TL;DR

Historic charm: multi-century boutique guesthouse with river views.
Peaceful setting: quieter than Hudson, perfect for a calmer Hudson Valley exploration.
Spacious property: ideal for small gatherings.
Riverside bliss: River and park just outside.
Check prices here

This multi-century boutique guesthouse in Athens, NY is the perfect spot for anyone with an appreciation of the area’s history and nature.

Athens, Hudson’s across-the-river sister, isn’t nearly as developed, and as such offers a calm alternative for those exploring the Hudson Valley.

The centuries-old tavern is a must-see even for those Hudson-based visitors, a piece of history that undermines that new-ness of the town across the river, which really took off as an NYC escape during and post-pandemic.

Stewart House Hotel has the space for a party or two, but it’s one of the few properties in town that can boast such a thing.

Unless you and your fellow guests choose revelry, the area is likely to be devoid of rowdy nightlife.

It’s a large historic house with nothing between it and the wide river but a small park.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 9, including Queens, Kings, one Double Queen, and suites.
Design: simple, elegant, wooden floors, exposed brick, unique furniture.
Room amenities: smart TVs, individual climate control, cozy robes and slippers.
Luxury touches: soaking tubs, chaise lounges, lovely river views in select rooms.
View all rooms in detail here

The tavern isn’t the only perfectly-restored part of the Stewart House Hotel.

Rooms are simple and elegant, boasting dreamy wooden floors, exposed brick, and unique furniture pieces that make every one a little bit special.

You’ll choose from Queen and King rooms, with one Double Queen and a couple suites for those who want a little extra space.

Rooms vary, but can include little luxuries like soaking tubs, chaise lounges, and lovely views of the river.

Wherever you land at the Stewart House, expect to enjoy smart TVs, unique furniture, and individual climate control.

Bathroom amenities are sourced locally, and you’ll be able to enjoy them with cozy robes and slippers.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast: continental with in-house granola, baked goods, coffee and tea.
Tavern dining: upscale new American, creative classics, fish and chips.
Seasonal offerings: River Grill cocktails and snacks, Clam Bakes, events and fundraisers.

A continental breakfast is included, with granola made in-house, and some special baked goods to get you started.

A cute nook on the second floor houses endless coffee, tea and water.

All other food needs can be satisfied in the tavern or in one of the surrounding towns.

Tavern food is upscale new American, with creative takes on classics like cornbread or pork chops, and a pretty straightforward fish and chips that will keep you coming back.

The summer is the obvious busy season, and the hotel organizes a series of music and other events to keep guests and locals out and enjoying the sun.

These events are less regular, but equally enjoyable, during the off-season.

The River Grill is a seasonal offering of cocktails and bar snacks by the water.

They also offer specialized events like Clam Bakes and fundraisers.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Location: Athens and Hudson, riverside sister-towns with Upstate NY train lines.
Iconic scenery: Hudson River Valley, Catskills, stunning landscapes for exploration.
Transportation: train to Hudson, quick drive or ferry to Athens, car allows full area access.
Local attractions: Warren Street restaurants, cafés, boutiques, brewery, cocktail bars.
Quiet charm: Athens is less developed than Hudson, peaceful, scenic roads to mountains.

Athens and Hudson are riverside sister-towns, both connected to the stunning Upstate New York train lines.

Anyone wanting to see some of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskills won’t do much better than this.

If you’re using the train exclusively, you’ll come into Hudson, which is a quick drive or a sweet ferry ride.

A car will allow you ample time to explore the offerings on both sides of the river.

Athens doesn’t have much of a downtown, making it quieter than Hudson.

It’s a 15-minute drive between the two, and in Hudson you’ll find Warren Street, a cute bustle of restaurants, cafés and unique boutiques.

The nightlife isn’t the focus of the place, but you will find a neat brewery and a couple of cocktail bars if you get bored of the Tavern.

In both cities you’ll enjoy the Hudson Valley landscape in the background, beckoning you to explore.

Athens gives you easy access to the roads that will take you up and into the mountains.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”It was a beautiful respite and the bed was like sleeping in a white cloud. Historic and the bedroom was spacious with a beautiful white bed and armoire, all white sheets and large white tile bathroom. It was light and airy. It was also by the water….”

”Lovely Place for a Small Town Getaway. This hotel is absolutely beautiful and the river view was great. The owner was friendly and helpful. Delicious food at the restaurant….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Sorry the tavern wasn’t open, but I ate at the River Grill, which I love…..”

”The tavern and riverside grill aren’t open Monday through Wednesday, and there isn’t a good-size common area or lobby for a group of more than 2 people to sit and eat breakfast or enjoy a conversation. The small nook in the hallway where breakfast is served has a couple chairs but isn’t a gathering space. I ended up eating my breakfast in my room because the tavern area was closed off. It would have been nice to have a common seating area downstairs…..”

> Read all the reviews right here