The Perfect Catskills Inn: Kenoza Hall
“There lives a place in everyone’s deepest emotional memory that is at once peaceful, comforting, energizing, and settling to one’s soul,” an anonymous copywriter states on the Kenoza Hall website. It was shortly after reading this visceral description that I decided to reach out to the friendly and talented team behind Catskills hospitality group Foster Supply Hospitality to see if I could get in on some of that peaceful mountain energy. And to my delight--I did.
As a born and raised Catskiller, hotels like Kenoza Hall --with its aura of leisure, fun and elegance-- were mere remnants of a time long past by the time I was in elementary school in the late 90s. Fortunately, I was able to experience the tail end of the Borscht Belt’s last palaces standing: Kutsher’s and The Concord. But once those gems shuttered and were subsequently destroyed, there was a period of time in this region that felt so ripe for growth, yet undoubtedly desolate. It was like that in-between juncture when evolution is the only way forward, but the vision has yet to percolate. That is, until the Foster Supply Hospitality team took a chance on this storied region by building a variety of tasteful hotels at various price points that all offer that singular, idyllic country experience. Kenoza Hall exudes an elevated but unpretentious atmosphere that is palpable in every thoughtfully curated room, in every staff member’s demeanor, and in all of the state-of-the-art facilities.
So, here I am on a Wednesday morning in June pulling up to this modern Victorian-esque hotel on a property with a vista that overlooks the summer greenery reflecting in the ripples of Kenoza Lake. What initially struck me upon arrival was that inherent feeling that I was in good hands. And let me tell you: the hands were more than good, they were great.
From a beautiful pool and insanely delicious restaurant (shrimp cocktails abound!), to a full service spa (sauna included!), speakeasy room bar, soaking tubs, and hiking trails, I could genuinely live at Kenoza for the rest of my life knowing that all of my low-key, high maintenance needs are met. And quite frankly, that’s what Kenoza Hall represents: a respite for chill people with a reverence for quality, beauty, wellness, and mischief—as evidenced by the full-service bar that serves one hell of a whiskey-lemon-honey welcome drink.
With comfy sleigh beds and sumptuous Sferra linens, tons of flora and fauna, a plethora of sitting rooms and a wrap-around porch that’s perfect for reading and taking in the views--I sincerely cannot recommend a stay at Kenoza Hall more wholeheartedly.
Some insider tips:
Bring bug spray! Especially if you’re taking a hike or a walk down to the lake.
Keep an eye out for little frogs when you’re walking by the lake. They’re easily frightened and so cute!
Since we’re on the subject of animals, this hotel is totally dog friendly!
Although they have an incredible breakfast menu (their french omelette and cold press juice is divine), you can also find easy eats at nearby Tusten Cup in Narrowsburg and great coffee and raw bars at Java Love in Bethel. Let it be known that “close by” in Catskills vernacular usually means it will take at least 15-20 minutes to get there. And yes, you need a car.
Definitely get a massage. And ask for Jessica.
Do lather with all of the Zenology products that smell like botted love that are provided in each guestroom.
Come during the week for a more quiet vibe and less expensive room prices. Weekends are definitely more lively and social, but more pricey--so it’s up to you.
