Though once prevalent, the vast majority of grand old mountain houses have succumbed to fire, neglect, or the ravages of time. But a few have been lucky, so lovingly cared for that they now have the character and richness of well-preserved antiques and count among our National Historic Landmarks. Take, for example, the 259-room Mohonk Mountain House on 1,200 acres in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains.
This rambling hodgepodge of wooden verandas, crenelated stone towers, gabled roofs, balconied facades, rounded turrets, flagpole-topped spires, and Cubist chimneys seems to owe its fanciful architecture to whimsy rather than any grand plan. The resort was founded in 1869, when Quaker twins Alfred and Albert Smiley purchased a 10-room tavern on Lake Mohonk. Later additions followed from 1870 up until 1910 resulting in the grand Victorian we know today. Almost a century would pass before the addition of a new wing housing a 30,000-square-foot eco-friendly spa.
Still operated by descendants of the original Smiley twins, the resort cleaves to some of its old traditions—like Full American Plan packages that include three meals—but has relaxed the Quaker ban on drinking by serving beer, wine, and liquor with meals and in guest rooms, in the Carriage Lounge, and the seasonal “Spirits on Sunset Porch.”Dining options include fresh, locally sourced cuisine from farm-to-table partners including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus options. The resort offers children’s programming throughout the year and devotes almost every weekend to a different themed event, such as hiking, ballroom dancing, yoga, culinary, or music.
All of that enhances what remains one of the great natural preserves left over from the last century. Among its 85 miles of hiking trails is one that leads to Sky Top Tower, an observation tower set on the ridge overlooking the Mountain House and valleys below. Climb to the top and you step out onto a deck with a 360-degree panorama that on particularly clear days reaches into six states. Nothing, it seems, could be farther from Manhattan, though the drive takes only an hour and a half. Part of the reason for coming is this sense of complete escape that Mohonk Mountain House abets better than any of the other resorts in the region. But there is another, less well known aspect to Mohonk that makes it unusually appealing to tennis enthusiasts: half a dozen soft courts, two of them red clay, the latter dating to 1910.
Those red clay courts date to 1910 and the last additions to the hotel. Stroll down for the morning drill clinic, as I did, and you’re likely to find three generations of guests using the courts. Part of that crowd no doubt discovered the courts by chance, after wandering along the neighboring hiking trail. Surrounded by a broad expanse of lawn, the courts spread across a plateau above the beach on Lake Mohonk. A small pro shop adjacent also rents mountain bikes and provides discs for disc golf. Mohonk’s tennis pro Richard Allard, who has 30 years of teaching experience, heads up the program. Originally from Grenada, he played for Fairleigh Dickinson University, then went on to teach at various hotels in the Caribbean—he has a USPTR certifications—before eventually starting his own tennis business in Atlanta, Georgia. That allows him to spend summers at Mohonk. He has carpentered together a mixed bag of beginner, intermediate, kids’ and teen clinics, doubles mixers, and special events, and a “tennis academy”—the last, as Allard describes it, “a more intensive four-hour, one day program for intermediate and advanced players that includes lunch.”
Courts Fees: Court use is complimentary to registered guests.
Off Court
Beach: A sandy beach borders the lakes, a flight of steps down from one of the rocky cliffs. It borders a roped-off swimming area.
Golf Courses: The resort has an historic. Scottish Links-inspired nine-hole course dating to 1897 and laid-out through rolling hills and lush greenery.
Watersports: The lake has a small dock where you can pickup rowboats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks to use in exploring the lake as well as fishing equipment and bait to pursue the trout stocked in the lake.
Horseback Riding: The stables at Mohonk offer pony and guided horseback rides and well as carriage rides.
Other recreation abounds, including archery, tomahawk throwing, disc golf, mountain biking, guided hikes and nature tours, and that vast network of hiking trails. There’s also a lengthy daily roster of activities, ranging from historic tours of the hotel to evening movies and live musical entertainment.
Spa & Fitness Center: The award-winning 30,000-square-foot spa has 16 treatment rooms, a solarium with a stone fireplace, relaxation verandas, an outdoor heated mineral pool, an indoor heated pool, a comprehensive fitness center with a broad array of classes, and a yoga/motion studio. The eco-friendly Spa is heated and cooled by a geo-thermal system and features a “green roof.” One special offering is its mindfulness sessions, either privately or on weekend programs, that were developed by Nina Smiley, Ph.D., Director of Mindfulness Programming at the resort, as a means of reducing stress and enhancing well being.
Children's programs: Mohonk’s Kids’ Club is a Tykes’ and Children’s Program for youngsters age 2-12 is available daily mid-June through Labor Day. A modified program is available most weekends and holidays year-round. There is also a Teen Program for those ages 13-17 with a variety of activities and evening entertainment to give teens an opportunity to hang out with others their age. Finally, there is a Junior Naturalist Program to introduce kids to the world around them as they hike.
Dining: Meals are included in the package. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the historic Main Dining Room which has panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, cathedral ceilings, and walls covered pine wainscoting. Though buffet style, the quality of the dining is enhanced by having individual chef’s stations where food is prepared to your order. That can be supplemented by a three-course sit-down dinner that highlights the bounty of the Hudson Valley served in one of the lower dining rooms, an option limited to those ages 13+ and one that requires appropriate resort evening attire.
Accommodations
Rooms range from traditional to luxurious tower rooms. The furnishings tend to be practical pieces in Victorian, Traditional or Edwardian style. All have modern baths though some still have early era tubs.
Getting there
Seasons: Although the resort is open year round, the height of the tennis season runs from mid May into September.
Travel Instructions: By Air: The nearest airport is in Newburgh, 35 miles away. By Land: Mohonk is a 90-minute drive from New York City in the Hudson Valley. Go north on the New York State Thruway (87 North) to Exit 18, New Paltz. It can also be reached by bus (Adirondack Trailways serves New Paltz) or train (Amtrak and Metro North to Poughkeepsie).
Complete your details and we’ll get someone from their team to contact you directly with further details.
31 Reviews on “Mohonk Mountain House”
Excellent
4.8
31 reviews
DB
Idyllic setting in the Shawangunk Mountains. 2 Red clay and 4 Har Tru counts in perfect condition. We have gone there every summer for over 35 years.Our kids learned to love tennis at Mohonk and both went on to play college tennis. Now our grandchildren consider themselves to be Mohonk tennis players. There is nothing better than playing tennis and then walking a short distance to jump into a beautiful mountain lake. A lake which also features a diving board, log rolling as well as paddle boarding, canoeing etc. If that is not enough there are miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. In the evening there is formal dining, informal dining and frequent cookouts followed by comp’d entertainment and movies. Lunch is either an outdoor barbecue or dining room. I actually cannot think of any reason why a person, a couple or a family would want to go any place else on vacation. I can also verify that at the end of the day there is no difficulty falling asleep.
MG
Mohonk Mountsin House has two red clay and four Har-Tru courts all outdoors. The setting is stunning. The lake is located just uphill from the courts as well as a seasonal outdoor cookout lunch for guests that have already paid for the American Meal Plan. It doesn’t get much better than tennis followed by a dip in the lake and lunch outside. Only an hour and a half, roughly, from New York City. Courts are well maintained. Pro staff friendly and courteous. Staff also offers drills and clinics or match making assistance. My teenage sons never want to miss out on a trip to Mohonk. Court availability is good as well. Overall a lovely tennis and resort experience for the whole family.
NJ
I attended one of the tennis camp weekends this summer with two friends. I’ve been to Mohonk many times but never for Tennis. The place is gorgeous with excellent service. The tennis camp consisted of three days. First day we played doubles for a few hours with guests and some local players. days two and three consisted of instruction, drills and ball machine. Perk is the head pro and is fantastic. We were lucky to have a small group so we received excellent instruction. Would definitely return.
JG
Enjoyed tennis very much with a very guest friendly staff and beautiful softcourts, including two red clay the pro mentioned were 101 years old. Felt very welcome by the entire staff with no pretense of falseness. The resorts other activities both in/outdoors are so varied. Would like to see some future indoor facility for tennis.
CC
Six beautiful, well-maintained soft surface courts (2 clay, 4 Hartrue). The two pros run clinics and mixers every day and are very accessible to answer questions and provide tips as well as arranging matches with other guests, if needed. Tennis is popular at Mohonk, but there is no problem getting a court when you want to play. And there is no charge for court time. The pros were very good — and patient — with our grandchildren. All of this in a lovely, quiet setting. Highly recommend.
BF
they have both Har-Tru and red clay courts tennis pros are super-friendly and knowledgeable, great teachers Tennis Summer Camps are awesome the resort is drop-dead gorgeous, truly. Fantastic lake, beautiful cliffs, amazing hiking, great staff
LS
Absolutely beautiful setting. Couldn’t be better.
EE
Mohonk is an ideal place for Tennis. I have played there. It is a special place for lots of other things as well. Love it!
JL
great place, outstanding views!
JM
Courts are maintained in excellent condition. For tennis players with bad knees the surface is the best. No hard court surfaces. The surrounding area is fantastic and the lake is right there to take a dip in after a match. The pro’s are very accomadating and great to hit with.
GK
Fabulous setting and a very engaged, caring staff.
KW
I really don’t have any downsides to Mohonk’s tennis facilities, instruction and game opportunity. Each are of the highest quality.
PF
A fantastic place to relax, play sports, wander around the beautiful grounds, swim in the lake or just enjoy the spa.
MG
Great family run resort with 6 we’ll maintained clay courts. Fun and knowledgable pros and a relaxed and welcoming environment. Also lots to do off the tennis court.
CZ
The resort at Mohonk is classic. The vistas are beautiful, the service is 5 star, and activities are plentiful. I’m happy to be a regular guest. The tennis is the best. Perq and Thad, the pros as managers of the courts, will bend over backwards. They bend over back wards to make your experience a good one. It would take a tsunami to close those courts; Perq and Thad will get your game in. Their work kids is of special mention. I’ve never seen a kid whine or quit. They’ll fill in in doubles but best is is how they sneak into a game, singles or doubles, that is novice and offers some pointers. I could go on. Like I said this is a 5 star resort and the tennis club enriches the whole experience.
RG
Fabulous groomed courts and terrific pros. Wonderful round robins.
LS
Playing tennis at Mohonk Mountain House is like playing in heaven. The courts are superb and the setting is world class. The instructors care about their students and this translates into a fun and satisfying tennis experience.
JA
Perk and Thad are amazing Pros. They each have different styles – each fabulous, very ying-yang.
PT
Spectacular location with outdoor pursuits for ALL ages, tennis of course, with tennis PROS VERY Skilled, and friendly, tireless in responding to guest requests. Magnificent lake for swimming and boating in summer; hiking, riding, golf, etc.; skiing skating in winter. Naturalist leads walks in all seasons. also great indoor dining(outdoor lunch in summer), spa and amenities. Ladies’ changing room beside indoor pool could have been better designed, but always clean.
RH
Great property in a unique setting. Well maintained courts and various tennis programs offered from round robins, clinics and lessons, occasional guest speakers and speciality weekends/weeks. Very friendly and helpful staff, Weaknesses would be there are only 6 courts and it is “resort” style tennis and not as suitable for the elite or highly competitive player.
AH
It is simply the BEST!!!!!
BW
Beautiful Victorian resort setting with 6 clay cours (2 red/4 Har Tru). A personal favorite of mine that I keep coming back to year after year with my family. Very knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive pro staff. Tennis mixers, classes, and youth programs ensure fun tennis for all ages. Sometimes hard for newcomers to get partners as people tend to be busy with their families and all the other activities at the resort (hiking, nature walks, boating, swimming, or spa) but the staff can help to connect players. The food is superb and is offered as formal dining, casual buffet-style, or outdoor picnic-style.
NF
Mohonk is amazing!!
JW
Five-star resort combines great tennis, golf, hiking, nature and lake activities (fabulous swimming) with glorious spa and excellent cuisine matched with historic environment. Staff remembers you upon return. Wodnerful evening activities including first-rate musicians and others performing. Resort continually being renovated. Weakness – this is one resort where I can’t really think of any.
DF
fabulous courts in spectacular surroundings!
AM
Amazing! Breathtaking! Tennis is awesome!
AL
I enjoyed the tennis there for many years. And I’m going back this year as long as I remain healthy enough.
GZ
Tennis professionals are very knowledgable and welcoming I would recommend mohonk to any level tennis player.
BB
Simply the best I’ve ever seen.
NH
I found Perk Larsen the most patient tennis pro and hope to return this summer for some more tennis lessons.
BH
The tennis program at Mohonk is superb–lots of clinics and mixers, and great instruction from pros who have been there for years and know how to make the clinics a lot of fun. The private lessons are great too. Plus, the resort has tons of other great things to do.
31 Reviews on “Mohonk Mountain House”
Idyllic setting in the Shawangunk Mountains. 2 Red clay and 4 Har Tru counts in perfect condition. We have gone there every summer for over 35 years.Our kids learned to love tennis at Mohonk and both went on to play college tennis. Now our grandchildren consider themselves to be Mohonk tennis players. There is nothing better than playing tennis and then walking a short distance to jump into a beautiful mountain lake. A lake which also features a diving board, log rolling as well as paddle boarding, canoeing etc. If that is not enough there are miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. In the evening there is formal dining, informal dining and frequent cookouts followed by comp’d entertainment and movies. Lunch is either an outdoor barbecue or dining room. I actually cannot think of any reason why a person, a couple or a family would want to go any place else on vacation. I can also verify that at the end of the day there is no difficulty falling asleep.
Mohonk Mountsin House has two red clay and four Har-Tru courts all outdoors. The setting is stunning. The lake is located just uphill from the courts as well as a seasonal outdoor cookout lunch for guests that have already paid for the American Meal Plan. It doesn’t get much better than tennis followed by a dip in the lake and lunch outside. Only an hour and a half, roughly, from New York City. Courts are well maintained. Pro staff friendly and courteous. Staff also offers drills and clinics or match making assistance. My teenage sons never want to miss out on a trip to Mohonk. Court availability is good as well. Overall a lovely tennis and resort experience for the whole family.
I attended one of the tennis camp weekends this summer with two friends. I’ve been to Mohonk many times but never for Tennis. The place is gorgeous with excellent service. The tennis camp consisted of three days. First day we played doubles for a few hours with guests and some local players. days two and three consisted of instruction, drills and ball machine. Perk is the head pro and is fantastic. We were lucky to have a small group so we received excellent instruction. Would definitely return.
Enjoyed tennis very much with a very guest friendly staff and beautiful softcourts, including two red clay the pro mentioned were 101 years old. Felt very welcome by the entire staff with no pretense of falseness. The resorts other activities both in/outdoors are so varied. Would like to see some future indoor facility for tennis.
Six beautiful, well-maintained soft surface courts (2 clay, 4 Hartrue). The two pros run clinics and mixers every day and are very accessible to answer questions and provide tips as well as arranging matches with other guests, if needed. Tennis is popular at Mohonk, but there is no problem getting a court when you want to play. And there is no charge for court time. The pros were very good — and patient — with our grandchildren. All of this in a lovely, quiet setting. Highly recommend.
they have both Har-Tru and red clay courts tennis pros are super-friendly and knowledgeable, great teachers Tennis Summer Camps are awesome the resort is drop-dead gorgeous, truly. Fantastic lake, beautiful cliffs, amazing hiking, great staff
Absolutely beautiful setting. Couldn’t be better.
Mohonk is an ideal place for Tennis. I have played there. It is a special place for lots of other things as well. Love it!
great place, outstanding views!
Courts are maintained in excellent condition. For tennis players with bad knees the surface is the best. No hard court surfaces. The surrounding area is fantastic and the lake is right there to take a dip in after a match. The pro’s are very accomadating and great to hit with.
Fabulous setting and a very engaged, caring staff.
I really don’t have any downsides to Mohonk’s tennis facilities, instruction and game opportunity. Each are of the highest quality.
A fantastic place to relax, play sports, wander around the beautiful grounds, swim in the lake or just enjoy the spa.
Great family run resort with 6 we’ll maintained clay courts. Fun and knowledgable pros and a relaxed and welcoming environment. Also lots to do off the tennis court.
The resort at Mohonk is classic. The vistas are beautiful, the service is 5 star, and activities are plentiful. I’m happy to be a regular guest. The tennis is the best. Perq and Thad, the pros as managers of the courts, will bend over backwards. They bend over back wards to make your experience a good one. It would take a tsunami to close those courts; Perq and Thad will get your game in. Their work kids is of special mention. I’ve never seen a kid whine or quit. They’ll fill in in doubles but best is is how they sneak into a game, singles or doubles, that is novice and offers some pointers. I could go on. Like I said this is a 5 star resort and the tennis club enriches the whole experience.
Fabulous groomed courts and terrific pros. Wonderful round robins.
Playing tennis at Mohonk Mountain House is like playing in heaven. The courts are superb and the setting is world class. The instructors care about their students and this translates into a fun and satisfying tennis experience.
Perk and Thad are amazing Pros. They each have different styles – each fabulous, very ying-yang.
Spectacular location with outdoor pursuits for ALL ages, tennis of course, with tennis PROS VERY Skilled, and friendly, tireless in responding to guest requests. Magnificent lake for swimming and boating in summer; hiking, riding, golf, etc.; skiing skating in winter. Naturalist leads walks in all seasons. also great indoor dining(outdoor lunch in summer), spa and amenities. Ladies’ changing room beside indoor pool could have been better designed, but always clean.
Great property in a unique setting. Well maintained courts and various tennis programs offered from round robins, clinics and lessons, occasional guest speakers and speciality weekends/weeks. Very friendly and helpful staff, Weaknesses would be there are only 6 courts and it is “resort” style tennis and not as suitable for the elite or highly competitive player.
It is simply the BEST!!!!!
Beautiful Victorian resort setting with 6 clay cours (2 red/4 Har Tru). A personal favorite of mine that I keep coming back to year after year with my family. Very knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive pro staff. Tennis mixers, classes, and youth programs ensure fun tennis for all ages. Sometimes hard for newcomers to get partners as people tend to be busy with their families and all the other activities at the resort (hiking, nature walks, boating, swimming, or spa) but the staff can help to connect players. The food is superb and is offered as formal dining, casual buffet-style, or outdoor picnic-style.
Mohonk is amazing!!
Five-star resort combines great tennis, golf, hiking, nature and lake activities (fabulous swimming) with glorious spa and excellent cuisine matched with historic environment. Staff remembers you upon return. Wodnerful evening activities including first-rate musicians and others performing. Resort continually being renovated. Weakness – this is one resort where I can’t really think of any.
fabulous courts in spectacular surroundings!
Amazing! Breathtaking! Tennis is awesome!
I enjoyed the tennis there for many years. And I’m going back this year as long as I remain healthy enough.
Tennis professionals are very knowledgable and welcoming I would recommend mohonk to any level tennis player.
Simply the best I’ve ever seen.
I found Perk Larsen the most patient tennis pro and hope to return this summer for some more tennis lessons.
The tennis program at Mohonk is superb–lots of clinics and mixers, and great instruction from pros who have been there for years and know how to make the clinics a lot of fun. The private lessons are great too. Plus, the resort has tons of other great things to do.