Nestled in the Catskill Mountains in Liberty, New York, Grossinger’s was a kosher resort mainly catering to Jews in the city. It started as a small family-run establishment that later boomed.
Today, what was a popular destination for the haves lies in ruin, utterly forgotten. This article explores the story of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel. It emphasizes its history, the reasons it was abandoned, and what has become of the hotel now that it is abandoned.
History of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel
Grossinger’s story starts with the founders, Asher and Malka Grossinger, who were Jewish immigrants. Since arriving in the United States, they have had several business ventures, some of which failed. Their big break came in 1913 when they moved with their family to New York.
The Grossingers started renting rooms out to New York City visitors in the summer. Aside from that, they also ran a kosher kitchen, with their daughter serving as the hostess. They named their home Longbrook House and used it to run their business.
As they progressed, they sold their former house and purchased a bigger one on 100-acre land. This one they called the Grossinger’s Terrace Hill House. As the years passed, their daughter, Jennie Grossinger, ran the business, steering it into success.
By the 1940s and ’50s, Grossinger’s had grown into a lavish, 1,200-acre resort with 35 buildings, including a golf course, a dining room, a nightclub, an airstrip, a post office, a ski run, and an Olympic-sized pool. It was the first resort to use artificial snow for skiing. This Borscht Belt resort attracted over 150,000 visitors annually, ranging from Jewish families to global stars.
During this time, the Borscht Belt became a cultural center. Jewish stand-up comedians like Jerry Stiller, Milton Berle, and Jackie Mason honed their skills in these resorts before attaining success. At the top of his career, Rocky Marciano would hole up in the resort as he trained.
The resort was also famous for decadent banquets, high-quality entertainment, and sizzling nightlife. Eddie Fisher tied the knot with Debbie Reynolds right on the property. This place didn’t just attract vacationers; it was also a celebrity playground.
Why Was Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel Abandoned?
Grossinger’s was left to decay due to economic, social, and industrial factors. By the 1960s and ’70s, flights had grown more cost-friendly. As such, families could easily explore other alternatives in Florida, the Caribbean, and Europe. Moreover, subsequent generations didn’t have a connection to the Catskills compared to their grandparents and parents.
The establishment of more complete resorts like Club Med and cruises offered exotic and more up-to-date holiday options. Whereas other resorts refreshed to entice new travelers, Grossinger’s could not respond fast enough. It tried expanding, but maintenance costs soared, and profits folded.
Adding to the loss, Jennie Grossinger, the visionary, passed away in 1972. This left the resort without its guiding force. After years of trial and error, the resort officially shut down in 1986. The same year, the Grossinger children sold the whole property to Servico.
The golf course, however, was not closed and remained operational. Its maintenance work was done regularly. Following closure, the land changed hands numerous times, with great ideas that did not materialize.
What Happened to Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel after It Was Abandoned?
After Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel was abandoned in 1986, it fell into a gradual but dramatic deterioration. After being closed down, various developers attempted to bring the property back to life but were unsuccessful.
In 2013, the resort got a new owner, Louis Cappelli, who hoped to bring casinos to the Borscht Belt. The plans failed to materialize because the New York gambling legislation rendered that impossible.
Other proposed concepts included redeveloping it as a new luxury resort and spa. There were also plans to create a golf resort, which didn’t occur due to financial and logistical issues. Despite all this, nobody maintained the resort, and the once-glamorous resort declined rapidly.
Rust, mold, and overgrown plants took over the once meticulously landscaped grounds. Pools dried up, and what was once considered stunning turned into heaps of rubble. The final demolition of the remaining resort buildings commenced in the summer of 2018. The last of them was taken down on October 19.
On August 16, 2022, a fire consumed Grossinger’s iconic main building that was left. The authorities then decided to demolish the rest of the buildings.
Today, ruins and foundations are still visible, although most of what was once here has been removed. This region is also a nostalgic reminder for those whose childhood memories span back to Borscht Belt days.
Fun fact: Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel inspired the fictional resort in the movie Dirty Dancing. The film was based on the writer’s childhood and featured a Catskills resort.
Can You Visit Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel?
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, once one of the most famous and upscale resorts in New York’s Catskill Mountains and Borscht Belt, no longer stands in its original incarnation. Therefore, it is impossible to visit the resort as the land is under private ownership.
The resort closed its doors for the final time in 1986 and has remained closed ever since. The golf course officially closed much later, and the clubhouse was demolished in 2018. Despite some sites still having operating hours posted online, those are either outdated or incorrect. There is now no active public golf course on the property.
While the grounds are still there, they are on private property, and no official tour or public access is permitted. Trespassing is prohibited, and you must respect the property’s current designation.
While you can’t experience Grossinger’s in person, you can live its history through online photo essays and resort videos that showcase abandoned locations. There are also documentaries covering the Borscht Belt era and a Catskills Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville.
However, the tale of the resort lives on as part of the Catskills’ vibrant cultural heritage and still fascinates visitors and history buffs today. It is best to call the club directly for the most current and accurate details, including tee times and potential seasonal changes.