Cool Locations, Hot Tubs

  |  January 23, 2015
Taketwo

Before you judge us for using hot tubs as criteria for our next upstate vacation destination, we recommend dipping your tuckus in an outdoor hot tub after a long day of winter hiking. Really, it’s just as fantastic as it sounds. Of course, in the case of these three rentals, it’s safe to assume that hosts who bother to install hot tubs for their guests will also go to the trouble to make your stay in upstate NY as glorious as possible in every way. So we present the following homes for your consideration, and conclude with the immortal words of Tom and Donna of Parks and Recreation: “Treat yo’ self.”

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(But maybe only treat yo’ self for under twenty minutes at a time, or you may start to look like a raisin.)


1) Copake Rental with Gorgeous Lake View

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Price/week: $2,300
Accommodations: Full house, 5 bedrooms
Max guests: 10
Min stay: Weekend rentals available upon request, contact owner
House description:
Ten people can fit comfortably in this stylish vacation home, but we doubt there will be any need to call dibs on Jacuzzi space with all of the other fun amenities the hosts have added to the mix. Guests are welcome to use the kayaks and the canoe in the nearby lake, and while the adults glide through the pristine waters of Copake Lake, the kids can bounce all the excess energy out on the netted trampoline. With Copake Country Club, Catamount Ski/Snowboard Mountain and Adventure Park, Bash Bish State Park, and the Norman Rockwell Museum all within a close proximity to this lakeside getaway, we can’t imagine a better destination for your next family vacation!

Sample reviews:

“This was our second time back to the house and we had another wonderful time!!. There were some upgrades to the house since our last visit that we appreciated (new kitchen appliances, new BBQ grill, in ground fire pit, and a new deck next to the lake). The house has a great view of the lake and mountains. With private lake front access, we loved swimming and kayaking at our leisure. The house, hot tub and decks are very comfortable and relaxing. Very much welcomed coming back and would highly recommend!”

“The pictures do not do the house justice. It has the best view of Copake Lake and the mountains. Our favorite was the great view from the outdoor hot tub! The owner checked in with us to make sure the house was as we expected and available if needed. We celebrated New Year’s and it was perfect! The house was just what we were looking for – spacious, comfortable, clean, modern and well maintained! The outdoor fire pit was an added pleasure as we overlooked the lake on a moon lit night. I will look forward to come back in the spring or summer for sure.”


2) Full House Rental in Rhinebeck

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Price/week: $2,500
Accommodations: Full house, 4 bedrooms
Max guests: 7
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
The hosts of this Rhinebeck rental have added delightful pops of color to their home, and a variety of family-friendly amenities for guests both tall and small. We can picture ourselves turning into prunes in this home’s spacious hot tub, and we’ll never be old enough to turn down some rope swing action. Previous guests to this polished Dutchess County abode have used it as their headquarters for trips to Marist, the Culinary Institute, and the abundance of conveniently located hiking trails.

Sample reviews:

“This accomodation was exactily what I hoped for to celebrate my daughter’s graduation from Marist! The home was open, perfect setting for us (8) to spend quality time together. The open layout for the kitchen/dining/living area was great for food prep, cooking and socializing! The owners were readily accessable and immediatly problem solved when the hot tub wasn’t firing up! (Simple fuse switch right near the tub) We thoroghly enjoyed the hot tub! Very clean, well-kept property. It was a rainy weekend and we enjoyed the propane fireplace, and the ping pong table and dart board got used! My only regret is I didn’t know about this when my daughter was a freshman…we would have loved to have stayed here rather than hotels for the past few years….especially when she was a freshman, we came up and stayed the Feb vacation week in a hotel…this home would have been more ideal! Overall….Great place, great hosts, easy to communicate with, my deposit was immediately returned, LOVED IT!!!!!”

“This was rented for an extended weekend with five college friends. The accommodations were just as expected, comfortable and cozy! The owners could not have been more pleasant to deal with. The property was clean, well- maintained with a well-stocked kitchen ( if you plan on meal preparation). The photos reflect accurately the property and the hot tub was clean and a nice addition to the weekend activities. The area is secluded, a nice retreat and you definitely felt as you’d gotten away from it all. Rhinebeck is a short drive away with lots of interesting shops and above- average restaurants-due to it’s proximity to CIA. All in all, a wonderful weekend! Stay at this place, you won’t be sorry!”


3) Cozy Cabin in Accord

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Price/night: $125-$140
Accommodations: Full studio, 1 queen bed, one pull-out sofa
Max guests: 3
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Tim and Beth have opened up their Lone Star-themed horse farm to the vacation rental universe, and the universe has responded with plenty of enthusiasm. The cabin has all the basic amenities, and the hosts have gone out of their way to add unique extras to the guest experience, including a “pizza party package” involving homemade pizza prepared on the wood-fired oven in the backyard. As the hosts note, your Accord vacation does not have to be all privacy and introspection – for the more outgoing types, their rental is located within biking distance to the local indoor skating rink and entertainment center, Kelder’s Farm, and the Saunderskill Farm Market.

Sample reviews:

“I spent a month here with my two and four year olds. The cabin, the farm and the whole hudson valley are a beautiful place to stay. We relaxed, visited near by towns like New Platz, Kingston and Woodstock, swam in the rivers, hiked, and picked our own berries. There is a never ending supply of beauty, things to do or ways to relax. And to make the stay even better, the owners, Tim and Beth are graciouse, welcoming and made our stay even more special. They were full of surprises for my kids like sand boxes, rope swings and letting my kids help with the animals. We had a magical time in the cowboy cabin and with Tim and beth”

“We had a great time during our weekend visit with our 2 and 1/2 year old son. Beth and Tim went out of their way to help us city folk enjoy our time in the country! The cabin was great – intentionally rustic but lacking not a single comfort… and we loved the cowboy motif and the wagon wheel shower!. Our son was over the moon about helping Beth to feed the horses, chickens, and bunnies. And, he loved frolicking with the dogs and cats – especially the puppy. As if that was not enough, we also joined Beth and Tim and their friends for a bonfire, AND Tim took our son for a ride around the property on his John Deere tractor. Beth and Tim were wonderful hosts and the cowboy cabin was a wonderful weekend escape from the City. In addition to all of the activity on the farm, we also spent a great day hiking at the Mohonk preserve and ventured into New Paltz several times. We will definitely be back! Thanks!”

About Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson is an Upstater born and bred with a generalist’s education and a specialist’s passion for the Hudson Valley. Ask nicely and she’ll make you a bagel sandwich. Ask really nicely and she’ll accompany that bagel sandwich with a Bob Dylan impersonation.

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