The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant

When searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the quaint and picturesque community of Downsville, New York, especially within the serene Catskill Mountains region, The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant at 28218 NY-206, Downsville, NY 13755, stands out as a unique and highly-regarded establishment. This property is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience rooted in history and local charm, as consistently highlighted by its delighted guests. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of the Inn, detailing its distinctive environment, personalized services, notable features, and potential promotional information, all based on overwhelmingly positive customer feedback and publicly available details.

The environment of The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant is steeped in history and natural beauty. Built in 1903, the building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, having originally served as a Union Free School. Guests are instantly "transported to a different era of time" upon entering, appreciating the architectural details and historical ambiance. The location in Downsville places it within the stunning Catskill Mountains, offering a tranquil escape amidst lush landscapes, rolling hills, and proximity to the East Branch of the Delaware River and the Pepacton Reservoir. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, canoeing, and bird watching. The Inn's rural setting is complemented by its unique feature of having a farm "out back" from which it locally sources its beef, allowing guests a tangible connection to the agricultural heritage of the area. Despite its serene location, it is conveniently situated on NY-206, making it accessible for travelers exploring the wider Catskills region. The overall atmosphere is one of welcoming charm, making "outsiders feel welcome in this community," as one guest eloquently put it.

The services at The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant are frequently lauded for their personal touch and high quality. The "friendly and accommodating staff" are a consistent highlight in reviews, demonstrating a commitment to guest satisfaction. The owner and family, Tom and Julie Markert, have been serving the community for over 32 years, fostering a genuine connection with their patrons. Key services that guests can anticipate include:

• Impeccable Restaurant Service: The Inn features a highly acclaimed restaurant where "the service was impeccable" and "outstanding." Staff are knowledgeable about the menu, including details about locally sourced ingredients, enhancing the dining experience.
• Guest Room Accommodation: The Inn provides lodging, with four guest rooms and a jacuzzi suite. While detailed amenities for each room are not extensively listed in reviews, the overall positive sentiment suggests comfortable and well-maintained accommodations.
• Event and Banquet Facilities: The historically significant upstairs area, once high school classrooms, has been "remodeled the whole upstairs into a banquet room" suitable for private parties, retirement dinners, luncheons, business meetings, and specializing in "wedding receptions." This makes it a versatile venue for various gatherings.
• Bar Area: The former first and second-grade classrooms now house a bar, described by some as "more like a wildlife museum than a tavern," offering a unique and inviting social space for guests and locals.
• Informative Staff: As highlighted by guests, staff are not just servers but also provide helpful insights, like explaining the local sourcing of beef.
• Daily Housekeeping: Ensures that guest rooms are kept clean and tidy throughout the stay.
• Free Parking: Convenient for guests arriving by car.

The emphasis on making guests "feel right at home" and providing genuine hospitality is a recurring theme in guest feedback, suggesting a personalized and attentive approach to service.

The features of The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant are what truly set it apart. Its historical significance is a major draw, with the original tin ceilings and restored wainscoting adding to the authentic turn-of-the-century charm. The blend of historic architecture with modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere. Key features include:

• On-site Restaurant: The cornerstone of the Inn's appeal, offering an "expansive menu" of American cuisine. A standout feature is the use of "all natural grass-fed Texas Longhorn beef, known to be leaner and very flavorful," sourced directly from the "farm out back." The restaurant also proudly serves local seasonal produce, local baked goods, and New York wines and spirits (Roscoe Beer, Bootlegger vodka). Dining options include the main dining room, an elegant banquet room, and outdoor dining.
• Unique Bar Area: Beyond being a place for drinks, its "wildlife museum" aesthetic provides a conversational and entertaining space.
• Four Guest Rooms and a Jacuzzi Suite: These accommodations offer a cozy and comfortable stay, with the jacuzzi suite providing an added luxury. While specific room features are not detailed in the provided reviews, typically inns of this caliber offer private bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Locally Sourced Ingredients: The commitment to farm-to-table dining, particularly with their own Texas Longhorn beef, is a significant and appealing feature, offering guests a true taste of the Catskills.
• Event Space: The renovated banquet room, capable of seating up to 150, makes the Inn a versatile choice for larger gatherings and weddings.
• Victorian Decor: The restored Victorian windows, polished floors, and ornate furniture contribute to the overall aesthetic that "instantly transported me to a different era."

These features combine to create an immersive and memorable experience for guests, distinguishing it from more generic hotel offerings found through "Hotels Near Of Me" searches.

Promotional information for The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant, while not extensively detailed in the provided snippets, can be inferred from its nature as a historical inn with a strong culinary focus and event capabilities. Given its specific offerings and appeal, potential promotions, when appearing on "Hotels Near Of Me" platforms or directly on their website, might include:

• Dining Packages: Combining overnight stays with dinner credits or special tasting menus at their acclaimed restaurant, perhaps highlighting the Texas Longhorn beef.
• Seasonal Culinary Events: Promoting special holiday brunches (like Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day) or themed dinner events, as advertised for their Sunday Brunch.
• Mid-Week Specials: Offering discounts on stays or dining during less busy weekdays.
• Group Booking Incentives: Special rates or added amenities for those booking multiple rooms for family reunions, as suggested by the positive review for a family gathering, or for wedding parties utilizing their banquet facilities.
• Local Attraction Packages: Partnering with nearby outdoor activity providers or cultural sites to offer bundled experiences for guests exploring the Catskills.
• Loyalty or Repeat Guest Offers: Encouraging return visits to their "favorite underrated place."
• Happy Hour Specials: As specifically advertised, "Everyday 5 to 6 PM it's 2 for 1 mixed drinks, bottled beer, draft beer and wine."
• Weekly Dining Promotions: Such as "Discounted Wings" on Wednesdays, offering a dozen wings for a specific price.

The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Restaurant, therefore, offers a compelling option for those seeking a unique and authentic lodging and dining experience in Downsville, NY, far beyond what a typical "Hotels Near Of Me" search might initially suggest. Its blend of historical charm, exceptional service, and celebrated local cuisine creates a truly memorable stay.