Hotel Snapshot
Just 90 minutes north of Manhattan, the once-sleepy hamlet of Kingston has officially entered the chat when it comes to Hudson Valley hotspots. A magnet for city dwellers craving fresh air and fresh-baked croissants, the Ulster County enclave blends pastoral charm with urban edge. Unlike the sprawling middle-of-nowhere resorts that dominate much of the region, Kingston has a more compact, artistic energy—think: a James Beard-worthy culinary scene, vintage storefronts, mid-century design cred, and boutique stays that make braving the summer traffic up I-87 well worth it.
Case in point: Kingston Carriage House, an eight-key boutique hotel that’s worn many hats since its 1851 debut—as a saloon and oyster bar, a ship chandler's outpost, a two-family residence, and now, a thoughtfully restored guesthouse that feels like staying at a stylish friend’s weekend retreat.
The Rooms
No two rooms are alike, but each is tailor-made for the creatively inclined. In-room amenities include Marshall speakers, record players with a plethora of vinyl options, notebooks for impromptu musings, and a hand-picked art collection curated by designer Kasia Bloom of Projekt Bloom and partner Kat Bangs (who also co-founded the sister property Woodstock Way Hotel).
Spread across two buildings—the Coach House and the Captain’s House—the property showcases exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood beams, and lofted ceilings with charmingly off-kilter angles. Among the standout accommodations: the Captain’s Loft, kitted out with intricate tiles, maritime accents, and jewel-toned fabrics, and the Parlour Suite, a ground-floor gem with a sun-drenched living room and reading nooks galore. The showstopper, however, is the spacious chef’s kitchen that opens directly onto the communal garden—ideal for lingering over your morning pastry or a glass of Lambrusco at golden hour.
Design & Character
Every rug, fixture, textile, and vintage find has been intentionally chosen, resulting in interiors that strike a thoughtful balance between old and new, light and dark, serious and irreverent. And all of the beautifully bedecked spaces are pet-friendly, including the lovable Poet’s Loft, which will likely convince you to become a full-time Kingston resident.
Food & Drink
Though the property doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, the Captain’s Lounge offers an honor bar stocked with beverages, along with complimentary tea, coffee, and a robust board game collection. Each morning, you’ll also be treated to a breakfast delivery featuring locally-sourced pastries and piping-hot carafes of coffee—another perk of the stay.
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Location
Plus, Kingston’s historic waterfront district is just outside the front door, teeming with indie galleries, delicious neighborhood restaurants, and eclectic boutiques—all walkable, design-forward, and steeped in the area’s industrious past. And when it’s time to trade sidewalk strolls for scenic trails, you’re only minutes from immersive nature escapes. Go for a sail or a hike. Rock climb, paddleboard, or kayak. The Hudson Valley is your oyster—just as Kingston Carriage House suggests.
Fast Facts
Location: Kingston, New York
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A Hudson Valley hideaway with artsy interiors and well-appointed rooms, perfect for slow-paced weekends upstate.
Room Count: 8 rooms and suites across two buildings: The Carriage House and The Coach House.
Starting Rate: Rooms start at $328/night
Dining: The F&B program is relaxed and self-guided—think help-yourself drinks from the well-stocked honor bar in the cozy Captain’s Lounge, plus small touches like complimentary coffee, tea, and morning pastries that add a personal, B&B-style layer to the stay. No on-site restaurant, but you’re steps from wine bars, wood-fired pizza, and chef-driven tasting menus.
Amenities: Free parking; a dedicated concierge team for requests and recommendations; D.S. & Durga toiletries; and Mizar & Alcor handwoven robes.
Nearby Attractions: The Hudson River Brickyard Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride; Maison Après for superior coffee and up-cycled clothing; Kingston Boat Co. for a harbor cruise aboard a beautifully restored 1934 passenger boat; the art gallery Monument; and the locals-loved wine bar Brunette.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Breakfast or lunch at Rosie—a bakery, café, and general store—is a must (the line is worth it). For dinner, don’t miss Eliza, a European-inspired bistro with seasonal delights and a Thai twist (grilled squid salad with puffed rice, fluke crudo with fermented chilis, green curry bucatini with mussels). Afterward, head to Lone Wolf, an award-winning cocktail haunt where moody environs meet an elevated tiki menu—think house-made infusions, inventive drinks, and pan-Asian small plates like bao buns and sesame noodles.
Closest Airport: Stewart International Airport (SWF), or New York City airports (JFK, LGA)
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