HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Hampton Inn in Kingston: Week night family stay for the indoor salt water pool & friendly service!

 

The salt water pool at the Hampton Inn in Kingston

The first time we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Kingston was right after Tropical Storm Irene hit us so we were in distress. This time the stay felt like a special week night treat. We had the pool to ourselves. I guess business travelers don't have time for it.   On Tuesday night, I finally used a Hampton Inn gift certificate I won at a silent auction. It was perfect since schools were closed in observance of Yom Kippur on Wednesday. I love the comfy beds! Our room had a view of the parking lot, but we didn't come for the view.

(My sister-in-law who travels a lot says she only stays at Hampton Inns because they all look the same, and she likes to be surrounded by the familiar when she travels). My husband brought pizza in.  It was so-so and not worth mentioning, but at least the kids devoured it.  I was very happy that breakfast starts in the lobby beginning at 6am since I was wide awake and very hungry at that hour.

The manager said the weekday rate starts at $129 in the Fall/Winter season, but the rate can vary depending on the week, of course. I'd definitley recommend the Hampton Inn in Kingston if you have business to do in Kingston, or if you just want to treat the family to a night away.  Although we were only 15 minutes from home, we felt like we had gone away on vacation for a night.  Hampton Inn, 1307 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY (845) 382-2600.

Jumping for joy on a week night!

 

The Looking Glass Bed and Breakfast in Rhinebeck: Quiet charm, cozy beds & Signature Stays

Cari Meltzer, the owner of The Looking Glass Bed & Breakfast in the village of Rhinebeck gave me a tour of her beautiful inn last week.  The inn is very quaint and cozy, and has 4 beautifully decorated rooms, all named after special moments in her life.  On the Monday I visited, she was waiting for a couple from the Netherlands and another couple from South Africa.  Most of her guests are couples, then women travelling together, then singles, then couples with college-seeking children. She does welcome children over 12, or younger ones if they are part of a larger group or family that rents all four rooms.  

The B & B is a 2 minute walk to Rhinebeck village so the location is ideal.  I really love the veranda. It kind of reminds me of a bed and breakfast I stayed at in Cape May.The Looking Glass Bed and Breakfast is launching a "Signature Stays" package which will offer weekend visitors a custom made itinerary so they don't have to plan a thing before their Hudson Valley vacation.

A Charmed by Chocolate Weekend is scheduled for June 29-July 1. Here is the scoop on the chocolate weekend: “Charmed by Chocolate is the first in a series of our Signature Stay weekends at The Looking Glass. We will delight our guests with a delicately customized Chocolate infused weekend. Cocktails, Food, Tours, and some free time to explore all that makes our area so special and enchanting, our guests will experience an exclusive weekend in the Village of Rhinebeck — including activities and experts all distinctly flooded in chocolate. I am thrilled to unveil this Signature weekend — it captures so much of what Rhinebeck is about— sophistication, charm, community and flavor. I have the good fortune to work with Oliver Kita, Calico, The Liberty Public House Restaurant, Old Mill Wine and Spirits, Hammertown, Oblong Books and Music, and many other local businesses who work tirelessly to enhance the Rhinebeck vacation experience for all of our guests. We will provide a unique weekend with built-in chocolate activities including a cocktail party, special events, two breakfasts, dinner, gift bags, and a very special tasting and presentation by Oliver Kita, renowned chocolatier ”.

For more information on The Looking Glass Bed and Breakast in Rhinebeck, visit their website. The Looking Glass Bed and Breakfast, 30 Chestnut Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. (845) 876-8986

Scenes from Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Tour of Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties

Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern hosted a fine Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for local media and supporters on February 7th. Owner Tom Struzzieri, Mayor of Saugerties Bill Murphy, County Executive, Mike Hein, Kenneth Adams, president and CEO/Comissioner of Empire State Development gave brief speeches about the journey of constructing Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern.  Adams suprised them with an eagerly awaited check for $780,000.00, apologizing that it wasn't one of those huge super-sized cardboard checks that make for a good photo opportunity. It was the real thing though, which is what matters most.

After the Q & A, owner Tom Struzzieri and Brigid Walsh, the director of marketing and special events, gave us a tour of the hotel. I have dined at the Tavern before, but I had yet to see a room, let alone the Tower suite, so I was eager to follow along.

"It's cozy and sophisticated," said Kelly Myers, Town Supervisor of Saugerties upon entering a standard room. Bob Yerick, former Saugerties Mayor also joined us, adding his humor at every opportunity. "I could fall asleep here!" he said as we ooh and ahhed over the bed int the Tower Suite. Every room has a stunning view of the falls over the Esopus Creek.

 Walsh showed us a conference room that can be rented for workshops or meetings, and gave us a sneak peek through the kitchen. All in all, it was a fun event. The speeches weren't too long, and it was a great chance for me to check out the new hotel and meet other media and tourism professionals  who happen to follow Hudson Valley Good Stuff too.

If you would like to see more photos I took of this event, friend me on Facebook using vanessa@hudsonvalleygoodstuff.com to find me as HudsonValley GoodStuff.com.