Luxurious Lodging in Hudson

  |  January 15, 2015
mtmerino

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Ohh Hudson, what can we say about you? If Hudson Valley towns graduated college together you would’ve had a real, career-ish job two months afterwards while others struggled to get gallery-owners to pleeeaaase just hang a piece or two (ahem… Kingston) and others still only work 3 weeks a month because “it takes, like, 2 days to hike to my Ashram” (looking at you New Paltz). The entire valley is definitely rocketing upwards, but anyone who has visited Hudson lately knows the amount of development that’s taken place there has been perhaps more transformative than that of its kindred cities. To those who haven’t been to Hudson lately: crack open your savings account and book a night at one of the many hotels. We’ve outlined several of the available accommodations here, but on my recent trip I stayed at Mt. Merino Manor, a beautiful bed and breakfast in a historic home.

The Manor enchants from first sight as one glimpses it atop a manicured hill from the stone gates at its entrance. Visitors to Olana, the mansion of the painter Frederick Church, may find it a touch familiar, and I later discovered this is no coincidence. First of all, Mt. Merino is a mere couple miles from Olana (and sometimes visible from the grounds), and secondly, the manor belonged to Dr. Sabine, a close friend and occasional physician to Frederick Church himself. I understand much of their correspondence is still preserved. But, history-nerding aside (except did you know Church painted the Petra ruins? Alright, I’m done), staying at Mt. Merino was truly a wonderful experience. Their philosophy seems to focus on nailing the basics; while you won’t find a gym or a lap pool, you will appreciate the quality of the linens provided or the spa-style shower. There are seven available rooms, but we stayed in the Diamond Suite. While it was nowhere near the highest-end option, it was still spacious and quite decadent. I found myself pausing to look at things like the wood grain on the antique bedside tables, or the tastefully elegant fixtures on the whirlpool bathtub. It certainly didn’t want for pleasant details.

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Some of the more technology inclined among us, however, may have been a little disappointed. The TV was smallish and oldish and outlet spacing was occasionally an issue, but nothing more dire than providing an incentive to get out and explore. And exploring was relatively easy; the manor is just a couple miles outside of “downtown” Hudson, and accessible by a short cab ride for those who hate to drive on vacation (I’m not weird, you’re weird). What you do in Hudson is your business, but unlike going to dinner with your parents, don’t forget your wallet. Before you head out, however, make sure to make it down to the dining room for breakfast. You will never believe that the breakfast is almost a destination in itself but it was consistently wow-worthy. That’s coming from someone who is pretty hard to wow before noon.

So if you haven’t yet, come see how Hudson is like the young, business-savvy, successful account executive of Hudson Valley towns. Or better yet, bring your business-savvy, successful account-executive friend to Hudson. He will feel right at home, unless you are that person, in which case have Linda cancel your 3:30… or… whatever. But whenever you get there and with whomever you go, you won’t go wrong by staying at Mt. Merino Manor. It provided wonderful accommodations for a wonderful trip.

About Peter Martin

Peter Daniel Martin wants to see, and do, and eat, and drink everything amazing in the Hudson Valley, and everywhere else after that.

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