Mohonk Mountain House

There is no better place for a magical winter getaway! We arrived the day after a snow storm and took full advantage of the perfectly groomed cross-country trails. The views from Sky Top are breathtaking. Afterwards, we enjoyed the beautiful pool and spa. Our room was clean and quiet, the staff warm and welcoming. Our meals in the main dining room and Carriage lounge were delicious. Added bonus: coffee is served from 7 am on - perfect for early risers like us. We can’t wait to return…

I have written only one negative review in my life. However, as someone with over 20 years of experience in high-end, international hospitality consulting—and as someone who has previously visited and enjoyed these grounds—I feel obligated to document this experience clearly and publicly. I have been on the Mohonk Mountain House property before during warmer months and genuinely appreciated the trails and natural beauty. This visit was intended to share that experience with a guest visiting from abroad, to showcase what is marketed as a world-class destination. Instead, I was left embarrassed for having recommended it. Mohonk Mountain House positions itself as a premium property. What we encountered instead was poor operational transparency, aggressive upselling, and a pricing structure that reflects a profound disconnect between cost and value. Trail access is priced at $35 per person year-round, with no seasonal adjustment despite many trails being closed in winter. More concerning is the lack of clear, upfront disclosure that microspikes are mandatory in winter conditions. Guests who arrive unaware are effectively cornered into limited options: forgo hiking entirely, leave the property to source equipment elsewhere, or be redirected into a paid “upgrade” simply to access the grounds—while still being required to pay an additional $22 per pair to rent microspikes on-site. This does not feel accidental; it feels designed to extract additional revenue once guests arrive. Because we did not have microspikes and did not want to spend hours driving back and forth for rentals, we were steered toward brunch, which was presented as a high-end, special experience. At $145 per person, expectations were not just reasonable—they were implied. What followed was one of the weakest food offerings I have encountered in any hospitality environment, at any tier. The buffet was sparse, unimaginative, largely tasteless, and executed without refinement or intention. Professionally speaking, it was a failure. There was no culinary point of view, no sense of occasion, and no justification for the price. It felt like a glorified cafeteria rather than a $145 brunch experience. I understand that this brunch may primarily be designed for overnight hotel guests, and I am not certain whether it is included in their stay. That distinction is irrelevant. If management chooses to sell this experience to outside guests at a $145 price point, then the quality, transparency, and execution must stand on their own. They do not. The experience deteriorated further with undisclosed add-on charges. A tonic water—a basic soft drink—was priced at $11. Coffee was offered after the meal; only after the espressos were delivered were we informed they would be charged separately—$22 for two. Charging extra for basic coffee after a $145-per-person meal is not premium hospitality. It is unapologetic nickel-and-diming and signals an operation that prioritizes revenue over guest care. I have no issue paying premium prices. In fact, I actively seek out and gladly pay for exceptional experiences and outstanding food. This was neither. Based on food quality alone, this brunch aligns more closely with a $45 experience—perhaps $60 at most when factoring in the setting and views. Instead, we left stunned by the confidence with which such a substandard product was sold at a luxury price. This was not hospitality. It was transactional, extractive, and cynical. It relied entirely on reputation and scenery while delivering subpar quality and aggressively monetizing every possible interaction. Management should be deeply concerned—not only about guest satisfaction, but about the long-term erosion of trust and credibility. The gap between what is promised and what is delivered here is significant, and it warrants serious internal scrutiny.

Such a beautiful place. I recommend to anyone looking for a stunning, quiet, getaway with gorgeous views. There were so many activities and things to do. The food was fresh and amazing. And the best part was the amazing staff that catered to our every need, no matter how big or small. Will be back again and again.

Mohonk Mountain House is truly a unique place. One of the most important facts about it is that it was founded in 1869 and is still owned by the same family. Not a global corporation. Not private equity. A family. This feeling of family begins when you arrive up the mountain at the security gate and are greeted with a smile and a welcome, which continues at every step of your stay from the complimentary valet parking, to the attentive and numerous wait-staff at the included meal times, to the enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and patient activity staff. This level of service sets Mohonk Mountain House apart from other hotels or resorts. It makes every corner of the sprawling old buildings feel comforatble and cozy. Of course, other aspects of our stay were top-notch: the food was excellent and varied, our room was timelessly elegant and well-appointed, and we had a great time with scheduled activities. But I would come back for that feeling of welcome, that sensation that you are just a long lost cousin finally come home.

Beautiful location in historic yet comfortable hotel. Staff are exceptionally helpful and friendly. The food is gourmet and does have options for special food needs such as gluten free which I need and appreciate. Although pricey it is all inclusive and the quality of everything is high so the price is consistent with the experience.