Whether you’re dreaming of a local staycation or an upstate escape, it’s hard to escape the undeniable charms of the Hudson Valley. The organic cuisine, brilliant orange autumnal foliage, babbling brooks and rivers, mountains, forests, and quaint towns make this idyllic region perfect for a tranquil getaway. In the Hudson Valley, escape is not as much a concept as it’s a lifestyle, and boutique hotels here only further that thought. The best and chicest boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY are one-of-a-kind stays that allow you to recharge and unwind. What’s more, in this age of socially distanced living and traveling, they make for the perfect retreats to get away from it all. Whether you’re looking for lavish stays with all modern creature comforts or rustic-chic ones that are more bucolic, Hudson Valley has everything. To that end, here are the 11 best boutique hotels in Hudson Valley, NY.
Table of contents
- Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson
- Eastwind Hotel & Bar, Windham
- Troutbeck, Amenia
- Hotel Kinsley, Kingston
- Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
- Twin Gables of Woodstock
- Morgan State House Inn
- The Maker Hotel, Warren Street
- The Herwood Inn
- Urban Cowboy Lodge
- Vanderbilt Lakeside
- Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Hudson Valley
- Recommended Things To Do in Hudson Valley
- Where To Stay in Hudson Valley
Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson
11
It’s as if I Dream of Jeannie and Schitt’s Creek came together to create the Starlite Motel, one of the most eclectic boutique hotels in the Hudson Valley. We know what you’re thinking; a motel? Really? But before you turn your nose up at the idea of crashing at a “motel,” picture this: a vintage structure with Wes Anderson-like pops of color, all against a gorgeous Catskills backdrop. The Insta-worthy 60s motor lodge has just a handful of rooms adorned in a modern minimalistic design and adorned with old Americana touches. The original structure has been retained for a retro feel, but there’s an addition of glamor with the robin-egg-blue doors and a dash of pink to the exterior. The result? It’s dreamy and eye-catching to the hilt. The seasonal saltwater pool surrounded by Hudson foliage is a must-visit, as is its stunning fire pit.
Eastwind Hotel & Bar, Windham
10
In the town of Windham sits the Eastwind Hotel & Bar, one of the most stunning boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY. Co-owned by a Lithuanian/German couple, the redesigned 1920s-era lodge is Scandi-chic to boot. The boutique hotel sits on 20 scenic and secluded acres. Even the rooms are unique here, ranging from standard ones to private lushnas, which are Scandinavian-style glamping units. On the inside, it’s decorated with vintage Turkish rugs, warm-hued wooden furnishings, and Macramé wall hangings, making for a hygge-inducing cozy ambiance. If you do step out of the coziness, the bar is perfect for cocktails and socializing. What’s more, it offers bikes to explore the region, as well as a sauna and hammocks for when you want to laze around. Are you feeling out of shape? There’s outdoor yoga too. Evenings are best spent grilling around the barbeque under the stars.
Troutbeck, Amenia
9
Troutbeck is one of the most historic boutique hotels in Hudson Valley. In fact, it’s been walking the ‘creative boutique’ walk for more than a century, having welcomed bigwigs such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain. The main Century Lodge dates as far back as 1760, while the Manor House is from 1919, and that too is in continuity. The place has a rich history; when it was previously owned by publisher Joel Spingarn, Teddy Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, and Ernest Hemingway were all guests. The estate is a haven for outdoors lovers; there are tennis courts, hiking trails, and wellness barns with workout studios. When you want to unwind, book a decadent massage in the spa treatment rooms. Later on, dig into Michellin-starred fare at the restaurant.
Rooms and suites are spacious with plush beds, area rugs, and swish lighting fixtures. But, it’s the bathrooms that’ll take your breath away. Not only are they all different in size and design, but they come with bespoke bath products and deep-soaking, freestanding bathtubs.
Hotel Kinsley, Kingston
8
Hotel Kinsley is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY, but not in the way you think. A concept more than a hotel, Kinsley operates across four different historic venues around the town of Kingston! The flagship structure is the 1860 Wall Street building, a former NY bank with 10 rooms that radiate an effortlessly cool vibe. Nearby, there’s the 1770-built Pearl Street building, which also features rooms decked out in warm, 60s-space-age hues; think plaid, orange velvet, bright blue, and mustard yellow. Moreover, all rooms are dotted with modern creature comforts such as walnut desks and Smeg fridges. Staying here also brings you to the must-visit that is the farm-to-table Restaurant Kinsley. The retro-hipster American eatery dishes out “new American” fare, such as heirloom tomato salad and roasted local organic chicken.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
7
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is, without a doubt, one of the most celebrated boutique hotels in Hudson Valley. Whether it’s sun-kissed summer or snowy winter, this mountainside resort deep in the heart of the Catskills is perfect. Since it’s just a short drive from Hunter Mountain, it’s particularly popular with snowboarders and skiers. The lobby’s rugged Swiss-chalet-style knotty pine panels belie its Scanid-chic interiors. The decor is minimalistic and is accented by modern art and vintage rugs. Aside from the 38 cozy rooms, there’s also in-room dining by the restaurant Prospect, which is open for delicious meals. Rounding up the amenities is the sprawling private wooden deck, which is a great spot to sip on coffee and soak in beautiful views of Hunter Mountain.
Twin Gables of Woodstock
6
Twin Gables of Woodstock is one of the most charming, old-world boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY. Since 1926, this quaint 19th-century bed and breakfast has welcomed lodgers. In fact, many of them are returning guests who come back year after year to the hard-to-beat location of this amazing lodge in the town of Woodstock. Not only is it within strolling distance of the town center, but it also features some of the loveliest digs in the region. Think patterned wallpaper that makes for the perfect backdrop for original works by local artists and period and antique furnishings. Outside the rooms and suites, the gazebo in the pretty, manicured, and lush garden is one of the best places to relax. The best bit is that a hearty and homecooked continental breakfast awaits you every morning.
Morgan State House Inn
5
In the heart of the Upper Hudson in Albany sits the Morgan State House Inn, yet another of the striking boutique hotels in Hudson Valley. The late-19th-century townhouse on Washington Park is all about harking back to its rich heritage and history. Think ornate and decorative fireplaces, hand-glazed walls, and rich cherry wainscoting complementing the high ceilings. Despite being tucked right in the center of the city, the views are terrific; either that of the well-tended flower beds of the inn or of the lush park right out front.
What’s more, every room and suite is different. So, yours might have a reading nook by the window, or exposed brick walls, or a clawfoot tub, or a fireplace – but the overall look is refined. Moreover, the place even offers studios at its sibling property of Washington Park State House. Finally, begin your day with a bang with a sumptuous breakfast that’s served in the townhouse.
The Maker Hotel, Warren Street
4
Bohemian-meets-Belle Epoque at The Maker, one of the most vintage-riddled boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY. In fact, more than 70 percent of the decor is vintage! The hotel is spread across four historic buildings, including an 1800s carriage house. All rooms and suites are adorned in jewel-hued furnishings, stained glass, Moroccan rugs, and wallpaper that’s been designed by the co-founder of the property. Even the plush and heavenly beds are crafted in the French Louis XV style, so you can sleep in style.
The Maker might be a bohemian boutique stay, but it’s also so much more than that. This is thanks to its mixed bag of luxe attractions, including a fitness center, a restaurant that sits in a glass conservatory, a lounge, and a café. Additionally, the hotel treats you to everything from a dreamy library and homemade snacks to an idyllic pool with decadent cocktail service poolside. Ah, bliss.
The Herwood Inn
3
Romance is in the air at The Herwood Inn, one of the most atmospheric boutique hotels in Hudson Valley. The creative Woodstock inn boasts a hip, socially conscious vibe and bright and cheery rooms. What’s more, they’re decked out with a whole lot of desirable details such as kitchenettes, private outdoor patios, and clawfoot soaking tubs for long romantic soaks. The best bit? There are just four rooms, so staying here is as intimate an experience as it gets. Plus, they’re all named after iconic and celebrated female musicians – Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks, and Carole King. Aside from the youthful and fun vibes, every room also displays zodiac gemstones representing the birthstone of each musician. If you do step outside the rooms, there’s a lovely cedar hot tub and a communal patio for mingling.
Urban Cowboy Lodge
2
The Urban Cowboy Lodge is one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Hudson Valley NY. This storied Ulster County resort boasts a modern and hip twist and lies along the picturesque Esopus Creek. This wilderness retreat which sits on 68 lush acres of the great outdoors, is the perfect base for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fly fishing. At the property, choose from 28 rooms, a cozy chalet, and a freestanding cabin for those dreamy winter romantic staycations.
Even if you want to spend time at the property, there’s no dearth of things to do. Enjoy a long and languorous soak in one of the in-room copper or cedar bathtubs or sip coffee on the private outdoor deck. When the hunger pangs come calling, head to the eatery aptly called The Dining Room, which uses local ingredients to create some of the most sublime fare you’ve ever eaten.
Vanderbilt Lakeside
1
Topping the list of the best boutique hotels in Hudson Valley is Columbia County’s Vanderbilt Lakeside. This one might just be the only Victorian lakehouse in existence! This charming and upscale Hudson Valley hotel has its very own lake! So, picnicking in warm weather or sitting by the waterside are absolutely acceptable ways to spend the whole day here. On the inside, the vibe is decidedly hipster-bohemian, which calls to mind literary characters such as Dorian Gray and Jay Gatsby due to its moodily romantic décor. Choose from eight rooms, all of which come with chic private bathrooms, some even with deep-soaking bathtubs. Begin the day with a complimentary spread of a Hudson Valley breakfast. Head to the hotel’s eponymous restaurant on the grounds for other meals, which is a local favorite famed for its curated bar offerings and flavor-driven menu.
Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Hudson Valley
- Breadfolks Bakery: Do you see a line snaking out of this Hudson bakery? It’s not unusual, especially since it’s open only between Thursday and Monday. However, it’s absolutely worth waiting for their huge buttery croissants, their organic bread loaves, and especially their decadent “cruffins,” a croissant-muffin, if you will. What’s more, they have flavors such as passionfruit and baklava.
- Bartlett House: Nestled in a historic and restored 1800s’ railroad hotel, Bartlett House serves the most sublime food you’d ever have had in a bakery-cafe. The bakery boasts an impressive selection of pastries and breads; some describe the cherry cornmeal scone as phenomenal. What’s more, it also doles out American classics such as fried apple pie slices, and breakfast sandwiches from homemade English muffins. P.S.: Do not leave sans buying some of their fabulous jams.
Recommended Things To Do in Hudson Valley
- Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Wine and Local Cheese Tour: This fall foliage tour of the best wine and cheese of the Hudson Valley is an unmissable experience. Visit the small towns and sample regional wine at three of the region’s most unique wineries, paired with local cheeses. Oh, and bring your camera!
- Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Shared Helicopter Tour: If there’s another spectacular way of seeing the sights of Hudson Valley in the fall, it’s this helipcopter tour. Marvel at the cascade of blazing oranges, yellows, and reds of fall foliage from high up in the sky for a 30/45-minute tour.
Where To Stay in Hudson Valley
Located around two hours north of New York City and just over three hours from Boston, Hudson Valley on the banks of the Hudson River is all about quaint little towns. They’re so charming that they beckon weary city mice who seek respite from the chaos of everyday life. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history fiend, or an outdoors junkie, Hudson Valley has a town for you.
Firstly, there’s Catskill, which is perfect for those revelers who spend almost every Saturday at the MET or the Guggenheim. What’s more, it’s also the gateway to the Hudson River School art trail, with numerous sites dotted across the region. Not just that, but even the main town is a bustling creative hub. So, you’ll see a bevy of indie shops and galleries lining the charming Main Street. Secondly, there’s the tiny town of Millerton, which lies in Duchess County. In fact, it lies hardly a mile from the New York-Connecticut state line. This one is for those interested in retail therapy, for the town has both high-end stores and bohemian ones where you’ll find enough stuff to fill a house.
Next up is Kingston, which is perfect for history enthusiasts. History is anything but in short supply here. Four Corners, one of its most popular intersections, is allegedly the only spot in the whole of America to be occupied by a pre-Revolutionary War structure! You didn’t think we’d forget outdoorsy peeps, did you? Phoenicia has Esopus Creek running right through it. Plus, it’s close to many natural wonders, including Kaaterskill Falls and Hunter Mountain. Finally, there’s the tiny hamlet of Stone Ridge, which is particularly picturesque because of its old stone houses. One of the most spectacular of them is the 1750s-built Hasbrouck House, a country estate-turned-hotel.
