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New York is so much more than just New York City.
If you’ve yet to explore the Empire State beyond the Big Apple, you could be missing out in more ways than one. The rest of this expansive state offers adventure, outdoor activities, history and, yes, even romance, in spades.
If you’re specifically looking for a romantic getaway in New York State, your options are just about as varied as you’d hope. From historic luxury to quiet and secluded forested escapes, there’s something for every couple.
Related Read: 11 Unique Places to Stay in New York State
1. Equestrian Barn Guest Suite
Why you should stay here: Rural romance with horses to boot
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $499/night
In the Hudson Valley, this equestrian barn guest suite offers views of the valley from a secluded spot that’s still just a mile away from town. If you’ve ever dreamed of cozying up to a stablehand or sneaking away to a barn for a romantic rendezvous, a la your favorite romance novel, this is the place to do it.
The horses and donkeys are even included, with two of each living beneath the guest suite. That doesn’t mean the guest suite is rustic by any means, though. In fact, you’ll be impressed by the luxurious amenities, with a fireplace, balcony, modern light fixtures, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and more.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Take A Dip In Upstate New York’s Best Swimming Holes
2. A Glamping Yurt with Waterfall Views
Why you should stay here: A woodsy retreat on the water
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $100/night
This yurt in the woods, with waterfall views, is a woodsy retreat for you and your honey, with no need to pack up the car with all your camping gear.
Okay — you might need to bring some bug spray, but otherwise, this host has just about everything you need already sorted. The waterside yurt features an outdoor sitting area with a fire ring, a wood stove inside, adorable string lighting and a large plush bed for cozying up at night. There’s even a private outdoor shower and portable toilet sitting just steps away from the yurt. When you’re ready to explore the property further, you’ll find three waterfalls and 12 acres of woodlands.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Gorgeous Glamping Spots in New York State
3. The Sagamore Resort
Why you should stay here: Resort perks in a historic setting
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $629/night
But sometimes when you’re off on a romantic vacay, you want to stay somewhere where all your needs are taken care of, where you don’t even need to lift a finger. If that’s what you’re after when planning a New York State romantic trip, look to The Sagamore Resort on Lake George, in the Adirondacks.
This historic property, which catered to the wealthy throughout the 1800s, offers a range of accommodations options, ranging from historic to pet-friendly to condo-style. The amenities are really where it’s at, though. The property offers more than half a dozen dining options on-site, golfing, a spa and a range of activities to enjoy.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The Top 10 Best Hikes in Upstate New York
4. Sustainable Lakeside Cabin
Why you should stay here: A romantic cabin you’ll rave about on Instagram
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $295/night
This cozy A-frame cabin is stylish inside and out. The cabin sports an industrial and Scandinavian-style black exterior, with lights framing the triangular roofline and illuminating the small deck space. Adirondack chairs flank a stone fire ring.
Inside, the minimalistic black and natural wood decor will please any couple looking for an aesthetically-pleasing space that’ll look perfect on Instagram. The natural light and water views certainly don’t hurt, either.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Spots to See New York’s Fall Colors
5. Camp Orenda
Why you should stay here: No planning necessary at this all-inclusive camp
- Sleeps: Up to 4
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $265/night
This Adirondack camp features a series of safari-style canvas tents that offer a range of rustic accommodations, whether you need lots of space or not very much at all. However, it isn’t really the canvas tents that set this camp apart. Instead, it’s the all-inclusive service that makes your trip that much easier.
Don’t want to plan for meals or activities? Don’t want to pack up the cooler or your camping gear? You don’t have to, thanks to Camp Orenda’s all-inclusive plan that includes not just your accommodations, but also farm-to-table meals every day, a wet bar, firewood, WiFi and outdoor activities such as paddling or archery. It’s a romantic escape made as easy as possible.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Gather Greene: A Nature Retreat in the Heart of the Hudson Valley
6. Unique Tiny House
Why you should stay here: Ultimate relaxation without ever leaving
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $495/night
This unique tiny home is the place to book if you want to go somewhere and just relax, alone, with lots of privacy and seclusion. There’s lot to enjoy and ways to relax on-site, so you won’t feel pressured to get out and explore or see the tourist sites.
Instead, stay at this tiny home and pull up a chair next to the outdoor fireplace, as you watch the wildlife flit through the trees. Or, throw on a bathing suit and step into the sauna or kick back in the hot tub. If the weather isn’t agreeable, stay inside and enjoy the forest views from the many windows, while you and your honey cook up something great in the kitchen.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Terrific Tiny House Rentals in Upstate New York
7. Mohonk Mountain House
Why you should stay here: A luxury option for couples with kids
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $828/night
This award-winning, waterfront resort offers an all-inclusive luxury experience, so you can kick back and enjoy yourself (and your sweetheart), without worrying about the cost of that extra date-night dinner or whether or not you added enough activities to your itinerary.
Instead, just take advantage of everything the all-inclusive rate covers and you’ll find you have plenty to enjoy. Your room rate comes with all your meals, afternoon tea, access to more than 85 miles of hiking, fitness classes, golfing, tennis and access to a range of activities across the expansive property, during all seasons.
The property also offers a ton of family-friendly and kids activities, so this may be a good resort to consider for your romantic excursion if you’re traveling with the kids in tow. You can send them off to enjoy guided and group activities designed with their ages in mind, while you and your other half kick back and enjoy great dining, spa treatments and other ways to relax.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Beautiful Mountain Resorts in the Adirondacks
8. The Hidden Retreat
Why you should stay here: A historic waterfront cottage with stylish appeal
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $400/night
For a posh retreat with a real New England-y, seaside cottage vibe, look to The Hidden Retreat. This property boasts a clean, light and airy color palette, with white woodwork and natural tones, lots of windows and elegantly arranged outdoor spaces.
Take advantage of the large outdoor, stone fireplace, as well as the outdoor dining area, lit with string lights. Cozy up in the living area to watch your favorite movies on the large projector screen, while a fire roars in the hearth. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you take in the harbor views.
Check Availability9. The William Vale
Why you should stay here: An urban retreat for a city escape
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $395/night
Are you and your sweetheart more city folks than outdoor adventurers? You’ll find plenty of options for an urban romantic retreat in New York State.
In Brooklyn, The William Vale takes a top spot. The hotel offers a range of guest rooms with views of the city, all with a sleek luxury feel. Book the Vale Garden Residence to truly impress your sweetheart, with its 1,632-square-foot balcony terrace, jacuzzi tub, floor to ceiling windows and two bathrooms.
When you’re ready to leave your room, the hotel offers multiple dining options, including poolside dining and its own food truck with views. Be sure to check out the hotel’s rotating stay offers before you book, to take advantage of deals like breakfast in bed included in your stay, nearly half off room rates or savings on valet parking.
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Seen in: New York, Northeast, Romantic Getaways, Where to Stay