Hotel Lilien

Hotel Lilien is one of many community-driven businesses breathing new life into this town that was once a popular escape for writers and artists in the late 19th century. Located a snowball’s throw from Hunter Mountain, the 18-room boutique hotel has been carefully restored to an 1890s vibe with the help of co-owner Jason Marcus. Stained glass windows and Victorian antiques mix with sleek light fixtures, Calder exhibition posters, and Marcel Breuer lounge chairs like an inviting stage set for sharing stories and creating new ones. A common evening here includes locals from across the Great Northern Catskills descending for cocktails, fried chicken sandwiches, and billiards in the homey Great Room. This summer, expect fireside stargazing, concerts on the lawn, a pool with Belle Époque glamour, and guided nature walks along the Mulberry Trail to Rip Van Winkle Lake. In June, sister property Nat’s Mountain House, helmed by Natalie Freihon (of Nat’s on Bank), will open next door.
Nearby Activities: Down the road is Fred’s Donuts from Maine transplant, Ryan Chadwick, who also owns The Boathouse, a lakeside lobster shack and boat rental site, and a secluded glamping campground that will introduce a pop-up dinner series in its newly renovated barn—located a 15-minute walk from Mountaintop Arboretum. Fuel up at Bear and Fox with breakfast tacos or Mama’s Boy Burgers before a hike at Kaaterskill Falls. Many of these places are easily accessible via the Kaaterskill Trolley Company.
How to get there without a car: Ride Adirondack Trailways to Main Street Tannersville, then take the Kaaterskill Trolley Company three minutes down the road to the hotel. Check the KTC website for updates on the forthcoming pick-up service at Amtrak’s Hudson station.
Total travel time: 3 hours and 30 mins