Troutbeck — Local services in Town of Amenia

The days of splendor have returned to Amenia New York with the re-opening of beloved Troutbeck, a mainstay in the region for decades. We were fortunate enough to score a reservation for dinner & dining over this past New Years Holiday, and it did not disappoint. There was a time ( I am dating myself here) when 20 +years ago my wife and I would pack up the car from the Upper E Side and head up to Amenia for New Years. Always somehow booking their very last room they had available. I, being the "Last of the Mohicans" who still to this day takes New Year's Eve seriously, dressing in our very best, much as a gesture of respect to the Ex-Owner, Jim Flaherty- who I then dubbed The King of New Years. Troutbeck in those days was a lovely fashioned country-estate old place with cabins and guest accommodations spread throughout the property. Staying within the Main House was and is an additional lodging option. New Years Eve in those days was always one heckuva bash w/ from the lively conversation and interesting people- to the clamoring 5-piece orchestra, tres' elegant black tie 4-course dinner, and- believe it or not-mounds and mounds of glistening grey eggs eaten sumptuously from Mother of Pearl -always satisfied. |Ah, dems were the days. |Well, fast forward 20 +years, the caviar has gone, as have the orchestra, now having been replaced by a zealous D.J.--but, never the less, was still a hoot and a good time. The new Owners have done a splendid job restoring much of the old grande dame'to it's earlier days of glory. The hotel is large and meandering, and although obviously full of guests it never quite felt cramped, as there are numerous rooms located here-and-there w/deep plush couches to sink into and sip coffee w/an endless assortment of books to reflect over. ( Sadly, no NY Times delivery though surprisingly) I poked around and located a very cute shop w/ an Honor Bar where they sell lovely local honeys, jams and assorted pastries and sundries. |The grounds, even in winter are peaceful and bucolic w/gravel pathways set amongst tall old trees. While strolling the woods you will surely come upon a now converted barn where the yoga takes place, and there is a peaceful bubbly brook that runs through the middle of the property with Adirondack lounge chairs set up and white sand to which they aptly call "The Beach". (also with firepits) |We noticed too a large outdoor swimming pool that would seem to be very appealing come June.| During the New Years evening the fires were kept blazing away throughout the numerous scattered firepits, kept alive and tended to by watchful staff members. |As the evening chill set in, a lovely attentive staff member (un-prompted) brought me over a comfy red pashmina to shield the cold. Handsome reveling guests whiled away the evening drinking scotch and champagne. |The rooms ( Yet AGAIN I got the last room available!) was all we needed. From the website we see that there are various accommodations to suit any budget mid to large $) We had a large King Room in the Main House with open views of the property. The bed was extraordinarily comfortable, pillows just as we liked, an old fashioned, yet modern oversized bathroom and lux amenities. With the exception of a long, narrow (potentially -precarious) staircase going up into the room, it suited us just fine. |Our meals were first rate w/ a supremely knowledgably wait staff, all friendly, smiling and eager to please. All enthusiastic staff servers were very well equipped with precise ingredient and preparation discourse to share to guests. The servers astute replies to a diners' questions ( "how is this prepared", .."is this vegan?" what is a.....X.?, "what does that come with..?" etc. ),would satisfy even the most persnickety of diners. |Our meals, served in a fireplace warmed 'pub-style' cheerful dining room where we had both dinner and late breakfast were served promptly and hot. The selection of offerings were unique in style and prep. The wine list had also a fine array of selections to choose from, and most I would say were reasonably priced. |With the exception of no New York Times delivery and perhaps recommending to management having a warning to guests about the inner staircase to the bedroom- |we arrived happy and left happy. Recommend...

I had high hopes for this resort stay but was slightly disappointed. When you pull into the resort there is construction all around as they are building new cabins. My heart sank as we were staying in the Benton House where a handful of the rooms and balconies would overlook the construction…. This should be noted on their website as it’s quite the eyesore. Luckily our room ended up facing a wooded area but folks should be warned that there is a chance their Benton balcony could overlook the Benton parking lot. For the price per night, our room was just okay. The bed was extremely comfortable, shower was clean and water pressure was good, however the sitting chair was stained and the wallpaper was peeling off the walls. The outdoor balcony had spiderwebs and the cushions had bird poop. They could have definitely used a wipe down…

We arrived at 3pm and our room wasn’t ready which was fine as check-in isn’t until 4pm. However we were unable to check in to our room until 6pm! 2hrs later… The housekeeping Director’s demeanor lacked any empathy or explanation as to why ours, and several other guests, rooms were not ready 2hrs post check-in. The team did over comp beverages while we waited and did drop off a complimentary bottle of prosecco the following day to apologize for the rough check in experience but I’m currently pregnant so couldn’t indulge. It’s the thought that counts…

The Manor house is small and quaint. Outside is beautiful as pictured and the landscaping keeps to the woodland charm. We were expecting the indoor space to be larger and more upscale/upgraded. A lot of the furniture was old and stained and the lighting was very dark. The bar only seats 5 stools so isn’t very inviting for socializing or getting a drink, however the Pasta Night meal was delicious!

The best part of the stay was being able to avail of a cabana at the pool for no additional cost; first come basis. The Barns and Wellness area was also beautiful. While the services are slightly overpriced in my opinion, it was lovely. The surrounding areas are also beautiful, but a lot of shops and restaurants are closed Monday-Wednesday so plan accordingly!

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend the resort in its current state given the price point. It has so much potential but could definitely...

I don’t know how this place is getting rave reviews for food. The menu is not updated online and came to just be disappointed with the quality. Don’t waste your money for subpar food - go to Rhinebeck (anywhere there).

The server was amazing. The problem was with the kitchen and upon entry. It was my husbands birthday and she did the best she could with what she can.

As we entered there was no one in the front desk. We just meandered where there was noise and saw the bartender who greeted us. The server at the computer pretty much ignored us until I addressed him to say we have a reservation. He looked at us and said "ok" and walked away. This just seemed off to us. At that point the hostess (?) came out and took us to our table.

Only reason we came there was for steak. They sold out. I tried to take into consideration that it is a Tuesday and 9pm reservation, but at the same time I don't understand how the only meat course they have is the one that is under stocked in the kitchen. Yes, they had a single sausage dish and a pasta (the latter was very disgusting and we didn't finish), but you can't replace steak with either.

Now with the pasta- the pork cavatelli was tasteless. It was instant pot pork with no flavor thrown over dry pasta. The Parmesan was something from a supermarket - powdery and not grated or something to resemble a dish from a higher end restaurant.

The scallops were redeemable and I ate the whole dish the last scallop tasted like detergent. How, why? - don't know. Maybe it fell on the floor? I didn't say anything at the time because I can see how my complaint will not be taken seriously after eating the entire dish. I felt sick.

The only dish that was actually good was the cauliflower appetizer recommended by the server. She really tried everything she could.

Unfortunately, I came out for good food. Obviously service matters, but going out and paying for food and leaving disappointed and angry is the last thing I thought...