FINDING THE RIGHT HOTEL

On the first day of last fall, my husband and I drove to Arkville, New York, to take a 45-minute train ride through the western Catskills to see the leaves changing. We never even heard of Arkville before searching the internet for where to see the leaves changing in the Catskills in September.

We drove a couple of hours from our home in New Jersey, intending to find a hotel for one night, rather than travel five hours in one day and then take a 45-minute train ride.

While my husband prefers we make hotel arrangements in advance, I like to “see” the place and decide if it’s acceptable. This time, I looked online and called a few places, but the rates were astronomical. Yet, there appeared to be many places that could accommodate an overnight. So, off we went without a place to stay.

My thoughts dictated that we’re not in Yenemsvelt (Yiddish for nowhere land); we could always drive home if we had to. Since we were so close to the bustling town of Woodstock (not to be confused with Bethel Woods, where the Woodstock Festival took place in 1969*), we could have had trouble finding an available room.

It turned out that we found the perfect place to stay within budget. We stopped at one place, but their last available room was a Presidential suite. The desk clerk said she wouldn’t even stay at their facility for over $500 for the night. She kindly referred us to a place around the corner. She not only called over and secured us a room, but she also set up the directions on my husband’s iPhone.

As soon as we pulled up, I knew we had found the perfect place. The brick walkingway was delightfully overflowing with fauna, leading to a patio complemented by a splay of red Adirondack chairs.

A sweetheart of a gentleman was inside to take our reservations. He told us he turned on the heat (it dropped to the 40s) and offered us an air-sealed container of homemade scones with butter and jam, and a small pitcher of fresh-squeezed OJ to store in the room’s refrigerator.

Upon entering room number four, of four rooms for adults over 18, we immediately felt “at home.” Comfortable and cozy in one spotlessly clean and bright room, the true wonder is how they can afford to keep the place operating.

Besides a king-sized bed in a well-appointed room, we found a bulletin board with all the essentials. That included a first-aid kit and a sewing box in metal cans along with postcards and notes, all magnetically attached to the board. There were even bathrobes hanging inside a suit bag.

Catskill Rose Lodging is “the place” to stay when traveling in the western Catskills. Charging the same or less than a room at many major chain hotel establishments, the rooms are better lit, and the setting is an oasis. Don’t be fooled by the “Dining” sign. The restaurant has been closed after years of Bob and Rose doing all the cooking to rave reviews.

Maybe we’ll drive up for other train excursions, although we were disappointed with the one we chose that slowly passed by somewhat unimpressive scenery. We realize we don’t need a train ride to see the majestic mountains, whether green-leafed or multi-colored.

On our overnight excursion, we visited The Shops at Emerson, a
shopping mall in Mount Tremper, New York, touting the world’s largest kaleidoscope. We enjoyed walking around Phoenicia, a town encompassing an array of interesting shops.

Of course, we took a splash around the town of Woodstock*, where we once visited with relatives on my side of the family and, another time, with cousins on my husband’s side. Now that we know where Arkville is located, we’ll arrange a visit with our cousins the next time.

We may drive up simply for another stay at Bob and Rose’s Catskill Rose Lodging. Bob and Rose thought of everything.

P.S. The Wi-Fi passcode was on the bulletin board in the room.

*”Despite its name, the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival was actually held about 60 miles away in the town of Bethel, NY, after Woodstock residents and officials famously declined the permit. Wikipedia +2”