Luxury Weekend Getaways from New York City: A Review of Five Star Glenmere Mansion

I was absolutely blown away by this hotel. We received a discount but did pay for our hotel accommodations. If you’re looking for the perfect hotel to escape the city and relax, look no further.

Arrival

It’s just over an hour’s drive from the city.

Welcome Amenity? Bellinis when you check in.

The Grounds

Glenmere was one of America’s finest country homes, once host to royalty, aristocracy, and leading artists.Glenmere was originally fashioned as a 35-room Tuscan villa with a central open cortile and
majestic interior details, including marble-columned porticoes and sweeping interior and exterior staircases. Now it is reborn as a premier luxury hotel and spa. With just 18 guest accommodations, 2 superb restaurants, and exceptional recreational facilities including a full-service spa with bath house/hammam, a discerning few will rediscover in Glenmere a model of refined relaxation. From its lush meadows and formal gardens to its sweeping marble staircases, grand cortile, and gracious terraces, Glenmere evokes European-style elegance and sophistication.

A painstaking restoration now returns Glenmere to its original magnificence, with flowing rooms and broad terraces all centered on the refurbished cortile. Original architectural details have been preserved throughout, and the landscape once more offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tranquil Glenmere Lake. The formal gardens are stunning.

The best part though is all of the rooms there are here to relax. Fireplaces galore, puzzles, board games and even a self-playing piano.

The Lobby

There is a small but sweet check-in desk. There are also a few chairs. It’s small but lovely.

The Rooms

Glenmere has 18 guest accommodations ranging in different sizes. No two are alike; all are equally incredible.

Esteemed interior designer Scott Snyder marries historical elegance with contemporary comfort and whimsy. Each room has one-of-a-kind furnishings, sumptuous beds, and fine antiques combined with spectacular art and unique objects. Many rooms have working fireplaces (limited seasonally), and many offer terraces with open views of Glenmere’s grounds and gardens, as well as the lake and hills beyond. All guest accommodations feature custom-designed Italian linens, sumptuous marble baths with heated floors, state-of-the-art AV systems without Bluetooth, featuring large flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docking stations, and high-speed Internet access.

Charging Situation? There were plenty and USB plugs as well.

Turn-Down Service: Yes and you got a special treat and weather report!

Bottled Water?  Complimentary.

Coffee maker?  Espresso machine on the floor.

White Glove Inspection: Couldn’t find a thing to complain about. And you know we flip the mattress and tear the sheets off.

Oh and the details!

The Bathroom

The bathroom is the most contemporary part of the room. All marble. Gorgeous mirror and spectacularly beautifully decorated sink. There was a rain shower and a steam shower! My favorite combo. There was even a bench in there to boot. 

Makeup Mirror? Yep.

Hairdryer? Yes, high quality.

Designer Toiletries? Yes, Yes, Yes.

Towel quality? Excellent.

Robes? Excellent quality as well.

Amenities? Heated floor was such a luxury during our winter visit. You can even control the temperature.

And so many beautiful details!

The Food & Drink

Glenmere has two different restaurants. The intimate dining room and Frog’s End. The dining room is wonderful. The  menu is fine dining done right.

This is also where breakfast (which is included in the room charge) is served. Breakfast is delicious. They even have a daily pancake!

For casual luxury, Frog’s End is a cozy tavern and a perfect spot to hide away with a book or chat over a game of chess. The Fried chicken and waffle sandwich was one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. The cauliflower appetizer was amazing as well.

 

Classy Hotel Bar? You can sit at Frog’s End bar or in any of the many sitting rooms where you can have cocktails brought to you. The setting could not be more lovely and the cocktails are great. Very good beer selection as well.

The Spa

The spa is supposed to be incredible, unfortunately we did not have a chance this visit to see. There’s always next time!

The Little Things

Did I feel truly welcome by the staff? Yes

Wi-Fi? Yes, complimentary.

Cocktail Quality? Excellent

Any other quirky things? There are board games and puzzles and oversized books lurking around every corner and on every surface. Lots of lovely chess boards too.

Good For Families: No, this is definitely where to come for a romantic getaway.

Room for Improvement

Zero to complain about at all. Such a gorgeous hotel.

The Wow Factor(s):

My most memorable experience was…too many to count! Sitting by the fireplace and listening to the self-playing piano while sipping cocktails was probably my favorite if I had to pick. Also that meal at Frog’s End will not soon be forgotten. 

The Bottom Line: Would I recommend it? Am I coming Back?

Would come back tomorrow and every weekend if I could. It is simply breathtaking. Look forward to coming back here maybe in the summer months as well so we can enjoy the gardens. Oh yea and most beautiful sunsets ever! This pic does NOT do it justice.

Glenmere Mansion Information

Address: 634 Pine Hill Rd, Chester, NY 10918

Phone: (845) 469-1900

Cost: Rooms can be around $700. 

Glenmere Mansion Website

*Disclaimer* As is common in the travel industry, writers are provided with discounts for review purposes but we did pay for some of our stay. You can’t buy the love here, people! Just ask my husband after we’ve had an argument!