Targeting families, couples, and those traveling with pets, the Emerson Resort & Spa is located in the heart of the Catskills and it’s an ideal spot for a long-weekend getaway. It sits on 20-acres and has 53 rooms, including 26 suites and rooms in the contemporary inn, and 27 suites and rooms in the Adirondack-style lodge. Many families choose the lodge, while couples often prefer to stay in the main inn. Rooms are very spacious with some offering an oversize Jacuzzi bath, an electric fireplace, and a balcony. Many couples come for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special celebrations.
Many guests are coming from driving distance locations, such as New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Covid Protocol
As part of Emerson’s Stay Safe Pledge for COVID-19 precautions, the property is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for deep cleaning and sanitizing. They also use cleaning products and follow protocols that correlate with EPA guidelines. The staff also does temperature checks, enforces social distancing and mask-wearing, and is trained on best practices.
The Spa
One of the star features of the property is the full-service 6,193-square-foot destination spa, and one of the highlights of the spa is the outdoor hot tub. Due to Covid, it is reservation only and can be reserved for 15 minute increments. Travelers can soak and enjoy the views in their own private bliss. It’s especially appealing in colder temps and snowy days.
In terms of the treatments available at the spa, the menu is diverse. For those interested in facials, the Emerson Spa is the only spa in the region to feature the Elemis Biotec Skincare System, which focuses on anti-aging and energizing facials. For manicures and pedicures, the spa uses vegan nail care by SpaRitual.
For massage enthusiasts, the Emerson Signature Integrative Massage is a customized experience based on your skin type and treatment needs (deep massage for sore muscles or light massage for a relaxing experience). The Stone Massage is also quite popular—it combines warm basalt stones with aromatherapy oil for a therapeutic experience.
The Food
The signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, overlooks the Esopus Creek and features locally sourced produce from the Hudson Valley. The menu changes seasonally, with fresh meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables highlighted. Popular dishes include bacon-wrapped smoked trout with sweet potato and hot cherry pepper hash, along with baby bok choy and roasted garlic aioli; another favorite is the house-made fettuccini with Catskills Food Company sausage complete with heirloom cherry tomatoes and roasted cauliflower. The restaurant also features handcrafted cocktails and a nice variety of wines. The more casual Ralph’s Café, located on property, showcases homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, as well as local coffee, tea, and pastries.
Getting Back to Nature
Because the property is located in the beautiful Catskills Mountains, it’s an ideal place to explore the outdoors. The Brookside Wander path program connects hotel guests with nature by sharing more about native plant species, pollinating meadows, streamside ecology, and flood migration. Additionally, the property just launched its new Ashokan Rail Trail Self-Guided Birding Booklet for aspiring bird enthusiasts. Located near the Emerson, The Ashokan Rail Trail recently opened to the public and offers 12 miles of watershed lands, which were previously closed to the public for more than 100 years. Using the self-guided birding booklet, guests can discover a number of birds along the trail including bald eagles, great blue herons, scarlet tanagers, yellow warblers, belted kingfishers, buffleheads, and red-bellied woodpeckers.
The Emerson also offers complimentary bikes for guests available seasonally on a first come, first serve basis.
Canine-Friendly
If you’re traveling with your four-legged furry friend, then you’ll be happy to see that the Emerson has a dedicated 60-feet-wide by 100-feet-long park just for canines that includes a dog run, doggy shower, fresh running water, and a special area for smaller dogs. Hotel guests can also purchase the “Emerson Pupgrade,” which includes bottled water, gourmet dog treats, a dog walking service, a special gift, a dog bed, and a donation to the local Catskills animal shelter. The Pupgrade is available for $50 in addition to the $35 per night pet fee. The property also has a “Pup Fare” menu that offers homemade meals and treats.
A Unique Feature
A unique feature of the Emerson is the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. It’s over 60-feet tall and features three 38-foot mirrors. The specially designed visual and audio shows were created exclusively for the Emerson Kaleidoshow.
