Stewart House Hotel
Historic waterfront inn meets laid-back Hudson Valley cool. The antiques are real, the hand-painted murals are original, and the atmosphere leans intimate over polished. Think character over service perfection.
Request a river-facing room (Rooms 3, 4, 6, or 8) — the village-facing rooms are quieter but skip the views
Why It Matters
One of the few operating hotels in the Hudson Valley with a continuous history back to 1883. The Italianate building appeared in Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep's Ironweed (1988) and Spielberg's War of the Worlds (2005). Current owners previously ran Webster Hall, NYC's iconic East Village music venue. The property sits at the water's edge with an 80-foot private dock — you can arrive by boat.
The Stewart House is a nine-room boutique hotel in Athens, NY, sitting directly on the Hudson River in an Italianate building that first opened as a boarding house in 1883. Lon and Lois Ballinger — who ran Webster Hall in NYC's East Village for over 30 years — took over in 2017 and reopened it in May 2018 with a focus on elevated but unfussy hospitality. Expect well-chosen antiques, Sferra linens, locally made bath products, and an Art Deco bar downstairs that doubles as a genuinely solid restaurant Thursday through Sunday.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Room 1
A large, sunny second-floor room with three river-view windows, queen bed, antique dresser, and a sitting area with settee and armchair. Ensuite bathroom.
Queen
Room 2
A romantic second-floor room with two village-view windows, queen bed, sitting area, and an antique armoire. Ensuite bathroom. The smallest room in the house.
Queen
Room 3
A grand second-floor room with two queen beds, a living area, and two large windows looking directly onto the Hudson River and the famous Stewart House willow trees. Sleeps up to 4 — the only room that works for a family. Ensuite bathroom.
Two QueensRoom 4
A bright second-floor room with a king bed, sitting area, large bathroom, and a full view of the Hudson River and the iconic willow trees. One of the best river-view rooms. Ensuite bathroom.
KingRoom 5
A quiet, oversized second-floor king room with a sitting area. Faces away from the river — the trade-off is it's peaceful. Good value pick if river views aren't a priority. Ensuite bathroom.
KingRoom 6
A large romantic third-floor suite with a separate living room featuring a soaking tub and river view, plus a separate bedroom with king bed. One of two suites with a soaking tub. Ensuite bathroom.
KingRoom 7
A third-floor room with both village and river views, king bed, and a sitting area with a velvet chaise and fold-out couch — making it one of the few rooms that sleeps three. Ensuite bathroom.
KingRoom 8
The largest and most luxurious room in the house. A third-floor suite with a king bed, large sitting area, soaking tub, antique wet bar, and a spectacular Hudson River view. If you're going to splurge, this is the one. Ensuite bathroom.
KingRoom 9
A quiet third-floor room facing the village of Athens — not the river — with a king bed and a single bed, making it suitable for three guests. The quietest room in the house. Ensuite bathroom.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Fishing is available on the Hudson River, accessible directly from the property's waterfront location.
The Catskill Mountains are a short drive from Athens. The hotel is positioned as a basecamp for outdoor exploration — hiking, skiing in winter, and general outdoor adventure in the surrounding region.
The hotel has a private 80-foot dock on the Hudson River. Guests can arrive by boat, tie up, and use the dock for their stay. The Hudson Ferry Co. offers seasonal service between Hudson and Athens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus thematic sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, and private charters.
The hotel is a short drive from Hudson, NY (shopping, galleries, restaurants), Olana State Historic Site, and the broader art and architecture of the Hudson Valley. The hotel's walkable main street in Athens is a pleasant Victorian streetscape.
Regular live music at the ca. 1883 Tavern — Thursday nights are a recurring slot. The seasonal River Garden also features live music on weekend nights in summer.
The River Garden hosts seasonal special events including an Oysterfest and clam bakes during the summer months. Check the hotel calendar for upcoming dates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three distinct event spaces: the ca. 1883 Tavern, River Garden, and Captain's Table (private dining). Full hotel buyout available for 9 rooms accommodating 22 guests.
Included in all stays. Seasonal fruit, yogurt, house-made gluten-free granola, and house-made zucchini bread. Self-serve from the second-floor gathering nook.
Second-floor gathering space with complimentary coffee, tea, spring water, and snacks available at any hour during your stay.
Guests staying Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday receive one complimentary beverage per person at the ca. 1883 Tavern bar. Mon–Wed guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon request.
Daily room tidying is available upon request — not automatic. Request at check-in or by calling the hotel.
Pets are allowed on request at no extra charge.
The Stewart House offers contactless check-in. Instructions are sent prior to arrival. No dedicated front desk — staffing is limited.
Private dock on the Hudson River for arriving guests by boat. Boaters can tie up and come ashore for dining at the River Garden.
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