The Leeway — Hotel in Town of Shandaken

My 1st grandchild was to arrive just before Christmas, "the Leeway" on Rt 28, about 20 miles west of the Thruway exit is centrally located between Rhinebeck, where my granddaughter was going to be born, and Belleayre Mountain, where my son&daughter-in-law live. I had driven by the inn dozens of times, always had noticed the cool entrance arch, but never knew what was beyond that archway.

On-line booking is super easy and very informative; the photos shown help with the room selection. Since my stay was going to be at least 7 days, I opted for unit 8, the loft duplex with deck, with its a full-size kitchen, separate living&dinning areas, and a bed tucked away on a loft.

Upon arrival, in the evening, the wonderful host Tena greeted me in the well-lit parking area (the whole property was festively lit) and Tena brought me to “Cabin #8”, my home away from home.

I immediately liked the contemporary, funky look of the newly renovated unit, while still having a very cozy, woodsy, cabiny feeling. There is a very large, contemporary blue couch with big pillows, dining table with a couple of chairs and bench, high-end fully equipped kitchen, cute little bar seating area off the kitchen counter, a wonderful modern bathroom with a gorgeous large shower and gigantic, fluffy towels. The loft, easily accessible with a regular-sized spiral staircase, is a full-size bedroom containing an inviting bed with lovely yellow ochre colored comforter&pillows (bed is super comfy, warm&toasty), a funky reading chair, floor length mirror and full-size dresser. There's a great soundsystem; easy to use with an app, and a large smart TV. There are lots of windows making you feel that you're outside. A nice deck with Adirondack chairs overlooking an open area toward Esopus Creek. It was the middle of winter, between a couple of snowstorms, and the view of the meadow and the raging, whitewater river was spectacular.

After my granddaughter made her late arrival, I extended my stay for a few more days; Tena was able to accommodate me in "Cabin #3". This unit is smaller and has an even more old-cabin-in-the-woods vibe meets funky, eclectic, contemporary, functional comfort&decor. The very cozy bedroom (with ensuite) is separate from the living area, with a very super comfortable bed. Anytime I have 4 large, soft, cuddly bed pillows all to myself, this grandmother is happy!

I have been back to the Catskills for another granddaughter visit and Tena had "Cabin #7" available. That unit has a bit more of a hotel room feel, as the comfy bed and the blue couch are all in 1 large room. There is a small, fully functional kitchen alcove and the ensuite bathroom (with tub) is lovely as is the full-size deck with chairs. Lying in bed, next to the large glass doors, overlooking the meadow and Esopus Creek, is simply amazing!

I highly recommend the Leeway as these cabins make you feel that you're going back in time; like you're camping in the woods. The Leeway is newly renovated, but luckily the original rustic Catskills cabin-feeling hasn’t been compromised! There is lots of wood on walls and floors, it has funky&eclectic furniture and decor, with very practical, well-thought-out, upscale amenities. There’s a cool urban vibe, while being rustic, functional, comfortable, practical, warm, intimate and all-in-all very enjoyable. The photographs on the wall are awesome mementos of the musical past of this area; though I looked in vain to see any pics of the B52's!

But besides what the inn has to offer re: wonderful accommodations, I would be greatly amiss if I didn't mention the host, Tena. Her warm greetings, her timely&efficient communications, her unobtrusive daily checks on her guests, the friendly and caring chit chat in the parking lot, make you feel wonderfully welcome and at home. Since I spent a rather long time at the Leeway, I chatted quite a bit with Tena. She was so supportive while I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my granddaughter. Tena is the perfect ambassador of the Leeway! Thank you, Tena, for making my...

We stayed at The Leeway with our family from July 7th to 9th in a two-bedroom apartment, and it was a truly special experience.

We were especially impressed by the beautifully landscaped grounds and the breathtaking views of the river and mountains — they honestly left us speechless. It’s the kind of place where you just want to sit with a cup of coffee, listen to the birds, and enjoy the peacefulness.

The hotel itself is very clean, with comfortable beds, crisp white linens, and a pleasant scent of wood in the air. Each bedroom has small windows that help you sleep as long as you like — perfect for rest and relaxation.

Everything in the space is tastefully chosen — the furniture, the dishes, the little touches — all done with great care and style. In the evenings, we loved playing board games by the fireplace.

One very kind gesture I’ll never forget: the hosts kindly lent me a phone charger after I accidentally left mine at home. It was such a thoughtful and sweet thing to do.

On the first day, before check-in, we visited some nearby waterfalls and went hiking. On the second day, we did the Rail Explorers ride and had an absolute blast — highly recommended!

When we got back home to Brooklyn, my son said: “Mom, I want to go back.” And so do we.

We will definitely return to this magical place. Thank you...

Just got back home to California and still reminiscing over our beautiful and peaceful stay at The Leeway...

We stayed in the Meadow Duplex Cabin and felt like we were in a dream each day. Waking up to stretch and enjoy the coffee on our large deck was such a treat.

The room was beautiful (and newly renovated), clean, and the staff very thoughtful.

It was quite the magical experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. I think part of our hearts are still there.

One of my favorite memories was my husband dancing and singing down the stairwell (to music) playing on the Marshall bluetooth speaker that was provided (thank you Leeway for that and the Wifi)!

We cooked/baked, had some laughs, and had an overall incredible time.

It such a cute and cozy cabin. We'd only wished that we had come a little later for fall foliage.

Glad I rented the bigger place!

My husband saw a bald eagle by the river and we saw some little frogs, bunnies, and squirrels hopping around. Just adorable.

We can't have imagined staying at another place for our first visit to the Catskill Mountains!

I know we will be back someday :).

Love ya...