Howland House

A quick drive gets you to Bellearye Mountain, and the rooms are a great value. My room had a shared bathroom, but the thoughtful layout made it feel like two separate, private restrooms. The place mixes quaint charm with modern design, and the bar is warm and inviting. The restaurant serves aromatic, wholesome food that goes perfectly with the nearby roaring wood fireplace. Stay here!

I was in the area for a wedding and am glad I picked Howland House. The relaxed, casual feeling was there from the moment I arrived. What made it special was the warm hospitality: my friend and I chatted with William each morning, from local tips that were spot-on to stories about his time in NYC. It felt like staying with a friendly local, not just at a guesthouse. There’s a lovely mix of comfort and personal attention here, and I’d come back if I’m in the area again.

The garden and yard are spacious, clean, and felt safe for kids. My 6yo and 3yo, both city kids, had a blast running on the grass and doing cartwheels in the sunshine. I’d love to return for a bonfire, more fun, and maybe a summer lunch and spritz on the patio. I needed a bit of serenity away from my hectic NYC life, and Howland House gave me just that. The staff were kind and helpful, the food was exceptional, and our room was beautifully decorated, quiet, and comfortable. That bed was so good I could have slept for days. I miss it already.

Some days here are best spent doing very little. I loved reading on the porch in a rocking chair, then chatting with locals at the bar over dinner. The coffee and freshly baked croissants in the morning were such a nice touch, and really good too. Oliver’s, the on-site restaurant, is one of my favorite Catskills spots. Its seasonal food has a comforting feel, and the cocktails are excellent. The owners did a thoughtful, beautiful renovation, and the rooms are cozy and inviting. I spent a long solo weekend at Howland House and had a great stay. Mt Tremper is fairly central if you want to explore. A car is handy, though there’s also a bus from NYC that drops within walking distance. Phoenicia, Woodstock, the Ashokan Reservoir, hiking, and winter skiing are all a quick drive away. I can’t wait to return.