It’s that time of year again: warm nights are giving way to cooler temperatures, the air is getting chilled and crisp, and the leaves are slowly changing color. Also, Starbucks has officially brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which officially means it’s fall.
We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors since March, but many people are starting to get comfortable with the familiar motions of travel again. And as the world begins to open back up to trips, the timing is perfect to enjoy the seasonal autumn changes in all their glory, nestled in a warm boutique hotel.
Whether you’re looking to pack up for a road trip or jump a jet to cooler climates, the autumn hotels we’ve gathered for you below are perfect to catch a slice of fall. Some offer a hint of city living, others are much more private and off-the-grid. Regardless, each hotel delivers the perfect autumn experience.
11 Autumn Hotels to Visit This Fall
1. Cedar Lakes Estate
Cedar Lakes Estate sits on 500 acres in Hudson Valley, nestled in sweet-smelling pine forest, with cozy log cabins, and a host of outdoorsy hijinks. It’s a collection of “fairytale cottages”, built from home-grown oak and furnished with animal hide rugs, reclaimed woods, and antler chandeliers.
In some of the cottages, you’ll also find stone fireplaces, kitted-out kitchens, BBQ-ready patios, or a rowboat moored just offshore. It’s a great, hidden retreat where you can enjoy the crisp autumn air, watch the leaves change colors, and hunker down inside by a cozy fire.
2. Eastwind
Eastwind is located in Windham, New York, embedded into the landscape of the Catskill Mountains. This boutique hotel was built purely to drink in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery (which pairs well with a signature cocktail from their bar). You can also head out to explore the Kaaterskill Falls hiking trail, views from the slopes of Windham Mountain, or a day trip to the Saugerties Lighthouse.
The rooms are designed to give you a campsite feel, though it leans more to the glamping side of things. The direct access to nature, finished with all the luxurious touches you’d need, is the perfect gateway to get a huge dose of fall.
3. Lake Kora
At Lake Kora, you’ll find 1,000 acres of private wilderness and forest villas reminiscent of fairytale dreams. The property is buried deep in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, which are famous the world over for some of the best views of nature year-round, but especially during the autumn months.
The sprawling, timbered compound was a grand sight to behold when it was built at the turn of the century, and it hasn’t changed a bit. Well, it’s had a few minor upgrades like Wi-Fi, but the logs, stone, and ironwork that went into the original construction still stand to set a wilderness ambiance for guests today. It’s highly exclusive, so many sure you book your stay for the early fall months ASAP.
4. Hasbrouck House
The Hasbrouck House was named “The America’s Most Romantic Retreat” by the World Boutique Hotel Awards, which paints a true-to-form picture of what kind of fall experience you get when you stay here. The property is centered around an 18th century Dutch Colonial stone mansion, centrally located in the Mid-Hudson Valley only two hours from New York City.
You’ll get access to vibrant communities like Kingston, Phoenicia, Woodstock, the Minnewaska State Park, and the majesty of the Catskill Mountains—all of which are great locations to drink in the autumn ambiance. Get ready to “fall” in love with the property itself, which features 25 rooms across four historical buildings, an in-house farm-to-table restaurant, and over 50 acres to set the scene (with a private lake: boom!).
5. Hotel Tivoli
What was once a rundown building in Tivoli Village has been transformed into the modern-day Hotel Tivoli by painters, and owners, Brice and Helen Marden. It’s filled with vibrant colors, an eclectic collection of furniture, and exciting art. The bright colors play well with a darker, Victorian aesthetic still alive in the 100-year old property.
There are only 11 rooms, each of which has a distinctly designed profile, original artwork, and village views. Be sure to stop at The Corner for a bite and a beer (or cider) before you head out into the charming village to experience the seasonal festivities.
6. Brentwood Hotel
Saratoga Springs is home to a legendary horse racing course, and only steps away you’ll find an ode to the look and feel of being at the races. The Brentwood Hotel was designed to mirror stables on the outside, but the sunny rooms and beautiful grounds are far from horse-filled.
Each room is decked out with blue hues and brass finishes, smooth finished leathers and sleek Shakrtooth patterns. And while race season is more of a summer activity, the Brentwood doesn’t slow down in the offseason: the fire pits keep roaring, the drinks keep flowing, and the relaxation never ends.
7. The DeWitt Oak Hotel
The DeWitt Oak Hill is a case study in how to perfectly mix creative style with plush comfort. It’s filled with vintage antiques defined by their deep character, but balanced with velvet sofas, cozy fireplaces, and eclectic art pieces. Whether you’re enjoying the two-story great room, or the hand-decorated and personalized feel of your guest room, the sounds of Catskill Creek are only feet away.
It’s a prime destination for those who want to experience the autumnal shift without venturing too deep into the woods. You can walk along the banks of the creek, sit in the gardens, or watch the sunset from one of many fireplaces. Don’t forget that your pets are also welcome here: they love a good dose of fall too!
8. Hotel Kinsley
Hotel Kinsley is a collection of four different buildings, each constructed in the 19th century. Together, they house 43 guest rooms that are tucked cozily into the Stockage district in uptown Kingston, New York. It’s another great option for those who want to strike a balance between urban and rural.
The property stands at the intersecting foothills between the Catskill Mountains the banks of the Hudson River, so you can go from shopping and lattes to adventurous treks in a matter of minutes. Don’t forget to visit the hotel bar for craft cocktails and the Upstate Destination Restaurant Kinsley, a modern oasis that infuses every dish with the vibrant energy of Kingston.
9. Troutbeck
If you’re looking for a great city escape to enjoy the fall colors and crisp air, don’t pass up an opportunity to visit Troutbeck. This 250-acre estate hotel has been a home for romantics, creatives, adventurers, naturalists, and poets for centuries (like Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway).
The activities you can take part in are sure to delight, whether you’re enjoying tea and forest bathing or sunrise yoga. Plus, seasonal fare is served up daily, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by Michelin star Chef Gabe McMackin. At night, as the chilled air takes over the sky, you can watch the stars pop out as you sit warm by the fire. It’s truly an autumn experience for the books.
10. Twin Farms
If you’re looking for a true autumn escape, there are few places better than Vermont. Twin Farms, offers the perfect destination for solo travelers, couples, and entire families who want to visit the rustic property.
What makes this place perfect for the fall is the foliage surrounding the property. You’ll get firey reds, blazing golds, and buttery yellows with the promise of warmth and intimacy at the end of the day. Warmth that you can get from the fireplaces, or the enormous soaking tub in the suites (sign me up for that).
11. The Dutchess
One reason people like to escape for a slice of fall is to retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Dutchess, nestled in a tranquil corner of Upstate New York, offers the perfect solution within its cluster of farmhouses and rooms. In fact, The Dutchess is considered by many to be a “secret” hotel and keep outside promotions or details to a minimum.
The Dutchess might be one of most exclusive autumn hotels on this list, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. That bubble provides an immediate sense of calm and quiet, paired with the soft scents of nature. Inside, the beam-vaulted ceilings and hand-hewn touches will transport you fully into a private world of relaxation, mind, body, and soul.
Which of These Autumn Hotels Will You Choose?
It’s prime time to start thinking about where you want to spend your long weekends and holiday trips this fall, and our list of autumn hotels here is the perfect place to start. The benefit of these spots is that, even when the leaves have all fallen off the trees, they double as fantastic retreats to experience the winter months’ beauty as well.
If you’re ready to book one of these autumn hotels, reach out to us today and we’ll get you set up for an unforgettable fall.