Your Passport to Whimsy: Understanding The Two Sides of The Roxbury Experience

If you’ve heard about the wildly imaginative, theatrical, and utterly unique hotel known as The Roxbury Experience, you know it’s a world apart. But many guests ask the same question: Is it a motel or a mansion? The answer is: It’s both!

To ensure your getaway is exactly the fantasy you dreamed of, let’s clear up the joyful confusion. The Roxbury Experience is made up of two distinct properties, just two miles apart, offering two different styles of escape:

 

1. The Roxbury (The Original Building)

This is where the entire concept of themed, contemporary Catskills lodging began. The upstate town of Roxbury desperately needed lodging options in the early 2000s, so the previous owners Greg Henderson and Joe Massa had purchased the property and the magic began when the original location opened in 2004.

The Overall Vibes: Funky, Nostalgic, Pop Culture Playground.

The original building is centrally located, steps away from the charming village of Roxbury. It’s a beautifully reinvented mid-1960s roadside inn that takes you straight into your favorite TV shows and movies from the 60s and 70s, with a few other fantastical twists. The rooms were designed to pay tribute to the era of the classic 1950s family roadtrip.

  • The Rooms: Think bold colors, retro flair, and over-the-top design. You might find yourself in The Partridge Family bus, relaxing in a suite inspired by The Wizard of Oz, or sipping a martini in a space dedicated to a secret agent.

  • The Location: You’re in the heart of it all. It’s an easy walk to local Roxbury eateries, shops, and the surrounding historic village.

  • Best For: Guests who love a high-energy, nostalgic atmosphere and want to be right near the town center.

 

 

 

2. The Roxbury at Stratton Falls (The Mansion & Cottages)

Just a quick, scenic 5-minute drive from the original location, this is the newer, more sprawling property built on a historic estate. The mansion location and tower cottages opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and are now known as some of the world's most fantastical hotel rooms. 

The Overall Vibes: Romantic, Immersive Fairytale, Nature Retreat.

The Stratton Falls location is your gateway to pure fantasy, set against a magnificent natural backdrop featuring the property's namesake: a beautiful 50-foot waterfall. This property is split into two unique accommodation styles:

A. The Historic Mansion Rooms

  • These are elegant rooms housed in a beautifully restored 1848 mansion.

  • The themes here are often more refined and inspired by the history and settlers of the Catskills area. These rooms offer a taste of classic luxury with The Roxbury's signature twist.

B. The Fantasy Tower Cottages (The True Fairytale)

  • These are the standalone, multi-level buildings that look like they were pulled straight from a storybook.

  • The Suites: This is where our most famous, full-immersion themes come to life—rooms that are destinations unto themselves. Think Cinderella's Gown (complete with a pumpkin carriage bathroom), Dracula's Fangs (a gothic castle escape), or The Faerie Forest (a mystical, magic-filled woodland retreat).

  • The Amenities: Stratton Falls offers a unique experience with trails leading to the waterfall, and the stunning Crooked Cabana Cafe with a heated outdoor pool. There are other amenities as well, such as a hot tub, dry sauna, and intricately manicured grounds.

  • Best For: Guests seeking the ultimate, private, high-fantasy luxury and a deep connection with the Catskills' natural beauty.

 

 

 

The Best Part: You Get Both!

The truly fantastic part of The Roxbury Experience is that all registered guests have access to the amenities at both properties (including the pools and spa facilities—though some access may require a pass, always best to check with the front desk).

Whether you choose the playful energy of the original Roxbury building or the magical seclusion of Stratton Falls, your stay is guaranteed to be an unforgettable, world-crossing adventure.

Which world will you explore first?