OVERVIEW
I am not usually a fan of trendy, boutique hotels. Their funky design and eclectic furnishings usually leaves me cold. The Hudson Hotel, however is an exception. There is so much to like about this delightful hotel on the West Side, not the least of which are some great rates that make this a real value. They call it “cheap chic,” but the Hudson is more chic and while not expensive, there’s nothing cheap about this place.
The hotel’s location is ideal, next to the hot Time Warner Center, a block from Central Park and convenient to the theater, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and a ton of restaurants.
Cars are greeted at the entrance by a contingent of doormen. Bags are taken and your car whisked away to the garage. An escalator flanked by green lit walls, takes you up to the dark lobby with a 40 foot sky light ceiling covered with ivy. Brick walls, a huge chandelier and a room length front desk complete the dramatic entry.
In the center of the hotel, there’s a wonderful indoor private park, a huge atrium with a sky light, trees, couches, chairs, little knooks and crannies and a couple of bars. It’s a great place for morning coffee and the paper or a late afternoon drink and a book.
THE ROOMS
The basic rooms are small even by New York standards, but somehow you don’t seem to mind. Phillip Starck’s amazing design evokes thoughts of an ocean liner cabin with dark wood paneled walls and hardwood floors, flowing curtains, stainless steel end tables and crisp white trim. The beds have down comforters and pillows and soft 300 count Egyptian cotton sheets.
DINING
Umami Burger features gourmet burgers and fries made with the finest ingredients. try their “breakfast burger.” Sky Terrace rooftop bar is one of the city’s best kept secrets. While soaking up the sun, guests can cool off with one of ten specialty sangrias including Red and White Wine, French Rosé, Pear-Limoncello and Kaffir Lime-Sake. The Library is a cozy bar with chairs and couches, Internet access and a great pool table. The Hudson Bar is a nighttime hot spot with its lit from below glass floor and a fantastic tequila menu.
THE SERVICE
The staff is young and hip. The women are beautiful and the men handsome. They are also very well trained, friendly and helpful. You will not go wrong staying here.
THE RATES: From $230 Peak Season Weekend
WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Despite rooms so puny, you can’t change your mind (much less your black attire), this Westsider just off Columbus Circle is still a favorite for its sexy, Philippe Starck designed beautiful public spaces, its excellent bar and its location near Lincoln Center and the Time Warner Center; the staff ranges from attentive to exceptionally unhelpful and it’s so dark you may bump into every wall at least once, but affordable rates and an über-trendy scene still appeal to the clubbing set.” ZAGAT