The Rhinecliff: Rooms With A View On The Hudson River, New York

Updated September 23, 2023 

Sadly, the Rhinecliff is now closed. You may enjoy this article about another cool small town in New York. 

If you’re traveling to the Rhinecliff area you can check for accommodations here. This is an affiliate link that pays a small commission but costs you nothing.

 The oldest intact hamlet in the Hudson River Valley, Rhinecliff is just two miles from the town of Rhinebeck. The area is defined by woods, agricultural land, and the Hudson River on the east side. Designated as a National Historic District, Rhinecliff is the port of entry for the town of Rhinebeck.  There’s not much there aside from the Amtrak and a lovely boutique hotel, The Rhinecliff. 

Many noteworthy personalities have graced this area of New York, including author Edith Wharton with whom I feel an affinity because of her self-proclaimed inability to tolerate ugliness. I am certain that Edith would have been quite content at The Rhinecliff.

 

 

The original Rhinecliff was built in 1854. It was a simple roadhouse for travelers to rest, eat, and feed their horses. It also serviced travelers arriving by ferry or the Hudson River Railroad.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, The Rhinecliff had become a bit infamous for the rock bands that played in the bar, and the rowdy crowd of often-underage teenagers. The neighbors worried the place might burn down (the Rhinecliff was built entirely of wood). In 2003, The Rhinecliff closed.

 

 

The renovation of The Rhinecliff

Enter the Chapman brothers: They had developed a bit of nostalgia for the location and decided it was perfect for a revival. Located adjacent to the Amtrak station and perched on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River,  they purchased the Rhinecliff and began the renovations.

What at first was thought to be a quick makeover, became a five-year investment, of not only time and money but of emotion.  James Chapman who has extensive experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, and enjoyed a successful career in Manhattan, decided the only way to oversee the renovation and management of the newly opened hotel was to give up city life and live full-time in the Hudson Valley.

 

 

I asked James if he’d ever had the feeling he’d made a mistake. “Sure. Once we started the project it seemed to grow and become even larger than we expected. But at some point you realize you’ve got too much in it and there’s no turning back.”  I  for one, am happy that he saw it through.  Judging from the success of not only the hotel but the restaurant and catering services, so are many other people.

Preserving the bones

The renovation included artifacts from the original building.  A beautiful Victorian bar is still there presiding over the dining room and pub, it gives the room a sense of history and place.

 

 

Rooms with a view on the Hudson River

Each of the nine guest rooms has a balcony and view of the Hudson River. The honey-colored hardwood floors and soft yellow walls are enhanced by the west-facing windows allowing plenty of natural light and warmth. Other amenities include flat-screen televisions, wifi, and king-size beds in all but one room. My room had a comfy chair for lounging and a cute little desk tucked into the corner.  However, the view of the Hudson River in my mind, was the most luxurious amenity. 

I loved standing on the balcony watching the boats and barges, and the trains disappearing around a bend in the river as the sun cast a golden glow over all of it.

 

 

The bathrooms have wonderful whirlpool tubs and European-style shower attachments. Shower caps, cosmetic cleansing wipes, and loofah sponges are all thoughtfully provided, as well as candles to create an in-room spa-like ambiance. Everything looks and feels warm and comfortably refined.

 

 

Each morning, a decadent full breakfast is served between 8 am and 10 am in the bar. Choose from Eggs Benedict to a simple yogurt parfait and anything else you can think of.  It was all delicious.  I also enjoyed a real cup of tea, a detail that makes for a more luxurious experience. 

 

 

Book a stay at The Rhinecliff

The Rhinecliff has become a popular place for destination weddings and other events. As there are only nine rooms I recommend booking well in advance. Spring, early summer, and fall are the most popular times for weekenders and brides, so keep that in mind. Monday through Thursday there may be a bit more flexibility.

 

 

Getting to Rhinecliff

Arrival by car

Route 9 is the main road into Rhinebeck. Once you arrive in Rhinebeck turn west at the traffic light at Route 9 and W. Market St. Follow Market Street until you arrive at Grinnell. Turn right and the Rhinecliff will be on your left.

Arrival by train

 The train terminal is a few minutes walk from the hotel.

I’m a big fan of train travel and often lament that it’s not a way of life here in the US as it is in Europe. But in the Hudson Valley, many people take the train to and from the area. It’s crazy convenient.

If you don’t want to drive at all you can either hire a taxi to take you into Rhinebeck (though it’s only a two-mile walk), or if you want to visit the historic homes and the FDR Library you can catch a ride into Rhinebeck, then take a community bus called The Loop which stops at the Vanderbilt Mansion and the FDR Library and Museum. That’s what I call a stress-free, rejuvenating weekend.

 

 

My stay at the Rhinecliff was sponsored by Dutchess County Tourism. All opinions expressed are my own.