Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hilltown Commons and where is it located?

Hilltown Commons is a nonprofit retreat & arts campus located in the historic village of Rensselaerville within the Hudson Valley. Our 90-acre campus is approximately 2.5 hours from New York City and Hartford, and 3 hours from Boston, providing a secluded yet accessible private retreat venue for groups from across the Northeast.

How do I get to Hilltown Commons?

Driving: Driving is the most convenient way to reach our campus, as local ride-shares are unavailable in our rural setting. There is plenty of onsite parking.

Taking the train/bus: You can take the train or bus to Hudson or Albany—both locations are a 45-minute drive from campus. Because there are no local cabs or ride shares, we recommend pre-arranging a shuttle or car rental for the final 45-minute leg of your journey.

Flying to NYC or Albany: From these central hubs, we recommend renting a car to reach campus. Because there are no local cabs or ride shares, we recommend pre-arranging a shuttle or car rental.

Locating your building: Our campus is easily walkable, with parking available at each residence. Our staff is always happy to escort you to your building. Please plan to arrive first at the Gugg, located at 63 Huyck Road, where we’ll direct you to your accommodations.

For Retreat Planners

  • Our campus features 50 guest rooms with a total of 75 beds and can accommodate up to 75 guests comfortably. This capacity, combined with our flexible room arrangements, makes it an ideal destination for a corporate retreat, wedding, or large-scale team gathering.

  • Unlike a standard hotel, Hilltown Commons is a distinctly uncommon venue rooted in a century-long legacy of dialogue and curiosity. We offer an immersive environment that fosters hands-on experiences, allowing teams to connect with new ideas and perspectives in a setting designed for growth and creativity.

  • While stay lengths vary based on your goals, we highly encourage multi-day stays to fully experience the magic of our retreat venue. Extended stays allow teams to settle in, deepen collaboration, and fully utilize the campus facilities without the distractions of a daily commute.

  • Yes, we offer full-service support for your company retreat, including in-house experts who can guide activities tailored to your group’s specific needs. Planners also have the flexibility to design their own programming or bring in outside facilitators to ensure the experience aligns with their company culture.

  • The campus offers versatile indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, including the Guggenheim Pavilion which features a theater, gallery, and private offices. Our retreat campus is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi throughout and modern audio-visual capabilities, ensuring that your team stays connected even in a forest setting.

  • While we don't operate an in-house shuttle, we partner with local services who know our roads well. We are happy to put you in touch with Premiere Transportation or Coxsackie Transport for group shuttles or private driver assistance.

  • Many company retreats book the campus for private or semi-private use. Availability depends on dates and group size.

For Guests

  • Yes, for most guests, chef-driven meal packages are included as part of your stay at our retreat campus. Our food and beverage program features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley, and our culinary team is highly experienced in accommodating all dietary restrictions to ensure an inclusive dining experience.

  • Our five residences blend late-1800s charm with 1970s retro touches, offering cozy rooms with forest or mountain views. Every guest room features a private, en-suite bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy during your stay.

  • Full refund if cancelled 30+ days prior to event. 50% refund if cancelled 14–29 days prior. No refund if cancelled within 14 days.

  • Hilltown Commons is a pet-free campus to ensure the comfort of all our visitors and the safety of our local wildlife. However, service animals (as defined by the ADA) are always welcome; we simply ask that you notify us in advance of your arrival so we can best accommodate you.

  • Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus for all guests. While cell coverage in the remote areas surrounding Rensselaerville can be spotty, most providers offer good service once you arrive on campus, allowing you to stay connected with home while enjoying your stay.

  • Guests can enjoy yoga, meditation, and guided nature walks led by our resident wellness collective. You also have access to miles of hiking trails, newly renovated tennis courts, and seasonal kayaking on Lake Myosotis in the adjacent 2,000-acre Huyck Preserve.

Still have questions?

Use our contact form or email us at info@hilltowncommons.com with your inquiry.

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