At Tarrytown's Castle Hotel & Spa, Elegance and Old World Charm Reign
by Jessica Montevago /
Upon arrival at the Castle Hotel & Spa, the sense of grandeur is immediate. Set on a 25-acre estate, the century-old, castle-turned-luxury hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the Hudson River. The property is tucked in the quaint town of Tarrytown, New York, offering a welcomed respite from hectic New York City, just 25 miles away.
The medieval-style castle was built by General Howard Carroll, a journalist and playwright, between 1897 and 1910, designed in the style of the Norman fortifications of Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Converted into a luxury hotel in the 1990s, the castle’s original suites were restored and an additional structure housing 24 rooms was built. The property is now a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and was designated a four-star property by Forbes.
Old world charm gives the hotel its character, from the intricately carved stairways of dark burnished wood to the rustic oak beams and leaded-glass windows. Lining the halls are dozens of classical paintings in ornate frames.
The Tapestry Bar and Lounge highlights the property's ornate décor. Photo: SLH
Ideal for weddings and other groups, the property includes 3,300 square feet of meeting and event space, and a garden area. In the Caramai Ballroom, crystal chandeliers balance the artistic moldings encircling the room, while for more intimate gatherings, the Library is surrounded by mahogany bookcases and a dramatic neoclassical-style panel ceiling. The star, however, is the 1,500-square-foot Great Hall, which boasts 40-foot vaulted ceilings and original Tiffany stained glass windows with heraldic motifs, drenching the room in natural light.
Popular just as much with the locals as with the hotel guests, the Equus Restaurant serves French-inspired cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients and a seasonal menu. In the Oak Room, guests are surrounded by original 19th-century, wood-panel wainscoting, while an oversized stone fireplace and jazz musicians performing provide ambience for the fine dining experience. Adjacent to the Oak Room is the former greenhouse, the Garden Room, where large windows provide breathtaking views of the Hudson valley.
The Garden Room at Equus. Photo: SLH
Inside the 8,700-square-foot Sankara Spa, a host of organic treatments are offered, from classic Thai massage and detoxifying facials to body scrubs. Services like traditional Indian Ayurvedic and aroma-lymphatic massage are offered, as well. Beyond the treatment rooms, guests can enjoy steam rooms, a lounge, and a wellness center with gym equipment and a room to practice yoga.
Booking with SLH
As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), travel agents booking the Castle Hotel can take advantage of the group’s Travel Agents Program. SLH is currently revamping its travel agent website to include the most up-to-date and relevant information and will relaunch later this year. SLH typically runs year-long, increased commission promotions, ranging from 5-15 percent; and conducts frequent competitions to reward advisors with free stay vouchers.
Views from the outdoor swimming pool.
SLH recently introduced a new travel industry rate for all travel agents, and the rate offers 50 percent off the Best Available Rate at any SLH hotel (subject to availability) and can be used to save on personal holidays or to explore upcoming destinations.
Agents benefit in several ways by booking directly with SLH. The VIP Desk offers 24/7 concierge coverage for all of the brand’s 524 hotels, making reservations, VIP client requests, and commissions inquiries easier to manage. Agents receive the best rate available and can have the assurance that their clients are well taken care of, according to the brand. SLH also has a team that ensures agents receive their commissions in a timely manner.