The Starlite Motel
Retro-cool mid-century motor lodge, refreshed with a designer's eye. Think 1960s Americana on the outside, boutique hotel sensibility on the inside. No TVs, no on-site staff — just good linens, pour-over coffee, and s'mores by the fire.
Book a King room, not a Queen — the size difference is dramatic (250-300 sq ft vs 150 sq ft) and King rooms come with a private balcony or deck.
Why It Matters
One of the most photographed motels in the Catskills — featured on the Magnolia Network — and a Tablet Hotels pick. The owners' art and design backgrounds show in every detail, from the custom bath products formulated by an essential oils specialist to the locally made wall art in each room. The 'All Are Welcome' flag at the entrance, designed by Native American artist Jeffrey Gibson, sets the tone.
A lovingly restored 1960s motor lodge sitting at the foot of the Catskills in Kerhonkson, NY. The exterior is all pink, aqua, and mint green — a rooftop neon MOTEL sign seals the deal — while the interiors take a cleaner, more polished direction courtesy of owners Alix Umen and Adriana Farmiga, both veterans of New York's art and design worlds. Eight rooms (plus an expanded inventory for events), a saltwater pool, fire pit, barrel sauna, and a small canteen run by two people who clearly care about getting it right.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
ADA Room
Accessible room listed as the 'double queen' in the booking system. Contact the property to confirm specific accessibility features before booking.
Queen
Adjoining Rooms
Connected room configuration available for families or groups who want shared access without booking separate units. Call the property directly for availability and pricing — not bookable online.
King Room
The rooms worth booking. At 250-300 sq ft, they feel genuinely spacious for a motel and each one comes with either a balcony or a private deck — great for morning coffee or evening wine. Hardwood floors, a retro pink-tiled bath, pour-over coffee station, mini fridge, and custom Starlite bath products round things out. Locally made art on the walls. No TV.
King
Queen Room
Small — genuinely small. At 150 sq ft, these are classic motel-scale rooms and the bed typically sits against the wall. But they're clean, well-appointed, and share the same retro tiled baths, hardwood floors, and custom Starlite amenities as the Kings. Good for solo travelers or couples who plan to spend most of their time outdoors. Some have balcony access.
Queen
Renovated 1960s Camper
A fully renovated vintage camper parked on the property — a fun alternative to a standard motel room. Has its own outdoor picnic area, solo stove, and nearby hammocks. Inside: a mini kitchen area and a full-size bed. No bath mentioned separately, so confirm bathroom access at booking. Call the property directly — not listed for online booking.
FullThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Outdoor grilling area available for guests. Pair with a trip to nearby Applestone Meat Co. for provisions.
Staff can help arrange and provide day passes to nearby Minnewaska State Park, one of the premier hiking and outdoor destinations in the region.
Communal fire pit on the property grounds. Complimentary s'mores with Starlite chocolate available for guests. Great for meeting fellow travelers after a day of hiking.
The property can be bought out for group gatherings, corporate offsites, and weddings. Capacity up to 80 for cocktails/dinner, with 17 rooms sleeping up to 36 guests. Amenities include full bar, on-site plant-based catering option, pool area for dancing under the stars, tree-lined lawn for group dinners, and outdoor movie screen. Wellness activities (sound baths, etc.) can be arranged for group events.
Hammocks strung up around the property grounds for lazy afternoon downtime.
Giant outdoor movie screen on the property, used for guest screenings and events. Popular during pandemic-era stays and still a fun feature.
An in-ground saltwater pool that goes from 3 to 7 feet deep — consistently the most-praised feature in guest reviews. Open seasonally during warm weather. Retro-style lounge chairs. Clean and well-maintained.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Locally sourced baked goods delivered to the property on weekend mornings. Guests receive a text when they're ready, typically around 8:30am.
Custom-formulated organic bath products with scents created specifically for the motel by an essential oils specialist. Available for purchase in the shop.
Each room comes with complimentary popcorn, coffee, tea, and water in the in-room mini bar area.
Deliberate choice by the owners — there are no televisions in any guest room.
Dogs under 40 lbs allowed in designated pet-friendly rooms. Must call ahead to confirm availability. $75 pet fee applies.
Fully contactless check-in via text. No front desk staff on-site. All guest communication handled by text with the owners.
BUILD YOUR THE STARLITE MOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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