Dusting off the resort hotel for a new century BY KATHY KAHN

Dusting off the resort hotel for a new century
BY KATHY KAHN

Entrance to Hudson Valley Resort and Spa beckons travelers.

The former Granite Resort in Kerhonkson is getting a makeover: not only has it changed hands and been rechristened Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, it will soon have its golf course redesigned by pro Vijay Singh his first in the United States.

ES Development & Properties from New York City and its principal owners, Eliot Spitzer (not the governor) and Mike Steinberg, bought the hotel in March 2006 for $20 million. They promptly enlisted Singh to redesign the hotel's 18-hole course that boasts a commanding view of the Shawangunks as its backdrop.

General manager Orest Fedash says the course will remain open during the renovation and be redone in two phases. The new signature PGA par-72 course is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009. To complement the course, a new Vijay Singh Golf Club and Academy is part of the redevelopment. It will be one of the first golf academies on the East Coast, said Fedash.

“We are also going to replace the current spa with a new 30,000-square-foot facility, and we plan to spend approximately $35 million to further upgrade all our hotel rooms and our entire array of guest amenities. Our goal is to become a minimum four-star hotel and resort facility for all four seasons,” said Fedash.

Included in the refurbishing plans is a new high-tech conference center to replace the existing one. Said Fedash: “With today’s technology, it makes more sense to build a new conference facility rather than try to renovate the old one. No expense is going to be spared. We want our customers to be totally satisfied.”

The crowd arriving July 13 wasn’t concerned about the golf course or wireless Internet. The New York State Knights of Columbus were gathering from Buffalo to Montauk to have their yearly convention in the new venue to talk about new directives to members. On the front burner will be a new program for returning Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. “This is our first time here, and so far, it’s been great,” said Ray Pfeifer, Knights’ director for statewide membership.

“We chose the Hudson Valley Resort because it is the only hotel in this area that can accommodate a group of our size,” continued Pfeifer. “The big resort hotels the Pines, the Concord, the Nevele over in Sullivan County are gone. This was the only one that could accommodate all our members and guests and offer amenities that make it a minivacation when we are done with our meetings.” The hotel, said Pfeifer, was just the right size for 400 Knights and accompanying family members.

While the Sullivan hotel circuit has gone bust, there is a hotel boom going on all over Dutchess and Orange counties, but the larger venues are becoming increasingly rare, said Lois DeStefano, senior sales manager at the resort-spa.

“I’ve worked the ‘Borscht Belt’ at every hotel during my career … and as they’ve closed, one by one, I moved to the next one. Now, they are all gone,” said DeStefano. “I still live in Fallsburg in Sullivan County so this is a bit of a hike for me. I love this business and I’m glad this hotel is here. It really fills a need in the Hudson Valley. We have enough rooms and meeting space and all the trimmings to make it a great place to hold a meeting or convention. We offer amenities like golf, swimming and a spa for our guests, and it’s only going to get better. This is something most hotels cannot offer, and there is a need for it. We are packed regularly because there is no place big enough to hold a group this size,” said DeStefano of the Knights convention.

Built in the 1946, the hotel-conference center underwent extensive renovation between 1997 and 1999. The spa was added during the last renovation and with the additional $35 million the new owners are planning to spend in renovations and upgrades, Fedash is sure Hudson Valley Resort & Spa will meet or exceed the public’s expectations.

The Ulster County resort offers 332 rooms with 40,000 square feet of convention space, including an 11,500-square-foot grand ballroom and an amphitheatre with stage that can accommodate 800 people. After the conferencing is over, there is plenty of opportunity to relax at the spa, outdoor pool and golf course. The hotel offers a children’s play area and activity center. Currently, all the public meeting spaces and conference rooms in the hotel are wireless. By the time the renovations are completed, the entire hotel will be WiFi-friendly.

With plans for a new PGA golf course added to the list, DeStefano has no doubt Hudson Valley Resort and Spa will remain high on the radar for companies seeking a larger venue for their meetings. “Just take a look out that window,” said DeStefano. “It’s a million-dollar view and a real getaway with every modern convenience.”

“We want to become a true destination resort,” said Fedash. “Outstanding hotel accommodations, outstanding golf, a true four-star facility.”

The hotel also plans to be a good neighbor to the town of Kerhonkson. It will build an emergency heliport landing for use by the Ulster County Red Cross and local ambulance and crisis services. “Our hotel is above the flood plain, so in case of an emergency, we want to be here to help the community,” said Fedash.

Reader Comments

Please send us your comments!

Add Your Comments