Situated on the cliffs that rise above the Hudson River, Highland is just 5 square miles in size, but the community is experiencing a major river town revival. The area was first settled by Anthony Yelverton, an early entrepreneur, in 1754. Yelverton built a brickyard and sawmill in addition to his home, laying the foundation for modern-day Highland. Today, his home is Ulster County's oldest wooden building and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1845, Lloyd was established, a town of which Highland is the main part. The village became a railroad hub in 1889 with the opening of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and trolley line, which helped attract tourists to the area's summer resort communities.
Today, Highland is home to about 5,600 people and is known for its outdoor recreation. Visitors to Highland often frequent the area's pick-your-own farms, the Shawangunk Wine Trail, and Chodikee Lake for fishing and kayaking. Whatever your reason for visiting Highland, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this beautiful hamlet has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Highland, NY?
Most tourists visit the Hudson Valley in the summer. Average highs hover around 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, but summer temperatures remain mild for the most part, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors. Keep in mind, however, that hotel rates increase with the influx of tourists, so you may want to book your room several weeks in advance to ensure you get the best deal.
If you're trying to avoid the crowds, plan your Highland trip for September or October. Hotel rates tend to be less expensive during the fall, and average highs settle in the mid-60s to low-70s. The only downside to an autumn visit is that many shops close for the season once the weather cools off, so you may want to plan your trip for early fall instead of waiting until late October.
Most visitors stay away from Highland during the winter months. Average lows settle in the teens in January and February, and the hamlet experiences an average of 55 inches of snow each year. If you still want to brave the weather, hotel rates hit rock bottom from November through March. Just be sure to book refundable flights and stay flexible with your travel plans in the event of inclement weather.
Highland takes a while to warm up in the spring, but don't discount a visit in April or May. Despite chilly lows, average highs in the spring range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as you pack plenty of layered garments, you can still enjoy many of the area's outdoor activities before the summer heat sets in.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Highland, NY:
Highland, NY: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. rate patterns by star rating class in Highland, NY. Browse these line graphs to determine the least expensive dates to book in Highland for upcoming travels.
What about luxury hotels in Highland, NY?
4 Star Average Prices: $259.00
If you prefer more upscale accommodations near Highland, you won't be disappointed by the selection.
Black Creek Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located in Highland. The property boasts a terrace and garden, concierge services, wedding services, an outdoor picnic area, a fireplace in the lobby, free parking, luggage storage, guest laundry facilities, and a microwave in the lobby. A full breakfast is served on weekdays and is included in your stay. Guest rooms at this beautiful B&B include thoughtful decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, showers with rainfall showerheads, slippers, a turndown service, and complimentary newspapers.
Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel is another luxurious option worth checking out. This seven-story downtown hotel features 12 meeting rooms, a conference center, a rooftop garden, an on-site restaurant and bar, a guest laundromat, free Wi-Fi, and full American-style breakfasts. The spacious guest rooms feature two telephones, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, clock radios, USB ports, ironing facilities, and TVs with premium channels. Upgrade to a Jacuzzi suite to enjoy even more amenities.
Located in nearby Gardiner and surrounded by 25,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Minnewaska Lodge is a highly rated property that provides a rustically elegant experience. This relaxed country retreat doesn't skimp on the modern touches, making it an ideal escape for those wanting a more tranquil getaway. The stunning lodge features guest rooms with cathedral ceilings, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, work desks, private balconies, and mountain or forest views. Amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast with organic roasted coffee and homemade baked goods, a relaxing deck, a great room, and complimentary tea and coffee served all day.
Are there any low-cost hotels in Highland, NY?
3 Star Average Prices: $193.37
There are several affordable hotels within driving distance of Highland.
Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston is located about 15 miles away and is close to area restaurants, bars, and shopping. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a 24-hour business center, luggage storage, ample parking, complimentary wireless internet, a vending machine, and a TV in the lobby. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Guest rooms are basic but comfortable, offering mini refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV, hair dryers, shower/tub combinations, work desks, safes, and phones.
Super 8 by Wyndham Middletown is farther away, but it offers similar amenities. Guests can enjoy luggage storage, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, a free breakfast, a vending machine, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There's also a Buffalo Wild Wings on-site. Guest rooms feature TVs with satellite programming, safes, microwaves, and mini fridges.
If you'd prefer to stay closer to Highland, consider making a reservation at Rodeway Inn & Suites New Paltz Hudson Valley. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a vending machine, complimentary coffee in the lobby, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. Standard guest rooms feature ironing facilities, cable TV, hair dryers, and toiletries.
2 Star Average Prices: $145.46
What are the best hotels in Highland, NY for discounts?
If you qualify for a discount, you can save even more money on your trip to Highland. Military families, government employees, seniors, and AAA members can book special rates at accommodations throughout the Hudson Valley.
For example, seniors can save an average of 15% at hotels like Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz. Located about 4 miles from Highland, this hotel offers an indoor pool, a fitness center, a lobby fireplace, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, express check-in and check-out, ample parking, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, sofa beds, and both wired and wireless internet access.
Both military and government personnel can save at Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie, which offers plenty of on-site parking, express check-in, and a 24-hour business center. Additional amenities include free newspapers in the lobby, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, concierge services, a gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms feature 50-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, mini fridges, microwaves, shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, and laptop-compatible safes.
Residence Inn by Marriott Poughkeepsie is perfect for extended stays, and AAA members can book a special rate that helps them save up to 15% off regular room rates. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers, a snack bar, a complimentary reception, a complimentary breakfast buffet, a tennis court, an indoor pool, a fitness center, on-site shopping, free Wi-Fi, and a fireplace in the lobby. Each extended-stay suite features a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave. Additional amenities include cable TV, premium bedding, a sofa bed, and a separate sitting area.
What are the best value options in Highland, NY?
The area around Highland has plenty of midrange accommodations that offer a nice balance of amenities and price.
Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz is a popular hotel that offers guest laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, ample parking, ticket assistance, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature pillowtop beds, flat-screen TVs with cable, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Courtyard by Marriott Poughkeepsie has consistently good reviews, along with a convenient suburban location. Take advantage of the 24-hour business center, event space, fitness center, indoor pool, concierge services, lobby fireplace, cooked-to-order breakfasts (for an additional fee), on-site bistro, and express check-in and check-out. Guest rooms are well-appointed with smart TVs, mini fridges, well-lit desks, hair dryers, and toiletries.
What are the top attractions near Highland, NY?
When visiting Highland, be sure to visit the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Other attractions you might consider adding to your itinerary include Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Franny Reese State Park, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.
The Hudson Valley is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. No matter your reasons for visiting, you'll find a scenic landscape brimming with good food, friendly residents, and unbeatable accommodations. Start planning your getaway to Highland by finding the perfect hotel that meets your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Highland