Scribner’s Catskill Lodge: an escape built for both solitude and socializing
What it’s actually like to stay at one of New York’s most talked-about upstate getaways
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After nearly a decade in New York, I’ve lost count of how many times someone has told me I had to check out Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. It’s become a cult favorite among New Yorkers seeking the perfect mix of design, nature, and downtime. Scribner’s is one property, but two distinct experiences. At the base: the Lodge, with 38 rooms, a lively restaurant, a firelit library, and a communal energy that draws in weekenders from all over. Tucked slightly higher up the mountain are The Rounds: a collection of eleven luxury cabins that feel like your own little world.
It’s long been on my radar, but somehow the stars never aligned. So when the Scribner’s team invited me to stay for a couple of nights in one of their coveted Round Suites, I didn’t hesitate—I immediately opened a car rental tab and started planning the trip.
My husband and I made the easy two-hour drive from the city to Hunter, New York, eager for a dose of countryside calm. What we found was the perfect balance: secluded enough to feel like an escape, but still brimming with thoughtful experiences at every turn.
Read on for:
Every design detail that makes staying at The Rounds special
What we ordered (and loved) at Prospect, the on-site restaurant run by a Michelin-level chef
Off-property gems you’ll want to add to your Catskills itinerary
The need-to-know details at a glance:
Logline: Where mountain lodge nostalgia and modern minimalism coexist.
Best for: Couples, creatives, and city dwellers looking to swap chaos for calm (without sacrificing good food or aesthetics).
Don’t miss: The Rounds’ private deck out back—home to a Japanese soaking tub and outdoor shower.
Booking cost: Starting at $243 per night.
The room situation: No matter which part of the property you book, your accommodations will be cozy and design-forward. The Lodge rooms are full of vintage charm and are ideal for guests who want to stay close to the restaurant, library, and shared gathering spaces. The Rounds offer a more secluded, architectural experience—complete with outdoor soaking tubs, sunken conversation pits, and skylights for stargazing—that are perfect for those craving an immersive, indulgent escape with a little extra space to exhale.
What’s on the menu: Prospect, the property’s restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with sweeping views of the Catskills and seasonal menus by Alejandro Reyes Herrera (who previously cooked at Barcelona’s three-Michelin-star Cocina Hermanos Torres). Room service is available no matter where you’re staying on the property.
On-site amenities: Scribner’s shifts with the seasons, which is all the more reason to visit twice. In the warmer months, you’ll find a pool and lawn games like bocce and cornhole. In winter, the property transforms with a Glice skating rink overlooking Hunter Mountain and plenty of cozy corners to hunker down. Year-round comforts include a reservable outdoor sauna, creative programming for all ages, and a firepit on the main deck that draws guests out on clear nights to roast s’mores under the stars.
Calling The Rounds at Scribner’s “cabins” hardly does them justice, even if they are technically luxury cabins. There are two formats to choose from: Rooms, which consist of a single circular structure, and Suites, which feature two connected buildings—one for sleeping, the other for living and lounging—linked by a private walkway. Both layouts are striking in their simplicity, with thoughtful design choices that make it feel less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a world of your own.
I always appreciate minimal design that doesn’t sacrifice warmth or functionality. Here, the clean lines and natural textures made it easy to fully settle in: I unpacked, found a place for everything, and felt like the space was mine within minutes. Even the sub-branding is distinct, which adds to the sense of seclusion and luxury.
The centerpiece of the room is the sunken conversation pit, complete with discreet outlets and a built-in ledge to keep your drink of choice within easy reach. Rounding out the thoughtful layout are skylights for stargazing, a Japanese-style soaking tub and outdoor shower on the back deck, and two writing desks—a rare and welcome touch for couples traveling with laptops who appreciate a little extra personal space.
Surprises included strong water pressure in the shower (not always a given in a remote-feeling property), complimentary snacks and soda in the minibar, and a gas fireplace that flicked on with a switch—no kindling required. I love it when hotels make life easy.
If I could make one small request, it’d be a full-length mirror. The bathroom door would be an ideal spot as it’s well-placed and spacious enough to step back for a full look. And as someone who doesn’t drink, I’d love to see a few non-alcoholic options stocked in the minibar, especially since room service doesn’t offer drinks from the bar, NA or otherwise.
The Restaurant: Prospect, Scribner’s on-property restaurant, serves elevated New American fare with sweeping mountain views and is open to outside guests for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
We started with mocktails and the bread and butter course—featuring a trio of coconut, coffee, and truffle butters that tasted as decadent as they sound. A vibrant spring salad followed, layered with delights like prosciutto, blackberries, plums, red wine–poached pears, and a peach yuzu dressing that tied it all together. For mains, my husband went with the burger and truffle fries, while I opted for the striped bass (served in a silky beurre blanc with asparagus, trout roe, and a generous spoonful of black tobiko caviar). Everything was unfussy, beautifully composed, and deeply satisfying.
Fellow Mountain Cafe: Though not on-site, this charming all-day café comes from the same team behind Scribner’s, and it’s well worth the short, 3-minute drive into town. We grabbed breakfast on the wraparound porch—bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, sourdough toast, and coffees—and could’ve easily lingered for hours. Come lunchtime, they’ve got stacked sandwiches, pastries, and fresh-baked breads that make it a perfect mid-day stop.
In-room dining: One of the underrated perks of staying in The Rounds is that you can still order room service, even though you’re a bit removed from the main lodge. Meals arrive in a charming picnic basket with reusable Tupperware—not everything travels perfectly, but it’s a lovely setup that makes the whole experience feel relaxed and thoughtful.
If you’re heading to Scribner’s in the summer, the pool is a major draw. I was bummed that the weather didn’t cooperate for our trip—low 60s, cloudy skies, and no chance to swim—but we made the most of it by reserving a spot in the outdoor sauna, big enough for two and available to book in slots through the front desk.
On clear nights, a fire is lit and complimentary s’mores kits are available—a charming touch that turned into our favorite post-dinner ritual. There’s something very satisfying about the taste of a perfectly toasted marshmallow under the stars.
We made the 20-minute drive to the iconic Phoenicia Diner, which Severance fans will recognize as Pip’s. Being fans ourselves, we couldn’t resist snapping a few photos out front before settling in at the bar for thick-cut French toast. I spent most of breakfast wistfully eyeing the very booth where Adam Scott once sat. Worth every mile.
Other fun things to do include live music on Saturday & Sunday nights at Hotel Lilien’s cocktail bar and lounge, and shopping at Tannersville Antiques & Artisan Center—one of the largest antique stores around.
There’s no question that Scribner’s lives up to its lore. It’s everything I hoped it would be: stylish, soothing, and thoughtfully done. Whether you’re lounging fireside at the Lodge or curled up in The Rounds with nothing but a book, the experience feels intentional from start to finish. It’s rare to find a place that so effortlessly balances social energy with restorative solitude, but Scribner’s somehow manages to nail the balance.
I was hosted by Scribner’s for this stay. All opinions are my own, and I only cover places I genuinely love and recommend.
Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Have always eyes this spot! Looks DIVINE.