The Chestnut Inn

Perched on the shore of the idyllic Oquaga Lake, The Chestnut Inn carries on the grand tradition of the Catskills resorts, which once peppered the foothills of New York in the 1940s and 50s. When it first opened its doors in 1928, greeting travelers at the time with 60 guestrooms and resplendent woodwork crafted from the now-extinct American chestnut, the then “Hotel Monoquaga” held the distinction of being one of the earliest lake resorts in New York’s Catskill Mountains. In the following decades, the upstate New York hotel saw generations of families and urbanites eager to escape the bustle of the big city spend their summers there until, sadly, business began to decline toward the end of the 1970s, as with many other Catskills hideaways. Today, however, the foothills hideaway—now fittingly called The Chestnut Inn—is back, just like the city dwellers seeking refuge in the wide-open spaces of the Catskill Mountains, and as beautiful as ever. Boasting only 17 charming suites, as well as 400 feet of picturesque waterfront, this intimate, lakeside escape is perfect for travelers in search of simple pleasures, outdoor adventures, and plenty of peaceful solitude. During the day, guests can drink in a breath of fresh air when kayaking or canoeing out on Oquaga Lake and then, in the evening, sip on a cocktail while enjoying a meal in the formal dining room. However guests choose to spend their visit, one thing is certain: They are sure to leave feeling recharged, refreshed, and reconnected. Please note that The Chestnut Inn is only open seasonally, typically closing from January 2 through April 1.