Sometimes you don’t need a far-flung vacation to feel like you’ve completely disappeared from the city. You just need two hours, a change of scenery, and a very cute hotel in the Catskills.
Tucked into the charming mountain town town of Tannersville, NY, Hotel Lilien feels a world away from the noise and nonstop pace of NYC. Set inside a lovingly restored 1890s Victorian estate, the 18-room boutique hotel pairs rich historic architecture with moody, modern interiors that tempt you to cancel your weekend plans and stay awhile.
And it’s not just a pretty face, either. Hotel Lilien is part of the prestigious Michelin Guide hotel selection. Sitting just minutes from Hunter Mountain, it offers the ultimate low-effort, high-reward mountain reset.
With fall around the corner, crisp mountain air, pine-scented hikes, fiery foliage, golden sunsets, and sweater weather evenings make a pretty strong case for heading north for the weekend.
The Story & Design
The estate’s history traces back to the 1890s when the Manhattan-based Lilienthal family built an elegant escape called Villa Meta.
Decades later, it was acquired and painstakingly restored by The Lost Boys Hospitality Group—a team whose Panama properties earned a “cult-like following” according to The New York Times.
Designed alongside San Francisco’s Field Theory, the Victorian mansion showcases restored wood paneling, original stained glass windows, and vintage trims paired seamlessly with 20th-century modernist pieces and rotating works by contemporary New York artists.
The Rooms & Amenities
- Boutique Guest Rooms: Every room blends old-world charm with modern luxury touches—think: vintage rugs, original art, plush Wright mattresses, and crisp Brooklinen sheets. No two rooms are identical
- The Outdoor Pool & Deck: Cool off in one of the region’s largest hotel pools, soak up rays on cushioned loungers, or sip rosé poolside before walking into town for dinner
- Plateau Mountain Yoga: Walk along a wooded trail on Saturday mornings for complimentary yoga overlooking Plateau Mountain, led by top local instructors
- Lounge & Game Rooms: Unwind in The Library with a bestseller, challenge friends to chess or Scrabble, or play a game on the hand-carved Blatt Billiards table in The Lounge
- Live DJ & Acoustic Series: On Saturdays and summer Thursdays, resident DJ Sir Shorty spins funky vinyl beats. On Sundays and summer Tuesdays, Stick Around Sundays brings emerging acoustic artists to perform under string lights on the outdoor deck
- Winter & Fall Gear: In cooler months, access premium seasonal equipment—including snowshoes and vintage-style sleds—to make exploring the outdoors effortless
Seasonal Food & Drinks
To eat, guests can start their day with a modern European continental breakfast plate served with Partners Coffee and assorted teas–best enjoyed on the porch with fresh mountain air.
Once the sun sets, pull up a chair for seasonal craft cocktails, local beers, and dynamic natural wines paired with elevated, seasonal sharing plates.
Exploring Tannersville & Beyond
Hotel Lilien isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s the unofficial living room of Tannersville.
Just beyond the property, Tannersville’s colorful streets, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, and sweeping mountain views make it an ideal home base for a laid-back Catskills getaway.
What to Know Before You Go
- 📍 Location: 7740 Main St, Tannersville, NY (Just minutes from Hunter Mountain)
- 🚗 Getting There: A quick 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan
- 🏨 Booking Tip: Rooms book out quickly during late-summer pool season and peak fall foliage, so plan ahead!