So, you want to go to Mohonk. We all do. It’s that massive Victorian "castle" in New Paltz with the red roof and the wooden balconies that looks like it was plucked out of a Swiss Alp and dropped onto a cliff in the Hudson Valley. But let’s be real for a second—trying to book a room there during peak leaf-peeping season or a holiday weekend is a special kind of stress. Or maybe you just looked at the nightly rate and realized your bank account isn't quite ready for that three-meals-a-day, all-inclusive life.
Honestly, it’s fine. You don't have to stay at the Mountain House to experience the Gunks. The secret most people miss is that the best places to stay near Mohonk Mountain House often offer a lot more flexibility (and sometimes better views of the actual ridge) than the big resort itself.
Whether you're looking for a rugged lodge that smells like pine needles or a high-end farm stay that costs as much as the castle, there are options.
The Lodge That’s Basically on the Doorstep
If you want to be as close as humanly possible without actually being on the Mohonk property, you go to Minnewaska Lodge. It’s located in Gardiner, right at the base of the cliffs.
It’s not flashy. It’s a 26-room retreat that feels like a massive, cozy living room. The best part? You can literally walk out the back door and hit the trails of the Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park.
- The Vibe: Rustic, quiet, and very "Hudson Valley hiker."
- The Perks: Every room has a deck. Get one with a "cliff view"—you’ll be staring at the jagged white quartz of the Shawangunks while you drink your morning coffee.
- Pro Tip: It’s right across the street from the Mountain Brauhaus, which is a legendary German restaurant. Seriously, get the spaetzle. You’ll need the carbs for the Labyrinth scramble the next day.
For the Design Obsessives and Big Spenders
Maybe the reason you were looking at Mohonk was for the luxury. If that’s the case, and you want something that feels modern instead of 19th-century, check out Wildflower Farms.
This place is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and it is stunning. We're talking standalone cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass, outdoor showers, and a "meadow-to-table" restaurant. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from the Mohonk Gatehouse.
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It's pricey. Very pricey. But if you want a spa that rivals Mohonk’s and a room that doesn't have antique wallpaper, this is the spot. You get the same mountain air but with a lot more minimalist chic.
The Historic New Paltz B&B Experience
New Paltz is a college town, sure, but it’s also one of the oldest settlements in the country. If you want history but with a more intimate feel, there are a few standouts.
The Inn at Kettleboro is a big one. It’s a 1830s farmhouse that was renovated into a boutique B&B. It sits on a hill, so you get these sweeping views of the mountains—the same mountains Mohonk sits on—but from a distance where you can actually see the whole ridge.
Then there’s Moondance Ridge. It’s super close to the SUNY New Paltz campus and the downtown shops, which is a major plus if you want to walk to dinner at night.
Cool Airbnbs and the "Mini-Mohonk" Vibe
Lately, the short-term rental market around here has gone a bit wild. In a good way.
There’s a property called The Edge that has been making the rounds on social media lately. It’s a minimalist forest hideout that’s basically built into a slope near a creek. It feels like a treehouse for adults.
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If you’re traveling with a group, look for houses in the High Falls or Accord area. You’re still only 15 minutes away from the trails, but you’ll have a fire pit, a kitchen, and probably a better selection of local cider in your fridge.
How to Do Mohonk Without Staying at Mohonk
This is the part most people get wrong. They think if they don't stay at the hotel, they can't see the lake or the gardens.
You can. You just need a Day Pass.
As of 2026, a simple Hiking Pass is around $35. It gets you onto the property and the 85 miles of trails, including the famous Lemon Squeeze. But—and this is a big but—it does not get you into the actual house or allow you to swim in the lake.
If you want the full "guest" experience without the $800+ nightly bill, book a Dining Reservation.
- Go to the Mohonk website.
- Book a lunch or dinner.
- This reservation acts as your gate pass.
You get to drive up the mountain, park at the house, eat a massive meal, and then you have access to the grounds for the rest of the day. It’s the ultimate "Mohonk hack." Just make sure you book well in advance because these slots disappear faster than a tray of cookies at afternoon tea.
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What People Often Miss
Don't ignore the Mohonk Preserve. People confuse it with the Mountain House all the time. The Preserve is a separate non-profit land trust.
If your goal is just world-class rock climbing or hiking to Bonticou Crag, you don't even need to touch the Mountain House property. You can stay at a budget-friendly spot like the Hampton Inn New Paltz (which is actually very nice and has a great pool) and just buy a $15 day pass for the Preserve.
Your Game Plan
If you’re planning a trip to the Gunks and need places to stay near Mohonk Mountain House, here is how I’d play it:
- For the hiker: Book Minnewaska Lodge. You’re right there. No fuss.
- For the romantic: Find an Airbnb in High Falls. Eat at Ollie's Pizza or The Egg's Nest.
- For the budget-conscious: Stay at the Americas Best Value Inn or the Hampton Inn in town. Use the money you saved to buy a fancy dinner up at the Mountain House.
- For the luxury seeker: Go to Wildflower Farms and don't look at your credit card statement until you get home.
The mountains are the same regardless of where you sleep. The air is just as crisp, and the sunset over the valley is just as orange. Grab a map, book your room, and get up there.
Next steps for your trip:
Go ahead and check the 72-hour window for Mohonk Day Passes if you're planning a hike, or browse the current availability at Minnewaska Lodge—they tend to fill up about 3-4 weeks out for autumn weekends.