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Tango At The Rhinecliff Hotel, New York (Video Review)


Please watch the 1-minute Video Review at the end of this post

I love the rooms at The Rhinecliff Hotel. There is something special about the lack of clutter, the "granny chic" touches, the way the walls jut and curve, and the rich, broad-beam wood under my feet.

Of course you have to like funky, like it a lot, to love The Rhinecliff.

 It sits across an antique railroad trestle that looks like a set for a play. A real train passes under it on its frequent journey to Manhattan, and its whistle in the night is either a lovely lonely sound of  travel, or it's an annoyance.

Wisely and humorously, management provides ear plugs, but most guests who stay at this 9-room hotel on the banks of the Hudson River appreciate the sound. And they appreciate the outdoor dining on the terrace over lookng the Hudson.

The Rhinecliff is a destination hotel. People come here for the fun, up-beat progressive events like Tango night.

From the alfresco dining space it's great fun to watch the  dancers slide by open doors (now you see them, now you don't), an elegant angle of an arm here; a head suddenly turning there. A full view of the dancers, briefly.

Glasses raised in a silent toast.

Then there's Iron-Grad Night, a fun, loud, packed competition among several Culinary Institute of America grads (CIA)  where the choices include Peppered Crusted Goat Crouton with Summer Squash Noodles, followed by Scallops and Chanterelle Mushrooms, etc. all paired with appropriate wines.

We missed Bastille Day (July 14) with Elaine Rachlin singing "Vive La France," and on it goes.

The tiny hamlet of Rhinecliff is about 5 miles from the better know rather chic town of Rhinebeck and within a short drive there's Bard College with its spectacular new theater.

There’s a very cool River Walk Bridge that spans the Hudson for pedestrians and of course the house that Frederick Vanderbilt built in nearby Hyde Park, a perfect example of a country home in America’s gilded age.

The Rhinecliff Hotel continues to invent itself for its guests and itself, making it a hotel easy to love.

In fact, National Geographic Traveler called it "one of the top hotels they love."

So, how wrong can we be ?
Video Review

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Comments

  • For a good summary of the sights in and around Rhinebeck and the Hudson Valley, check out this Tripatini blog post from last summer.
  • Thanks, David. Fun place. Imaginative events. If you stay the night, beware the train and stay on the top floor. The sound can carry!

    Thanks for the comment

     

    Best

    Kaleel

  • Nice piece and video, Kaleel.  I'm from just up the road from Rhinecliff (I take the train to/from NYC all the time from that nearby station), and was thrilled when this property opened. I hope to be able to stay the night one day soon!
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