6 Quick Trips From NYC That Feel Like a World Away—and the Most Stylish Places to Stay in Each
If you live in New York City, then you know there's quite like a weekend getaway—somewhere that's just a quick drive away that doesn't keep you away from your home too long, but feels like it may as well be on another planet—to give you that refresh and reset you've been craving. And, being the design enthusiasts we are here at House Beautiful, a stylish stay against a dreamy backdrop makes it even more perfect. So we're spotlighting six east coast destinations within a three hour driving distance from the city so you can experience these locales for yourself. Read on for six new and recently renovated stylish weekend getaways from New York City, from beach vacations to mountain retreats and small town visits.
Island Glamping
The Collective Governor's Island, New York City
We weren't joking around when we said some of these were super close to the city but felt otherworldly (technically it's still actually in the city, but it definitely doesn't seem like it is); The Collective's Governor Island property is under ten minutes away from Manhattan by ferry and sits on 6 acres with a total of 14 rooms and more being added this season. Vanessa Vitale explains to us that there are three different accommodation types: the Journey Tent, Summit Tent, and Outlook Shelter, each with plush beds, WiFi, electricity, air conditioning, heat, private bathrooms with rain showers and full flush toilets, and private decks with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline," so this is really glamping at it's best. In even better news, the property is socially-distanced by design, creating a "turn-key, flexible hospitality experience featuring high end culinary and mixology offerings."
Designer Cassie Novick was "inspired by the Island's nautical history and infused organic tones and materiality to the design. The warm minimalism incorporates maritime nods like vintage oars, model boats, and rope materials. Like all our retreats, it was important that each room naturally lent itself to indoor/outdoor living," says designer Cassie Novick. Some tents feature a more classic rustic design you'd associate with camping while the new tiny house shelters take a more Scandinavian approach to design, with feature from Danish design company Hay.
New England Waterfront
Wayfinder Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island
When you think of Newport, Rhode Island, you probably imagine that dramatic rocky coastline studded with gilded age mansions and old world glamor. Thanks the seaside locale's new hotel, Wayfinder Hotel, you can enjoy the historic charm and traditional style of the town while enjoying a decidedly design-forward, edgy accommodation that breathes some 21st-century life and style into that Newport character.
You can expect a mix of edgy leopard print upholstery and burnt orange leather banquettes with a fresh blend of coastal colors with playful touch points as an ode to Newport. The 197 guest rooms were designed by NYC-based Reunion Goods & Services, and they take an anti-nautical yet thoroughly seaside-centric style with cool tones, vintage elements (individually-sourced trunks repurposed as nightstands – all sourced from Rhode Island antique markets, for example,), custom furnishings and contemporary local art. The hotel also features a collection of local art totaling more than 1,000 pieces all sourced or commissioned from Rhode Island artists, speaking to how much Wayfinder Hotel celebrates the work of local talent.
Beach Vacation
The Rockaway Hotel in Rockaway Park, New York
The Rockaway Hotel is exactly what New Yorkers have been waiting for: a beach-y getaway that doesn't force you to sit through the hours of traffic to get to the Hamptons (it will be the first full-service lifestyle hotel in Rockaway Beach when it opens next month!). In fact, you won't even have to leave Brooklyn—it's just a quick ferry, subway, or car ride away. Once there, you'll never run out of stuff to do. "We will offer year-round cultural programming from live entertainment to surfing lessons as well as fitness and wellness classes, festivals, film screenings, and public art initiatives," Michi Jigarjian, partner and chief social impact officer at the hotel tells HB. Situated on 84,000 square-feet with 53 guest rooms and eight extended stay bungalows, every room looks out onto phenomenal views of either the Atlantic Ocean or Jamaica Bay with the Manhattan skyline.
As for the design of the hotel, you can expect a happy hybrid of the laidback beach lifestyle of the area mixed with luxury inspired by the area's glam past. "Morris Adjmi Architect paid tribute to the grand nineteenth century hotels that once graced the Rockaway Beach boardwalk through the hotel's structural components," Jigarjian tells us, and Morris Adjmi Architects served as the architects designing the new building and Curious Yellow Design spearheaded the interior design components. Jigarjian also curated each room with prints and photographs acquired in support of non-profit visual art organizations, where 100% of proceeds from sales were donated to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens to support frontline workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic," Chloe Pollack-Robbins, designer at Curious Yellow Design tells us. Fun fact: Anna Cappelen of Curious Yellow Design says the rooms feature bubblegum-pink resin tables "as a nod to the lyrics from The Ramones song Rockaway Beach: 'Chewing out a rhythm on my bubble gum, The sun is out and I want some, It's not hard, not far to reach, We can hitch a ride, To Rockaway Beach.'"
Mountain Town Rewind
The Filomena in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Ultra-chic and ultra-unique, The Filomena is a private home designed by Arthur Design and is the ideal backdrop for special occasions and larger events for which renting a full home is better than booking a hotel room. Complete with six stylish bedrooms, it can accomodate up to thirteen guests. The recently renovated 19th-century Italianate Rectory is made even dreamier by it's location in the Massachusetts Berkshires.
So, given it's edgy, contemporary design, old bones and historied past, plus the remote location, it's a perfect escape for creatives who appreciate both cosmopolitan taste and unpretentious, whimsical-meets-quirky and retro-inspired style. Plan your big weekend in advance because The Filomena tends to book up quickly (and you can see why just with a quick glance at the photos).
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A Bayside Escape
Inn at Perry Cabins in St. Michael's, Maryland
When you're looking for a classic resort but within a more intimate and private environment against a romantic backdrop, book a stay at Inn at Perry Cabin. Nestled in Maryland's scenic Chesapeake Bay, the property offers 30 suites and 48 guest rooms, all designed by renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud. In each space, French doors lead to private decks, patios, and verandas so you can enjoy the perks of indoor/outdoor living (like waterfront of garden views) without leaving your room. That being said, you'll definitely want to leave so you can enjoy the golf and tennis, yachting and sailing (The ASA accredited Sailing Academy offers everything from the basics through multi-day sailing certification courses with seasoned sailing instructors), the spa, and more.
The property, which began as a farm after the War of 1812, is a resort that combines casual luxury with the delights of an escape to the Eastern Shore. The hotel feels fresh and contemporary, as design updates have been made, but the essence of the original home remains and the stylistic touches nod to the past. It's a 90-minute drive from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and just over three hours from New York City.
Into the Woods
Eastwind Hotel & Bar in Windham, New York
A city getaway guide wouldn't be complete without a Hudson Valley or Catskill Mountain escape. There are tons of hip places to choose from, but when it comes to low key, stylish, and rustic stays, our pick is Eastwind Hotel & Bar. Located in Windham, a Catskill town, you'll have sweeping views of valley and river while enjoying the fairytale backdrop of the woods. There are ski trails, biking paths, and plenty of cool shops and eateries to check out in the area.
The hotel was created in 2018 when a group of NYC friends came across the property and decided to revamp it with Scandinavian style. As such, it's very much run like a family-owned bed and breakfast, but with the accommodations and amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel.
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