A First-Timer’s Guide to the Grounds and Amenities of Our Castle Resort
Welcome to Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle resort nestled in the scenic Shawangunk Mountains of New York’s Hudson Valley. Whether you’re staying for a weekend escape or planning a day trip, our award-winning, all-inclusive resort is designed to help you relax, explore, and make unforgettable memories. For first-time guests, navigating the grounds and activities can feel overwhelming, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy your time at Mohonk to the fullest.
Getting to Mohonk & Arrival Experience
Mohonk Mountain House is located in the small town of New Paltz, approximately 90 miles north of New York City. Easily accessible by car, train, or bus, Mohonk offers complimentary parking with EV charging stations and luggage services upon arrival. Guests are greeted at the Gatehouse and directed to the main entrance for check-in.
Once you check in, you’ll receive a schedule of daily activities and a map of the grounds. From here, your Mohonk experience begins!
Hudson Valley Accommodations: Where to Stay
Mohonk Mountain House features 259 guest rooms and suites, each uniquely designed to reflect Victorian charm with modern comforts. Many rooms include balconies with sweeping views of the lake, cliffs, or gardens. Accommodation categories include:
- Traditional Rooms – Cozy, comfortable, and ideal for couples or solo travelers.
- Lakeview Rooms – Featuring breathtaking views of Lake Mohonk.
- Suites – Offering spacious layouts, fireplaces, and private balconies.
- Grove Lodge – A modern, eco-friendly six-room lodge perfect for family retreats or group getaways.
For additional convenience, we also offer laundry and dry cleaning services for an additional fee. ADA-compliant guest rooms are available for selection when booking your reservation.
All-Inclusive Amenities
As an all-inclusive resort, your stay includes:
- Three gourmet meals daily
- Afternoon tea and cookies in the Lake Lounge
- Access to most activities, classes, and events
Dining
Enjoy locally sourced meals included with your overnight stay. Special dietary needs are accommodated. Wine pairing dinners, Chef’s Table experiences, room service, and indulgent room extras are available at an additional cost.
- Breakfast – Farm-fresh buffet or made-to-order.
- Lunch – Seasonal offerings or casual dining at The Granary.
- Dinner – A formal, multi-course experience in the historic Main Dining Room.
- Weekend Brunch – A local favorite, available Saturdays and Sundays.
- Cocktails – Sip draft beers, New York spirits, and craft cocktails
- Holiday Dining – Seasonal buffet dining experiences to make the holidays more magical
Mohonk’s Spa & Salon
Our award-winning spa offers massages, facials, and wellness treatments. Our salon services include a deeply nourishing hair bath and dead salt & lavender pedicures. Book in advance for the best availability.
Center yourself with the various meditation and mindfulness sessions at our New York spa resort with Chinese yoga, singing bowl meditation, forest bathing, and more. Work up a sweat during fitness classes like Pilates and Tai Chi, head over to our fitness center for a solo workout, or schedule a certified personal training session.
Review special offerings like the Seasonal Wellbeing Collections, which combine spa treatments with fitness sessions and mindfulness practices to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Follow your fitness or mindfulness session with a soak in our outdoor heated mineral pool, sauna, or solarium.
Resort Activities
Our historic mountain resort features a range of activities wide enough that each person in your party is bound to find something that they will enjoy.
Hiking & Rock Scrambles
Explore over 85 miles of trails, from easy loops to challenging hikers’ favorites like Lemon Squeeze, Labyrinth, and Bonticou Crag, plus the iconic Sky Top Tower overlook. Embark on thrilling outdoor adventures during the Via Ferrata experience or Pinnacle Ledge Tour.
Mountain Biking
Enjoy scenic rides across diverse terrain, perfect for all skill levels. E-bikes, acoustic mountain bikes, and helmets may be rented from our Wheelworks Shop.
Outdoor Sports
Enjoy casual games or friendly tournaments with family or friends on our tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.
Golf
Relax on our Scottish-inspired 9-hole course surrounded by mountain vistas, with greens fees included in your stay.
Playing a game on our 18-hole disc golf course is a great way to explore our scenic woods while testing your skills.
Archery & Tomahawk Throwing
Try guided and thrilling target sports led by trained instructors. Master the art of awareness, precision, and balance.
Swimming Pool
Take a dip in our heated indoor pool featuring underwater music and panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains.
Lake Activities
Complimentary rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and fishing gear let you enjoy the peaceful Mohonk Lake. Discover additional lake activities here.
Winter Sports
In season, enjoy ice skating on our pavilion rink, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing, all included in your stay.
Equestrian Experiences
Choose from guided trail rides or scenic carriage rides through forested paths.
Family-Friendly Programs
Seasonal Kids’ Club for ages 4‑12, family crafts, outdoor games, campfires, scavenger hunts, movie nights under the stars, and themed weekend events.
Guided & Specialty Programs
Engage with expert-led birding walks, garden explorations, historical tours, Barn Museum visits, greenhouse garden walks, and Hidden Histories AR experiences.
Signature Events & Themed Weekends
Take part in curated weekends including Romance Week, Mystery Weekend, Victorian Holidays, Wellness Weekends, Garden Holiday, Jazz on the Mountain, Festival of the Arts, and more.
View our activities schedule and plan your stay or day trip to Mohonk Mountain House. Keep an eye on the bulletin board outside the Lake Lounge for information on the day’s activities and offerings!
Day Pass Options
Not staying overnight? Mohonk offers Day Passes for meals, spa treatments, and seasonal activities like snow tubing and ice skating. Advance reservations are required for most day passes and are subject to availability.
Types of passes include but are not limited to:
- Hiking Trail Day Pass
- Horseback Riding & Stable Day Pass
- Golf & Tennis Pass
- Dining Pass (Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner)
- Oktoberfest Day Pass
Resort Specials & Packages
Mohonk offers specials and packages to enhance your stay:
- Mountain Mini-Cation – Perfect for a 3-night stay or weekend getaway on the East Coast.
- Kids Stay & Eat Free – Available for select dates in the spring, summer, and winter.
- Wedding Reception Packages – Discover the features that make Mohonk the ideal wedding venue.
Keep an eye on our Packages & Specials page for seasonal deals and limited-time offerings.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Plan Ahead: Book spa services, special dining experiences, and outdoor excursions in advance.
- Come Early, Stay Late: Arrive on the property before your 4 PM check-in to get a head start on your vacation, and linger after your 12 PM check-out to continue exploring our property.
- Dress Comfortably: Bring layered clothing for hiking and casual resort wear for dinner.
- Use the Daily Schedule: Posted throughout the resort and provided at check-in.
- Ask for Help: Our team is always happy to assist with directions or activity planning.
From scenic hikes and serene spa treatments to gourmet dining and rich history, Mohonk Mountain House offers a one-of-a-kind experience for first-time visitors. Whether you’re exploring the lush summer trails or sipping cocoa by a winter fire, your time here is sure to be memorable. Use this guide to navigate your stay and prepare to discover the magic of our Victorian castle resort and spa.
Ready to plan your first visit? Explore our all-inclusive resort inclusions and book your stay today! Follow us on Instagram to stay connected with the magic of Mohonk Mountain House!
