
Escape to Round Top: NY's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Round Top: NY's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits! - A Review That's Got It All (And Then Some)
Okay, so let's be real, planning a trip to a "hidden gem" like Round Top, NY, felt like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded. But the promise of Escape to Round Top whispered of serenity, and after spending a few days there, I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe a little bit of the complimentary chamomile). Buckle up, because this review is gonna be a wild ride, just like my attempt to parallel park the rental car after a few too many cocktails at the poolside bar.
(SEO & Metadata Stuff – Don't worry, I got you…sort of)
- Keywords: Escape to Round Top, Round Top NY, Hotels New York, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Weekend Getaway, Romantic Getaway, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wellness, Cleanliness, Safety, Free Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly, Family-Friendly (Okay, maybe not entirely).
- Meta Description: Discover the magic of Escape to Round Top, a review of this hidden gem hotel in NY! Explore accessible features, amazing dining, luxurious spa treatments, and honest opinions. Is it worth the hype? Read on!
(And now, the actual review…which, honestly, is where the fun begins.)
First Impressions & Accessibility: Can a Wheelchair Negotiate Paradise?
Finding the place was a bit of a mission. Google Maps led me on a scenic tour of…well, trees. But finally, bam! - there it was. First impression? Gorgeous. Nestled amongst rolling hills, the hotel just oozes charm. The facade practically yelled "Instagram me!" (And believe me, I did).
Accessibility: I'm going to be brutally honest here, as this is a real deal breaker for folks: Escape to Round Top does have facilities for disabled guests, but the emphasis should be on "facilities." It's not perfect. The elevator was a godsend! But getting around, especially navigating some of the cobblestone pathways, felt a bit… adventurous. It's manageable, but I'd recommend checking the specifics with the hotel before you book, especially if full accessibility is a necessity.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Partially, ask before booking.
- Elevator: Big Yes
- More needed : (I wish I had a more informed opinion about these as I often don't consider how the design impacts those with disabilities.)
The Room (and The Bed That Nearly Ate Me):
My room? Let's just say it was a room. No, but seriously, it was lovely. Picture this: a plush king-sized bed beckoning me… and then nearly swallowing me whole. Seriously, it was that comfy. Blackout curtains? Check. Cozy reading light? Check. Mini-bar filled with… well, things I probably shouldn't have sampled at 2 AM? Double check.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Here's where I get a little sloppy: I got a little wild with the internet access. The free wifi was a godsend for uploading my selfie game but there was LAN access too. I'm not sure who is still using that.
Spa…Oh, The Spa. Let’s Talk About The Heavenly Pain:
Alright, let's get to the juicy stuff. The spa. Oh, the spa. This is where Escape to Round Top truly excels. I opted for the "Ultimate Relaxation Package" because, you know, research for this review.
- Spa: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna.
- Fitness/Wellness: Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The massage… well, let's just say the masseuse worked magic. And by "magic," I mean she managed to untie knots in my back I didn't know existed. It hurt… in a good way. The kind of hurt that leaves you feeling blissfully limp and ready to nap for an eternity. The sauna and steam room? Pure, unadulterated bliss. And the pool with a view? Yeah, I spent a solid afternoon there, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether or not to order another piña colada).
Dining, Drinking, and the Questionable Wisdom of Ordering Everything:
Okay, the food. The food was… mostly excellent.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Here's where it gets a bit scattered : The a la carte menu in the main restaurant was tempting. I'm here to say I'm not a big salad or soup guy but I love a buffet, and the breakfast buffet was pretty impressive, catering to everyone from the Asian breakfast crowd to those like me, who wanted a mountain of pastries. However, I did order a Western breakfast the first morning, it was delicious but that buffet…I should have stuck to the buffet. The poolside bar was a lifesaver (and the location of my aforementioned parallel parking debacle). The happy hour was, well, happy. (I may or may not have sampled all the cocktails). I think I saw an Asian dish at the buffet.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because 2024 is Still a Thing):
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
To be fair, the hotel was very diligent about this. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wearing masks (and actually wearing them properly, unlike some places I've been). Daily disinfection. Individually wrapped food items. It felt safe. I did order room service one night (those mini-bar shenanigans paid off, in a way), and the breakfast in the room option was fantastic.
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Quirks:
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was a lifesaver. They helped me get my bearings (and even offered some very helpful tips on where to find the best apple pie in Round Top. Turns out, I'm not sure I recommend this hotel for business travel. I just barely saw the business facilities and I don't need printing services on my holiday. I don't really remember the convenience store.
For the Kids (and Those Who Act Like Them):
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't offer a full review of this, but I did see some families enjoying the pool, and it seemed like a good place for them as well. The kids meal option looked pretty standard.
Getting Around (And the Perils of GPS):
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Getting there, as I discussed
Stornoway Lodge Pretoria: Your Unforgettable South African Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly manicured, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, glorious truth of a trip to the Round Top Hotel in Round Top, NY. And trust me, it was a journey.
Day 1: Arrival, Antiques, and a Touch of Existential Dread
- 1:00 PM: The Great Escape (From the City, That Is)
- Okay, so getting out of the city was already a disaster. Traffic, of course. Then, my GPS decided to take me on a scenic route through some…well, let’s just call them “pastoral” areas. Which basically meant a lot of cows and a distinct lack of cell service. I started questioning my life choices.
- Anedote: I swear, I saw a scarecrow with a judgmental look in its eye. Like it knew I was running late and also judging my questionable fashion choices.
- 3:00 PM: Round Top Hotel - Check-In (Finally!)
- Pulled into the Round Top Hotel, and honestly, it's charming. Cozy, weathered, with a porch that practically screams "sit and contemplate the meaning of life." I'm already feeling a little calmer. Except for the fact that I realized I'd forgotten my favorite pajamas. World. Ended. (Dramatic, I know.)
- Quirky Observation: The hotel's resident cat, Mr. Whiskers, greeted me at the door with a look that said, "You're late. And what's that you're wearing?"
- 4:00 PM: Antique Shopping - A Descent into Glorious Clutter
- Round Top's antique scene is legendary. I spent hours wandering through barns crammed with…everything. I’m talking antique bedframes, vintage teacups, and enough dusty trinkets to furnish a small museum.
- Messy Structure/Rambling: I got utterly lost in a massive warehouse. The place smelled like old wood and forgotten dreams. I accidentally bought a tiny, porcelain doll with a chipped face, and I'm not even sure why. (She now sits on my bedside table. Judge me.)
- Emotional Reaction: One minute I'm giddy with excitement at a find, the next I'm overwhelmed by the sheer stuff. It's a rollercoaster!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant
- The food? Surprisingly good! Hearty, comfort food cooked with a genuine care. I had the Shepherd's Pie. I felt like I was on a movie set. The decor is like I was stepping into a time machine, with the ghosts of laughter and good times still echoing in the air.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, if you visit, get the Shepherd's Pie. Seriously. It's worth the calories.
- 8:30 PM: The Porch Sit and Deeper Thoughts
- Back on the porch, staring at a sky filled with stars. I really needed this. The city noise just disappears, and all that's left is the sound of crickets and the gentle rustle of leaves. I had a conversation with myself; it was deep.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I felt a sense of peace I haven't realized I was missing. A bit of peace, at least. Until I remembered the forgotten pajamas.
Day 2: Hiking, History, and Unlikely Friendships
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, breakfast, and a moment of gratitude
- Breakfast was simple but delicious. The people there were happy people. I felt very happy. This is the life!
- 10:00 AM: Hike at Hunter Mountain - Close Calls and Breathtaking Views
- Decided to be ambitious and tackle a hike. The views were incredible. I mean, really incredible. But let me tell you, I'm not exactly a seasoned hiker. I slipped on a muddy patch, almost took a tumble down the side of the mountain, and let out a shriek that probably echoed for miles. But the scenery was worth it.
- Anecdote: Met a couple on the trail. They were actual, experienced hikers, and they helped me up when I nearly ate dirt. We ended up chatting for ages, sharing stories and laughing until our sides ached. Made me remember that the world isn't that bad.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Diner - The Best Burger I've Ever Had
- Found a local diner, the kind with red vinyl booths and waitresses who call you "honey." Ordered a burger, and it was transcendent. A perfect, juicy patty on a toasted bun. I was in heaven.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure. Joy.
- 2:30 PM: Exploring The Old Town of Round Top
- Spent some time exploring the historical sites in Round Top. It was interesting!
- 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel. And Some Quiet Time
- Relaxing by the hotel pool. I realized the beauty of Round Top.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel
- Another delicious meal. The people here have this energy that I really dig.
- 8:30 PM: The Porch Again, the sky. And my thoughts.
- I had a conversation with myself on the porch again. This time, it was about my future. (Which is still a mystery).
Day 3: Departure and the Untamed Feeling: A Re-Entry to chaos
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast - Last Bite, and a bittersweet farewell
- Grabbed breakfast, savoring that last, perfect bite. Said goodbye to Mr. Whiskers (he seemed indifferent, as cats do).
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Leaving was hard. I didn't want to go back to the city. It's a feeling I cannot properly describe.
- 10:00 AM: Final walk, last thoughts, and memories
- One last walk, and took in the beauty, the crisp air, the feeling of being totally free.
- 11:00 AM: Goodbye at Round Top, one last look
- Leaving was hard. I really do not want to go.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel staff waved goodbye, and Mr. Whiskers stood by the gate, as if he knew I had to leave… and was secretly happy to see me go.
- 12:00 PM: The Long Road Back…And Existential Dread, Part Deux
- Okay, here comes the hard part: the drive back to the city. Traffic, the endless sea of cars, the noise…I already miss the quiet of Round Top. But I go on anyway.
- Messy Structure/Rambling: I stopped at a gas station and bought a giant bag of chips. I'm now contemplating the meaning of life and the sheer ridiculousness of it all while munching on salty, crunchy goodness. The chipped porcelain doll is riding shotgun.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I was late, I was lost, I almost ate dirt, and I forgot my pajamas. But it was real. It was messy. It was honest. And it was exactly what I needed. Round Top, you beautiful, quirky, slightly chaotic haven. I'll be back. (Assuming I can remember to pack my pajamas next time.)
Escape to Paradise: Matador Motor Inn Awaits in Coffs Harbour!
Escape to Round Top: NY - Let's Get Real, Shall We? (FAQ's That Aren't Exactly FAQs)
1. Okay, spill. Is this Round Top place REALLY as idyllic as the website makes it sound? All rolling hills and perfect sunsets?
2. What's the **vibe**? Is it all yoga retreats and kale smoothies, or is there a bit more...edge?
3. The food scene: Is it as good as people are saying? And what if I'm a picky eater? (Me. I am the picky eater.)
4. Tell me about the rooms. Are they actually *hidden gem* quality or just... overpriced?
5. What's there to *do* besides, you know, *relax*? (Because I get bored easily).
6. Okay, the big one: Would you *actually* recommend it? And will *I* like it?
7. And what about the *bugs*? I hate bugs.
8. Is it *romantic*? (Asking for a friend... or maybe not.)

