Inside+Out Enjoys Peace, Love and Cozy at Hotel Dylan

March 11, 2022

Even Catskill locals need to “get away”, unplug and tune into the majestic surroundings that we sometimes take for granted. Our staycation at The Hotel Dylan proved to be the perfect antidote. Our recent sojourn to the Dylan epitomized our notion of a dreamy Catskills staycation. It was a delightful two-day experience filled with the right amount of privacy, coziness, local activities and excellent service that let us unwind in style. Note to all urbanites looking to escape the City (or anywhere else): You need to know about this charmingly hip hotel.

Hotel Dylan Lobby

Woodstock-based Hotel Dylan opened in 2014 with a buzz-worthy launch of 11 retro-chic, rockstar-themed rooms, each with their own “bohemian sophistication” flair. Designed by the uber-talented husband and wife team, Cortney and Robert Novogratz, “The Dylan” has since doubled in size, now featuring 22 stylish rooms and a gorgeous new lobby, all true to the inspired original design.

INSIDE+OUT

Located just outside Woodstock, less than two hours from New York City along Route 28West, Hotel Dylan provides easy access to “The Most Famous Small Town in America”, but also to the villages of Phoenicia and Saugerties east and west. Beloved by artists, musicians, travelers, fishermen, hikers, and skiers for nearly a century, everyone should experience the Catskills at least once in their lifetime. Woodstock, Kingston, Saugerties and Phoenicia are all a short 10 to 20-minute drive, where you’ll discover a wide array of dining options – from grab-and-go cafes and delis to pizzerias, bistros and fine dining restaurants (the Culinary Institute of America is just across the river).

When you arrive at The Dylan, you can’t miss the “Peace” sign and the groovy gray and white 1960s VW bus parked outside. There’s plenty of parking and self-check-in is available. The Adirondack chairs next to an outdoor fire pit beckoned – and we obliged by indulging in our childhood-favorite Smores (yum!). The Dylan staff generously builds seasonal and weekend fires and provides everything you need: roasting sticks, giant marshmallows, Hershey bars and graham crackers. All neatly packaged up and delivered right to your room, which you’ll find on your door handle in a cute little Hotel Dylan-branded paper bag.

Hotel Dylan Fireside

Or you can simply amble over to the nearby Santa Fe Woodstock restaurant, which shares the location with Hotel Dylan. Known for their delicious Mexican cuisine, the Santa Fe staff are super friendly, the margaritas are top-notch and their tacos are incredibly fresh (you must try the catfish tacos, and let’s not forget the added perk of the 10% Dylan guest discount). You can then work off those calories at the well-equipped 28West Gym, conveniently located right across the street, with day passes available to guests for a modest fee.

There’s also a 40’ outdoor, heated saline pool which we’ll have to visit and report on this summer…stay tuned.

INSIDE

hotel dylan lobby and games

The Dylan’s gorgeous A-frame style open lobby completes its stylish ambiance. There’s a cozy wood-burning fireplace, a bar, two sitting areas to work, read or play and an array of fun board games. We grabbed our favorite, “Battleship”, which we enjoyed in our spacious East Wing room, The Baez, named after American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist Joan Baez. (All rooms are named after rock stars from the 1969 Woodstock music festival.)

We loved our room, which perfectly rocked a vintage vibe with a modern aesthetic. And we couldn’t help but smile when we saw the vintage record player (the hotel boasts a wide selection of vinyl classics at the front desk that you can check out and bring to your room). Modern amenities included a mini-fridge (a SMEG, no less!), coffee maker and an assortment of high-end toiletries. We played our favorite card games with the hotel-supplied Woodstock playing cards while snacking on treats from the sweet gift basket provided.

OUTSIDE

We loved every minute at Hotel Dylan but the outdoors beckoned. We spent a day on the slopes at nearby Hunter Mountain and another just wandering around delightful Woodstock. We started out at Caffe, a new grab-n-go Italian-style café; then, happily caffeinated, we popped in and out of the many charming and eclectic shops that line its famous Tinker Street. We picked up some amazing bakery and chocolate treats at Overlook Bakery and EJ Bonbons, then spent the rest of the afternoon taking in art exhibits at WAAM and Byrdcliffe.

One day just isn’t enough in this thoroughly enjoyable Colony of the Arts, an arts scene worthy of its own post for another time…

Now, that makes for a lovely Catskills staycation.
Thank you, Hotel Dylan!