Andes Hotel Reaches New Heights as Community Anchor

ANDES — The Andes Hotel has long been a fixture in Delaware County, but under owner Derek Curl it has evolved into something far greater than a historic lodging and dining establishment. It has become a central gathering place where community, culture, and hospitality intersect in a way that reflects both the past and the present of the Catskills.

Curl, who purchased the property in 2020, reflected on the transformation that has taken place over the past several years. “After the renovation, you started seeing the real potential of not only the building, but what the property can do for the business and the community,” he said. That potential has since been realized through a steady expansion of events, programming, and outreach efforts that have reestablished the hotel as a cornerstone of life in Andes.

The scale of the property itself plays a major role in its success. Curl emphasized that the hotel is uniquely positioned to host large gatherings that bring people together from across the region. “This is a big place. It can hold a lot of people,” he said. “Every large function that happens on this side of Delaware County happens in the back of the Andes Hotel. It’s been like that throughout the history of this place.” That legacy continues today, with the outdoor spaces serving as the backdrop for concerts, seasonal events, and community celebrations.

Among the most anticipated returns this year is Cans and Clams, a Friday night tradition that once defined summers in Delaware County. Curl spoke with enthusiasm about reviving the series with many of the original contributors. “That was truly an institution,” he said. “It was based very much on local culture and bands. We have some of the original people that made that happen coming back.” Its return signals not only a nod to the past, but a renewed commitment to preserving the cultural traditions that define the region.

The summer season remains the hotel’s most active period, with a full calendar running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekly Burger Nights, live music, and expanded brunch offerings are all part of the plan, along with a new farmers market that will bring local producers and artisans directly to the property. “The summer season is where the hotel really sings,” Curl said. “Our job is to have things for people to do every weekend.” By creating consistent programming, the hotel encourages visitors to linger in town while also supporting neighboring businesses.

That broader economic and cultural impact has not gone unnoticed. Curl believes that Andes is entering a new phase of growth, driven by both local investment and increased tourism. “We’re starting to have something for everybody,” he said. “It’s becoming one really beautiful town effort of putting our best foot forward.” The addition of new shops, galleries, and community spaces has helped create a more dynamic Main Street, with the hotel acting as a central hub.

At the core of Curl’s approach is a deeply rooted belief in community-first hospitality. His philosophy extends beyond customer service and into the overall experience of the town. “My only job is making sure everybody that comes here feels safe, respected, loved, and fed,” he said. That mindset has shaped everything from daily operations to large-scale events, fostering an environment where both locals and visitors feel equally welcome.

This commitment is evident in the hotel’s ongoing outreach efforts. Curl has established weekly free meals for farming families, along with a wide range of fundraisers that benefit schools, youth programs, and local organizations. These initiatives are not treated as side projects, but as essential components of the business. “That’s the gift of owning a place like this,” he said. “You can give back more than you get.” Over time, those efforts have encouraged broader community participation, creating a network of volunteers and supporters who contribute to the hotel’s events and initiatives.

Interior designer Heather Kerr has played a significant role in shaping the physical and emotional atmosphere of the Andes Hotel. Her work balances historic character with contemporary comfort, creating spaces that feel both nostalgic and fresh. “The goal from day one has been to create an environment that feels cozy, comfortable, and most importantly, a place to have fun,” Kerr said. She emphasized the importance of detail in the design process, noting that guests often recognize the care that has gone into each element. “Everything we do at the Andes Hotel is created with so much love and so much laughter,” she said, reflecting the spirit that defines the property.

In the kitchen, Chef Colin Crompton brings a similarly thoughtful approach to his craft. Since joining the hotel in late 2025, he has worked to develop a menu that blends approachable comfort food with more refined dishes, all while emphasizing local ingredients. “I love making burgers, but I also love making pasta and nice food,” Crompton said. His culinary background spans both high-end dining and more casual settings, allowing him to adapt to the needs of the community.

Crompton expressed particular excitement about the arrival of spring and the opportunities it brings. “This is what I’ve been waiting for,” he said. “I want to highlight local cuisine and work with the people who grow and source the food.” His focus on building relationships with farmers and foragers aligns closely with the hotel’s broader mission of supporting the local economy. “I wanted to work with the community and feed more people,” he added, underscoring the importance of connection in his approach to cooking.

That sense of connection carries through to the front of the house, where dining room and events manager Maurizio Chiovaro oversees operations. With experience opening numerous restaurants, Chiovaro understands the importance of culture in a successful establishment. “The culture of the restaurant is the soul of the restaurant,” he said. “We want a place where everyone feels welcome.” His leadership emphasizes teamwork and communication, particularly during the busiest moments of service. “We’re going to get through it,” he said. “It’s about paying attention to details and staying organized.” 

As the Andes Hotel continues to grow, its reputation has expanded beyond the region. Visitors now travel from across the country to experience what has been built in this small Catskills town. Curl noted that many guests arrive with high expectations and leave impressed by the transformation. “The feedback is overwhelming,” he said. “People come back and they’re blown away at what it is now.”

Despite that success, the focus remains firmly on the community that has supported the hotel’s evolution. Curl sees the future as an extension of the same values that have guided him since the beginning. By continuing to invest in people, events, and local partnerships, the Andes Hotel is positioned to remain a vital part of Delaware County for years to come.