Rockefeller's Retreat....the Woodstock Inn
Written: Oct 17 '01 (Updated Feb 02 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Attractive (on the inside), very well-run hotel
Cons: Recreational facilities too far away
The Bottom Line: The Woodstock Inn deserves its stars (4). All aspects of this place are professionally managed. Any lack of architectural charm is compensated by good service.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Woodstock Inn And Resort |
Laurance Rockefeller bought the old Woodstock Inn in 1968 with the intention of restoring the towering, gabled clapboard inn with its very distinctive corner tower and gables. Sadly, he found that the old inn was too costly to restore (for a Rockefeller, I find this hard to believe) and it was pulled down, turrets and all. Its replacement is a far more conventional, three storied building. In comparison with the old gingerbread palace, the newer Woodstock Inn looks like a Ramada Inn on the outside. Further similarities stop at the front door.
Lobby
Dominated by one of the largest fireplaces in the state, the lobby is a comfortable place, filled with attractive country furniture. We visited in January, so the blazing fires at the Inn were very welcome.
Rooms
Our room was one of the "Fireplace Rooms" in the Tavern Wing. Warm pine cabinetry gave the room considerable charm. The fireplace itself was small, but inviting. The rooms are well equipped with everything you will need. There is lots of storage space and the closets are enormous. Some of the rooms have attractive glassed-in sun porches. These are called "Porch Rooms", and also come at a small premium over the standard rate. Standard rooms are in the main building. While large and nicely decorated, the rooms in the main building do not really compare to those in the Tavern WIng. The Tavern Wing was completed a few years ago. The baths are large and have good amenities, thick towels and bathrobes. Avoid the mini-bars here. They are horrendously expensive. There is a good wine shop around the corner from the Inn. Ask the concierge to direct you there.
Dining
The Eagle Tavern is a bright, sunny room and is a good place for breakfast or a light lunch. They have an extensive buffet every morning.
The Dining Room is large and pleasant space. The menu is fairly conventional, but creative in some ways. Prices here are rather expensive, but almost worth the cost. See other options below.
Richardson's Tavern is a warm, inviting place for a drink or a light meal.
If you want to venture into town for dinner, the Prince and the Pauper is A Mobil 4 star restaurant that offers a prix-fixe menu at about $40. Well worth the expenditure. Bentley's is a much more casual option, but is always lively.
Recreation
My one complaint with the Woodstock Inn is that all of their recreational facilities are located in a separate building about three miles away from the Inn. Because of its relative inconvenience, we did not get over there. They are said to have a large pool and an extensive health club. One may also go sledding near the ski area. This is lots of fun and does not cost too much. It snowed steadily during our visit, so there was no lack of snow on the ground.
Service
The service here is friendly without going over the line into over-familiarity. All of our requests were handled promptly. The staff at the desk are particularly helpful with knowledge of restaurants in the area.
Grounds
The Inn faces the village green and has immaculate gardens and lawns. The village itself is storybook perfection. If you spend too much time here, you may come away thinking you have stumbled upon the set of "It's A Wonderful Life".
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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