4 New Upstate Hotels

  |  October 28, 2019

The Hewood Inn in Woodstock. Photo by Winona Barton-Ballentine for Upstate Shelter.

The modern traveler is seeking an experience in every aspect of their journey. Lured by one-of-a-kind settings that offer a modern blend of sustainable practices, luxurious linens, tech-friendly comforts, and an authentic vibe, travelers are no longer willing to settle for chain accommodations with mediocre service, generic wall art, and a continental breakfast buffet—even if the prices are lower. The hotel itself is now a defining component of the vacation vibe.

The new standard in lodging has reached the Hudson Valley, thanks to an increase in investors tackling historic renovations, hospitable managers who love their business’s local communities, and designers with a flair for chic interiors that showcase the work of local artisans. The following four new Hudson Valley hotels have been created with today’s tourist in mind, crafting an exceptional experience for guests.

The Latest in Hudson Valley Lodging

Long Neck Inn | Catskill, NY

Courtesy of Long Neck Inn.

“There’s been a noteworthy resurgence of reclaiming old buildings and turning them into something impressive for out-of-town guests,” says Cathy Ballone, owner and head innkeeper of the Long Neck Inn, sited at the former Catskill Game Farm. The inn is as impressive as it gets: A sustainably renovated former giraffe barn that belonged to a wild game zoo that once drew thousands of local and city families to see its exotic species The Long Neck Inn, part of the larger Old Game Farm property, now features five guest rooms, starting at $188 a night, with luxuries like memory foam mattresses, deep soaking baths, radiant heating, and eco-friendly amenities, as well as four outdoor glamping sites.

Courtesy of Long Neck Inn.

With more than 25 miles of maintained hiking and biking trails to navigate and perfectly eerie, Instagram-worthy abandoned zoo relics to explore, you won’t spend much time indoors. “We feel it’s important that anyone coming to stay with us has a unique experience,” explains Ballone, who is onhand to assist guests with everything from dining suggestions to horseback trail tours. “Some people come just to photograph the abandoned zoo, others want to enjoy the outdoors. We have the ability to help them discover their own personal vacation.”

The Howard Hotel | Hudson, NY

Courtesy of The Howard Hotel.Comfortable luxury with a nod to the past awaits guests at The Howard Hotel, the city of Hudson’s newest boutique hotel, created by the owners of the nearby Inn at Ca’Mea and its lauded Italian fine dining establishment. With contemporary, elegant design in a restored historic building, the Howard is exactly the sort of intimate getaway you’d want to retreat to after a day of browsing on busy Warren Street.

The hotel offers seven guest rooms, some of which are spacious suites complete with full kitchens, should visitors find themselves inspired after dining at Ca’Mea. “Each suite has its own unique, relaxing vibe with classy, modern furnishings and wonderful natural light,” says co-proprietor Roy Felcetto, who’s been in business with Max Cenci at Ca’Mea for almost 20 years. Of the many historic buildings in Hudson, The Howard is a particularly significant restoration. Built in 1790, it’s said to be the first brick residence constructed on Warren Street. “The building has been meticulously renovated—beyond perfection,” Cenci says. “The design is all new, yet we incorporated reclaimed materials found within the building.” Rates range from $139 to $300.

The Herwood Inn | Woodstock, NY

The Herwood Inn in Woodstock. Photo by Winona Barton Ballentine for Upstate Shelter.

Experiential lodging is at the heart of Woodstock’s new The Herwood Inn, with meticulously curated details designed to emphasize relaxation, exploration, sustainability, and significant women in music (this is Woodstock, after all). The four suites, which range from $200 to $450 per night, are respectively inspired by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Nicks. “The Herwood Inn pays tribute to the love, wisdom, and dreams these women created with songs that will forever play on in our hearts,” says co-owner June Peterson. “We aimed to offer an array of suites and spaces that foster creativity and exploration while offering a peaceful and relaxing environment.”

The lounge at Hewood Inn in Woodstock. Photo by Winona Barton-Ballentine for Upstate Shelter.

Rooms feature locally made or procured goods, including honey, natural smudge mists, a curated crystal selection, and more. “We keep human health and wellbeing in mind throughout all of our spaces; each suite has an essential oil diffuser and air purifier to create clean energy,” says co-owner Em Atkins. Yoga mats, cork blocks, and a cedar hot tub are available to guests, as well. Another helpful amenity: an in-room guest iPad serves as a welcome guide, offering an interactive map of the town and providing an in-room concierge service should guests need additional linens and toiletries, or if they would like to purchase products by local artisans available from the Commune Shop.

Mirbeau Inn and Spa | Rhinebeck, NY

Parisian elegance meets historic Hudson Valley charm at Rhinebeck’s newest resort, Mirbeau Inn and Spa. Tucked just off the lively village center, Mirbeau’s French chateau-inspired design offers 50 luxury guest rooms, an onsite restaurant designed by an award-winning chef, and an impressive spa. “Mirbeau Inn and Spa is a place to unwind, indulge, and take care of yourself,” says Kaycee Darby, director of sales and marketing. The rooms feature one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, clawfoot soaking tubs, and European, tiled walk-in showers and range from $224 to $409.

“Our signature restaurant, Willow by Charlie Palmer, beckons guests to indulge in chic-yet-hearty meals from culinary titan Charlie Palmer. Our seasoned spa team helps resort guests and local visitors alike pursue a life in balance through world-class service.” Mirbeau’s 12,000-square-foot spa offers 14 treatment rooms, a meditation lounge, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, Himalayan salt saunas, and an aqua terrace with an oversized hot plunge pool and private bar. “We hope to drive tourism, but also provide a place for locals to unwind and recharge,” Darby says. “Rhinebeck and its surroundings are the perfect embodiment of Mirbeau’s ethos of ‘life, classically balanced.’”

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