The castle at Skylands Manor is a highly unique experience which we love and we have been there twice now. It is much more like an Airbnb than a hotel and it has not been updated since it was built in approximately 1925 however that's part of what we love. The breakfast in the morning made by Billy is excellent. It's an expanded continental breakfast and it is served in the beautiful dining room. In the warm weather you can also sit out on the terrace. The property is an actual mini castle built by a family in 1925 to resemble something from medieval times. It is in the middle of Ringwood State Forest so the location is stunning. The only negative is you definitely have to drive to get to a restaurant or bar. We found a few within about a 15 minute drive. You might have a hard time booking this on the weekends because it is a very popular wedding destination. We have booked during the week both times we stayed there. It is about a 30 to 40 minute drive to the Bronx so it is an option for parents of Fordham students.

Built in 1925, the property is a bona fide mini castle, surrounded by acres of gardens and close to a lake where you can rent SUPs, kayaks and boats. I loved that it is completely original to 1925 and has not been updated. I thought it added to the experience although not everyone would agree. This means the room had a window ac unit ( which worked well) and a bathroom original to 1925, which was beautiful. If you stay during the week you might have the whole place to yourselves ( except for the host, who makes you breakfast and who you need to text to open the door when you return at night, but stays out of your way ) and you have access to every common room and there are many. The grounds around the castle are state park and are so extensive that you could spend your stay walking them and hiking around the lake or renting a boat , SUP or kayak. We are looking forward to returning!

The coffee was not made correctly (but just needed more water), it was like mud and not drinkable although they do have a Keurig in the office. Although it's surrounded by highly manicured, beautiful gardens, the grounds of the castle itself, especially in front and by the wall behind the dance floor tent in the back yard, need weeding and some more care and flowers/ bushes. It is a very busy wedding venue on the weekends and if I was paying to have my wedding there I would want the front grounds close to the castle to be at least weeded . If the owners did this it would add greatly to the curb appeal.

We loved the feeling and uniqueness of the castle. We were a large group, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The property was amazing. Breakfast was included and was delicious.

The place is older and cannot be retrofitted for modern air conditioning. But that was not a problem since we had cool nights and just opened a window. The wifi works downstairs, but the upstairs, where rooms are, don't have much reception. It was not a big deal. there were some signs of water damage on the walls in our room. But it was a beautiful room overall.

The innkeeper, Vinnie, was friendly and accommodating. My room was beautiful and I felt more relaxed once I settled in. The continental breakfast was great, with a large assortment of various goodies. The grounds are beautiful and very serene.

Since I arrived after dark (not recommended), and having never been there before, getting checked in and then having to go park was a little stressful. The parking lot wasn't far but it's a dark walk back to the castle.

Liz, the Manager/Inn Keeper was lovely professional friendly caring accommodating. Liz graced us with a delicious breakfast of fresh homemade warm scones, egg soufflé, bagels, coffee and Orange or cranberry juice choices.

No Wi-Fi in room but we were fine. Wi-Fi connects in lower level. it’s an elegant castle take a break in the room from social media. Bathroom sink water trickled but we’re the type you just make the best if it. It’s not your home, one night and make the best if it.

Loved it. Beautiful. Caretaker was very nice.

When booking I would mention to people exactly where to go. 2 separate parties - like us - circled the park not seeing a small sign. This caused us to check in after our our dinner, because we were going to be late. Also, I wouldn’t charge for a cot - I ended up not using mine and jumped in the bed with my cousin - because it was so uncomfortable.

Unique atmosphere, friendly and accessible hostess in Liz. Nice to have an ample breakfast in the morning

We are an older couple. Coming back in the dark after dinner was difficult as the walk from the lot was pitch dark. The roadway needs replacing so we had to go slowly and carefully. Lighting of some sort should be installed for safety.

The innkeeper, Liz, was a fabulous host! Very attentive to our groups needs, fun, knowledgeable and gracious.

Quality of showers in shared bathrooms, one did not work and the other had dated, worn out fixtures with no shelf for soap or shampoo.

Breakfast was great, facility was outstanding. Staff were attentive and helpful.

Would have liked a private bathroom, but we knew that going in. Also one of the showers did not work.

The place is amazing, stunning and the Inn keeper is the best keeper we have meet very friendly made u feel comfortable from the moment u walk in took my girl friend here for her birthday we arrived a little late and he took the time to show us around , he is very informative when it come to the castles history . Breakfast was the best continental breakfast we have seen , as the other guest said " fit for a king" so my queen was very very happy to say the least to have stayed here . The inn keeper encouraged us to walk the castle for as long as we like even AFTER checking out and u will spend a lot of time just soaking up the atmosphere