This Reimagined 1890s Catskills Estate Is Now a Chic Boutique Hotel — And It’s Perfect for a Late-Summer Escape From NYC

There’s just something about the Catskills in late summer — crisp mountain air in the mornings, pine-scented hikes by day, and golden sunsets followed by cool sweater-weather evenings. And just two hours from NYC , one historic estate has been transformed into the perfect home base to soak it all in. Welcome to Hotel Lilien , an 18-room boutique property set in a reimagined 1890s estate , mere minutes from Hunter Mountain in the charming town of Tannersville, NY . The property’s story begins in the 1890s, when the Manhattan-based Lilienthal family built an elegant upstate escape called *Villa Meta*, named after their only child, Meta — a writer who later documented their visits in her memoir *Dear Remembered World*. Over the years, the estate transitioned into a family-run inn before catching the attention of The Lost Boys Hospitality Group — a team of longtime friends from California whose Panama properties earned a “cult-like following” among travelers, according to The New York Times. They bought the property, gave it a loving restoration, and reopened it as Hotel Lilien in homage to its original owners. Designed by San Francisco’s Field Theory , the space still showcases wood paneling, stained glass windows, vintage trims, and original architectural details that transport you straight back in time. Fresh from a renovation, every guest room blends old-world character with modern luxuries: think antique rugs, vintage art, plush Wright mattresses, and crisp Brooklinen sheets . No two rooms are exactly alike, making each stay feel like its own little discovery. And Hotel Lilien isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s the unofficial living room of Tannersville . Guests can start their day with a modern European continental breakfast plate (yes, the croissants are warm) served with Partners Coffee and assorted teas — best enjoyed on the porch with fresh mountain air. By night, the hotel transforms into a lively social hub. On Saturdays, groove to funky beats spun by resident DJ Sir Shorty from 5 – 10 pm. Sundays are for cozying up fireside or catching the intimate acoustic music series that spotlights local and traveling artists. Hotel Lilien is as much about downtime as it is about adventure too. Curl up with a bestseller in The Library , spark some friendly competition with chess, checkers, or Scrabble, or go vintage with a round of Clue. Over in The Lounge , a hand-carved Blatt Billiards table invites both experts and amateurs — just remember, loser picks up the bar tab. And when the weather’s warm, the pool is the star of the show. From June through September, you can cool off with a swim, soak up rays on a cushioned lounger, or sip rosé poolside before heading back into town for dinner. As mentioned, it’s about 2 – 2.5 hours away from NYC by car , so it’s great for a weekend escape. Rooms tend to book up quickly in summer and fall, so we highly recommend planning ahead ! 📍 Hotel Lilien — 7740 Main St, Tannersville, NY 🏨 More information about Hotel Lilien + booking info Source: https://secretnyc.co/hotel-lilien-catskills-getaway-from-nyc/