Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel was once a renowned vacation destination in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Founded in 1919 by Asher Selig Grossinger and his wife, it was an all-inclusive resort that attracted visitors from all over the world. However, the hotel closed its doors in 1986, and its buildings have since fallen into disrepair.
The Golden Age
During its heyday, Grossinger’s was a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The hotel boasted over 1,200 acres of land and had more than 35 buildings on its property. Its amenities included a golf course, ski slopes, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a bowling alley, an ice rink, and even an airstrip.
But perhaps what made Grossinger’s stand out was its staff. The hotel employed over 1,500 people during peak season, many of whom had been with the resort for decades. They were known for their impeccable service and attention to detail.
Decline
Despite its success in the mid-twentieth century, Grossinger’s began to suffer in the 1960s and ’70s due to changing vacation trends. More people were opting for cruises or international travel instead of staying at resorts closer to home.
As Grossinger’s struggled to attract new guests, it also faced internal turmoil. Asher Grossinger died in 1958, leaving his wife Jennie in charge of the hotel. She was not as business-savvy as her husband had been and made several missteps that hurt the resort’s bottom line.
Additionally, the rise of gambling casinos also contributed to Grossinger’s decline. In 1970, New York State legalized gambling at horse racing tracks and off-track betting parlors. This led to more competition for resorts like Grossinger’s that relied heavily on their casinos for revenue.
Closure
Grossinger’s closed its doors in 1986 after years of declining profits. The property was sold to a developer who had plans to turn it into a health resort, but those plans never came to fruition.
Since then, the buildings have fallen into disrepair and become a popular spot for urban explorers. The once-grand hotel now stands as a haunting reminder of the bygone era of Catskill resorts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel was a symbol of luxury and sophistication during its heyday. It attracted visitors from all over the world and was known for its impeccable service and attention to detail.
However, changing vacation trends, internal turmoil, and competition from gambling casinos led to its decline and eventual closure in 1986. Today, the property stands as a haunting reminder of a bygone era in American tourism.