The STaY
The DeBruce focuses on conveying a story about its own particular place and time. An experience and emotional memory that lasts in guests’ thoughts long after they have returned home. For us it is more than just a building with physical attractions. The pieces all form a whole.
We offer the opportunity to park your car, leave the keys and not return until check-out time. Whether for a brief one night stay or multiple days at The DeBruce, plan on getting lost a bit and finding some unexpected moments.
The Rooms
There are 12 guest rooms on property on three floors, some with clawfoot bathtubs and all with private new tile & marble bathrooms with showers. Some rooms offer expansive views of the Willowemoc Valley and River and glimpses of the mountains providing trails for guests. Guestrooms feature straightforward, clean design details that aim to bring a sense of calm. Down duvets, Sferra linens, and Malin & Goetz toiletries are provided throughout your stay. All rooms include daily breakfast, Club Room bar & restaurant access, free WiFi, guest living spaces and wood stoves, private pool, guest lockers, river access and more.
The HistorY
In the heyday of the Silver (1900-1945) and Golden (1945-1965) Ages of the Catskills, when the region was one of the most famous vacation destinations in the country, there were as many as 20 hotels and boarding houses located in the Willowemoc Valley. Now there is but one, The DeBruce.
As one of the last remaining hotels to stand this test of time, the building has been known by several names during her 100+ years. The Maple, St, Brendan’s, The Willowemoc, the Ararat and most recently for over 30 years, The Debruce Country Inn.
Typical of her origins from the 1880s, she has strong bones and straightforward appeal and decades of comfort soaked into her walls.
Water
An outdoor swimming pool overlooks the valley and provides lounge chairs for in-house guests. New pool coming late-spring 2024. For the adventurous, there are also two ponds located on the property, one of which is perfect for a budding fly fisher to make their first cast. The Willowemoc lies just beyond the ponds and offers a place for contemplation and fly fishing. In warmer months, take a plunge in the swimming holes along the river. A walk over our private bridge is the starting point for taking a walk or hike.
COMMON AREAS
The Great Room is the central gathering place at The DeBruce and its windows peer out on views of the valley below with comforting seating arrangements throughout. There is a trail map station for planning ones daily adventure and original light fixtures keep a night time glow like they have for 100+ years .
The Conservatory has the original fieldstone fireplace made from river stone brought up from the Willowemoc where roaring winter fires are enhanced by a comfortable reading chair, a book and perhaps a whiskey.
Our Tackle Room is the transition place between inside and outside life where guests can hang their waders or dirty boots or take a moment for reflection in between.
FLY FISHING
The DeBruce is located directly on the Willowemoc River, where guests have exclusive access to ½ mile of private river rights for fly-fishing. Guests are welcome to bring their own gear to fish from morning ‘til night!
Fly fishing lessons with a local guide are also available by appointment only, in season (~April through early October). Contact us at info@thedebruce.com to plan your adventure.
THE TRAILS
Guests have exclusive access to our private 5-mile trail system within Catskill Park. View our trail map here, and don’t forget your hiking boots!
Guided group hikes with a local naturalist are offered every Saturday for hotel guests. Private guided hikes are also available by appointment. Contact info@thedebruce.com for more information.
Spa experienceS AT KENOZA HALL & Hemlock NEversink
Guests of The DeBruce are invited to experience Hemlock Spa at Kenoza Hall and Hemlock Neversink, with treatments and amenities rooted in Kneipp Therapy. Learn more and to book your treatment via the widget below. If the widget does not appear, click here.
To view our booking and cancellation policies, click here.
Photography by Ronald Cadiz & Lawrence Braun