Mohonk Mountain House

There's no question MMH is a serene, scenic, relaxing, and family-friendly all-inclusive resort only 1-2 hours from the hustle and bustle of NYC, however below I list the pros and cons for you to decide if the cost is worth the value. Pros: 1- The property is well maintained, views are spectacular, and their is plenty to do, from hiking with varying degrees of strenuousness (the lemon squeezy is fun and intense), boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboats), as well as things like minigolf, archery, and tomahawk throwing. Note that you have to sign up in advance for the latter two activities. 2- The meals are gourmet and the food along with wait staff are excellent to the extent that it feels like you are getting a good return for the cost in this regard. 3- The vibe is a journey back in time, which allows people to reconnect without distractions like TVs or city noise. They have rocking chairs and a nice lake, and pretty much everywhere you look is serene. You will likely leave feeling more relaxed and connected. Cons: 1- It's expensive. Expect to pay between $2-3,000 per night with fees and taxes. In some respects that is more than an all-inclusive cruise vacation for a week. The rooms and property are old fashioned, which bring some charm, but some may find the decor to be dated. 2- There are add ons that will increase the cost, such as horseback riding, certain mountain climibing adventures, or drinks such as a alcohol or lattes. Also, the evening entertainment shows have only one showtime and are okay. 3- It's a trek to get from the entrance to the resort, so don't expect to leave the resort if you need supplies (though there really isn't much of a need to leave since it's all-inclusive). Note that there is a county occupancy charge, which seems unreasonable considering the resort fee.

Just had the privilege of getting engaged and Mohonk. Absolutely nothing but the highest praise for this resort. The staff are accommodating, warm, attentive, and go above and beyond. Understandably engagements are commonplace at a resort this breathtakingly beautiful, and the concierges are helpful every step away with coordinating and setting up an engagement scene (table, champagne, flowers, petals on the ground, etc.). The decor and handmade craftsmanship of everything inside are a sight in their own right. I also love that the tips are included in your purchase price so it’s not on your mind. Overall highly recommend.

We visited the Mohonk Mountain House for a day trip and had a fabulous experience! The property itself is gorgeous! Lake views, mountains, trails, gardens, and beautiful historic grounds. Everyone was extremely welcoming and warm. The moment you arrive you feel you stepped into a memorable place.

After three stays at Mohonk in less than a year, I completely understand why families return here for generations. We originally came for my wife’s birthday last summer and were so impressed that we started bringing family members. Since then we’ve come back for my mother’s 70th birthday/family reunion, brought my wife’s family this spring, and now my mom has already booked another trip for September. Yes, Mohonk is expensive. But unlike many luxury resorts, it genuinely feels worth it. The meals are excellent, the activities are included, the grounds are beautiful, and the entire experience feels relaxing instead of transactional. No constant upsells, surprise fees, gratuity math, or nickel-and-diming - you can actually settle in and enjoy yourself. The food across all three stays has consistently been outstanding, and the staff culture really stands out. Everyone we interacted with felt warm, professional, and genuinely guest-focused. The property somehow manages to feel both historic and personal rather than overly corporate, which probably says a lot about the fact that it’s still family-owned by the Smiley family more than 150 years later. Most importantly, Mohonk somehow works equally well for couples, grandparents, and families with young children. That’s a hard balance to pull off, but they do it remarkably well. There’s a reason people keep coming back here decade after decade. We already are.