Eastwind Hotel - Windham — Hotel in Town of Windham

This is a cozy getaway with great places to lounge, take a walk, relax in the sauna, or simply admire the sunset views. However, there a few caveats that, with growth and time, I'm sure will work themselves out. Accessibility: It is located on a main roadway, great for easy "resort" access. However, once on the property there is virtually no signage, so navigating the layout is a bit of a guessing game. A map (digital or otherwise) or building/path signs would be ideal. Due to the close proximity of the highway, there is a lot of road noise which echoes throughout (especially at night - making it difficult to sleep) Room: Our Lushna Suite was very comfortable - perfect for two (maybe three if you want to be extra cozy!). Warm hooded ponchos/capes were provided - which were great for fireside s'mores. The full glass wall/sliding doors was AMAZING for an indoor/outdoor experience. There was a pair of binoculars in the room which was a pleasant surprise and was a great addition to our hike!

The suite was also equipped with a fire pit and split wood (though it was extremely wet), but fire starting equipment (like matches) were only available upon request. Privacy: While the Lushnas are positioned several yards away from each other, there is virtually no brush/fencing between them, making the open window concept a bit uncomfortable. The front door to the Lushna Suite did not have a cover, whatsoever. A drawstring curtain, even a transparent or opaque one, would be ideal for added privacy - especially since this is directly in front of the stairs to the loft. Cleanliness: While the bathroom and floors were clean, the couch had a significant amount of staining and dog hair (we did not bring a pet). So while kudos for being pet friendly, the furniture was not thoroughly cleaned (not friendly for those with allergies). Also noticed a significant amount of dust and hair in the corner of the room next to the bed...eck. Service: While the staff was friendly and eager to help, they were certainly spread thin and could've used an extra hand - or two. The communication of amenities and operation could certainly be improved to fully take advantage of all amenities. Any and all communication to staff is through text and, depending on the time of day - this can be extremely delayed. Food: The breakfast basket was adorable, but grossly overpriced ($20) and was missing essentials like SPK - what's a boiled egg without salt and pepper? :(

While there are a few nearby eateries, be prepared to take a (scenic) drive 30-45 minutes for some good eats. Eastwind offers a great variety of "local" suggestions - a fantastic convenience store just (literally) down the road! COVID-19 (Travelled 9/2020): While the check-in process was seamless with the electronic door lock, our particular lock was extremely loose making the door difficult to close/lock. The vacated rooms remained unoccupied for 24 hours - this was especially nice for privacy/limiting the number of guests on the property. However, for the reasons stated above, the cleaning process could have been...

My fiancée and I have been to Eastwind twice—pre- and mid-COVID—and we look forward to future visits.

While the latter experience had to be different because of the pandemic, one particular characteristic remained true for both stays: all of the staff is exceedingly accommodating and will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. A special shout out to Tara and James—you guys rock!

For our first stay, we had the pleasure of experiencing their in-house dining (scrumptious locally sourced fare) and bar. There was a lively, but cozy communal feel as both guests and locals gathered to enjoy the evening after a crisp autumn day. I’m actually getting misty thinking about being mask-less, sitting at the bar or at the fire pit and speaking with strangers who became friends less than six feet away. I highly recommend the Writers Room. It’s thoughtfully designed (as are all the rooms) and has exceptional views.

Our second stay was during the pandemic. We were hesitant to even risk taking a trip, but we decided that if any hotel was going to get safety protocols in check, Eastwind would—and they did. Check-in was contactless. They’ll send you a text message with your room’s key code, local dining options, and hiking paths. You can continue to text them throughout your stay for any questions or requests. Bucket of ice…? Done. Build a fire…? Done. S’mores…? Done. While we missed the camaraderie developed with other guests in the restaurant or around the large fire pit, we had a more calm and intimate experience with our own personal fire pit on the grounds. And, you can get the same warm fuzzies knowing there was a smile behind all the staff members’ masks.

In closing, I’ve read some negative comments in other guests’ reviews. So, this part is in defense of Eastwind, as well as for those potential guests who are undecided if this is the place for them: If you found the staff anything less than accommodating, you don’t know how to talk to people. If you’re nitpicking every possible detail and amenity, you’re not spending enough time off the grounds, enjoying the beauty of the Catskills, and probably shouldn’t have taken the trip in the...

Look for reviews from people who stay! It's also a bar.

LOCATION this place is right on the highway so access is easy, 2 minute drive to town and 2 minutes from some nice walking paths and hikes. 10 minutes from the ski mountain.

ROOMS There is a main house and there are spots just outside and up a small hill. We stayed in the main house. The rooms are clean, modern, and nicely decorated.

NOISE If you're in the main house: ask to stay upstairs! Downstairs you can hear everything in the bar, the front desk, and people upstairs. you will definitely hear the highway until 10/11p and starting at 6am, most rooms face the road and the cars are going fast. the walls are THIN. we heard everyone's phones, talking, snoring, and the wooden floors creak very loudly and echo footsteps. they allow children and dogs, so if you're in the main house be prepared for that!

If noise is what you want to escape, get into one of the suites or outer rooms.

FOOD for $20 the breakfast is nice but wildly overpriced considering the eggs are only warm the moment they come out and many things are picked over and you're waiting for them to be stocked again. It's hard to eat $20 worth there are only light plates in the bar, so you need dinner plans most nights you're there unless they're hosting a special dinner if they're hosting definitely go! The food was amazing and the small table by the fire was great... But there were kids there whining about iPads all night.

STAFF The staff was incredible. Kind, accommodating, but under resourced. I think they could use an extra hand. Reception was so kind and helpful. Lauren at the bar was fun, efficient, and gave great service.

THE BAR People who aren't staying even find it worth a visit! The bar is beautiful, fireplace, great seating, nice drinks, amazing ambiance. But again.... Kids.

We will definitely return but we will not stay in the main house if we do- too loud and with the kids and dogs it just wasn't the kind of getaway we...