After careers revitalizing properties in Brooklyn, brothers Michael and Greg Arnold felt the call of the Catskills. In 2018, they purchased a mid-century motel along Route 23A in Catskill, rolling up their sleeves and setting out to bring it back to life with a full-scale renovation.
Today, that investment has become The Willow Inn + Events—a boutique “vintage Catskills” lodging and gathering space that reflects both the region’s history and the opportunities that Greene County’s growing hospitality and tourism economy present to new businesses. The Willow offers 13 guest accommodations, along with shared amenities including a tavern, pool, fire pit patio, and a small general store featuring locally made goods.
Each one of the 13 Deluxe and Standard Studios at The Willow celebrates its own unique character, decorated with Catskills memorabilia that inspire visitors to set out on their own adventures. All of the rooms provide WiFi, air conditioning, a hair dryer and TV.
The Apartment is a spacious one-bedroom retreat that features a full kitchen, dining nook, and cozy living room with a chesterfield couch; It’s ideal for extended stays or simply spreading out. Both the Apartment and Deluxe Studios are pet friendly.
Overlooking the fire-pit patio, the General Store offers refreshing drinks and tasty snacks as well as products to take home that are produced by local artists and artisans.
The Willow’s vintage Catskills design is the result of a creative collaboration between Michael Arnold Jr. and Sarah Grey Miller, proprietor of Unquiet Antiques & Collectables and Ravish Liquors in Coxsackie. Together, they incorporated antique furnishings and regional touches to give the space its distinct identity.
The tavern serves as a centerpiece of the property, where the ‘decoration collaboration’ between Michael Jr. and Sarah Grey is truly at its best. All of the furnishings in this space are up-cycled vintage finds, curated specifically to provide a glimpse into another era, with wall art and décor that reflect the region’s cultural history.
A 19th-century oak bar anchors the room, creating a natural gathering place for guests—whether seated along its length or relaxing nearby with friends over drinks, books, and conversation.
Together, the Arnolds have created a business that not only revitalizes an existing property but also contributes to Greene County’s growing hospitality and tourism economy. The Willow is one example of a broader local economic trend, where existing properties are being refurbished to successfully generate new economic activity.
With visitor spending now exceeding $300 million annually, hospitality and experiential travel continue to play a central role in the county’s growth—creating new opportunities for businesses like The Willow to take root and thrive.
The Willow Inn + Events is a delightful place to stay, gather, and explore the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County, NY. – Perfect for intimate weddings, family gatherings, retreats, and special events. Find out more at TheWillowCatskill.com.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
Stay in the know about all the great things going on in our area by subscribing to Positively Greene.
Topics: Success Stories
