Splendor in the Mountains...a bit lengthy
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 4/27/08
My fiancee and I were in search of a reception location for our Autumn 2008 wedding. Scribner Hollow was first on our list of possibilities. We booked an overnight stay in February, and were totally thrilled! We were warmly welcomed by the Lodge owner and shown to our room. Our room was spacious, and tastefully appointed in Adirondack style. It was clean, updated and the kingsize bed was totally comfortable, including large perfect pillows. The fireplace in our room was cozy, and staff even brought extra kindling and started the fire for us. Dinner was included in our reservation, as was breakfast the following morning. Both of us having traveled near and far, and my fiance having been property manager of a very famous Catskill resort for almost 20 years, we are not easily "sold" or impressed, but Scribner Hollow exceeded our expectations, especially after having read the negative reviews. Our dining experience was incredible. He chose the NY strip steak, and I had the salmon, though it was hard to make up our minds from all the fantastic choices. From presentation, to portion and taste, we had no complaints. Following our dinner, the chef/owner introduced himself and made sure we were satisfied. It is no great surprise that their restaurant has received rave reviews in local and state travel guides. The food fresh, mostly locally grown, organic, and professionaly prepared. Our selection of NY state wine perfectly accompanied our meal. We then relaxed in the Grotto, which is where the hot tub, pool and sauna is located. The hot tub was soothing, the pool refreshing, all spotless. We opted to indulge in our dessert back in our room later and the decadent chocolate dessert totally completed the evening. Breakfast was equally satisfying the following morning, with French Toast as thick as you could want, complimented with locally made maple syrup. Fresh muffins, fruit and other breakfast treats also available. Following our checkout, we were scheduled to visit another local catering site/restaurant. We didn't even bother. Scribner Hollow has all were were looking for. Perfect location (facing Hunter Mountain), outstanding food and wine, and service that we found no fault in. The owners could not have been more accomodating, and are in fact like people we've known for years. Our reception planning has been a breeze, and exciting. We look forward to posting another review after 10/08. Final word, if you are expecting the Ritz Carlton, high class theater, high price boutiques, then stay in the city. If you can't stand to be without Wifi and the thought of occasional weak cell reception scares you to death, then the Mountains are not for you. This is the COUNTRY after all. If you are a skier, or looking for a relaxing respite where you can enjoy all that NY state has to offer in the way of enjoying the great outdoors or poking around quaint shops and historic locations, all the while enjoying local ambience and fine dining, then select Scribner. Be prepared to enjoy the company you are with, let your palate be indulged, and you shouldn't be disappointed.