One of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever seen to date is autumn in the Catskills. Three hours drive from Manhattan, the Catskills in upstate New York is more of a dreamland, paintings of orange colors covering thousands of acres. Hunter Mountain, the winter ski resort, Tannersville the old town and the beautiful river in Jewett. This marvelous region will enchant your senses, drive the roads, feel nature, walk the parks and sleep in its heart at Scribner’s.
In the heart of the Catskills, Scribner’s is a mountain cottage hotel, three stars -I presume- with a price tag of minimum $500. Beautiful views, vast rooms, relaxing beds, positive vibes but not up to the high price paid. You’re welcomed at the reception by a young smiling team and shown to your room. The hotel is so lovely, reminded me of the winter hotels of Switzerland. A large saloon, a pool table, the chimney and the library.
Up in the room, an ample room spread on two floors; you’ll have a gas chimney, sofas, a balcony and the bed in the upper level. What’s bizarre is that this hotel doesn’t have room service, no mini bar, no coffee machine or hot water jug to prepare a cup of tea. I’m not sure if it’s even considered three stars.
Up in the sleeping room, heat is unbearable. Overheated like all the hotel, the upper chamber feels like an oven. With the air conditioning on all night, I still felt the heat. During the day, another problem arises, flies share the room with you buzzing their unpleasant sounds around. I expected more from this hotel/lodge; a more relaxing place, more amenities, more warmth and surely a better ventilation. The room of this big chalet is smaller than a fridge.
Calm music is playing in the background, arrays of light coming from all sides, a sun rising behind the mountains, I felt transported the minute I passed the door of Scribner’s bar where breakfast is served every morning as of eight. Positive vibes, a smiling waiter, freshly brewed coffee, calm... it felt good to be here.
Croissants but not your typical croissant, one open in half and topped with fried eggs and sausages. A flaky croissant with that light crunch, moist eggs and juicy sausages without any peppers and garlic usually found in them. I also had the pancakes; three thick pancakes layered one on top of the other, served with warm maple syrup and raspberry coulis. Fluffy pancakes the way they should be, a watery syrup on the side for the sweetness and the coulis which adds colors and life to the plate.
Every night, fires are lit around the hotel. On both sides of the premises, people gather around the fire, drink, chat, smile and share their experiences. Don’t n at the bar; it’s where drinks are poured, and the food is served. Unfortunately, the place was always full, so I couldn’t try their dinners. One night I thought of sitting at the bar but it was sadly dirty, and welcoming was repulsive what made me leave immediately; they have a severe service issue all around this area!
A relaxing yet overpriced escape in the heart of the Catskills. Great views, amazing scenery, superb discoveries... I’m not sure the stay is worth the price paid.
