Unbelievable St. Charles Hotel Hudson (NY): You WON'T Believe What We Found!
Unbelievable St. Charles Hotel Hudson: "Wow, Seriously? This Place?!"
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little Chardonnay) on the Unbelievable St. Charles Hotel in Hudson, NY. This place… well, it's something. My expectations were high, fueled by the website's glossy promises and the whispers of "luxury." Let's just say my credit card and I have a complex relationship after this trip.
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First Impressions & The Accessibility Gauntlet:
Okay, so the "Unbelievable" part? It's mostly true. The building itself is gorgeous -- a stately Victorian, straight out of a movie. But getting to the front door? That's where the "unbelievable" factor started to tilt towards "slightly stressful." While they trumpet accessibility, and yes, they have an elevator (phew!), the ramps seemed a little steep for a wheelchair-bound guest. I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm the best route, especially if you’re bringing a mobility aid.
- Accessibility: (Mostly) Accessible. Elevator is key, but be forewarned about potential ramp incline.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, with caveats. Call ahead for detailed guidance.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Listed on the site, but personally, I'd double-check specifics.
- Elevator: YES, THANK GOD. Because my legs were screaming after trekking around Hudson all day.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious (Mostly) Rooms!
The room itself? Ah, now this is where the “unbelievable” truly kicked in. We booked a "Deluxe King." Picture this: high ceilings, a seriously comfortable bed (extra long, yay!), blackout curtains that actually earned their name, and a freaking bathtub in the room! (Separate shower too, fancy!). The decor was… let's call it "eclectic." Kind of a clash of Victorian chic meets modern minimalism. I wasn’t sure if it was genius or a hot mess, but I loved it.
- Available in all rooms: Yep! From AC to internet.
- Air Conditioning: Crucial. Hudson can get hot in the summer.
- Blackout Curtains: Life-savers, especially after a late night happy hour.
- Bathtub: A total win. Soaking in bubbles after a long day felt divine.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Absolutely essential. Snagged a solid signal (thank goodness).
- Internet access – wireless: Working well.
- Mini Bar: A decent selection.
- Safety/security feature: The room felt secure, but I still triple-locked the door… because I'm paranoid.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes. Thank goodness.
The "Relaxation" Zone (Spa & Pool Chaos):
This is where things got… interesting. The spa? Gorgeous, on paper. Their website boasts all the treatments imaginable: body scrubs, wraps, massages – the works. I booked a massage. And the masseuse? Lovely, skilled, and probably deserves hazard pay for dealing with me. The service was great, and the spa itself, well, it was nice.
- Spa: Yes, with a range of treatments.
- Massage: Absolutely recommended (if you can afford it!).
- Sauna: Yes.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool! Oh, the pool. Stunning views, promising relaxation… however, the pool was crazy busy, and noisy. The view was there though, a real bonus.
Food & Drink – A Mixed Bag, To Be Frank…
The restaurant (I think it's called "The Charles"?) offered a mixed experience. The buffet breakfast? Okay, basic. Nothing to write home about, but enough to get you going. However, the dinner? That was a highlight. The ambiance was beautiful, and the food…. well, there were hits and misses, honestly. Some dishes were divine, others… not so much. I had a salad that was incredibly fresh, a soup that warmed the soul, and a main course that I won't mention because I'm too embarrassed to admit I didn't finish it.
- Restaurants: Yes, with varying levels of success.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard, nothing dazzling.
- Bar: Excellent cocktail list (happy hour is a must!).
- Room service [24-hour]: Convenient.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Needed, especially after that ahem dinner.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Secure(ish)?
During the pandemic, they definitely seemed to be trying. They were all over the anti-viral cleaning products, and daily disinfection in the common areas. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere, and the staff was masked. Now, whether they were actually disinfecting all the rooms between guests, and following all the hygiene certifications? I'm not sure. I didn't see the whole process. I'm a little skeptical, I won't lie.
- Cleanliness and safety: Seemingly prioritized, within reason.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Apparently, yes.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter:
The concierge was helpful, the doorman was charming, and the daily housekeeping was impeccable. They offered a dry cleaning service that I didn’t use, and a luggage storage area, which I did. The elevator was a lifesaver. However, there were some minor annoyances. The phone in the bathroom didn't work, and the iron didn't seem to do the job.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Dry cleaning: Available.
- Doorman: Very friendly.
- Elevator: Essential!
For the Kids - Hmmmm…
They list "family/child friendly" and "babysitting service." I can't personally vouch for this, but there were several families staying, and they seemed to be doing okay.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Babysitting service: Listed.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location!
The hotel is in a fantastic location – right in the heart of Hudson, walking distance from shops and restaurants. They offer airport transfer, taxi service, and there's free parking. But, like a LOT of Hudson, driving or hailing a taxi may be a challenge.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, a must-have in Hudson.
- Taxi service: Available, but Uber and Lyft rides were not as readily available as expected.
- Airport transfer: Offered.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Look, the Unbelievable St. Charles Hotel has its quirks. But? Despite the small hiccups, and despite some questionable choices in the decor, I had a genuinely enjoyable stay. The location is perfect, the rooms are luxurious, and the spa is good (once you navigate the pool chaos). If you're looking for a romantic getaway, or a base to explore Hudson (and don't mind a few minor imperfections here and there), then yes, absolutely, give it a shot. Just maybe, call ahead and double-check those accessibility details. And try to enjoy the ride. Because it's an "unbelievable" ride, whether you like it or not.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 Unbelievable Stars! (Minus one star for the slightly wonky accessibility and the uneven food).
Escape to Paradise: Lanta Paragon Resort Awaits in Koh Lanta, Thailand
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a chaotic, slightly-too-honest, probably-going-to-need-a-nap-afterward exploration of the St. Charles Hotel in Hudson, NY, and a whole lot of my inner monologue.
The St. Charles Hotel Debacle (and Delight) – A Hot Mess Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Apprehension (Plus, the Coffee Situation is Already a Problem)
- 1:00 PM: Finally! Rolling into Hudson after what felt like a forever drive. Okay, the Hudson River Valley is gorgeous, but my GPS lady had a meltdown about fifteen minutes ago and I blame her for all the wrong turns. Found the St. Charles – it's…quaint. Which is code for "a little tired but charming, I guess." The website pics are very flattering.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. The lobby's got this weird mix of antique whatchamacallits and…well, a lingering smell of old books and maybe a touch of mildew? I'm a sucker for a good smell, even a slightly questionable one. The woman at the desk is friendly, bless her heart. But she also just told me there's no coffee in the rooms. No coffee. I'm pretty sure that's grounds for a return trip, if I’m being honest. (Which, I am.)
- 1:30 PM: Room reconnaissance. The room… it’s small. Okay, really small. Like, I can touch both walls at the same time if I stretch. The bed looks comfy, though. And the natural light is… well, it exists. There's a wonky old window that probably doesn't seal properly. I can already feel the drafts! But whatever, the decor's kinda cute in a "your eccentric grandma's spare room" way.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee Quest. Wandering the streets of Hudson, desperately searching for caffeine. Found a cute little cafe called "Backbar" with a barista who looked like they might judge me for my desperate state. Coffee acquired. Crisis averted. For now.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring Hudson! Walked along Warren Street, which is positively overflowing with antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques. Spent waaaay too much time in a vintage clothing store, trying on ridiculous hats. My credit card is not happy.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at "Cafe Mutton". Now this is where it got good. The food! This is the type of place that doesn't need a Michelin star to blow your mind. They do classic, no-frills, delicious food. I’ll admit, I ate so much I could barely waddle back to the hotel.
Day 2: The Hudson River and the Case of the Missing Towel (and Deep Thoughts on Laundry Soap)
- 8:00 AM: Coffee at Backbar. Again. Okay, I might have a caffeine dependency. Don't judge.
- 9:00 AM: The Hudson River. Took a walk along the Hudson River, the view is incredible. Seriously, the light! So much beauty. I thought about my life, and how I got here. I didn't have high expectations for myself, but here I am in New York, and now I feel something, which is crazy, but good.
- 10:00 AM: The Towel Incident. This is where things went off the rails a little bit. Tried to take a shower. No towel. Not one. Flailing around in the mini-room, I called the front desk and they were apologetic. But seriously? A towel? It's a basic human right!
- 10:30 AM: While waiting for a towl, I decided to take an emotional stroll through my life. I started to think about the laundry detergent I use. Did I make the right choices? Laundry detergent? Yes, I thought about laundry detergent.
- 11:00 AM: Towel arrived. The whole thing was just… underwhelming. Got ready for the day.
- 11:30 AM: Upstate Antique Shop. Browsed for treasures, or more like, things I don't need at all. Found what might be the ugliest, most amazing lamp ever created. Did not buy it. Regret.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at "Wm. Farmer and Sons". The place is a little fancy, but…it's good. The food is all locally sourced and they make a mean cocktail. Spent slightly too much on a burger that was probably worth it.
- 3:00 PM: Decided to return to my room and have time to myself. The window is still wonky. The bed still seems comfy.
- 4:00 PM: Walked back to the Hotel. Enjoyed a drink.
Day 3: Departure & Last (and Slightly Dramatic) Thoughts on the St. Charles
8:00 AM: One last coffee at Backbar. Said goodbye to the barista, who probably thinks I'm a caffeine-addicted weirdo.
9:00 AM: Packed up. The room felt even smaller now that it was empty. I'm not sure if I loved it, or hated it.
9:30 AM: Check out. The front desk lady was even more friendly today. She seemed genuinely happy to see me.
10:00 AM: Final thoughts on the St. Charles. Okay, here's the truth. It wasn't perfect. The room was small, the window was drafty, the coffee situation was a crime against humanity. But… there was something about it. The wonkiness. The history. The slightly eccentric charm. It felt… real. It felt like a place that was just being, flaws and all. And Hudson itself is a gem. Would I stay again? Honestly? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker and a stockpile of emergency towels. And maybe a hat. Definitely a hat.
10:30 AM: Hit the Road. Goodbye, Hudson! Until next time, when hopefully your laundry situation will be improved.
Okay, so... What *exactly* is so "Unbelievable" about the St. Charles? Is it, like, hidden trapdoors and secret societies unbelievable?
Alright, simmer down, conspiracy theorist! No trapdoors. (That I know of... *shifty eyes*) The “Unbelievable” is a carefully curated blend of history, quirky design, a touch of artistic flair, and, honestly, a genuine sense of…well, *experience*. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, folks. It's not striving to be. It's more like stumbling into a really cool, slightly eccentric uncle's seriously stylish house. You'll find antique furniture mixed with modern art, and maybe a ghost story or two thrown in for good measure. Think "Wes Anderson meets a slightly bohemian antique collector."
Seriously though, the website photos are STUNNING. Is it... *too* good to be true? Like that one time I ordered a pizza that looked like it was made by Michelangelo and it showed up looking like something my toddler threw together?
Okay, I get it. We've all been burned by online expectations. And YES, the photos *are* gorgeous. But I can honestly say, in my experience, the St. Charles *mostly* delivers. The rooms… they're stylish. The details… exquisite. BUT! (There's always a but, isn't there?) Sometimes… and I'm speaking from personal experience here… sometimes you can tell the room isn't perfectly *sealed*. Like, there was *one* time, I swear I could hear a mouse scuttling under the floorboards in the middle of the night. Freaked me out so bad. That’s just a small anecdote right, a little imperfection in the grand scheme of things. Otherwise very pretty and charming.
Let's talk rooms. Are they all unique? Do I have to share a bathroom? (Shudders)
Yep, unique is an understatement. Each room is a little curated world of its own. Some are tiny and cozy; others are sprawling and luxurious. And thank goodness, no sharing bathrooms! (Unless you're very, *very* friendly with your travel companion... which, hey, no judgement!) Honestly though, book early. The more popular rooms (like the one with the clawfoot tub *and* the balcony overlooking Warren Street… swoon!) go fast. Speaking of the rooms… I stayed there for a week once, and I'm still smelling the faint perfume of old books and sandalwood. It was intoxicating. Almost too much. But I loved it.
The location seems AMAZING. Right on Warren Street. What's it like to be smack dab in the middle of Hudson? Is it noisy? Can you actually, you know, *sleep*?
Location, location, location! Being on Warren Street is the best decision you'll ever make, trust me. You can walk to everything – the shops, the restaurants, the art galleries. It's *vibrant*. But, yes, there *is* a downside. It can get a little… *active*. Weekends especially are a blast. It's like a non-stop parade. I'm a light sleeper, so I brought earplugs. And I heard some other guests mention the same. But honestly, it’s worth it. The buzz of the town is part of the charm. Think of it as the soundtrack to your cool weekend.
Okay, let's cut to the chase: The breakfast. Is it included? Is it good? Is it like, continental, or is it actually *breakfast* breakfast?
Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day, especially after a night of wandering the shops and bars. They *do* include it. And yes, it’s breakfast-breakfast. Not just sad muffins and instant coffee. Think fresh pastries from local bakeries, artisanal cheeses, maybe some locally sourced yogurt with fruit. The selection varies depending on who is running the kitchen so expect the unexpected but it’s generally pretty darn good. They have a coffee machine though, and I am a coffee snob. But it was fine. I survive.
What if I want to *do* things from the hotel? Like, can they help me arrange a wine tour? Or are they just, like, "Here's your room, good luck!"
They are super helpful and friendly. If you ask, they *absolutely* can. They often have connections with local businesses and can give you suggestions on what is on offer. They know all the restaurants, the shops, the events. They will also tell you what is worth skipping. That's good to have. Honestly, they are one of the big reasons this place lives up to it's hype.
Okay, okay... Any downsides? ANY?
Alright, here's the truth bomb. Look, it's not *perfect*. Remember that whole "slightly eccentric uncle's house" analogy? Sometimes, that uncle forgets to dust. Or maybe the heat is a little erratic. (One time, I swear my room got so hot, I thought I was going to spontaneously combust!). Also, parking can be a *nightmare*. Seriously, prepare for a little walking. And, again… remember that potential mouse situation? (I can't let that go. It haunts me.) But these are just minor quibbles, honestly.
I heard there was some kind of art installation... Can you tell me about it?
Oh, the art installation. Okay. So, I'm not an art snob, okay? Never claimed to be. But I did see this one thing, this *thing*... It was in the downstairs hallway, sort of dark. It was… peculiar. I’m still not sure what it was supposed to be. Some kind of… light thing? Anyway, it was kinda cool. And then, the other day, I went back and it was gone! No clue. Maybe it just wasn't for me. But this whole hotel feels like a rotating art project. So you're in for something different.
So, what's the *verdict*? Should I book the Unbelievable St. Charles? Spill the tea!
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