For most of us, the Caribbean is still closed with the lingering pandemic. But in the heat of a Hudson Valley summer, the next best thing to the crystal blue waters of an island vacation is a hotel pool close enough for easy getaway or staycation.
Several pools in the region need no introduction — The Maker in Hudson, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge and Troutbeck Inn in Amenia, are just a few well-established local gems — but there are other lovely, under-the-radar beauties well worth seeking out. Read on for several of our favorites.
Callicoon Hills, Sullivan County
Which is better: a hotel pool or getting frozen drinks delivered to you? You can enjoy both at Callicoon Hills.
Callicoon HillsCallicoon Hills is a century-old vacation resort founded in 1905 and now one of a handful of updated resorts in the region. The 65-room hotel, spread over a few buildings, offers a country escape, with a farm-to-table restaurant, bar, coffee shop and an epic pool open June-October. Shaded by the surrounding trees, visitors can splish and splash in a cocoon of privacy.
1 Hills Resort Road, Callicoon Center
Hasbrouck House, Ulster County
Hasbrouck House’s 55-foot-long pool has lap swim written all over it.
Hasbrouck HouseHoused in an 18th century Dutch Colonial stone mansion on 50 acres with a private lake, Hasbrouck House exudes modern luxury. Step inside, and guests find 25 individually curated bedrooms, the farm-to-table restaurant Butterfield, burger shack Butcher & Bar, and a 100-year-old, beautifully updated outdoor pool with lounge chairs. Hasbrouck also offers complimentary yoga classes, private yoga, hiking passes and massages.
3805 Main Street, Stone Ridge
The Amelia, Columbia County
Housed in a Victorian home, The Amelia in Hudson has a sleek pool in back.
Lawrence BraunA restored retreat with the bones of a country house and vision of a modern jet-setter, the brand-new Amelia Hotel is located in a Queen Anne-style home, with eight spacious guest rooms and suites, an English garden, a sun porch, library and stunning outdoor pool. Roses, hydrangeas and bluebells skirt the pool deck’s parameters, and the trees surrounding the flowers create a cove-like atmosphere. There is an old-fashioned diving board, and ample lounge space to admire the swan dives.
339 Allen St., Hudson
Glen Falls House, Greene County
At Glen Falls House, the action is all poolside.
Glen Falls HouseThis chic mainstay of Catskills vacationland was built in 1881 as the Ernst family farmstead, converted into a hotel in the 1940s, and then remodeled in 2017 with kitschy-cool resort essentials like a camper bar by the capacious pool. The Tavern at Glen Falls House has become a magnet for bands and DJs, drawing revelers from near and far for dips in the pool and parties.
239 Winter Clove Road, Round Top
Shandaken Inn, Ulster County
The Shandaken Inn welcomes all swimmers.
The Shandaken InnThe Shandaken Inn was once the clubhouse for the Rip Van Winkle Golf Course, and has since been reimagined as a family-friendly bed and breakfast. The cornflower-blue inn rests on 12 acres bordered by the Esopus Creek, which draws fly fishers from across the world. Each of the 15 guest rooms are furnished uniquely, and the entire estate — with a lounge, modern fitness room, tennis court, outdoor fire pit and luxe bath amenities — pays homage to the spirit of the Catskills. The large pool’s deck is filled with soft, nap-welcoming loungers.
1 Golf Course Road E, Shandanken
The Graham & Co., Ulster County
Graham & Co. swimmers are treated to panoramic Catskills views.
The Graham & Co.
The ultra-mod 20-room Graham & Co. hotel at the foot of Hunter Mountain rests on three acres, with plenty of ways to relax, from the hammocks, badminton court, fire pit, picnic area, bikes to borrow and a roomy swimming pool. The vibe is modern Americana with Tivoli radios in each room, and kitchenettes in select rooms. The pool has plenty of seating and tables to accommodate an all-day hang.
80 Route 214, Phoenicia
Glenmere Mansion, Orange County
Soak in the summer villa vibes at The Glenmere Mansion.
Glenmere Mansion.For those still smarting from canceled European vacations, Glenmere Mansion provides a little slice of Italy right here in the Hudson Valley. Set on 150 acres, and crowned by a hilltop mansion, Glenmere was a Gilded Age retreat that still feels opulent. There are 18 guest rooms, two Italian restaurants, a full-service spa and bathhouse, formal gardens and a beautifully appointed pool set in the courtyard. It’s as close to Tuscany as you can get without a passport.
634 Pine Hill Road, Chester
Kenoza Hall, Sullivan County
Kenoza Hall has a heated pool, and a hot tub, too.
Lawrence BraunThis early 20th century family retreat-turned 22-room inn is within throwing distance of a vast lake, but save your swimming time for the in-ground hot tub and sleek, heated pool. When you’re not poolside, enjoy the fine dining at Kenoza Hall courtesy of Foster Supply Hospitality, game and common areas, the full-service Hemlock spa, and en-suite soaking tubs available in some rooms.
5762 NY-52, Kenoza Lake
Villa at Saugerties, Ulster County
Villa at Saugerties’ four rooms guarantee that you’ll have the pool practically to yourself.
Villa at SaugertiesThis micro-hotel offers just four rooms, but the immense amount of care that was put into Villa at Saugerties is clear everywhere you turn. The beds are incredibly soft, the décor is tasteful and elegant, and the breakfast, served daily, is excellent. Set on 3.6 acres of thoughtfully Mediterranean-inspired manicured grounds, there are two streams, a lily pond, and weeping willows. There is also a jewel of a 40-foot heated pool set in the land that you’ll have, by default, pretty much to yourself.
159 Fawn Road, Saugerties
Overlook on Hudson, Orange County
Overlook on Hudson’s poolside views.
Overlook on HudsonOverlook, whose name comes from its drop-dead Hudson River views, was first owned by financier J.P. Morgan. The current inn was built on the foundation of his 1880 mansion, and the original fireplaces and patios are part of the bed and breakfast today. The space is also famous for inspiring Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” and guests can stay in the “Billy Joel Room” or one of four other spacious rooms. But the real reason to book is the turquoise pool with its stunning views of the river and tree-covered Hudson Highlands.
26 Kings Road, Highland Falls
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