Hudson is weird. I mean that in the best way possible. One minute you’re looking at a $15,000 mid-century credenza on Warren Street, and the next you’re watching a tugboat haul gravel down the river. It’s a town of contradictions, which makes choosing where to stay in Hudson NY a bit of a gamble if you don't know the layout.
Most people just book the first cute-looking spot they see on a booking app. Big mistake. You might end up at the top of a massive hill when you wanted to be by the train, or realize too late that your "charming" inn is actually above a bar that blasts techno until 2:00 AM.
Honestly, the vibe changes block by block. Below 3rd Street is where the history feels heaviest—think 18th-century brick and proximity to the water. Above 4th is where the energy picks up, closer to the best cocktail dens and the newer, shinier boutiques. If you want to actually enjoy your weekend, you’ve gotta pick a side.
The Maker: For When You Want to Feel Like a 1920s Poet
If you have the budget and a flair for the dramatic, The Maker Hotel is the only answer. It’s not just a hotel; it’s basically an architectural fever dream spread across three buildings. They have these "Studio" rooms inspired by different creative types—the Architect, the Artist, the Writer.
The Writer room literally has a private library. You’ve got velvet, you’ve got dark wood, and you’ve got a fragrance library curated by the founders of Fresh.
- The Vibe: Moody, expensive, and deeply "bohemian-chic."
- The Catch: There’s no elevator. If you’re in one of the top-floor lofts, those stairs are no joke after three martinis at their Carriage House bar.
- Best for: Couples who want to hide away and pretend they live in a different century.
Rivertown Lodge: The "Cool Kid" Choice at the Top of the Hill
On the opposite end of Warren Street sits Rivertown Lodge. It used to be a movie theater in the 1920s, then a pretty basic motel, and now it’s the poster child for "Upstate Minimalist."
It feels very open. The lobby has two wood-burning stoves and a big communal table where you’ll see people on their MacBooks drinking free drip coffee. It’s less "stuffy hotel" and more "very stylish friend’s house." They even have Papillionaire bikes you can borrow to cruise around.
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The location is way up at the top of Warren. It’s quieter up there, but you’ll be doing a lot of walking if you want to see the river.
Where to Stay in Hudson NY if You’re Taking the Train
If you’re coming up from Penn Station and don't want to rent a car, you have two main power moves: The Wick or Wm. Farmer & Sons.
The Wick is a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, which sounds corporate, but it’s actually a repurposed candle factory. It’s right near the station. It’s great if you want high-tech amenities and a gym, things that many of the smaller B&Bs just don't offer. But keep in mind: to get to the main shops on Warren Street, you have to walk up a set of stairs that locals call "The Hudson Workout."
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Then there's Wm. Farmer & Sons.
This place is iconic. It’s about two blocks from the station. The rooms are divided between the main building and some annexed suites.
- The "Pint" and "Half Pint" suites are ground-floor and great for families.
- The main house rooms feel more traditional and cozy.
- The bar downstairs is arguably the best in town—get the oysters.
The "Secret" Gems: B&Bs and Guesthouses
Maybe you don't want a full-service hotel. Maybe you want to feel like a local who actually lives in a Federal-style townhouse.
The Nest Hudson is a solid mid-range choice. It’s basically five suites with a 24/7 snack kitchen. It’s self-check-in, which is perfect if you’re antisocial like me and don't want to chat with an innkeeper about your breakfast preferences at 8:00 AM.
For something truly historic, look at The Howard. It was the first brick house built on Warren Street back in 1790. It’s been a seminary for young ladies and a private mansion; now it’s a seven-room boutique spot. It’s right in the "Below 3rd" district, which is the perfect starting point for an afternoon of antique hunting.
A Quick Word on Airbnbs
Hudson has a lot of them. Some are stunning lofts; others are just "landlord special" apartments with a West Elm rug thrown in. If you go the Airbnb route, stay within two blocks of Warren Street. If you go much further south or north, the neighborhoods get very residential very fast, and you’ll find yourself calling an Uber just to get a coffee.
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Actionable Strategy for Your Hudson Trip
Don't just wing it. Hudson fills up fast, especially during leaf-peeping season or the Winter Walk in December.
- Book 3 months out if you want a weekend at The Maker or Rivertown. They sell out predictably.
- Check the "Below 3rd" district if you want peace and quiet.
- Check "Above 4th" if you want to be stumbling distance from the bars.
- Don't bring a big car. Parking on Warren Street is a nightmare of alternate-side rules and aggressive ticketing. Most hotels have small lots, but they fill up. If you're staying at The Wick or Wm. Farmer & Sons, honestly, just take the Amtrak.
The best way to experience this town is on foot. Pick a spot that lets you drop your bags and forget your keys for 48 hours. Whether it’s a converted candle factory or a moody writer’s retreat, Hudson has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a better, more aesthetically pleasing version of reality.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the Amtrak schedule from Penn Station—the Empire Service is faster and more frequent than the Maple Leaf. Once your tickets are set, grab a reservation at Swoon Kitchenbar or The Maker Restaurant at least two weeks before you arrive, as prime dinner slots disappear faster than the morning fog on the Hudson River.