I, like many New Yorkers, attempt to flee to calmer, cooler locales as we delve further and deeper into summer. That said, I have an in-office job and enjoy the comfort of being home, which makes traveling somewhere too far to drive a little less easy and relaxing than I’d like. That’s why most of my summer getaways take place between Thursday and Sunday in the state of New York. My most recent weekend trip took me to The Rounds at Scribner's Catskill Lodge in Hunter, New York. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Manhattan. It also happens to be the most gorgeous drive along the Hudson River.
Back to the hotel, though: If you’ve heard of the historic spot (which first swung open its doors in the 1960s, closed for decades, and eventually reopened in 2016 under new ownership) but aren't quite sure what The Rounds are, you aren’t alone. The Rounds are individual cabins set on a grassy clearing half a mile up the mountain from the main, original building. They offer an incredible retreat for anyone who needs a break from the noise, heat, and lack of privacy in the surrounding major cities. Keep reading to learn more about what makes this time capsule of a boutique hotel so special.
The Historic Grounds
If you’ve ever seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Dirty Dancing, you know that places like Scribner’s were massively popular back in the 1950s and ’60s. In fact, they became such bustling destinations that the summer resorts of the Catskill Mountains earned the now-famous nickname Borscht Belt. Scribner’s was one of them. It was owned and designed by painter, muralist, hotelier, and restaurateur Guy Chirico Sr., who bought the 20-acre parcel of land back in 1966 and built a 38-room boutique hotel. Back then, it was called Scribner Hollow Lodge. Plus, 60 years ago, the property didn’t include the 11 yurts that make up The Rounds.
Though it’s been hugely overhauled since its original debut during the heyday of the Borscht Belt, the new owners have intentionally retained a few classic midcentury details throughout the space, including a mirrored ceiling in one of the suites.
The Design
Post Company, which has studios in Brooklyn and Jackson, Wyoming, is the mastermind of Scribner’s redesign. The creatives are also responsible for Inness in Accord, New York; Mollie in Aspen; and La Playa Hotel in Carmel, California. Though each of the projects accurately represents the cities in which they’re situated, Post Company definitely has a signature style that’s centered around natural materials, easy-on-the-eyes palettes, and a hint of midcentury.
“In 2016, we led the building design, interior design, and branding transformation of the Lodge. We reshaped the hotel’s structure and style into a contemporary hideaway that honors the retreat’s eccentric personality and historic past,” Leigh Salem, partner at Post Company, says. “We had the same goal with The Rounds as we did with the Lodge: We wanted to create a space where thoughtful discourse, human connection, and cultural growth can thrive as the hotel once did when it originally opened many years ago.”
“Both the palette and textures are meant to be complementary to the lush, natural, and wild Catskills setting. Materials are expressed unadorned—from the pine flooring and millwork to the singular marble sink to the cedar shake on the roof and siding,” he adds.
He and his team also reached for local brands and makers to outfit the guest rooms. One such brand is the homeware, textiles, and wallcoverings company Minna, which is based a little over an hour away from Scribner’s, in Hudson, New York. I loved the Minna pillows so much that I ordered three before checking out. “We work with local artists and artisans for most of our projects to bring a sense of craft into the spaces and to highlight the high level of design that exists in a given area,” Salem says.
The Rounds
I stayed in one of the four 795-square-foot Round suites, which is bigger than my New York City apartment, I might add, and featured a king bed, a nine-foot circular sofa, a daybed, and a reading nook. There’s also a full bathing experience complete with an indoor shower, an outdoor Japanese soaking tub, and an outdoor seasonal shower. Lastly, there’s a private deck and secluded lawn area, which I enjoyed every morning with the cup of pour-over coffee that I made right in my room. The best part of the entire suite, though, is the gas fireplace, which made it feel palpably cozy.
There are five additional Rounds that are 550 square feet and feature all of the same amenities as the suites—even the reading nook.
The Common Areas
Most hotels don’t have very many common areas—and if they do, they’re not usually places where you actually want to spend any time. After all, conference rooms and ballrooms aren’t exactly homey. Scribner’s is different, though. You’ll probably spend more time in the main building’s library or The Rounds’ Apex Lodge than you will in your actual room. The former has several seating areas, a central circular fireplace, a billiards table, and access to the sweeping West Deck, which overlooks the pool, barrel sauna, and, in the distance, the Catskill Mountains. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are filled with hundreds of books. There’s plenty to do. The space also is a beautiful display of furniture and art by local makers.
Personally, I liked the Apex Lodge because it was about 10 steps from my Round. Unlike the library, which looks and feels like it could be a wealthy local’s home library with its warm woods and moody hues, the Apex Lodge looked more like something out of a Scandinavian design magazine. Everything in it was so pristine that I felt like I was disturbing the peace just by being there—and I mean that in the best way. Walking through the Apex Lodge with its massive skylight felt like stepping into another universe: It’s unbelievably quiet, but you can still hear the soft chirp of birds outside and wind rustling the tree leaves—both of which made the morning yoga held there even better. Not to mention, nothing is too precious there. You can sit on and touch anything you’d like.
On one of the nights during my long weekend stay, there was a wine tasting with some of the best whites I’ve ever tried. The beverage director came from Eleven Madison Park, which, if you’re a foodie, you can probably appreciate. The wine was paired with the most delicious charcuterie, which I happily devoured—no shame.
The Outdoor Offerings
If you don’t enjoy the great outdoors, Scribner’s may not be for you because the whole experience is centered around nature. No, you don’t have to love sleeping in a tent, dowsing yourself in bug spray, or closing your door with bear-proof locks, but you do have to enjoy waking up to the sounds of birds chirping, the sight of green everywhere you look, and the smell of truly fresh, nonpolluted air. Feel free to take advantage of the outdoors here. Whether you frolic in the garden where half of the on-site restaurant’s produce is grown, take a dip in the pool, or go for a hike on any of the nearby trails, you will definitely get your fill of everything the Catskills has to offer.
