviting for what they cost, almost bare to a medieval degree. I’d go for dinner, but save some money by staying somewhere else.

We had a good time, and the staff were consistently warm and attentive. The bathhouse was a relaxing treat, and the gym was roomy and well equipped. Our room had useful kitchen basics, plenty of towels, and nice bathrobes. The sound carried straight through the cabin walls. We could hear people in the next unit talking, walking, and even sneezing. We also noticed that one water bottle had been refilled with tap water after we’d already drunk some. It wasn’t sealed, and that left us concerned about cleanliness and quality control. A lovely stay in many ways, but not quite what we expected for the price or a five-star hotel.

The staff are what keep making Inness special. We got married here, celebrated birthdays here, and have now brought our newborn, and the people here have been at the heart of every visit. It’s a place for visitors, locals, and anyone who cares about the upstate vibe. Thanks for that. To me, Inness is still the best hotel in the Hudson valley. Wildflower Farms quickly turned into an obnoxious, high-brow place where the food and service didn’t match the prices. Inness still has the cooler feel and more beautiful view, and the staff really care.