Charming Places To Stay Overnight In Beacon, New York

With minimalist white-and-wood decor – and, in the penthouse suites, plunge-style soaking tubs – what’s not to like about the rooms at the Roundhouse? Details have been carefully thought out, from the cozy alpaca blankets to the views over the waterfall and rapids, and as a result there’s a luxurious feel. Treat yourself to dinner in the sublime downstairs restaurant, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. It incorporates local farm produce in such delicious dishes as crispy buttermilk chicken sandwich with black pepper aioli.

Main Street is the trendy artery that buzzes with Beacon’s hot galleries and fabulous restaurants. Just off it, The Dutchess focuses on classic comforts, with its chandelier-hung rooms, sink-in beds and antique-feel touches. That’s not to say it’s staid; au contraire, there’s even a spa that lays on yoga sessions, deep-tissue massage and reflexology. Grab yourself a brew – there’s 24-hour free tea and coffee in the lobby – and make for the roof, to stargaze under the Hudson Valley skies until late, hands cupped around your steaming mug.

With its white banister-lined porch, lacy curtains and old framed photos, this cutesy B&B off buzzing Main Street rolls out all the expected modern comforts, while emitting great retro vibes. The highlight? The decadent breakfasts, which star dessert-style stuffed French toast piled high with cream and sliced strawberries, and fluffy pancakes. Shuffle to a porch rocking chair to let things digest as you people-watch – and plan what to tick off when you head out sightseeing.

The premises are grand: a Queen Anne-style house just west of Beacon’s main strip, a hop from the wiggling Hudson River. There’s a laid-back, hidden-away feel to Botsford Briar Bed and Breakfast, even though it’s just a 10-minute walk to the sights, balanced on a hill. The view down over the water is one of the selling points, as is the diversity of characterful rooms, each named after a flower, each loaded with individual antiques and painted in different colours. We like the Gardenia room, in the turret, for its photogenic four-poster.

Calling all walkers – this historic B&B, built in 1866, stands at the base of Mount Beacon – so it’s the perfect place to crash after energetic days spent hiking the forested trails. As muscles start to protest, return to your traditional room – they’re attractively done out, with wood-framed beds, floral-print fabrics and kitsch patterned quilts.

On the banks of the Hudson River, in the valley of the same name, Beacon is a big draw for nature lovers. Stay here and you’ll be up close and personal with it. This hike-in, hike-out resort isn’t for part-timers; since there’s no vehicular access you can’t get here any other way than walking or cycling. On the plus side, you’ll be rewarded with epic lush surroundings, campfire meals (we’re talking hearty portions of eggs and bacon for breakfast; NY strip steak for dinner) and clean, well-equipped showers for freshening up after long treks.

Surrounded by acres of garden, this 19th-century mansion has a prime location – within striking distance of the restaurants and galleries lining Main Street, but no distance from the Hudson River and Catskills. Wake to slap-up breakfasts of fluffy croissants and fresh fruit salad on the patio, after a night cocooned in one of four bedrooms with antiques and soft lighting. Lazy afternoons mean settling into a comfy button-backed sofa in the library and thumbing idly through one of the books.

In the midst of Hudson Highlands State Park, Beacon Hermitage is a five-minute walk from a fresh-stream waterfall – a picture-perfect place to have a refreshing summer dip. Hiking in the nearby mountains is one of the main reasons people come, as is exploring the nearby towns: Beacon and Cold Spring are an easy jaunt, so you can take get to know both, even if you’re only here briefly. But take some time to linger around this remarkable property, enjoying the art-cluttered walls of the historic environs, and wandering the garden.