Urban Cowboy Lodge is a mountainous escape at the Big Indian Wilderness in Catskill Park in Claryville, New York, less than three hours from New York City.
The boutique hotel, boasting an award-winning restaurant, an Estonian sauna, and a forest bath, describes itself as a "world away escape" - and it seems many are needing just that during the week of the presidential election.
From the week of November 1 until November 7, the week Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will go head to head in the race for the White House, Urban Cowboy Lodge offered a near 97 per cent discount to the public.
The Lodge announced a limited time "Presidential rate" for the typical $750/night stay in collaboration with Sensible Weather, a weather protection provider. Bookings went live at a contentious time in American history.
For $24 per night, travelers will stay in a suite in the woods and undergo a digital detox. Their phones will be confiscated upon check-in and replaced with a Polaroid camera so vacationers can block out the election results.
Hiking and yoga are also on offer. The website reads: "After you cast your ballot (whether by mail, absentee, or early voting), you can trade in the anxiety of election week for the serenity of a mountain escape."
The Lodge has received mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, though. Last month, one guest wrote: "Disappointing. An extremely limited dinner menu and an absurdly expensive wine list, $95 for Chardonnay and that was one of the cheapest wines on the menu. The menu offered a rigatoni with a Pomodoro sauce, and I asked if I could have a different pasta that was on the menu already, and the answer was “no, this is the way the chef likes to serve it.” It wasn’t as though I asked for veal instead of chicken. The rigatoni was bland and my husband‘s fish was unremarkable. It’s really too bad because this restaurant is in a lovely location. I see no reason to return."
Another penned: "This facility is rather plain, despite its high price. The materials from the management list the LACK of cell phone service as an amenity! The bed was comfortable; the food was fair; there was no housekeeping during our two night stay. The main lodge has a lovely rustic with a large fireplace, but the fire went out repeatedly, apparently because the wood had been too damp. Front desk was intermittently attended."
Others were more complimentary, scribing: "The décor, design, vibe, and atmosphere at Urban Cowboy is pure perfection – they nailed it! Staff was super friendly and helpful. Food was delicious.
"We had cocktails in the lounge and ate at the restaurant for dinner and absolutely loved our meal. Highly recommend - it feels like a true getaway and there is such a strong attention to detail. You are welcomed with a glass of either bubbly or bourbon which is such a nice way to start a vacation! The only critique I have is that the towels were thin and small. Attention went into so many details including hand painted wallpaper so to provide guests with soft comfortable towels would be more on brand. Overall a GREAT experience!"
The getaway might come at the right time as Trump has threatened to use the US military against its own people, again. The Republican nominee told Fox News on Sunday that the real election day problem is "the enemy within".
"We have some very bad people," Trump said. "We have some sick people, radical left lunatics.... it should be easily handled by, if necessary, National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can’t let that happen."
The Election Escape: A Politics-Free Oasis in the Catskills
The "Presidential rate" was a collaboration between Urban Cowboy Lodge and Sensible Weather, a weather protection provider. The promotion was designed to provide a break from the political climate, allowing guests to escape the stress of election week.
"Stressed Americans can unplug in the Catskills during election week with no phones, no news, and no worries about the weather,” per Sensible Weather.
Urban Cowboy Lodge is situated in the Big Indian Wilderness, an area within Catskill Park in Claryville, New York, approximately three hours north of New York City. The lodge, described as a "perfect politics-free oasis" by Sensible Weather, offers various amenities including a luxurious restaurant, an Estonian sauna, and a forest bath.
Unplugging for the Election: More Than Just a Getaway
The "Presidential rate" offered a significant discount, bringing the typical $750-per-night stay down to $24 for the week of the election. This limited-time offer, available only between November 1 and 7, was a testament to the growing trend of "silent travel" – a desire for complete disconnection.
Blair Staunton, vice president of marketing at Sensible Weather, highlighted the role of this trend and increasing anxiety levels surrounding the election in the creation of the offer. "When we started noticing the rise in ‘silent travel’ – people seeking complete disconnection – and combined that with studies showing increasing anxiety levels surrounding the upcoming election, we knew we needed to offer something to ease as much stress as possible," she said.
The offer's popularity speaks volumes. Staunton noted that the "Election Escape" package sold out within seconds of its launch, showcasing the urgent need for a break from the constant barrage of news and political discourse.
A Break from the Noise: More Than Just a Discount
This was not merely a price reduction; it was an opportunity for a complete digital detox. Urban Cowboy Lodge takes guests' phones upon arrival and replaces them with Polaroid cameras, ensuring a complete disconnection from social media and the election results. This strategy, designed to provide a refuge from the anxiety of election week, offers an alternative way to spend time and engage in activities like hiking and yoga.
The lodge's focus on tranquility and disconnect aligns with a recent study by U.S. News & World Report which identified the 2024 presidential election as one of the top five worries for Americans at bedtime. Dr. Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm in San Francisco, echoed this sentiment, stating, "When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, especially in moments of heightened anxiety like the election, practicing healthy habits is crucial to winding down at night."
In conclusion, the success of the "Presidential rate" at Urban Cowboy Lodge highlights the growing need for respite from the pressures of our times. This "Election Escape" went beyond simply offering a discounted stay, providing a unique opportunity for a digital detox and an escape from the anxiety of election week. The overwhelming response underscores the importance of finding moments of peace and tranquility in a world saturated with news and political discourse.
