Over the past two years, I’ve traveled a lot for work in the Northeast.
Upstate New York was somewhere I had never spent time before, so each opportunity to travel was a new experience to learn more about the area.
Regardless of whether the destination was established or emerging, there’s a beauty in seeing how various hospitality groups operated differently to ultimately achieve the same end—create extraordinary experiences for guests to keep them coming back.
What I enjoyed the most about traveling through the Hudson Valley was that the region proved that not everything extraordinary in New York state has to come from New York City—there’s so much more for people to explore in the Empire State beyond the Big Apple!
The cities and towns featured in this post were chosen based on their relative ease of travel from New York City by Amtrak. There may be some notable hotels and resorts in Upstate New York missing from this list, but I wanted to highlight more boutique hotels and more affordable options.
- Kingston, NY
- Hudson, NY
- Catskill, NY
- Windham, NY
- Albany, NY
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Additional Recommendations for Hotels in the Hudson Valley for Spa and Wellness
- Additional Recommendations for Hotels in the Hudson Valley to Disconnect
Kingston, NY
Why Visit Kingston, NY
Best known as the colonial capital during the American Revolution, today Kingston’s blend of a vibrant downtown scene and natural landscape captures the spirit of the Hudson Valley lifestyle. As far as attractions, the Hudson River Maritime Museum is a highly active institution that also hosts a sailing school, a woodworking school, and, for tourists, day cruises on their solar-powered boat, Solaris, during the summer months. Kingston Point Beach is a great place to cool off, only minutes away from the museum.
In Uptown, Rough Draft Books and Bar is a notable independent bookstore, bar, and café with a cult following in Upstate New York. Around the corner, Bernadette’s Bistro is another favorite neighborhood haunt for classic American, while Le Canard Enchaine is a beloved, authentic Parisian restaurant recognized as the best French restaurant north of Manhattan. On colder afternoons or evenings, the unassuming Yum Yum Noodle Bar meets the need to warm up over hot sake and a bowl of ramen.
How to Get from NYC to Kingston, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff (~2-hour ride), followed by a 20-minute Uber ride from the train station across the river to Kingston or your hotel.
Best Hotel to Disconnect: Hutton Brickyards
The riverside hotel and wedding venue serves as another proof of how hospitality in the Hudson River Valley blends historic roots with modern design and amenities. Guests have the option of staying in rooms at Edgewood, the historic mansion originally built in 1873, or the contemporary Queen or King cabins scattered through the 100-acre estate.
Best Hotel to Stay Downtown: Hotel Kinsley
Featured in Vogue as “the coziest” boutique hotel in Upstate New York, the 42-room hotel spans across three historic properties and is centrally located in Uptown. The bright and modern interiors are designed by Studio Robert McKinley, the creative team behind Sant Ambroeus and Surf Lodge. The hotel’s restaurant is a destination in its own right, offering New American cuisine infused with Southern and French influences.
Hudson, NY
Why Visit Hudson, NY
Hudson gets most of the attention from New Yorkers for a few reasons. First, the simple alliteration of heading to Hudson, NY, located in the Hudson Valley, overlooking the Hudson River—the benefit of natural branding—but realistically, it’s the fact that it is the most accessible city in upstate to travel to without a car. Hudson gives visitors the option to stay within the walkable downtown area as well as venture out to touch grass without venturing too far from civilization.
There’s no shortage of good dining options in Hudson; however, feast & floret is a worthy mention for its natural ambience and farm-to-table dishes, and Banque is known for bringing European confectionery and fine chocolate to the city. The Maker Hotel is the center of the social scene for visitors and locals—the restaurant, lounge, and café are open to the public, not just hotel guests.
How to Get from NYC to Hudson, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Hudson (~2-hour ride).
Best Hotel to Stay Downtown: The Maker Hotel
A Bohemian boutique hotel that has extended itself to become an established lifestyle brand. The Maker Hotel’s aesthetic is informed by layers of inspiration from travels and various time periods, all rooted in a seductive elegance.
Best Hotel for Spa and Wellness: Pocketbook Hudson
Opened in Fall 2025, Pocketbook Hudson is the former site of—you guessed it—a pocketbook factory. While it is impossible to ignore the industrial framework, the design and architecture breathe fresh life into the 66,000 square-foot space to house 46 guest rooms, a spa with thermal pools, an intimate dance club, and a 200-person event space, according to an Elle Decor article.
Catskill, NY
Why Visit Catskill, NY
Everyone knows “The Catskills” as a region in Upstate New York, but the town of Catskills itself is fairly small. For drinks, stop by the tasting room at Left Bank Ciders and Hemlock, named one of the best bars in America by Esquire. The new Greek restaurant, Phōs, marries traditional recipes and local ingredients in a warm, yet sophisticated, setting.
How to Get from NYC to Catskill, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Hudson (~2-hour ride), followed by a 10-minute Uber ride from the train station to Catskill or your hotel.
Best Hotel to Disconnect: AutoCamp Catskills
AutoCamp is a creative hospitality concept for travelers to experience the great outdoors—by creating a campus of Airstreams with communal spaces, this is a great choice for the adventurous modern traveler looking to unplug and connect with nature and, if they so choose, fellow travelers. A trip to AutoCamp Catskills would be a unique experience for a group of friends to meet up and spend a long weekend together hiking during the day or hanging out by the fire at night.
Best Luxury Hotel to Disconnect: Piaule Catskill
Piaule Catskill’s Nordic-inspired approach feels light and organic, thanks to the property’s use of untreated wood, metal, and locally sourced bluestone from its site as a former quarry. The spa, complete with an outdoor heated pool, frames gorgeous views of the mountains and woods. Dinner service at the restaurant, also open ot the public, features a three-course prix-fixe menu focused on hyper-local ingredients, so dishes change with seasonal availability. A review in Travel + Leisure noted that Piaule Catskills is adults-only and does not allow children ages 2-18 on the property—this is probably to preserve the calming environment for guests seeking a peaceful refuge.
Windham, NY
Why Visit Windham, NY
While the Windham Mountain Club may be the biggest draw to the area for those seeking a luxury, members-only experience, the Catskill Park spans 700,000 acres across four counties and offers a range of outdoor sports and activities year-round, such as hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, and camping. Windham is one of the smallest and oldest towns in the area, so visitors feel a strong sense of community during their stay.
At Millrock, a lively and intimate Italian restaurant, guests can expect classic dishes and filling portions as well as a busy dinner service during the season—takeout is also available with at least one week’s notice. For a more casual and family-friendly option, there’s always Chicken Run.
How to Get from NYC to Windham, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Hudson (~2-hour ride), followed by a 45-minute Uber ride from the train station to Windham or your hotel.
Best Luxury Hotel to Disconnect: Wylder Windham
The latest addition to Windham’s hospitality scene—and the first Small Luxury Hotels member in town—is “part boutique hotel, part mountain resort” and a “realm of activities” on-site, according to the Michelin Guide. The rooms slightly vary based on where they are on the property, but overall, they share a polished rustic aesthetic. For those looking to travel with their four-legged companions, select rooms are dog-friendly for a fee.
Best Hotel to Disconnect: Eastwind Hotel, Windham
Founded by three hospitality veterans in 2018, Eastwind Hotels are “ideal for elemental experiences, forming authentic connections with family and friends, and creating new relationships.” The hygge-inspired, Scandinavian design presents itself in Windham in its modern finishes throughout the rooms, suites, and Lushna mini A-frame cabins. At the end of a long day outside, hang out at the Bunkhouse Lounge and Cocktail Bar in the main building, or head back out and reserve a fire pit.
Albany, NY
Why Visit Albany, NY
There’s no reason for tourists to overlook New York’s state capitol—Albany is committed to welcoming more hospitality-based businesses and attracting more sports and entertainment groups over the next few years. As an urban hub in the Hudson Valley, it’s also a great stop along the journey to head north towards Saratoga Springs (less than an hour drive), and only an hour away from Lake George.
For families, the VIA Aquarium in nearby Schenectady has great programming for children, including stingray feedings and reptile shows. The Palace Theatre always has an impressive lineup of artists and comedians—be sure to head to Common Roots Brewing Company’s Albany outpost around the corner before the show. For a more elevated dinner option, book a reservation at The Delaware for classic American fare with standout specials.
How to Get from NYC to Albany, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Albany (~2.5-hour ride), followed by a 5-minute Uber ride from the train station to downtown Albany or your hotel.
Best Hotel to Stay Downtown: Hyatt Place Albany
While Hyatt Place Albany may not be a luxury experience, it’s clean and conveniently located in the heart of downtown Albany, which is all you need for an overnight stay. It’s also worth mentioning that their customer service was polite and considerate without being robotic—being human is priceless nowadays.
Best Hotel to Disconnect: The Argus Hotel & Cocktail Lounge
The Argus Hotel is spacious and historic, hidden in plain sight next to Washington Park. Despite its close proximity to downtown Albany, the property does feel worlds away from the surrounding city with its rich interiors. The cocktail bar brings in locals and other visitors for a relaxed evening and warm hospitality.
Saratoga Springs, NY
Why Visit Saratoga Springs, NY
The top destination for horse racing in the Northeast, Saratoga Springs offers great activities for families and large gatherings. The city is also known for its historical mineral springs that are rumored to improve health and well-being.
A day at the Saratoga Race Course is a must—there’s a lively energy from locals and visitors from all over the world to see these races. The Saratoga Spa State Park has plenty to offer, including hiking and biking trails, disc golf, equestrian trails, tennis, and camping, as well as The Gideon Putnam Hotel, which manages the Roosevelt Baths & Spa.
Kindred prepares dishes in its wood-fired kitchen and boasts an impressive list of natural and low-intervention wines. A favorite of locals and regular visitors to Saratoga Springs rave about craft cocktails and curated New American dishes at Hamlet & Ghost. For a more historic tavern, stop by Olde Bryan Inn for a pint and country-fried chicken, which has been open since 1773.
How to Get from NYC to Saratoga Springs, NY (via Amtrak)
Take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Saratoga Springs (~3.5-hour ride via Ethan Allen Express or ~5.5-hour ride via Adirondack), followed by a 5-minute Uber ride from the train station to downtown Saratoga Springs or your hotel.
Best Hotel to Stay Downtown: The Adelphi Hotel
The Adelphi Hotel stands proudly in downtown Saratoga Springs as the last standing grand hotel from the Gilded Age, according to Forbes. After completing a $75 million expansion and renovation in the summer of 2025, the property renews its commitment to continue delivering world-class hospitality in the hotel and restaurants.
Best Hotel for Spa and Wellness: Hotel Brookmere
Opened in 2025 after an extensive renovation, Hotel Brookmere expands the hospitality landscape in Saratoga Springs and adds friendly competition to the wellness space in the region. Arbor Spa welcomes guests in a soothing, warm ambience and caters to business travelers, couples, and groups. The hotel’s restaurant, Regent, serves French-inspired dishes and blends regional flavors with European charm. In an interview with Saratoga Living, Chef Christopher Smith envisions “an upscale French brasserie that still feels true to the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.”
Additional Recommendations for Hotels in the Hudson Valley for Spa and Wellness
Hemlock Neversink – Neversink, NY
The experience at Hemlock Neversink sets itself apart from the rest. Aside from the signature spa and wellness campus, the 230-acre property has private trails open year-round to integrate nature as a part of the wellness journey. The team takes care to have suggestions and recommended activities to enhance your stay based on what you’re hoping to achieve—just make sure that you don’t miss out on the Guided Goat Hikes Experience.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck – Rhinebeck, NY
The European-inspired spa and hotel chain delivers a consistent, well-rated experience at its five locations in the Northeast, including its Rhinebeck location. The newest location in Beacon, NY, is opening in Spring 2026 and will be more convenient for New York City travelers traveling via Metro-North Railroad.
Troutbeck – Amenia, NY
A highly underrated gem two hours from New York City, Troutbeck focuses on always improving its luxurious getaway set in the natural world. The Barns, the wellness complex, hosts spa treatments and daily classes, and the restaurant’s farm-to-table approach takes great pride in listing local purveyors and supporting the community.
Additional Recommendations for Hotels in the Hudson Valley to Disconnect
Wildflower Farms – Gardiner, NY
The most well-known escape in Upstate New York, the Auberge Collection hotel is a favorite for a reason. Wildflower Farms has the most amenities and a robust event calendar, so there’s almost no need to leave the property.
Shandaken Inn – Shandaken, NY
Tucked away between mountains and hiking trails, you’ll find the Shandaken Inn. The former clubhouse of the Rip Van Winkle Golf Course, the Shandaken Inn continues to welcome guests since opening its doors nearly one-hundred years ago. The inn’s proximity to Belleayre Mountain Ski Center and several hiking trails makes this a desirable location to get outside—and don’t worry, if you would prefer to take it easy and stay at the inn, there’s a tennis court and pool.
New England Parisienne 