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» Getaway Hotels New York
Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
The Draw: Luxury doesn't get better than this. The plush resort and health spa, set in an 1897 mansion based on Louis XV's Versailles chateau, offers fragrant, manicured gardens and pamper-palace rooms. The Scene: Woodsy and mountainous, the Berkshires is a perennially popular weekend escape for Manhattanites. Autumn is the time to be there, with the fall foliage a riot of oranges and reds. It's also well worth checking out the thriving theatre scene, including the Barrington Stage Co., which draws droves of New York actors and spectators. Hot Tip: Shoppers in these parts use "antique" as a verb, thanks to the proliferation of posh antique stores in the area. While these spots can be pricey, you'll find a fine range of bookstores and record shops with intriguing—and, in many cases, bargain—finds.
The Castle on the Hudson, Hudson River Valley
400 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, NY, 800-616-4487, $$$$ castleattarrytown.com
The Draw: This sprawling, regal resort overlooking the Hudson is a favorite of dignitaries and celebrities, with unmatched amenities and great food. The Scene: The stretch of the Hudson that once carried prisoners "up the river" to Sing Sing is now the route of comfortable cruisers filled with wine connoisseurs and museum-goers. You'll find more than a dozen vineyards, many offering tours, on these fertile shores, along with Old World estates, such as those belonging to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, and West Point military academy. Hot Tip: Foodies will swoon at the top-notch restaurants, where the emphasis is on organic, seasonal offerings, which you can enjoy with local Hudson Valley wines.
The Mill House Inn, The Hamptons
31 N. Main St., East Hampton, Long Island, NY, 631-324-9766, $$$$ millhouseinn.com
The Draw: An 18th-century colonial B&B with gorgeous rooms and a breakfast to die for, near the sun-speckled shores of the Atlantic. The Scene: Wondering why Manhattan seems devoid of locals in the summer? The two-word answer: The Hamptons. The seasonal stomping ground of Manhattan's glitterati has gorgeous swathes of sand, chronically cute towns dotted with art galleries and designer boutiques, and posh restaurants offering sweeping vistas of the ocean. Hot Tip: Don't just pack a swimsuit—the nightlife in these parts rivals that of Manhattan. For the ultimate in chic, make for Cain Southampton Club, the beachfront outpost of one of Manhattan's toniest nightclubs. Phone first, as this spot's on everyone's shortlist.
