2 Best Hotels in Phoenicia, The Catskills

Recalling the summer camp atmosphere of the '50s and '60s and the heyday of the Catskills, the Graham and Co. has weekend bonfires, hammocks hanging under the trees, a volleyball net (often transformed into an outdoor movie screen), and simple but cool guest rooms decorated with vintage maps and fans, rough hewn wood, and industrial light fixtures. Float in an inner tube in the oval pool or grab one of the free bikes and head to the bustling main drag of the charming town of Phoenicia. There are no TVs in the rooms, just Tivoli radios and free Hi-Fi. Other listed amenities include "togetherness" and "camraderie." Explain that to the kids!

As you pull into the gravel driveway and climb the steps of this plain but pretty 1850s Victorian, you will feel like you're visiting a favorite relative. Named for nearby hamlets like Chichester and Woodstock, the reasonably priced rooms are simply decorated and include some well-chosen antiques. Some, like the Wittenberg, are unusually large and can accommodate the whole family. The dining room is a showplace, with a long, elegant bar that was made in the 1920s. A lavish breakfast is included.