Nevele Resort

In 1901, a man named Charles Slutsky bought some farm land and started farming. Soon after, Charles started taking in boarders, and building cottages to house boarders. In 1906 Charles oldest son suggested that they should split up the land, and they each decided to build hotels on their parts of the land. The Nevele Farm House opened and was continued to be built through the 20's and 30's.  His son decided to build the Nevele Resort and Country Club. In the 1940's the golf course was constructed, as well as a pool and another wing in 1954. Then 2 years later two other wings were constructed for guests which were linked to the main hotel with underground tunnels. In 1964, the iconic Nevele resort building was constructed, a circular 10 story tower, it also included construction of two lounges for the hotel.  In 1966 President Johnson visited the area, and decided to stay at the Nevele Hotel because it was the only place big enough for all of his security.  They called all their customers asking if they could delay their trip for the president. One customer (who was part of the DNC) was so upset that he called the white house and complained. A Johnson rep called the hotel and said that he would not stay there if the DNC man could not be accommodated. In 1970, a ski lodge was opened, with a ski rink, roller rink, snack bar, skate and ski shop, and a lobby with fire places. In 1984 the golf course was redesigned to 18 holes. At the height of the Nevele Resort, the resort has 430 rooms and 800 employees. In the 1960's the borscht belt resorts started to decline when air travel became cheaper and more popular. The Nevele tried to appeal to more clients, so they stopped serving kosher meals. They then sold the hotel in 1997 to Fred Kassner but then died a year later, and was re-purchased for 15.8 million. The hotel only had 40% occupancy so they started renovations to appeal to corporate guests while also keeping their Jewish clients. They refurbished all 600+ rooms as well as other spaces in the hotel. They then opened the Honors haven resort and spa (which is still open) and let Nevele operate  separately. The resort was then put up for sale in 2008 for 26.5 million, the hotel was in horrible condition, and struggled with leaks, mold, and hot water. They closed without notice in 2009. 

Photos and History:
https://abandonedonline.net/location/minnewaska-resort-and-country-club/#google_vignette


Access:
You need to find a place to park that isn't right in front of the resort, or the police will be called on you. Buildings are super boarded up or anything though.