Located 90 minutes north of New York City and in the heart of the Hudson River Valley, Ulster County offers a variety of new hotels, hospitality developments and expansions from the new Hotel Kinsley at 41 Pearl in Kingston housed in a historic building that dates back to 1770 to waterfront properties including The Hudson House, featuring an on-site craft distillery using New York State grains to create small batch bourbon, rye, whiskey and vodka.
Rich in history as a 16th-century Dutch trading post and as New York’s first state capital, Ulster County features the Hudson River on its eastern edge, the Catskill Mountains on its western flank and a quarter-million acres of protected forests, fields and waterways between them for recreational use. The county features celebrated towns and growing cities, including Kingston, Woodstock, New Paltz, Saugerties and many others.
New and expanding hospitality projects include:
Hotel Kinsley at 41 Pearl, opened in 2021 (Kingston, NY)
Created by Charles Blaichman in partnership with Michael Barry and CBSKI, Hotel Kinsley is a collection of four historic buildings that have been carefully restored throughout the Stockade District of Kingston. Pearl Street is the first phase of Hotel Kinsley’s expansion from the Wall Street flagship, which opened in 2019. Designed by Studio Robert McKinley and Vanessa Guilford (TOCCI), the building features a grand staircase, lounge, and 13 guest rooms. Hotel Kinsley partners with local Ulster County businesses including Lake & Skye for organic and sustainable bath products and Sweet Maresa’sfor vegan and fair-trade dog treats (along with sweets for owners too.) Restaurant Kinsley and LOLA Pizza – both run by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Taavo Somer – also source produce from local Ulster County farms including Hudson Valley Fisheries, Nettle Meadow Farm and Artisan Cheese, family-owned and certified organic Hepworth Farms, and many others.
Hutton Brickyards, opened mid-2021 (Kingston, NY)
Perched upon 73 acres of rolling hills and lush meadows with industrial structures soaring skyward on the majestic Hudson River, Hutton Brickyards of Salt Hotels opened with a new hotel with 31 thoughtfully-designed cabins and suites to optimize privacy and water views, a spa, signature restaurant, and outdoor and indoor event space. The sprawling campus features a wide range of activities including archery, croquet, firepits, hikes, outdoor yoga, beekeeping and much more.
The Hudson House & Distillery, opened spring 2021 (West Park, NY)
Built in the 1850s, this Italian villa-style former monastery is situated on a 27-acre waterfront property with views of the Hudson River. The Hudson House features a cocktail bar; tasting rooms; 5,000 square-foot deck; spacious venue for events; and a craft distillery using select New York State grains to produce small-batch bourbon, rye, whiskey and vodka.
81 North, expanded spring/summer 2021 (Ellenville, NY)
This boutique inn in Ellenville offers luxury accommodations in a historic building dating back to 1935. Two luxury suites come with full kitchen, living room, bedroom and fireplace for extended getaways. In spring/summer 2021, 81 North added three additional luxury queen rooms and a luxury queen suite, plus a library offering noshes and a full bar.
Minnewaska Lodge, renovated fall 2021 (Gardiner, NY)
Located at the base of the Shawangunks, the Minnewaska Lodge renovation includes their public spaces, meeting space and select rooms, elevating their overall experience and offering guests an upscale base from which to enjoy the surrounding 25,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
Whether a day road trip from New York City or an overnight stay, Ulster County already features a diverse array of historic and new accommodations, including Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills and many others – all of which have implemented safety protocol following New York State guidelines by elected and health officials.
Start planning your Ulster County getaway today!
