For anyone who adores the great outdoors, there’s no place quite like Hunter Mountain. Throughout the year, the Hudson Valley destination offers a host of activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy, with everything from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and ziplining in the summer on the lineup. And when it comes to planning a stay for your mountainside adventure, it’s easier than ever thanks to Bluebird Hunter Lodge, a boutique escape in the Catskills.
An affordable, lodge-style destination located right in Hunter, Bluebird Hunter Lodge made its grand debut in the Hudson Valley in July 2022. The Greene County property is part of the Lark Hotels family, which also oversees Spa City Motor Lodge in Saratoga Springs.
While Spa City Motor Lodge delights with a retro motel vibe, Bluebird Hunter Lodge embraces a ‘70s ski lodge aesthetic in the Catskills. The mood is at once cozy, modern, and rustic, which means each stay is designed to offer a true respite from daily living and a chance to connect with the beauty of the Hudson Valley.
“An idyllic retreat for a lively weekend getaway or a quiet midweek trip for the whole family, Bluebird Hunter Lodge is at the center of it all, providing the perfect basecamp to explore the Catskill Mountains all year round,” enthuses Rob Blood, the president and founder of Lark Hotels.
To his point, Bluebird Hunter Lodge is an ideal retreat for anyone who wants to explore the Hudson Valley’s mountainside region. With its prime location in Hunter, the lodge is a central hub for activities ranging from skiing and snow tubing to hiking, fishing, and ziplining. Kaaterskill Wild Forest and Indian Head Wilderness are nearby for outdoor explorations, while Phoenicia and Woodstock are in driving distance for anyone in the mood for a day trip.
“A long beloved escape from city life, Hunter offers visitors a myriad of things to do, see, eat, and experience, from skiing to snow tubing in the winter to fishing and mountain biking during the summer season,” Blood notes.
As far as the rooms go, there’s a little something for everyone at Bluebird Hunter Lodge. For friends who want to ski and stay, the Friend Zone room offers two queen bunks to host groups of up to eight. There are also deluxe king and queen rooms, king and queen loft suites, and even chalets available, with balconies, patios, and mountain views offered in select rooms. The rooms match with the décor of the lodge, with elements of wood, stone, and rustic touches spread throughout the space. Plus, did we mention that seven of the rooms are dog-friendly and have their own exterior entrances?
For visitors with pets in tow, the hotel recently added a special overnight package called “Woof and Wander.” With this offering, guests (and their four-legged friends) can look forward to a toy and dog biscuits from Mugzy’s Barkery in East Greenbush upon arrival. Rooms include pet food and water bowls, as well as a mat and blanket for animal companions to rest their heads after a long day. As an added bonus, pets will also receive a special Bluebird by Lark bandana to wear and take home as a special memento of the trip.
Elsewhere on the property, a game room welcomes visitors for fun onsite. When it’s time to dine, guests can head over to the lodge’s Hunter Tavern, an eatery designed for unwinding after a fun-filled day on the slopes or in the forest. At the tavern, diners can grab a cocktail, toast s’mores, or simply relax around the fireplace before retreating to their rooms.
Nearby, even more dining options abound. Jagerberg Beer Hall and Tavern is less than a mile away, and Mama’s Boy Burgers, Prospect, and Fellow Mountain Cafe are all close as well.
For Blood and the Lark Hotels team, the addition of Bluebird Hunter Lodge, which began construction just after ski season in 2022, is a perfect fit for the brand.
“With the addition of Bluebird Hunter to our portfolio, we’re now able to welcome New Yorkers and all travelers to discover the spirit of the Bluebird brand less than three hours from New York City,” he says. “The lodge offers a serene escape for those looking to leave the city and connect with nature, embark on adventure, and discover the beauty of Hunter Mountain.”
Bluebird Hunter Lodge opened in the Hudson Valley in July 2022, joining Spa City Motor Lodge in Saratoga Springs (opened in June 2021) and Bluebird Lake Placid (January 2023) as part of the Bluebird family of lodgings in the greater New York region.
Related: Plan an Upstate Getaway to Spa City Motor Lodge in Saratoga Springs
