Centrally located between the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and the banks of the Hudson River, is the quaint city of Kingston, New York. Just two hours north of New York City, it’s become the go-to destination for visitors looking for some fresh air and nature.
As the popularity of Kingston grew, so has the notoriety of the beautiful Boutique Hotel Kinsley, located in the heart of the city. Famed magazines such as Condé Nast Traveler and Vogue boast of its design-savvy interiors by renowned studio McKinley.
We had the pleasure of speaking with the team at Hotel Kinsley to find out why Vogue magazine named Hotel Kinsley one of “The Hudson Valley’s Most Stylish Getaways.”
Can you tell us the backstory of the hotel?
Hotel Kinsley is a collection of four architecturally-distinct historic buildings that have been carefully restored, and together, make up 42 guest rooms closely nestled throughout the Stockade District of Kingston, New York. The hotel was created and developed by Charles Blaichman in partnership with Michael Barry and CBSKI. James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Taavo Somer brought his expertise to the hotel’s food & beverage program, which includes Restaurant Kinsley as well as nearby Lola Pizza.
Photography Nicole Franzen
The property’s first building to be completed, Wall Street, debuted in July 2019 and serves as the primary check in for the hotel and home to Restaurant Kinsley. Pearl Street, which opened in January 2021, is the first expansion from the Wall Street building and the most ambitious architectural restoration done as part of the Hotel Kinsley project. The hotel’s remaining two buildings, Fair Street and John Street, will continue to open in succession over 2021.
Photography Nicole Franzen
Can you tell us about the neighborhood/location of the hotel?
Hotel Kinsley is the first destination hotel to open in the town of Kingston, centrally located between the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and the banks of the Hudson River. Located in the heart of Uptown Kingston, Hotel Kinsley is steps away from a range of retail shops, restaurants and art galleries. The surrounding neighborhood allows guests to explore nearby NY State Parks, like Mohonk Preserve, and unique local businesses; including the hotel’s go-to natural wine store Kingston Wine Co. and neighboring bakery Sweet Maresa’s.
Located just 90 miles north of New York City, visitors can take Amtrak from Penn Station to Rhinecliff, and then take a short taxi to Kingston. Adirondack Trailways also operates bus service from Port Authority in New York City directly into Kingston.
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Photography Nicole Franzen
Can you describe the interior design, and vibe of your hotel?
Designed by Studio Robert McKinley with additional interior design and execution by Vanessa Guilford of TOCCI at the newest Pearl Street building, Hotel Kinsley’s design is residential in feel, with a sense of relaxed elegance.
Housed within a restored 19th-century bank, Wall Street’s 10 inviting guest rooms are playful and charming, with a mix of vintage wares and custom furniture layered upon existing architectural elements including centuries-old tile work and original tin ceilings. Each room is comfortably outfitted with Frette linens, Hawkins New York Belgian linen quilts, and Smeg mini refrigerators. At Pearl Street details original to the building – including fireplaces framed with Victorian era tiles, wooden shutters, and crown molding – were preserved to compliment a mix of both modern and sourced décor, alongside contemporary artwork selected by curator Lolita Cros.
Photography Nicole Franzen
Rooms are furnished with custom-made rift-sawn white oak headboards, grey wool felt upholstery, custom-made cantilevered side tables inspired by Gio Ponti, vintage desk chairs covered in a modern Dedar Milano fabric, handwoven wool throws by Wallace Sewell, Flos light fixtures, and bedding by Frette and Matouk. Guest bathrooms have been updated with Carrara marble wall tiles and unlacquered brass fittings, while Luxury King bathrooms feature a standalone bathtub, shower and double vanity as well as heated checkered floors. Outfitted with board games and comfortable seating, the ground-floor lounge is available to guests as well as for private gatherings and cocktail parties.
Photography Nicole Franzen
Tell us about your rooms. What amenities can we expect?
Rooms at Hotel Kinsley feature amenities including individually controlled air-conditioning, flat screen Smart TV with cable, Tivoli Bluetooth speaker, iron and ironing board, pillow menu, organic bath amenities by Lake & Skye, Frette and Matouk linens. Select rooms at Pearl Street feature in-room fireplaces as well as beautiful standalone bathtubs with unlacquered brass fittings.
Photography Nicole Franzen
How do the Tivoli Audio Model One radios fit into the design of your hotel rooms?
The timeless design of the Tivoli Audio Model One radio pairs nicely with Robert McKinley’s design aesthetic for Hotel Kinsley, which includes a mix of both modern and sourced vintage décor. Located in each guest room, the Bluetooth speaker’s nostalgic handmade wood cabinet design connects the past with the present, while providing crystal clear sound experience. With Tivoli Audio’s premier technology, the radio serves as a significant and functional design fixture in the guest rooms at Hotel Kinsley.
Photography Nicole Franzen
What are the distinctive services or atmosphere that add to a traveler’s experience when they come for a stay?
When visiting, guests feel as though they’re staying in an extension of their own home through complimentary perks including morning coffee and tea service, free parking, high speed Wi-Fi, in-room dining options from Restaurant Kinsley and Lola Pizza, along with access to the hotel's infrared sauna, massage room, gym and neighboring co-working space Barnfox, which provides fiber optic internet, work and lounge spaces, private meeting rooms as well as a complimentary coffee and kombucha bar.
Photography Tara Donne When staying at the hotel, what’s the “can’t miss” feature?
When staying at the property, guests are highly encouraged to try Restaurant Kinsley and Lola Pizza. Restaurant Kinsley — a lively neighborhood gathering place, which spills out onto John Street in warmer weather – features a menu of New American cuisine with a seasonal approach, using locally sourced ingredients. An ever-changing menu features a variety of dishes including perfectly prepared starters, homemade pastas, chicken and fish with local, seasonal vegetables and the not-to-be missed Kinsley Martini.
Photography Nicole Franzen
Just down the street, Lola Pizza is housed in a historic building and offers several antipasti/pizza/pasta options, as well as build-your-own soft serve ice cream. Both restaurants feature outdoor seating as well as to go and delivery options.
Photography Nicole Franzen
If you’re thinking of your next weekend getaway or lucky enough to find yourself in Kingston, don’t miss a visit to Hotel Kinsley. Stay a couple of nights in one of their beautifully designed rooms or grab a delectable dish at their restaurant. There’s so much to love about the Hotel Kinsley, but don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself.
For more info on the Hotel Kinsley, check out their website: hotelkinsley.com or follow them on Instagram at @hotelkinsley.
