Looking for a quaint little getaway? Look no further than Rhinebeck, New York. Have dinner at the Culinary Institute of America, shop in tiny boutiques along the downtown streets, and grab some zzz’s at the oldest inn in America.
When I visited the Culinary Institute of America a few weeks ago, the weekend included a stay at the Beekman Arms, a very quaint hotel in downtown Rhinebeck, and the oldest inn in America (its wonderful history can be found here). Located in the main shopping/restaurant section of the downtown area, it has boasted many famous guests along its 300+ year tenure so far, including Presidents George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. The hotel features a main house with guest rooms, and additionally, a few houses within a few blocks of the main house that also include many guest rooms.
Very easy to find, with parking lots right behind each building, we checked into the main house and, while there, got a peek at their bar and restaurant area. Filled with antique furniture, historical artifacts, and gorgeous wooden beams, it was warm and cozy.
Sarah and I were both staying at the hotel, though we ended up with very different rooms in adjacent buildings. Her room was an upstairs single with dark blue walls, a tv, and small bathroom, all nestled into the eaves of the house. Mine was a short distance away, a first floor suite, complete with tv room, pull-out couch, day bed, king size bed, and a large bathroom.
At the surprisingly affordable price of $145.00.
Amenities abounded, with in-room coffee makers, soaps and shampoos, amazingly comfortable beds, and even brandy for late night cocktails. When we checked in, we received our room keys and a separate key for the “ice room.” I didn’t go investigate the ice room, because leaving my room to go outside and find the ice room in the dark and unfamiliar area just didn’t appeal to me.
#spoiled
Continental breakfast is available for guests, and it is located in a separate building off the main house, and not in either of the two houses that we happened to be in. I know, with all these separate buildings, I was just as confused as you, and just followed Sarah.
Much easier.
The breakfast was your usual assortment of hard-boiled eggs, muffins, cereal, yogurt, and a few different juices, and was located in two adjoining sun rooms. It was bright and cheery, and the perfect spot for a quick bite as we headed out to explore the downtown area the next morning.
The hotel is rumored to be haunted. Although we didn’t witness anything first-hand, conversations during the day from our team mates who had stayed the night before were enough to make for a restless night sleep. Because the structures are rather old, sound definitely travels very well. In the house I stayed in, there were four suites, and I was awakened at 5:23 am on Sunday morning as one of the upstairs guests started a shower, and then half an hour later, the noise as the guest dragged their suitcase down the stairs was enough to wake the dead.
And certainly scare away any ghosts that might have taken up residence.
Although I tend to prefer the more modern convenience of something like the Marriott chain, if you happen to find yourself in the area, it’s a gorgeous hotel offering a lot to its guests, and the close proximity to area restaurants and super cute shops is not to be missed.
The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn
Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-7077
The accommodations do look really nice, especially given the affordable price!!
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That looks lovely! And also? I really need a vacation.
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