Where to Stay in Hudson Valley (Best Places)

10 Best Towns & Areas to Stay in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is a large area with all different types of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a natural setting, a quiet retreat, or to visit three historic buildings a day, you’ll have no trouble finding it all in the Hudson Valley. So, let’s figure out the ideal environment for you.

Rhinebeck

👉 Best Area For Good Food and Drinks | ✨ Best Rhinebeck Hotels: Beekman Arms Hotel • Mirbeau Inn & Spa • The Gables of Rhinebeck Inn 

Rhinebeck is the ideal spot if you always want a good restaurant nearby. There are a bunch of delicious dining establishments serving up a variety of cuisines within walking distance of the town center. A few of my favorites are Bia for a nice dinner and Smoky Rock BBQ for a more laidback affair.

Between meals, you can visit the area’s museums and historical sites. Or, if you need some time to unwind, check out the Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck. This hotel is my top overall pick for where to stay in the Hudson Valley for its excellent spa and two delicious restaurants right on-site. 

A trip to Rhinebeck can work for families with kids, a romantic getaway, or even a weekend with friends. It’s a very multifaceted place. 

Pros of Staying in Rhinebeck Neighborhood:

• Incredible places to eat and drink
• Only a short drive from other Hudson Valley areas
• Close to public transportation and a walkable town center

Con of Staying in Rhinebeck Neighborhood:

• Expensive accommodations
• Things close down pretty early

Beacon

👉 Best Area For Exploring the Arts | ✨ Best Beacon Hotels: The Dutchess Inn and Spa at Beacon • Beacon Hermitage • Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fishkill

Beacon is a place for art lovers with independently-run modern art galleries, museums, and lots of creative energy. All you have to do is walk up and down the block and you’ll feel that. It’s also one of the best day trips from NYC, just 1.5 hours away from Grand Central on the train. 

In town, I’d recommend spending an afternoon at Dia Beacon. This art museum has out-of-the-box installations all housed in a phenomenal space. Or, check out the Storm King Art Center if you’re up for a little drive and prefer to be outside. 

The accommodations around Beacon cater to any budget. You can get a glamorous, high-end boutique hotel with an indoor pool or more laid-back budget-friendly guest rooms. Need the proof? 

The Dutchess Inn and Spa at Beacon and Beacon Hermitage are two highly-rated, exquisite boutique inns. Yet, in the same area you can find the Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fishkill for less than $200 per night on average depending on the season. 

Pros of Staying in Beacon Neighborhood:

• An overall cool, artsy vibe
• Hotel options at various price points
• Many museums and art galleries
• Great coffee shops
• Convenient public transportation to other areas and NYC

Cons of Staying in Beacon Neighborhood:

• Limited activities beyond arts and museums
• A little touristy with many new hotels popping up 

Stone Ridge

👉 Best Area For Families & Central Location | ✨ Best Stone Ridge Hotels: Elmrock Inn • inness • Hasbrouck House 

Stone Ridge is one of the most conveniently located places to stay for adventuring around New York State. It’s a quick drive to lots of other adorable towns like Woodstock, New Paltz, Kingston, and more. Plus, this safe, family-friendly area is only 2 hours from NYC.

There’s endless nature to explore nearby. The town is right between the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains. You can head to Mohonk Preserve for panoramic views of the Hudson Valley from the top of the mountains. 

Besides the outdoor activities, I’m a big fan of the diverse restaurants around Stone Ridge. You can find an elegant farm-to-table restaurant just as easily as a slice of pizza. 

The only thing is that accommodations in town can be pretty limited since it’s residential. The best places, like the luxurious Hasbrouck House or the family-oriented Elmrock Inn, should be booked well in advance. 

Pros of Staying in Stone Ridge Neighborhood:

• A variety of cuisines to choose from
• Easy to find a farm-to-table restaurant
• Surrounded by nature and outdoor activities
• Very safe area and family-friendly

Cons of Staying in Stone Ridge Neighborhood:

• Limited accommodations in the actual town
• A car is required to get around

Tarrytown

👉 Best Area For Close Proximity to NYC | ✨ Best Tarrytown Hotels: Castle Hotel & Spa • Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson • Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown Westchester County 

Everyone wants the chance to experience New York City, but actually staying there can be a little intimidating. If you want the freedom of being close to the city without staying in one of the expensive NYC neighborhoods, then consider Tarrytown. 

Tarrytown is only an hour from NYC with public transportation options like the train readily available throughout the day. It’s also a fun, historic city on its own. There are many tasty places to eat, striking cultural sites like Lyndhurst Mansion, and even a state park. 

Out of all the hotel options around the area, I’d recommend a stay at the Westchester Marriott. They have two yummy restaurants on-site, welcoming staff, and really large rooms.

Pros of Staying in Tarrytown Neighborhood:

• Easy and quick public transport to NYC
• Located next to the Hudson River
• Gorgeous mansions
• Lots of boutique shops

Con of Staying in Tarrytown Neighborhood:

• Very crowded
• Farther from cute Hudson Valley towns

Hyde Park

👉 Best Area For Historical Sites | ✨ Best Hyde Park Hotels: Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast • Roosevelt Inn of Hyde Park • Inn the Woods B&B

Hyde Park is a fantastic place to start exploring New York’s history. There’s history all over the Hudson Valley and many of these top cultural attractions are in Hyde Park.

Here, you’ll find the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is a National Historic Landmark. Along with other important points of interest for history buffs, such as the Vanderbilt Mansion.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Hyde Park. In particular, it’s a great place to find a boutique hotel, like Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast. Former guests at this sparkling clear stay rated the service 10 out of 10 across the board.

Pros of Staying in Hyde Park Neighborhood:

• Lots of historical sites
• Friendly small-town vibe
• Adorable boutique hotels

Con of Staying in Hyde Park Neighborhood:

• Limited nightlife

New Paltz

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best New Paltz Hotels: Minnewaska Lodge • Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz • Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz is one of the best places to stay in all of New York State because there’s so much going on in town. It’s home to the ultra-luxurious (albeit extremely expensive) Mohonk Mountain House. You could spend an entire trip just staying at this top-notch New York hotel. In fact, I recommend a visit for the day even if you don’t sleep there. 

However, there’s a lot to see in New Paltz itself, too. Mountains consume the area and the town surprisingly has some of the best nightlife around. Don’t miss local spots like P&Gs and Jar’d on a Saturday evening here. 

There are so many unique shops around New Paltz that really make it stand out as a destination as well. A couple of my favorites are Krause’s Chocolates to get a sweet fix and the Inquiring Minds Bookstore. 

Additionally, New Paltz is very centrally located. It’s simple to head south to NYC or a couple of hours north to Saratoga Springs.

Pros of Staying in New Paltz Neighborhood:

• Excellent nightlife scene with many bars
• Easy to find a high-quality restaurant
• Close to many natural attractions and hiking spots
• Cute shops around town

Cons of Staying in New Paltz Neighborhood:

• It’s a college town, so it can get loud and rowdy
• More homestays and guest rooms available than hotels

Hudson

👉 Best Area For Shopping and Relaxing | ✨ Best Hudson Hotels: Nest Hudson • The Hudson Whaler • Hudson B&B

Hudson is another fun, artsy town that makes for a relaxing weekend getaway. It’s located right up against the Hudson River, as its name suggests. 

If you’re looking to shop your trip away, this is the town for you. Particularly, downtown Hudson is known for its vintage, antique, and boutique shopping. I’d start with Vintage Black Label and Magic Hill Mercantile. 

In the winter, you can find some of the best cross-country skiing in the United States nearby as well. Both Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain are just 40 minutes away. 

That’s the great thing about staying here on a Hudson Valley vacation. There are so many things to do in the town, but the nearby surroundings are just as entertaining. 

The other thing I love about Hudson is that there are very trendy and varied accommodations. The Hudson Whaler has a really great historic charm. Whereas Nest Hudson is bigger and more modernized, perfect for a family vacation.

Pros of Staying in Hudson Neighborhood:

• Plenty of vintage and antique shopping
• Hunter and Windham Mountains nearby
• Lots of hotels, restaurants, and bars
• Beautiful landscapes and nature nearby

Cons of Staying in Hudson Neighborhood:

• Gets humid in the summer and extremely cold in the winter
• High sales tax
• Pricey

Highlands

👉 Best Area For Military History | ✨ Best Highlands Hotels: The Thayer Hotel • Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Point-Fort Montgomery • Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain

The town of Highlands is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River and is part of the Appalachian Mountain range. Bear Mountain State Park, West Point, Fort Montgomery, and the Village of Highland Falls make up the town. The area was of strategic significance during the Revolutionary War, making it an ideal stop for fans of American military history. 

To maximize your historical excursion, book a room at The Thayer Hotel. The hotel combines 200 years of military history with modern amenities, right on the West Point campus and overlooking the Hudson River. 

The two most popular attractions in Highlands are the 5,205-acre Bear Mountain State Park and the United States Military Academy at West Point. You can enjoy rugged hiking trails with picturesque views, or book a tour of the grounds at West Point. The Fourth of July at West Point hosts a free concert and fireworks over the Hudson River that rival New York City’s celebrations.  

The Fort Montgomery Museum overlooks the Hudson River and offers an informative history of the Revolutionary War. The Fort Montgomery Historical Trail takes you directly into Bear Mountain State Park. If you want to check out war remnants and a fortress, Constitution Island sits to the east of the Hudson River across from West Point. 

Pros of Staying in Highlands:

• Surrounded by Appalachian Mountains and The Hudson River 
• Rich in military history 
• Less touristy than nearby towns 
• Access to Bear Mountain State Park 

Cons of Staying in Highlands:

• Very limited dining scene 
• No shopping scene 

Blooming Grove

👉 Best Area For Small Town Charm | ✨ Best Blooming Grove Hotels: The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast • The Dominion House • Sleep Inn & Suites Monroe-Woodbury 

Blooming Grove has a charming small-town vibe with fewer tourists than other areas in the Hudson Valley. The village of Salisbury Mills is home to the Moodna Viaduct railroad trestle (pictured), a popular spot for easy hiking and photographing the changing seasons. 

The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast and The Dominion House are top-rated accommodations for cozy suites and farmhouse-like appeal. Keep in mind that these rooms book fast during the fall and holiday seasons. 

Blooming Grove’s best asset is its proximity to popular destinations. Just eight minutes away in the town of Washingtonville is Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery, dating back to 1839. Salisbury Mills is a five-minute drive from the Storm King Art Center open-air museum. 

Blooming Hill Farm is a local favorite for farm-to-table dining, and hosts a weekend farmers market for fresh produce and baked goods. Schunemunk State Park is a lesser-known spot for outdoor enthusiasts, and features eight separate hiking trails, rolling hills, mountaintops, and Hudson River views. 

Pros of Blooming Grove:

• Underrated with less tourists during peak summer and fall seasons 
• Quick drive to popular destinations 
• Charming, cozy feel 
• Salisbury Mills/Cornwall Station has a train to Penn Station for a NYC day trip 

Cons of Blooming Grove:

• Limited dining and bar scene 
• Popular B&B’s require advanced booking to secure a room 

Warwick

👉 Best Area For The Fall Season  | ✨ Best Warwick Hotels: Warwick Valley Bed And Breakfast • Inn at Stony Creek • Cottage at Millpond Falls

Warwick is my top choice for staying in a quaint Hudson Valley town if you’re traveling from late August to early November. The town has plenty to offer year-round, but the fall season is ripe for apple picking, wineries, farm stands, and pumpkin patches. 

The Warwick Valley Bed and Breakfast is near Main Street and within walking distance of restaurants and shops. If you want a romantic getaway, The Inn at Stony Creek is adults-only with a full Irish or English breakfast served in the room. 

Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery and Applewood Winery are the most popular destinations for local wines and ciders, with picturesque landscapes to enjoy the fall foliage. If you want to go apple picking, Ochs Orchard and Masker Orchards are ideal for a family outing in September and October. 

The town of Warwick has an impressive selection of cuisine, from fine-dining Italian at Grappa to pub grub at Halligan’s. Main Street in Warwick has boutique shops to visit, like Frazzleberries Country Store and Newhard’s Inc. 

If you travel during the summer, catch a movie at The Warwick Drive-In and enjoy a peaceful sunset behind the screen. The nearby village of Greenwood Lake offers water activities like boating and kayaking, popular among city escapees and locals alike. 

Pros of Staying in Warwick:

• Impressive selection of wineries 
• Mix of fine dining and casual cuisine 
• Main street bustling with boutique shops 
• Very child-friendly for apple picking during fall 

Cons of Staying in Warwick:

• Very congested during the fall, especially the wineries 
• No direct train to New York City (bus options available) 

Tips for Staying in the Hudson Valley

Get Out in Nature

Most of New York State is covered in spectacular nature for you to explore and the Hudson Valley is one of the epicenters of all that.

A big part of the fun in visiting this region is conquering the hiking trails, taking a boat ride on one of the many lakes in New York, or checking out the local waterfalls. So, don’t miss out on all the outdoor activities.

Shop the Local, One-of-a-Kind Shops

One of my favorite things about New York is all the one-of-a-kind local shops. Leave a good chunk of your Hudson Valley itinerary to peruse some of the adorable shops around town for clothes, trinkets, and souvenirs. 

New Paltz and Beacon are two of the best places for just meandering around and finding these sorts of shops.

Take a Day Trip to New York City

A selling point of the Hudson Valley is its proximity to NYC. It’s only a quick 2 to 3 hour train ride and you’ll end up right in the middle of Manhattan. It’s a totally doable day trip I took about 200 times while growing up. 

If you’re worried about fitting all of New York’s iconic sites into just one day, let me solve that for you. Just read through Niamh’s comprehensive One Day in New York City Itinerary.

Consider the Season You’re Visiting

New York locals always say that one of their favorite things about the state is that they get to experience all four seasons. However, that also means you must be prepared for each one as a visitor.

New York is a very different place in the winter versus the summer. Make sure to pick the best time to visit New York for your preferences. Personally, I think the best time to check out the area as a traveler is either summer for good weather or autumn to see the changing leaves. 

Be sure to see my guide to the best things to do in Hudson Valley for more ideas on what to do in every season.

Accommodations in the Hudson Valley aren’t Cheap

Another big thing to keep in mind when you’re staying in the Hudson Valley is that accommodations don’t come cheap. Whether you’re staying in guest rooms, a boutique hotel, or an Airbnb. Things are either going to be expensive or more expensive. 

Don’t let that reality scare you away completely. It’s definitely worth the price, but it’s something to be aware of before arriving. Budget accordingly and book early to get the best price.

Consider Taking a Road Trip

The Hudson Valley is one of those places where you’ll need a car to get around. You can find the best price for a rental by comparing local rates on Discover Cars. 

Once you’re behind the wheel, take advantage of your ride by going on a road trip around the region. Traveling around New York on a road trip is one of the best ways to see the mountainous views that make the area famous.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of our New York road trip itinerary here!

Get Into the Local Art Scene

One of my favorite things about the Hudson Valley is the flourishing art scene around the area. These New York towns in particular really love the arts and show that appreciation in the form of galleries, chic boutique stores, and even street art on full display for free. 

Keep an eye out for these sorts of opportunities to appreciate the local artistry. 

Visit Multiple Hudson Valley Destinations

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect place to stay in the Hudson Valley because the truth is: you can have it all. Or at least, a decent amount of it. 

With a car, it’s very easy to get around the region and check out surrounding destinations. You should absolutely pack your itinerary with a few other nearby towns or attractions to spice up your Hudson Valley trip. 

FAQs

Where is the best place to stay in the Hudson Valley?

The best place to stay in the Hudson Valley depends on your travel style and goals. For example, Stone Ridge is a good choice for families and those who want a central location. Tarrytown is good for its close proximity to NYC. These are just for starters.

What is the Hudson Valley known for?

The Hudson Valley is known for its unique towns, beautiful outdoor attractions, historical sites, rich art scene, and more. The region is also considered to be one of the best day trips from New York City since it’s just a couple of hours away by train.

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Hopefully, you found the perfect place to plant roots during your Hudson Valley trip. Want to expand your horizons past this beautiful region? Read Niamh’s complete guide to the Best Places to Visit in New York State next to learn more. 

Have fun in the Hudson Valley!