Upon gazing at the 1960s décor and intricate design of the original Scribner Hollow Motor Lodge, operating partners Marc Chodock and Glennon Travis knew that it had infinite potential. The owners of what is now Scribner’s Catskill Lodge met in 2014, and soon thereafter developed a vision for creating an ideal mountain getaway. With Glennon’s years of hotel management experience in New York City, and Marc’s background in finance and hospitality investments, they began searching for an existing hotel with about 50 rooms and, most importantly, character. “Scribner’s was just super weird in the best possible way,” says Glennon. “You would never build a hotel like
“Scribner’s is a great place to escape to.” –Marc Chodock, Co-owner
this today. It just felt like it had so much potential and it was just so off in so many ways that we were like, this has to be the place. And the more we kicked the tires on it, the more it made sense.” Scribner’s Catskill Lodge was built in the 1960’s and created by Guy Chirico, Sr. Based on modernist principles, Scribner Hollow Motor Lodge first opened in 1966. In the 1970s, decadent renovations were added, such as a large dining room and the famous indoor swimming pool “the grotto.” Modeled after the Playboy Mansion, the grotto featured outlandish décor
with stalagmites and several hot tubs. But the views of the beautiful Catskill Mountains and the proximity to the slopes of Hunter are what really sealed the deal for Marc and Glennon. They opened Scribner’s Catskill Lodge to the public on November 16, 2016. Keeping the unique structure of the design, Glennon and Marc brought in Brooklyn-based creative group Studio Tack to preserve some of Scribner’s history but add a modern flare. Beginning with the mountain chic two-story lobby, guests can choose from 38 accommodations in 12 different configurations. All rooms are furnished by NYC-based makers Fort Standard and Fern, with custom-built pieces from Samuel Moyer Furniture and Vermont Farm Table. Local art adorns the walls and the dark maple floors are draped with vintage pattern rugs. Each room features a terracotta tile bathroom and Waterworks showerhead. Every aspect of the hotel has been lovingly restored to offer guests a clean, contemporary, and comfortable place to come home to after an adventure in the Catskills.
Some suites have high-peaked ceilings —an ode to the bold architecture of the original structure—and offer additional lofted sleeping spaces. While most rooms offer private decks with mountain views, some also feature fireplaces. The hotel also houses a 1,850-square-foot library lounge—with built-in seating and a central fireplace —that can be used as an event space. “Scribner’s is a great place to escape to,” says Marc. “Whether you’re a couple wanting to get away for vacation, an individual traveler, or a group of friends. It’s very laid-back, very comfortable, very unassuming. I think that it appeals to all the different senses ... everything that we have done is by intent.”
Every aspect of the hotel has been lovingly restored to offer guests a clean, contemporary, and comfortable place to come home to after an adventure in the Catskills.
Even the on-site restaurant Prospect, with its 270-degree mountain views and intimate bar, was carefully designed to make guests and diners feel at home. Prospect features a seasonal menu which thrives on local Hudson Valley ingredients when possible, giving mountain country cuisine a new name. Offering lunch and dinner service Wednesday through Sunday and a weekend brunch, on the daily-changing menu you’ll find dishes like Spiced Rohan Duck or Bucatini. The bar menu features classic and craft cocktails, beer, an extensive wine list, and after-dinner drink specialities.
Both Marc and Glennon view Scribner’s as their “passion project.” They wanted to create a place for visitors to truly relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful setting upstate, not too far from the city. So far, it seems they have done just that.
scribner’s Catskill Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Road, Hunter
518-628-5130
scribnerslodge.com
