The Leeway: A Cozy Waterside Getaway in Mount Tremper

  |  August 2, 2024

Every room at the Leeway in Mt. Tremper has access to the outdoors. Photo by Peter Crosby

The Leeway, a recent installment of lodging accommodations in the Catskills, guests revel in picturesque creekside views while harnessing a deep sense of tranquility that only the mountain air can provide. Located off of Route 28 in Mount Tremper, the property is easily accessible by car and in convenient proximity to worthy-of-a-visit towns like Phoenicia, Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston.

Co-owners Noah Nierenberg and Josh Reznick—who previously ran a marketing business together—had their sights set on a new venture following the sale of their company during the pandemic. “Josh and I were out to toast the sale, and he pulled out a Bloomberg article about the motel being available,” Nierenberg says. “We were looking for a way to continue our very productive business relationship while doing something a little more creative and fun.”

The Esopus Creek borders the western edge of the Leeway property. Photo by Peter Crosby

The appeal of the Catskills was strong for Nierenberg, who has a weekend home near what was once their prospective (and now permanent) motel location. “I love everything about the hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities available blended with the good vibes, good food, and good people.” After visiting the property from the article, once the site of Kate’s Lazy Meadow motel, the undeniable beauty of the waterfront spot commanded Nierenberg’s attention. “I was immediately sold. It was just stunning.”

The motel opened in August 2023 and consists of three thoughtfully designed buildings with a total of nine units, each conveying a sense of rustic, woodsy comfort. One building houses five units: two are two-bed suites, one is a 1.5-bed suite, and the others are two standard rooms. The second building has two studio suites with decks, and the third offers two duplex loft suites with decks. All suites boast a fully remodeled kitchen, and the two standard rooms have kitchenettes with a mini-fridge.

Photo by Peter Crosby

Within the rooms you will find a smart TV, bath products by Apotheke, linens from Brooklinen and Bed Threads, HeavyFeather coffee, and a Marshall speaker. Portable RTIC coolers, Lander lanterns, and a Voited outdoor blanket are available for complimentary use.

To bring the property to its current condition, Nierenberg and Reznick organized an artisan group of experts in the areas of design, architecture, millwork, landscaping, and branding. Andrew Cohen of Field Study Studio contributed to the design of the space while Joshua Pulver of architecture and construction firm A+C acted as an architect and project manager. Sam Moyer added millwork, and Mila Funk of Nurture Nature Designs incorporated sustainable landscaping into exterior stonework and pathway planning. Portland, Oregon-based branding firm OMFGCO consulted for The Leeway’s branded aspects. “We worked with an amazing team of specialized folks,” Nierenberg says.

Photo by Peter Crosby

The Leeway’s interiors are the image of a tranquil mountain escape. With warm lighting, wooden panels, and rustic design touches featured throughout, the rooms generate a cozy cabin-like feel. The comfort of the physical spaces is further emphasized by the hospitality that the property offers outdoors. “The Leeway’s a unique space for people who like eating and congregating outside. Every room has access to outdoor seating, so people can chill in an Adirondack chair and have their coffee in the morning,” Nierenberg states.

The Esopus Creek bordering the western edge of the property offers fly fishing, swimming, or relaxing by the water. By the creek, you’ll find delights further encouraging you to linger in the outdoors, including seating, grills, a fire pit, and picnic tables. “Late in the day the trees are lit up down there and everyone’s hanging out and doing their own thing, but doing it together,” Nierenberg says. “There aren’t a lot of hotels and motels as small as this offering multiple things to do outside.” There’s also an open meadow on site suitable for lawn games and yoga.

Photo by Peter Crosby

The town of Mount Tremper has flourished in recent years, and Leeway guests are immersed in the center of it all. The property has access to nearby fishing and hiking, quality restaurants like The Pines, and farm stands like Migliorelli and Tremper Hill Farms. Local Goods grocer does deliveries for guests hoping to stock their kitchen with select items for their stay. “It’s a cool place to spend a week and work remotely if you’re able to. The rooms are comfortable and have good wifi,” Nierenberg states. “The motel is centrally located from a standpoint that guests have a choice of their days being centered on the property, or the property just being their home base. It’s versatile enough that they can do both.”

As the first year of operations comes to a close, Nierenberg describes how the area’s seasonality will influence future offers and programming. “Once we’re through the fall, we’ll have a better understanding of what the needs of the average guest in each season are. The Catskills are very season specific.” The owners hope to one day hold weddings down by the water and expand their outdoor activity offerings as time progresses. For now, the love for The  Leeway is evident as one five-star review recalls it as ‘a hidden gem of the Catskills.’”

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