While the newly renovated Inn is (or will be when completely COMPLETED) is lovely, it should not be open yet, as the hotel is still not finished. Also, there were hundreds of people enjoying the park on the hotel grounds, and all over the parking lot which was impossible to get into to, when I checked in. No ice machines yet, also dining is very limited yet. I think they should have waited to open when the hotel and restaurants are actually DONE being renovated.

This hotel was recently reopened after many years closed and it has not yet become a real hotel. The service was terrible. The directions on the web had some errors and I called the hotel for help. No one at the desk could help although it turned out we were close. Finally, the found someone but even she was not as helpful as I would expect. The hotel is in a spectacular location and the room is beautifully decorated. The beds were fine but the pillows were too big and hard and uncomfortable. The water has a slightly foul smell (I think it is well water) and showering was unpleasant. We were very disappointed to find out all the restaurants were closed except on the weekend. No one at the desk could recommend anywhere to eat supper or offer directions anywhere or even express the slightest interest in our desire for food. We went into the very depressed town nearby and had an awful meal at a BBQ place. The hotel should be able to either serve a decent meal or tell us where to get one. Even asking for ice was a problem and they had to go somewhere in the basement to get it and that took a while. The pool which is pictured on the web site is a public pool, it charges and it requires a car to get there. It is in a truly spectacular location with incredible views. I think a hiker or nature lover would enjoy this place. We stayed one night as we are driving south and it really is not set up to be a real hotel with the usual service I would expect. Since we paid a premium hotel price, I think we can reasonably expect a proper hotel experience and this was not provided.

Although The Bear Mountain Inn does have a few maintenance issues it is a great hotel. I believe some of the people on here leaving critical reviews seem to forget that the buildings are over 100 years old and they are state owned IN A STATE PARK. There will be bugs outside. There will be minor issues here and there. It comes with the history. By yelling at the employees for things they cannot help only makes the guests look ignorant. I think sometimes people tend to think they are entitled. I watched the poor front desk girl getting screamed at by a gentleman last week when we stayed there because he 'did not expect it to be so cozy and he wanted a luxurious room. I'm not sure where he thought he booked a room?!

About the hotel...
1) The staff is amazing. Super friendly. Super helpful. And very knowledgeable about the area. Kelly is amazing and the last few times we have stayed there she has not only remembered us by name but also remembered what beer we drink. We even bought her flowers last year as a thank you for making our trip a great experience.
2) The location is fantastic. You have a merry go round, hiking trails, boat rentals on the lake, fishing on the lake, an outdoor swimming pool, zoo, and museum! Plenty to do while you spend your day at their hotel.
3) The rooms are great, spacious, clean, comfortable.... everything you could ask for.
4) The views are to die for. I read a comment saying that the breathtaking views are anything but... BUT that is not the case. From the view rooms during summer you cannot see the view that the lobby has to offer (although you do have a gorgeous view) but you have to relize again that its a state park with trees that do grow leaves in the summer. You can even see all the way to the Hudson River.


I love the hotel. And just couldn't keep watching this nasty reviews coming in any longer. I think some people need to reflect on themselves, their attitudes, and their standards. It is not a 5-star hotel so dont expect that! And the staff would be more willing to bend over backwards for you if you are kind to them and stop cursing them out for idiotic reasons.


WE WILL BE BACK TO STAY SOON! (: