Emerson Resort & Spa

Resort hotel · Ulster County

Emerson Resort & Spa

Resort hotel · Ulster County
5340 NY-28 1st floor, Mt Tremper, NY 12457

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Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null
Emerson Resort & Spa by null

Highlights

Nestled in the Catskills, this Eastern-inspired spa hotel boasts plush lodgings, America's largest kaleidoscope, and a rejuvenating spa—all while offering cozy dining and outdoor fun by the Esopus Creek.  

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5340 NY-28 1st floor, Mt Tremper, NY 12457 Get directions

emersonresort.com
@emersonresort

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5340 NY-28 1st floor, Mt Tremper, NY 12457 Get directions

+1 845 688 2828
emersonresort.com
@emersonresort

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Last updated

Jul 6, 2025

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Olivia Schmith

Google
We had a wonderful time at the Emerson as an impromptu weekend getaway. The staff was exemplary from start to finish. Emilija and Jordan took care of my boyfriend and I for the weekend and we were not disappointed. They were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. They truly added to the overall experience. The Royal suite was delightfully spacious with a cozy fireplace and very inviting spa tub. The staff at the Kaleidoscope shop was also beyond impressive. Such a loving and caring atmosphere. We look forward to our next stay!

David S

Google
Our 4th time staying at the Emerson -- and definitely not our last! My wife and I stayed here just over a decade ago and fell in love with the place -- and each other (we'd only been dating a month, and this was our first getaway together). We have always had a great experience not only in the spacious and well-appointed hotel (or lodge) room but also in the spa, where we've enjoyed many massages and hot tub soaks. The surrounding region is wonderful, too, and we were able to hike the new rail trail (walkway) not too far from the Emerson. We also love visiting Phoenicia, including the fantastic Phoenicia Diner, and we spent a day in Woodstock, too. ||We also spent many meals at the Catamount, the Emerson's restaurant, and it was especially fun seeing all of the staff in the Christmas jammies and ugly sweaters. Everyone bent over backward to ensure that our stay was as magical as ever.

Gomathy Subramanyam

Google
Loved the resort and spa experience at Emerson. The rooms are well kept and dog friendly and spa services are really good! Only issue would be the room service food but there are some great restaurants nearby in Phoenicia and Woodstock. Loved the walkway near the river, shopping and dog park in the area! Will definitely visit again

Hashie

Google
I was traveling in the area when I had an emergency with my Tesla. I knew Emerson had chargers for guests, but I was not a guest. I called them and they were incredibly gracious, generous, kind and helpful. They allowed me to use their chargers and offered hot drinks on a very cold day and a lovely, warm place to wait. I toured the facility while I was there and was very impressed by the buildings and the staff. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I go to that region often and will definitely begin to use their spa which was very busy. Shout out to Jackie and Beau who couldn’t have been nicer or friendlier. GO see for yourself! Thank you, Emerson!

kerin crowley

Google
We visited Emerson Spa this weekend for a couples massage and day at the spa. Our couples massage was amazing, both therapists were really skilled, it was incredibly relaxing, I would highly recommend a massage here. I also do want to note that the staff were all really kind and helpful. That being said, the spa itself felt a bit oversold. First of all, we were hoping to spend a romantic day together in the spa. We did not know until arrival that the hot tub was “out of order” or that the saunas and steam rooms were separated in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The “relaxation room” was cozy, but only seated 7 people, and there were way too many people waiting for seats. Similarly, the saunas were nice but small and crowded. We still had a nice time, but it was more like a couples massage followed by an hour of quiet time apart before we left, just not the day we had in mind.

Upuli Ranaweera

Google
Had a great time at this property among mountains during best weekend of fall.Great location with things to do around. Jonathan and Emilia at the front desk were very nice and friendly. They did a great job in checking in and giving all information and recommendations needed. Enjoyed breakfast at Catamount restaurant, nature walk with Liz and the shops with Kaleidoscope. Make sure to do the nature walk and get relaxed in the spa. Great location to getaway during slow times.

Anne Dalin

Google
We just returned from a two-night stay at Emerson Resort & Spa. I was so sorry we couldn't stay longer. Everything about it was perfect. From the moment we arrived and were warmly greeted at the front desk, to opening the door to our beautiful room, we could not have been more pleased with our choice of hotels. We rarely choose to eat at the restaurant at a hotel, but we ate at The Catamount restaurant, on site, both of our nights at the hotel. The service was attentive, and the servers were extremely knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant is a short walk from the main building, but it was freezing cold, and we were provided with a ride to and from the restaurant. The room we had was huge, beautifully decorated, and the bed could not have been more comfortable. I always appreciate when a hotel room provides more than a single chair. Besides the chair, there was a lounging sofa, and it was positioned in front of the fireplace. We did not have the time or opportunity to use the gym or spa facilities, but we explored every corner of the hotel, and hope to go back someday, so we can take advantage of the amenities. We did make sure that we visited the Kaleidoscope, which was incredible.

Sean D

Google
Not worth the price, old building with small hot tub, had to wait for people to leave to use it. The rooms are old and just not great. The food at catamount tasted like it was frozen and microwaved. The asian lady at the kaleidoscope place was amazing though.

Danilda S.

Yelp
A friend had gone to the Spa and loved her experience. We decided to visit Emerson & Spa Resort as a farewell for a friend. The drive was beautiful, we had massages and later enjoyed lunch at the restaurant, their menu doesn't really have as many options to pick from. The spa discounts depending on the season. Everything was so beautiful and peaceful, the pool was awesome ,the views are gorgeous, I loved the experience and can't wait to visit again.

Chris C.

Yelp
I have been coming here for years..And all I can say is this place never disappoints...had an amazing massage with Gia today... She is the only person anywhere that has helped me with back pain..Honestly better than any doctor or other masseuse...She asks about your concerns and takes her time to meet your bodies needs.. And Jordan is an absolute sweet heart..She always goes over and beyond to make my experience memorable.. She's so kind hearted..Both ladies really make their guest feel special and appreciated..They are why I always look forward to coming back.. The resort is always spotless and everyone on staff is always so professional...

Laura B.

Yelp
I went to Emerson on my honeymoon and checked in for two $35 day passes at this "spa" at 3:15 and ordered two drinks and a food platter, expecting a relaxing afternoon after hiking to use their facilities. At 3:45, after spending 30 minutes on their porch eating/drinking, I was told that the spa closed at 4pm and we would have to leave. When I checked in at 3:15pm and spoke with both the front desk and the spa, no one told me that the spa closed at 4pm, or I would not have paid for the food, drinks, or day pass for 30 minutes. I had zero time to use the hot tub or the rooms with a sauna or any of the other amenities I paid for. When I raised my concern that no one told me the spa was closing 45 minutes after my check-in, the staff was dismissive and rude. The manager refused to give a refund and did not express any apologies that her staff had neglected to mention the spa was closing 45 minutes after we checked in for a DAY pass. They did not seem concerned with providing any semblance of customer service and would rather keep our $35 than offer any sort of grace or concession. Needless to say, this was a terrible experience and was by far the worst part of our honeymoon.

Thomas D.

Yelp
This review is specific to the spa/massage experience. One of the poorest massages I've ever had - what was supposed to be a deep tissue massage felt like a relaxation massage. And I didnt need or ask for reiki on my injuries and be provided with bad advice on how to deal with the injuries. And come on - spend a couple more bucks on the snacks - nobody wants a prepackaged granola bar after a massage.

Happy G.

Yelp
massage from Trey was excellent. Although I had pain in my shoulder, he took care and I felt as if I had melted into the table. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. It was a lovely experience.

Daniel S.

Yelp
I asked to speak to the manager about our room. He felt it was necessary to rudely raise his voice to intimidate me. when I asked him to keep his. voice down in the lobby he ignored me and kept raising it. Poor service and will never recommend

Desi K.

Yelp
So sad to see this place go down this way. Staff is poorly dressed and trained. Rooms are starting to look run down, replacing carpets goes a long way. Spa front desk, how about having a pamphlet at your desk with info on your services so you can help customers and it also gives you the opportunity to up sell your services instead of sending people to your website and please be friendly. We walked in and no one even greeted us, not to mention when you walk in there was an ugly garbage the kind you find in a fast food restaurant. checkout the photos. Clearly management needs to do a better job.

Nancy H.

Yelp
We recently just got back from a 2 night stay here. I don't often leave reviews but felt that our experience warranted a nice review. We arrived a bit early without notice and our room was already ready for us. The room was very spacious and super clean. The bathtub was wonderfully relaxing. The front desk staff was beyond helpful, friendly, and trustworthy. During our stay we used the spa (we booked massages in advance) and frequented the hot tub a few times. The massages were good, I wouldn't say the best ever, but definitely relaxing. I could've used a bit more pressure during mine but I recognize that's my fault for not speaking up. We used the pickleball courts and did a nice puzzle in the relaxing great room by the fire. We ate dinner at their restaurant one night and it was a pleasant experience.

Rebecca M.

Yelp
Although the setting is lovely and the location is convenient, I would never stay there again. The walls in our room were so thin we could hear the dog barking and baby crying incessantly next door. The spa was ok at best. Our facial was an express 30 minutes. Both of our facials ended after 25. Massage was ok. Not worth the money. The restaurant was inedible and extremely pricey for what it was.

Cynthia S.

Yelp
Nice staff, nice room, nice amenities, more importantly they were so nice to my dog!!!

Mercedes C.

Yelp
Emerson pulled out all the stops! This is the relaxation I so needed for my Birthday weekend. The many years we've come to the Catskills, we routinely drive right past it. But so excited I was able to unwind with lots of beauty and nature. Emerson is a totally big player in these parts and just a 15-minute ride from our fave, Woodstock. Main building houses the Front Desk, Woodnotes Grille and Spa. We actually had gotten our feet wet with Christmas Day dinner about a year and a half ago at their on-site restaurant just to get a feel. And decided (if possible), to tour one of their rooms after our meal for a future stay. Manager that night, was pleasant and answered my questions. He also mentioned Log Cabins... but I wasn't in the mood to look at one of their model log cabins let alone, roughing it during our stay- so that idea went out the window. Headed to see one of their rooms at the Inn and really liked what I saw: monochromatic colors and touches of natural textures. The gentleman even guaranteed all the rooms were just as immaculate. Sounds good. Emerson Inn has a relaxed and sparkling vibe that I was digging- very Modern with rustic touches in wood and metal. Even walking down the hallway, the feel is grand with earthy tones. To be honest, it's an elegant hideaway for these parts. Our stay was delightful and top-notch. Bathroom screamed modern. Bed sheets crisp white. Not a single hair in sight. Loved it! Small Patio overlooking Esopus Creek was a soothing wake up call the following morning. Emerson offered quite a few extras- such as a basket full of goodies: Planter's Peanuts Trail Mix, Granola Bars and Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fiji waters and a Complimentary chip for a free Wine or beer. And because Emerson is right in the middle of the Catskills, you can't make phone calls from your cell- but there's Wifi and if you so desperately need to make a phone call, Emerson provides free calls on them. And then, of course, there's the Spa...... With your purchase of any Spa service, you select Sauna, Hot Tub, Steam Room. Scratched off the Hot Tub- and was good to go with either Sauna or Steam room. Noelle was terrific and made me feel I was freaking floating on clouds. Believe it or not, I loved the Oils and Creams she used- they even cleared my aura! Our Spa treatments were excellent and so earthy. Outrageous price for just an overnight stay? M...a...y...b...e. But we got our feet wet, pampered ourselves and totally looking forward to a lengthier stay. Emerson is really over-the-top and their amenities went far beyond the free soap- (well... Emerson's goat milk soap was worthy to bring with me!!!). Staying here was a no-brainer and so excited we did.

Matt M.

Yelp
My wife and I came here for a spacation. We got the midweek deal which was a good deal. It gave us off on the woodnotes restaurant, and a spa discount. The facilities are very nice. We had a room by the river, and enjoyed sipping wine while listening to the Esopus gurgle by. The room was clean and had nice amenities. The pool was small, but also nice. We actually didn't use it. So pros: excellent service and for a spa not outrageous prices. Around 700 for two people and spa for 3 nights. I like the midweek packages. The surrounding area had plenty of outdoor activities, and good restaurants in about a half hour drive. Phoenicia is a cute little town with shops to check out and tubing. The Kaleidoscope was fun, and the hotel was nice and modern looking. The spa was wonderful. Our masseuses were wonderful. Again the service was outstanding. The restaurant was Ok. The service and hours were great, but the food was meh. However, we did get a discount voucher for staying there. We loved the seclusion of the Black Bear lodge which is separate from the main hotel. The room was stocked well and had a fridge, sink and microwave. The cell phone reception is bad, but there is wireless so you can use your cell phone on the wireless network that the hotel provides and it worked just fine in the main room, but not the other room. So the cons: first off the water in our room had s sulfuric rotten egg smell, but not the spa, so they obviously have not sprung for the necessary filtration system in this building. As I used to own a house in New Paltz I know this smell is common to water of the area. It's not bad for you, but still I expect non-smelly water! I told them at the front desk, and they said they'd let the super know; it was never fixed. The maid did not do a great job making the bed, and we were kept up because you can hear the people above you walking around. The shower head was terrible and left you feeling unsatisfied after your shower. Finally the bed was uncomfortable. All in all it was a good place and I would come again, but only as long as the price is right. If you are looking for a luxurious spacation, maybe go to the spa, and stay at a different hotel.

Angie C.

Yelp
I came here with my family and friends on Christmas long weekend. We enjoyed the resort very much. The main building was luxury, clean and comfortable. I especially like the outdoor jacuzzi. You could see a great view while you are enjoying a nice hot bath. The resort is dog friendly, our dogs had a great time running around in the resort, the stuff were very friendly to them. I felt very welcome during our stay.

Jim C.

Yelp
My wife and I had a couples massage and we were both beyond happy with our massage therapist's. Mine was Carol and she gave me the best massage I've ever had. My wife had Mitch and she gives him the highest praise as well.

Giuseppe G.

Yelp
I went expecting a lot less. The Coffee and Food was really good and fresh. Prices are spot on. The best steam room, blows away every steam room I have ever experienced. Spa treatment was above and beyond. Close proximity to Belleayre mountain. Two minor things. I slept in the cabin rooms, which were beautiful. The outdoor lights are way to bright. I unscrewed the light bulbs to resolve that issue. (Note to staff. I screwed them back in every morning). Pillows are way to soft ... they don't have enough neck support. Note: Terrible AT&T cell phone reception. Strong WiFi

Jen H.

Yelp
The hotel staff was very rude and uninviting. You would enter and leave the hotel without acknowledgement from people at the front desk. There was no maid service and the room had flies. I asked a spa employee for recommendations on what I can do during my weekend trip and she said there is nothing. Nothing at all? The spa services were sub-par and not worth the money. Barely any places to eat, those of which with very obscure hours. Do yourself a favor a choose another resort/spa and actually get an enjoyable experience.

Bulldog L.

Yelp
We reserved a cabin for the balcony and relaxation. The walls were so thin we could hear the people upstairs talking and walking around. Due to Covid there was no housekeeping services which was fine but when we went down to the desk to get additional towels we were given the fifth degree and finally the girl behind the desk said you must be the cleanest couple as she handed us the towels. Not very customer oriented. The bathroom was dated and the shower extremely small. Hotel internet was horrible.

H H.

Yelp
I wish give this place at least a 4 star, but I couldn't, maybe a 3.5 star at best. My fiancé and I just went for services yesterday as we are staying locally for vacation and decided to treat ourselves. It's nice, but here's why it could have been nicer... we'll start with what was goo first. Pro's: new facility, you can use it the entire day of your service (that includes a gym, outdoor hot tub and deck, dry and steam saunas in each of the bathrooms). The relaxing room is nice (different from the pick up area for your service), and the elixir they give you at the end of the treatment is awesome (we bought some at the gift shop). The outdoor hot tub was the best part. Con's: it's a bit overpriced (there's nothing around for an hour though, so you don't have a ton of options), they had a scheduling issue after we booked (several staff called out sick), but our issue is that they and didn't tell us until we got there, our services were separated and the times got thrown off 20-30 min (which defeated the purpose of spending time together afterwards), they ran out of towels in the bathroom, the shower heads didn't work properly, there's nothing to wash your face with (body wash only), and no lotion (although there was hairspray, etc in the bathroom). The steam room smelled like sweat (so I didn't use it), and the kicker:the floors were wet in the common area from someone not drying their feet after the hot tub, so I almost slipped and fell. Seems like small stuff (re: cons) above, but when you're paying $150+/service, you expect a certain level of service and the small things above in aggregate almost ruined it. All in all--It's worth a try-it's good, but unfortunately not great.

Ashley D.

Yelp
I've been coming to this area for years, but finally had the opportunity to stay at the Emerson for a long weekend. We stayed in one of the lodge rooms which was cozy and just what we needed for a few days of skiing and relaxation. In an area where there's not too much around it's nice to be at a place that has food options and and a spa onsite. Took advantage of the spa and got a pedicure it was a very relaxing and soothing experience. They also have discount vouchers to Belleayre and Hunter mountain which I thought was a big plus! Dinner in the Woodnotes Grille was tasty and loved Ralph's Cafe. The shops are cute and don't forget to check out the World's Largest kaleidoscope! All in all a great weekend and can't wait to come back!!

Ashley S.

Yelp
Beautiful cozy rooms, delicious food, gorgeous grounds, and amazing hospitality! Came for my dads wedding and everything was top notch, from the beautiful creek back drop to the service to the food. Christine is easily the nicest person on the earth!! She was so accommodating and happy to help out in anyway she could! Another HUGE plus was the resort is dog friendly! We opted for the "pupgrade" and got a bed, bowl, treats and a ball - made for a very happy pup! We were also close to the dog park which was huge and had some fun toys lying around. The pool was also so relaxing and clean. Really can't say enough good things about Emerson, can't wait to come back!

Marijane F.

Yelp
What a wonderful place! From The delightful spa and accoutrements to the superb food and delicious and original well done craft cocktails (try the infused tequila) the inn is a relaxing beautiful place. Comforting room, well thought out amenities and close proximity to gorgeous nature walks and the splendor of the Esopus river. But the best part of the Emerson is the kind and caring staff! Ok the hotel takes dogs which is terrific but beyond just allowing guests to have them- they babysit and walk and really care for your dog - our roxy was very Anxious in the room alone so the staff went beyond. The call of duty walking her, playing with her and giving her the run of the lobby like heloise at The plaza! What a treat and what a comfort to us that she was in such incredible Hands! We loved the Emerson and cannot recommend it highly enough !

Christine S.

Yelp
Horrible experience. Bugs in the room, no maid service and probably the worst customer service I've ever experienced at a hotel. Staff was very unfriendly. Didn't greet you or interact with you at all. Had no recommendations for restaurants, things to do near by and overall had a bad attitude. For a hotel that was $400 a night, I would never stay again. Horrible horrible hotel and the hotel manager was extremely rude and unhelpful.

Corey K.

Yelp
This is the worst spa experience I have ever had. I left the resort feeling more stressed than when I arrived, after spending hundreds of dollars to relax and relieve stress. There is too little seating (and even fewer ottomans to relax) in the room you enter after the massage. The management is incapable of timely refilling any item - the tea or water dispensers, the towels in the locker room, the shampoo, or the body wash in the shower. All of this added up to be extremely frustrating as I tried to relax and enjoy my stay. My big box gym has more attention to detail and spa comforts than Emerson's Spa. I brought all of this up with the management who believes that none of this constituted a problem worth compensating. They were of no assistance to remedy the frustration. If you're in the area and want to relax, save your time, money, and patience, and just stop by a massage envy. You get the same quality of comfort and relaxation for SO much less money. Don't waste your time or money trying to relax at Emerson.

R L.

Yelp
Fabulous! Went for the weekend with mom and sister, stayed in the hotel, ate at their restaurant and used their spa. The review will be broken down by each. Hotel Beautiful. Simple, clean and great. We stayed in the Lodge which is very "cabin"-y. Seems kitchy but it's not, it's really well appointed. The rooms are large. Bed is so comfy! The rooms come stocked with the K-Cups, hot tubs and bathrobes. Lovely. We had the room with the stream view...see the picture that I took of the view from the deck. We arrived late for check in and it was not a problem, the hotel staff was accommodating and really pleasant. Restaurant Woodnotes Grill is on site. We went for a LIGHT dinner because we got in late. That night we had salads and lots of veg because we were spa-ing it up all weekend we wanted to be a little healthy. You can screw up a salad but these folks did it right. We had all three lol I would try them if I were you. Also, while it was an appetizer it was enough! We went for breakfast in the morning....my mom had the omlete, sister had something else (lol I forget)...but I had the scrambled eggs with turkey sausage, home fries and toast. Home fries were blah....but the home made turkey sausage was GREAT!!! And I am not a bread person but the bread was FRESHLY BAKED, it had a slight touch of honey to it that made it BEYOND. I literally ate it all...which is a first for me. Spa So nice. The staff was great. They were so chill...we got massages which really were heavenly. They know how to make you feel relaxed and ready for a nice rejuvenated weekend. After your massage you get this ginger lemon elixir which sounds weird but was so great...total cleanse and energizing drink. We used the outdoor hot tub that was so nice (the views are great)...the Sauna and Steam Rooms are amazing. The showers are a bit tricky to turn off lol (turn both knobs to 6PM) lol All in all it was perfection... OH we did Yoga on Saturday morning, it cost $15 for the class and was worth it. It was really traditional in the sense that you did a lot of stretching to meditate. So relaxing. We will surely return. Thank you for a lovely weekend.

Megan R.

Yelp
This spa advertises itself as "high end" however my experience was not as such. The amenities are nice but nothing more than an average/high end fitness facility offers. The robes and relaxation rooms are nice but don't offer enough seating for a busy day. My massage therapist however doesn't have any business being any anything considering "high end". She was stand-offish in her greeting and did not ask if there were specific areas I would like addressed. I have a skin condition (eczema) which often has outbreaks that I'm not entirely pleased with. About 5 minutes into my massage she exclaimed "Oh! What is this?! Some sort of rash?!" To which I explained it was eczema, and she went on her way. However I've had massages at many spas of all levels and never has anyone so unprofessional asked about my skin condition. I went the rest on the massage extremely feeling insecure about my skin condition. In addition to this when it was time to turn over I wasn't offered an eye cover, when my wife in the same room was. I felt like my massage therapist was in a hurry to just do her job and be done. Over all the massage was OK at best. For the pricetag and upscaleness of the Spa I expected a little more.

Mary S.

Yelp
Can you imagine going to a hotel and first check in is 4:00 pm (really why not make it 7:00 pm at that point half a day wasted and with an 11:00 am check out well you see what you aren't getting) and staying 3 nights with no room service. No one to clean the room. No one to bring fresh towels. They literally put garbage cans in the hallway so you can take care of your own garbage. One little bar of soap. No hot water in the shower. The General Store Snacks ... leave much to be desired.... Talk about over priced and crappy well ..... then the Emerson Spa and Resort is just the place for you. And the treatments extremely overpriced for the experience received! Hot tub out of service... no bonfire at night.... Damn shut this place down!! I would never recommend this overpriced motel to anyone! This place is living on its prior reputation..... avoid it!!! Oh and the best is saved for last night WiFi lmao is non existent But Yelp won't post this because it isn't positive

Brooke M.

Yelp
Overdue, and this is only for the spa as we did not stay at the hotel. The staff was pleasant and friendly checking in and out, etc. However, the waiting room for the treatment was extremely awkward. The spa waiting room is positioned between the hotel lobby and an outdoor jacuzzi. Apparently any patron of the hotel can use the spa's hot tub. This led to multiple loud, drunk people holding six packs of beer running through the waiting room, where everyone is sitting in just a robe. Awkward and not relaxing in the slightest. There is also a door to the hot tub in the relaxation room. Drunk strangers were stumbling in there as well. Not relaxing at all for the $ you are paying. Massage was fine, and the ladies in the nail salon are super friendly and personable. Had a great pedicure.

Bliv B.

Yelp
This is just about the spa. While the treatments are mostly excellent, but you have to ask explicitly for what you're looking for, for example, "deep tissue" and make sure you get someone who is really trained in deep tissue. The spa area could use improvement, however, The locker room is very crowded, and often the lockers number combinations don't work and need to be opened by staff. The locker room could also use a large mirror, or any mirror for that matter ....The saunas are often either cold, or too hot. The steam sauna is not shutting off at times at all, and you have to run out before getting burned. The dry sauna temperature is often too low. One of the shower is usually broken or only letting out super hot water. Also, the shower handles could use instructions as they are not intuitive to say the least. There are no shelves in the sauna and shower area, so people can't store their toiletries when taking a sauna or shower. Shelves would be a huge improvement! The towel changes, however, are swift and someone is constantly attending the area to clean out used towels. The area where you can style yourself is not well separated from the bathrooms and could be better equipped, for examples the stools are extremely uncomfortable and the cps they offer are only for mouthwash, but not for water. All in all, the back spa area where the treatments are is nice and cozy, the outdoor area is pretty good with the jacuzzi, but the actual shower and sauna area is lacking.

Kamellia D.

Yelp
Two years ago was very nice place, now the rooms are dirty and "aging" not in a good way, staff is not welcoming and actually rude, first signs of decay. Last night I stay at room 500 for $360 per night, however there was a constant buzzing noise, plus many wine spots on the carpet, and not even a paper tissue in the room. It smelled moldy so I had a candle burned (which I bought for that purpose from their gift shop). This morning they charged my credit card $270 for violating the smoking policy. I do not smoke and there is no any damage from the candle. No sign anywhere that burning candle is prohibited. Absolute fraud charge on top of everything else.The customer service person I spoke to this morning Ron or Rod was completely clueless and obtuse in his answers not event trying to make a slight effort to solve an issue.His best explanation for the charge was that the candle smell made the air in the room smell and will need deep cleaning (!?? how about opening the window). Too bad, that this beautiful place has been mismanaged so badly. Have been there more than dozen times over the last 10 years but that is it. Would not recommended to anyone because it is a robbery for the money you pay for a room.

Margaret C.

Yelp
Went to Emerson after getting a gift card for Christmas. We decided to spend the night and treat ourselves to an afternoon at the spa. Overall we were unimpressed with the facilities. We are skiers so we spent a day at Belleayre but if you're not into that, there really isn't much to do in the winter. Touring the kaleidoscope and gift shops on site didn't take up much time. Our room was in The Lodge area with cabin-like rooms. Unfortunately we had too many windows with blinds that didn't even close all the way and the blow dryer didn't work but we did enjoy the complimentary snacks, the bed was comfy and the room was clean. The spa was a very nice experience and the staff was great, except they had nothing to put our wet bathing suits in after we used the outdoor hot tub. I also wish there were more coed ameneties but the steam room and sauna in the designated locker rooms were nice, and the rest area after was very relaxing. We had the VIP couples soak and massage with a beautiful cheese platter and champagne which was quite nice. I'd return for a spa treatment but would likely not spend another night here, it's not worth the steep prices.

Niki Elizabeth W.

Yelp
I did not run into a single unpleasant employee. Everyone was very helpful, kind and professional. The rooms are clean, quiet and big! There are ample spots on the property to hang out and just relax by the river. We ate in the dining room twice and although the menu was very basic, everything was very tasty. The portions are large so keep that in mind. The bartenders are also very friendly, and the cocktails were tasty as well. Looks like the hotel brings in a great trivia crowd as well! I can not speak highly enough about the spa staff. All of them were patient with us, and the provided the best service i've had in a long time. They took their time with my pedicure, and made sure I was happy. When I got a massage, the therapist was very informative about what she felt going on with my muscles. She also provided suggestions and advice. The spa staff took the extra step with hospitality and I would highly suggest their services. Even someone else in our party said they received one of the best facials they have ever had. Big shout out to Jenny who was the rockstar of the weekend. 100% stay here. You won't regret it.

Phyllis K.

Yelp
I feel it is also worn out in the lodge. The tvs are very old and they do not have any expanded programming for children or adults on rainy daysl. They offer outdated movies and outdated dvd players. The electric also cut out and we had no power all am....The actual spa is great but the options for adults in the lodge are limitedl. I asked to not stay on the third day and just give me some refund on the special and they refused so I did leave on the third day. I felt they could have given me some compensation.

Deb I.

Yelp
As a former local community member at the Emerson, I have been patient and "understanding" since Covid. But last year, no sooner did classes resume, classes were cut due to lack of attendance-but I was in a class with 12 people! Then I waited to see what would happen. $100/month for unlimited classes is fine, but no classes and still the same charge? I opted for a class card, thought I'd wait it out until summer. Now, no classes, and I'm told no pool for members this summer in an email received today. They say it's "staffing." I say it's poor management. For example, the CEO parks her BIG SUV outside the front door and in front of the Zen meditation garden! So inconsiderate, pompous and showy with her personalized license plates. Understandable why they can't get people to work there or stay for very long. The Emerson used to be my happy place. Now, I drive by and wonder why they hate the local people so much so they took away all the benefits of being a member pretty much. $100/month for a hot tub, steam and shower in really small locker rooms, limited capacity in a hot tub that is often broken and steam/sauna that is also small? Stay at Mohonk if you're traveling-if you can afford the Emerson, Mohonk is off the charts more pretty and its facilities are not on a highway as well. Yoga/Pilates at Whole Sky yoga in Stone Ridge.

Piera D.

Yelp
Poorly run hotel!!! We reserved a junior luxury suite at the Emerson resort and Spa on a Friday night. Upon entering the room it was pretty underwhelming...for $350 a night, one would think the word "luxury" would offer more than some old furniture, a 32" flat screen tv, a very old microwave and mini fridge. We were able to see passed these small things, however having clean running water is something we take very seriously. Our room came with a jacuzzi tub. Upon turning on the water I noticed a strange odor coming from the tub. I wasn't sure if it was the tub or the water so I decided to drain the tub and start again. I repeated the process to find BROWN WATER coming out of the faucet!!! Not only was it brown, but it smelled like sewage. We called the front desk and were told to let it run for about 15 minutes. We were not offered a maintenance person to come assess the situation. For $350 a night, we had to deal with plumbing issues?!?! However, we did as instructed and after well over 15 minutes our water was still brown and smelly. Our next option was to get downgraded to a smaller room and receive a $10 credit. Yes, TEN DOLLARS!!! When I asked to speak to a manager I was told they were in a meeting. We were then told they would give us 20% off the smaller room. We decided to try out the other room and it was no better. Smelly brown water!! Needless to say, our stay at the resort left a lot to be desired. We were not able to shower or brush our teeth. If we hadn't driven well over 2 hours we wouldn't have stayed the night. We left as soon as we woke up that morning. Water is a basic necessity. It is not considered a "luxury" item. I'm surprised the place is still in business and hasn't been shut down by the board of health!!

Bjorn P.

Yelp
We stayed at Emerson over a summer weekend in the Catskills. It took about two hours from the city. Overall my wife and I really enjoyed the experience. The pros and cons are below: Pros - Rooms: Excellent overall. We stayed at the Inn on the second floor. The room had high ceilings, was spacious, had a spa like bathroom (the shower had a rain head with multiple jets). The TV was small but adequate and there was a nice, clean wood deck attached to the room where we had coffee in the morning. The location and grounds are beautiful and the pool was also private. You are close to the river and many of Phoenicias restaurants. Cons: bed was too soft and the shopping available was non existent but I think they were in process for construction. The spa was nice - not great. The service was a little slow but friendly.

Toni F.

Yelp
I have stayed at The Emerson twice. Once in November of 2011 for my boyfriends birthday. & once this valentines weekend (2013/ also presidents weekend) The 1st visit we stayed in a 1 level suite in the Lodge. It was a big end unit in the back with a huge outdoor patio, jacuzzi tub, sitting area with sofa bed & King size bed. It was nice,very rustic and cozy. We checked in realllly late (like 10pm) & were celebrating a special occasion, we told the front desk. They did not seem impressed. lol They didnt care. The saty was nice, but I believe more so because of the wonderful company. The 2nd time I stayed in a 2 level Suite at the INN which was veryyyy nice. Fireplace, small deck. 2 jacuzzi tubs, 2 bathrooms, King size bed- very comfy upstairs. I loved this room. This time we really enjoyed our stay & even made use of the outdoor hottub when it was snowing out. So fun & cozy. We dined at the Catamount, which was good, nothing great, but good. We visited the surrounding towns, Saugerties, Phoenicia, Woodstock & Hunter. Love the Bear Cafe, New World, this great juice bar in Woodstock (forgot the name) the Phoenicia diner, a cute toy shop/ lunch place in Hunter. Love the area. I would stay stay at the Emerson again.

Aimee C.

Yelp
Just wow from start to finish. My husband and I came here for our babymoon with our little dog. From the moment we arrived we were greeted warmly and the front desk was able to watch our dog while we enjoyed a day at the spa. Our dog was scared and barky, but the staff was able to accommodate him and put him in his crate near them at the front desk where he then didn't make a peep. The spa was incredible - I got the prenatal package and my husband got the "for the gentleman" package. We loved our pedicures, facials and couples massage - very well organized, lovely staff and very clean and tranquil facility. Our room in the inn was absolutely lovely with fireplace, balcony, spa bathroom and a little treat for our dog. Woodnotes Grille was also amazing - the service was impeccable and they allowed us to dine in the great room with our pooch. They even brought him water and a little snack while we ate our dinners. The shops, grounds and dog park were also wonderful. Ralph's Cafe served up some delicious breakfast sandwiches and lattes. On our last morning we decided to get haircuts and Giselle did a phenomenal job on both of us. Overall I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. It was a very restful weekend before we venture into parenthood. Thank you, Emerson!!

Paris M.

Yelp
A few days later... I was called back by the manager and she left a voicemail that had a rude tone saying "I would LOVE to discuss this with you!!" Sarcastically. When we spoke she told me nothing could be done. That her staff are impeccably trained by her and would never make a mistake and that it was my fault. When I said I had an Instagram account for my business that is very well known and that no one responded from social media when I reached out she replied "we have the best social media team ever! They never make any mistakes so I'm not sure why they didn't respond." I never posted on my account my experience because it's not worth it. They take zero notice and one day an influencer on social media could seriously damage their reputation by the way the handle problems. I live part time in Santa Monica California and I work with beauty influencers. We bring them to hotels for brand retreats. What the spa doesn't know is that I was also scouting the hotel for an influencer retreat. A lesson, you don't know who everyone is and who they know so why not treat everyone like the paying customer they are. x

Robert C.

Yelp
This is our fourth trip, and third since the inn and spa were relocated after the fire. The original inn and spa had more charm, was much smaller and had a happier feel. We still miss brunch and tea in the French country courtyard. The new site was the spot for my 50th birthday party the first week it opened. That party and the way the staff handled the entire affair, reached heights that may never be duplicated. Our last two trips have been more ordinary. The new suites are very nice, and the rooms large, comfortable and very high end. The spa is very nice, but tends to be a bit noisy due to the odd layout, and lacks a pool or sufficient chaises for true riverside relaxation. The Phoenix restaurant is good, but not remarkable and sports a really short menu. The next-door shops are charming, and include the world's largest kaleidoscope. The location, just off the banks of the Esopus river is unbeatable, but somehow the overall effect is less than the sum of it's parts.

Bruce W.

Yelp
We booked the Regal room that was over $400 per night. After we checked in, rather than have someone show us the room, explain how to control the lights, the shower, tub or AC we were just told it's up the stairs. This is certainly not reflective of a high end place. We walked into the room & we were completely underwhelmed. The room was large, it wasn't special (which we expected). It seemed more like a large Marriott room, but nothing special. The 42" TV is out of scale. We shared our feelings at the front desk. They said the best he could do would give a slight discount but to get any larger consideration we would need to speak to his supervisor in the morning. He did offer to change our room to another which was more of the same but would be more expensive. We declined. When we awoke in the morning, we found that while the room had a Keurig coffee maker, there were not enough coffee pods & creamers & requested more. A short while later the manager another woman knocked at our door, each with a handful of coffee pods & creamers. I jokingly commented that they should have brought the pods & creamers up using a tray & I think the manager was insulted by my suggestion & she said they didn't have trays. Really... no trays? Later in the morning I went downstairs to the front desk & shared my feelings about the room with the manager who, I felt was insulted by my suggestion with the tray & barely seemed interested in listening to me. She gave me the feeling that she was completely viewing my thoughts as rubbish & stated that she had never had any guest who shared my thoughts about the Emerson. She left me with the feeling that she thought I must be completely crazy. She also left me with the distinct feeling that she was not interested in listening to me. Later I looked up Emerson on Yelp and discovered that of 48 ratings, greater than half, 25 to be exact were 3 stars or less. In fact about 1/3 of the reviews were 2 stars or less. Very unfavorable. The yelp comments certainly contradicted the manager's position that nobody had complained before. Some of the worst reviews were as recent as May, Jun & Aug of this year. We have stayed at a fair number of upper end rooms in the past and not only was the layout disappointing, so was the room care. When we awoke the next morning, we discovered that housekeeping had failed to replenish the coffee, the creamers & the bath vanity kit. The marvelous soaking tub didn't have any bath oils. Other places that we stayed at made sure that bath soaps, oils, shampoo and conditioner were replenished, & they provided us a newspaper, toothpaste and a toothbrush, shoe cloth, and other items. They also made sure that all the lamps & lights in the room had working light bulbs (which our room did not have). I would have been comfortable if the manager had said that she was sorry that we were disappointed & given us a chit for dinner, or drinks or something rather than ignoring the complaint & erroneously claim that nobody has complained. I sent an email to the CEO of Emerson & in her reply she erroneously stated they offered us complimentary upgrade to our top of the line suite & they claimed that the porter was helping another guest & stated that 77% of the Trip Advisor reviews were very good or excellent. She offered a 40% discount on a future visit. I replied that she failed to address my complaint about housekeeping's lack of maintaining the room with coffee, creamers and bath supplies as well I was also especially disappointed that she failed to address my concern of my treatment by the supervisor in charge at the time. Had she been more gracious rather than totally dismissive, had she feigned some concern, had she pretended to listen to me, had she shown me some respect, had she offered me some consideration I could have been mollified. She didn't even try to do anything to appease my concerns other than erroneously state that no other guests had ever complained about the issues that I brought up which I found online. I said to her. "I ask you. Would you consider returning to a place where housekeeping doesn't maintain the room to the highest standards? Where the manager doesn't extend the courtesy of listening to a guest? Where an upper end bathroom doesn't even have both oils? Where the large room doesn't have an appropriated sized TV? Where the venue has a library of DVD's but doesn't share information that with guests?" They are correct that Trip Advisor's population rates the Emerson 77% as Excellent or Very good but that means that 23% rate it at Average & below. Having close to 25% of your guests rating the facility as Average, Poor or Terrible doesn't fare well for an upper end resort facility. Nor does the 1/3 negative ratings on Yelp speak well for them. I said I might be tempted to take advantage of their offer, I am still unhappy about the results of my last stay. I would expect some rebate to allow me to give them another chance. I got no reply.

Brad B.

Yelp
This is a newer duplicate yelp listing of the Emerson spa with only favorable reviews. My honest review along with many others is on the other more established yelp listing.

Diane E.

Yelp
Recently stayed here for a small "honeymoon" since our wedding was pushed out another year due to covid restrictions we still got married on our original date. We stayed for three nights and had an amazing experience. The woman at the front desk was always so nice and helpful I wish I knew her name! We enjoyed our very first couples massage the day we got there. The breakfast was huge and they gave us a ten dollar voucher every morning which made a full sit down breakfast very affordable. It was delicious too and waitstaff always so great. I had my first facial there too and 3 weeks later my skin feels amazing. We enjoyed the relaxation and the fire pit at night. I have recommended Emerson to many friends. I was referred there by my friend as well. Would love to return!

Sumaiya H.

Yelp
Unprofessional. Canceled appointment the a few hours before it was scheduled. It was so last minute that we were unable to reschedule at another spa that actually deserved our service. Zero stars!

Laura J.

Yelp
This place is a local gem. I've been coming here for a couple of years to enjoy the spa services, soak in the outdoor hot tub with glorious mountain views, peruse the lovely gift shops, and enjoy brunch and dinner at Woodnotes Grill. However, this year I began to use the salon too. All I can say is, wow! This is the second time Giselle has done my haircut and highlights and I am over the moon happy! I have spent hundreds at salons like Bumble & Bumble and Oribe in the city, never to such satisfaction. I have fine curly hair- not the easiest, but blown out or wash and go curly, Giselle got it right! Thank you Emerson Resort for the wonderful services and environment you provide (including your adherence to CDC guidelines during these unprecedented times).

Brandon L.

Yelp
Best hotel in the Catskills. I've been staying here since 1997/98 and have been here at least 150 times. Never fails to amuse me or give me the satisfaction I need being here in the Catskills. This is the true epitome of the region. A truly hidden gem nested deep into the Catskills located 15 miles west of Woodstock, 2.5 miles away from Phoenicia, 20 miles away from Kingston and 110 miles away from New York City. If you have a weekend and you want to get away from the city this is the place to be. From scenic views to on site spa's to a mini shopping mall to the worlds largest kaleidoscope this is the place to be.

Savannah M.

Yelp
This place was absolutely amazing for my best friends wedding. We had 0 complaints all weekend, Marcy was beyond helpful and made everything so easy for us to be able to enjoy the weekend stress free. They took care of everything perfectly, food was beyond amazing and so were the servers!

Adrian A.

Yelp
Some of these reviews inspired me to give my two cents-- I wish I believed them myself. In short: 5 star prices for 1 star service. The place is simply NOT CLEAN. At these prices, there should be attention to detail, but there was no attention, let alone detail. I've been to my fair share of spas and I was hoping this would be a perfect way to unwind after a weekend of skiing, but I was sorely mistaken (ha ha). The massage was great, and I commend the therapist for that; however, the massage is only one aspect of the full spa experience. Emerson missed the mark on every other aspect. The amenities are sparse and the place is not well maintained at all: 'Relaxation Room' -- The water and tea dispensers (only 2 options) were empty and not refilled for the entirety of the 30 minutes I was there. Not that it mattered, though, as there weren't even clean cups to drink from. On the contrary, there were used cups strewn about the room. 30 minutes, no fox. Also, there were not enough chair for patrons. One lady asked me for my ottoman to sit on. Funny considering the therapist told me I was lucky because it wasn't a busy weekend. Go figure. Locker Room -- I had a nice chat with three other guys waiting for the towels to be replenished. We wanted to go to the sauna, steam room and shower-- the only three options. As we sat in the super cramped space (they're all in the same area, including the lockers), the wait became comical-- we thought we were being pranked. After 10 mins., we finally asked the front desk if anyone was going to bring more towels. Without apology, they informed us that the housekeeper didn't want to intrude into the men's locker room because it might make us men uncomfortable. So is the solution to just not so it? How did this become our fault? Showers -- After the towels arrived (from a manager who didn't even work in the spa, no less), I entered to not have body wash. I went to the next stall and it didn't have shampoo. Well, guess I'm not getting clean today. Outdoor spa-- Spa was nice and relaxing, but again-- no towels, no frills. Just a deck and jacuzzi. And that wraps up the amenities! All 3 of them! I have the same amenities in my apartment building. Given their lack of areas to upkeep, it shouldn't be hard. It's the little things, really... and they missed all of them.

Jonathan E.

Yelp
I stayed here with my family for almost 10 years from 2010 to 2019. Mostly out of convenience and close proximity to a summer event. In summer 2019 it was The absolute WORST! The rooms are Filthy and Gross. Literally, body fluid stains on carpets and furniture ( see photo attached ,) taken in July 2019 to prove to management how filthy it was. The manager is and was Non responsive and antagonistic, unless you cause a scene, (Which was needed for me to get the carpets cleaned and sofa cushions replaced). No discount was requested !!!! Can you imagine paying $500 a night and a minimum 2 night stay for a dirty environment ? I waited a year to post this review. And I regret not doing it sooner! Management isn't concerned with customer satisfaction. Or cleanliness. Or sanitary environments. They're interested in taking advantage of customers. And bullying them because there are little to none alternative options. What a shame. A fall from grace. Ownership should get involved and know what is really happening in that building. And how long term, reliable customers are being treated and spoken to. I will never stay here again. (Although I did try, once again due to convenience. ) 6 months after reservation requested, they called personally to notify us we aren't welcome in their establishment.

Amy R.

Yelp
Staff is amazing. They go to exhaustive lengths to make sure you get everything you need and are happy. Spa is great. They are professional and care about providing quality service. We stayed in a two floor suite with our dog. Definitely a dog friendly resort. They made a lot of effort to help the pup feel welcome. Resort is near Woodstock and close enough to Rhinebeck for day trips as there is t much to do in this area this time of year. Would definitely recommend.