Most Catskills visitors head for Woodstock, Hunter or Phoenicia, but the western side of the range has its own appeal, with the Pepacton Reservoir, long valley roads, quiet farm towns and fewer crowds. Hanah Mountain Resort and Country Club sits near Margaretville in Delaware County and offers a resort-style stay with a golf course, open grounds and the kind of space that suits families, reunions and groups of friends. It is a traditional mountain country club in spirit, a place to settle in for a few days rather than hop from sight to sight, and it is often easier on the budget than the best-known boutique hotels farther east.
The big advantage is room to breathe. Resorts of this type tend to offer a mix of room styles, wide lawns, a clubhouse or dining room and recreation that begins at the door, from golf to walking to games on the grounds. For multi-generation trips, that matters: grandparents can sit on a terrace, children can run, and the rest of the group can hike or drive out for the day. Check the current room types and amenities when you book, since resorts like this often vary services by season.
Margaretville is the nearest town, a compact village on the Delaware River's east branch with small restaurants, shops and a weekly rhythm of local events. Belleayre Mountain, the state-run ski area with summer concerts and a gondola, is about fifteen to twenty minutes away, making the resort a good winter base for skiers who prefer a quieter evening. The Delaware and Ulster Railroad runs scenic trips from nearby Arkville, a favorite for families with children, and fishing on the Delaware and its tributaries draws anglers from across the Northeast.
The western Catskills reward a slower itinerary. Drive along the Pepacton Reservoir for long views, stop at a farm stand or cider spot, hike to a fire tower, and end the day with a meal on the resort grounds. Woodstock and Phoenicia are about an hour away, so you can plan a day trip to the busier hubs and then return to a quieter evening. In autumn, the color along the valley roads is as good as anywhere in the range, with fewer cars.
Practical points
You need a car, and mountain roads take longer than the map suggests, especially in winter. Some services at country resorts, such as the golf course, restaurant or pool, may operate seasonally, so confirm what is open for your dates. Ask about the pet policy, parking and group rates when you book. Cell service can be patchy in the hills, so download directions before you set out.
Hanah Mountain Resort is best for groups, golfers and families who want space and a more affordable Catskills trip. It is less of a fit for travelers who want a trendy village scene on the doorstep. For a reunion, a golf weekend or a quiet ski break, it offers a calm base in a part of the Catskills that many visitors never see.
Why stay here
- ✓Mountain resort grounds
- ✓Golf course
- ✓Rooms for families and groups
- ✓Clubhouse and dining
- ✓Near Margaretville village
- ✓Near Belleayre Mountain
- ✓Scenic railroad rides nearby
- ✓Quiet western Catskills setting
Good questions
Is it near a ski area?+
Belleayre Mountain is roughly fifteen to twenty minutes away.
Is it good for groups?+
Yes, resorts of this type suit families, reunions and friends who want shared space. Ask about room layouts when you book.
How far is Woodstock?+
About an hour by car, depending on the route and the season.
