I’m not sure about you, but when I think of a motel stay, it feels pretty uninspired. Tired wallpaper, out-of-date amenities, flickering lights—there’s no denying that the golden age of motels has long gone. Or has it? Lately, more and more motels have been reinvented, transformed to their former glory with dazzling, state-of-the-art renovations.
In her book Vintage Motels: America’s Most Iconic Motels, Beautifully Restored, English travel writer Ellie Seymour takes us on a journey to the country’s most lovingly updated motels, a virtual road trip to the heart of Americana. And one of the destinations is an off-the-beaten-path New York motel that is the very definition of a hidden gem.
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Tucked away in the tiny New York village of Kerhonkson, the Starlite Motel is approximately two hours from the city and has been completely renovated to its former 1960s glory—but with a fresh twist. Think: an aqua, pink, and mint green exterior with the classic neon “motel” sign out front, calling to road trip warriors near and far.
The motel is situated on Route 209 in the breathtaking Hudson Valley, worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet just a short drive from some of the region’s best state parks, hiking trails, and breweries. The Starlite Motel offers the perfect home base for all of it.
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When you step into your room—with a private entrance from the parking lot, of course—you’ll want to take a moment to admire the stunning aesthetic. It’s a lovely mix of modern and vintage, a respectful nod to the motor hotel’s heyday but with freshly reimagined details: flowers on the desk, a woven chair for relaxing, an oh-so-comfortable king-sized bed, a vintage mini fridge, and organic bath products.
When the motel reopened in 2019, it had just six rooms. Since then, 10 more have opened, all with a Bahamas-meets-Palm-Springs vibe. One of my favorite parts about this property is the attention to detail. In addition to the beautiful oak floors, colorful tiles, and impressive furniture, there’s an abundance of local art to admire. You’ll even find books by authors from the region, giving you an authentic sense of place.
Another perk of staying here? Guests are treated to an unlimited supply of BjornQorn, a gourmet popcorn that’s nothing short of a regional delicacy.
During your visit, be sure to carve out some time to explore nearby Minnewaska State Park, which is just 10 minutes away. Whether you’re in it for the quirky accommodations or the healthy dose of adventure and natural beauty, you’ll be so glad you visited this one-of-a-kind motel.
So, what do you think? Would you stay at this charmingly vintage motel in New York for a few nights? If so, be sure to share this article with your favorite travel companion and start planning your adventure!
Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.
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