The Bradstan Boutique Hotel

Almost everything was closed during winter, even though people come to the Catskills then. The pool and hot tub were shut for the season, there was no spa, and the few facilities available closed early, even on weekends. There was genuinely nothing to do on the property. They advertise live music too, but it seems to be a limited seasonal offering that's unavailable much of the year. I drove a long way after booking a king room lodge, only to be told the room was sold out. They offered a two-queen room and insisted it was the same price, though it wasn't. I had to contact the third-party booking site and show proof before I got a refund for the difference. A real luxury hotel should have offered a proper upgrade. The exterior may look the part, but this isn't a luxury hotel. It's limited and underwhelming, nowhere near the premium, modern experience it presents online. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking an actual upscale getaway.

The suite was beautiful and exceptionally clean, easily one of the cleanest hotel rooms I've stayed in. I spent two nights in this peaceful, scenic spot near White Lake, just 15 minutes from Bison and Bourbon. The grounds are lovely, with a pool, workout gym, and a path around the lake. The path isn't stroller-friendly, so bring a baby carrier if needed. Kayaks are available too. The EV chargers on site worked perfectly with the Tesla adapter in the trunk. Service was friendly and laid-back, pleasant but not pampering. They said a spa is in the works, which could make the experience even better. I'd happily return, especially in winter, and recommend it for a peaceful, beautiful escape.

The pond setting is attractive, and we enjoyed the lovely walk around it, but there was no map of the hiking trails. We wanted to take the pontoon boats out on the lake, but they were locked up. Other guests seemed to know to ask for keys and did get out on the water. The outdoor speakers were defective, with loud, distorted sound. The room looked pretty but missed basic and higher-end touches. There were no tissues anywhere, the USB charging ports didn't work, and the heavy shades were tricky to operate. I expected electric buttons for them. The towel warmer wasn't clearly explained, and the bathroom's radiant floor heat only warmed the middle, not by the sink or commode. The tub itself was large and comfortable, but its faucet ran so slowly that it took 40 minutes to fill enough for a soak. Breakfast was good, especially the French toast made with fresh cinnamon raisin bread, but the single specialty coffee machine was very slow and caused lines. The only tea was Keurig, with no boiling water or real tea bags, and silverware was scarce. Breakfast staff were snippy, though everyone else was polite and patient. For the price and advertising, I don't think the hotel lives up to the hype. None of these issues were dealbreakers, but they're not what you'd expect from a place presented as relatively high end.

Hard to put this place into words, but it's a hidden treasure nearby. The rooms have next-level design, spacious and spotless, without feeling overdone. Outside, the landscaping is beautifully done but still unassuming. There are all kinds of amenities, including a clearing with a private gas fireplace, a private lake with paddle boats, and beautiful trails. Incredible, highly recommend.