Mohonk Mountain House

Had a family group of 9. Mohonk did a great job keeping our rooms and dining together. Loved all the activities and all the staff we encountered was excellent.

A friend and I drove up to Mohonk House from NJ planning to purchase a one-day hiking pass in order to access the trails and view the property. On arrival at the entry gate, which is a couple of miles away from the lodge, we were informed that hiking passes had to be purchased online, although there was no such indication on the website. However, when we went to purchase the passes, we found that this feature of the website wasn’t working. We asked whether there was a way to purchase the passes at the gate, or to drive up to the lodge to do so. We were told that this was not possible and were rudely asked to move away from the entry gate area. After several more unsuccessful attempts to but the passes online, the entry gate staff reluctantly connected us with the reservations department, by phone. After explaining the situation, we were put on hold for about 10 minutes. During this time we asked whether we could look at a map of the hiking trails. The entry gate staff replied that they only give out the map to pass holders. When the reservations agent finally came back on the line she confirmed that the website was indeed not working, but offered no alternative option for purchasing day passes other than an offer to call us when the site was back up and working. No apology, just an unfriendly attitude. We asked whether we could wait in the parking area by the entry gate, which is the starting point for the hiking trails. The entry gate staff refused, saying that we should come back once we had purchased the hiking passes. We explained again that it wasn’t possible to do so due to the problem with the website, but they were totally unsympathetic. At that point we decided to leave, after having spent nearly an hour trying to get passes. Throughout the process we were treated more like trespassers than as customers. I had visited Lake Mohonk and stayed at the lodge 50+ years ago on a family vacation and was looking forward to seeing it again. We did eventually return 2 days later (as it turned out the website was not repaired until the next day) and had a nice day of hiking, but this was still overshadowed by the nasty treatment and unwelcoming attitude we had experienced earlier in the week. It almost feels as if the lodge doesn’t really want day hikers on the property. It is a 2 mile uphill hike just to get from the entry gate to the lodge and lake, and once you get there you find numerous signs reminding you that hiking day pass holders are strictly prohibited from accessing the lodge or other facilities. On the whole one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve ever had.

Went with husband as part of a gift certificate. The walk around the lake is nice and gardens are nice. The price for day hike is a bit steep, $70.00 for 2. Parking is a dirt parking lot and 2.3 miles away from hotel. A good portion of it is uphill with only two benches. They do not provide shuttle service so this is not for anyone with mobility issues. Once you get up to lodge, grounds are lovely. Outside bathroom is provided. Day guests are not allowed to enter restaurant, porch so bring any drinks or lunch with you. No place to lock up bicycles and some bike trails are not in good shape. Map is hard to read. A staff member helped up . She told us we could walk on upper part of trails around lake to get to bike trails. Without this help, we would have not been able to get to bike trails. Minnewaska state park far better for riding bikes. Trails are better and best of all free with drivers license to people over 62.

I enjoyed the ambience of the hotel, the hiking trails, the lake, and the wonderful dinners. It was a very special experience.

It's 35 bucks each to see the charming Mountain House and the scenic Lake, though you can't go in the hotel. Non guests have to park and hike 2.2 miles uphill to get there, while watching cars zip by on the road to the top. Something to do once, at most.