There are places you visit that feel like a fleeting stop along the way, and then there are places that linger with you long after you’ve left. The Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York belongs to the latter. It isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience, one that wraps you in layers of history, artistry, and romance from the moment you arrive.
On my recent stay, I checked into the Artist Suite, and immediately it felt as though I had stepped into the home of a well-traveled creative. The space was filled with curiosities and treasures that seemed to carry stories of their own—a true collector’s haven. It was the sort of room where every corner invited exploration. Nothing was too pristine, nothing felt untouchable. Instead, it had that rare, perfectly imperfect quality that makes you exhale and feel at ease.
The room carried an effortlessly chic, French-inspired sensibility—the kind of elegance that never tries too hard. Think lived-in charm, old-world textures, and a softness that makes you want to curl up with a notebook and let inspiration flow. It was, quite honestly, a dream for anyone who loves art, storytelling, and the delicate beauty of details.
A Blend of Old and New
What I love about The Maker is how seamlessly it blends eras. Antique furnishings sit alongside contemporary art pieces, each one chosen with care. Nothing feels accidental. It’s as if the past and present are in conversation throughout the hotel, whispering to each other through wood grains, fabric drapes, and carefully curated objects. Walking through its halls, I found myself pausing often just to take it all in—the way a particular chair was positioned beneath a vintage painting, or how a sculptural lamp added modern edge to an otherwise timeless setting.
It’s this artful layering that makes The Maker so special. You’re not simply staying in a hotel; you’re inhabiting a narrative, becoming part of a story that stretches beyond your own.
A Night to Remember
My visit wasn’t just about soaking in the design—it was also for a very special occasion. I was in Hudson to attend a private dinner with the hotel’s founders to celebrate the launch of their latest fragrance, Dream Eau de Parfum, now available at Sephora.
If you’ve experienced The Maker’s scents before, you’ll know they are anything but ordinary. They’re bold, transportive, and undeniably addictive. And Dream is no exception. The moment I inhaled it, I was swept away by its enchanting vanilla embrace. It’s gourmand, yes, but it’s also layered, textured, and endlessly captivating.
For those who adore vanilla fragrances, this one is a must. But it isn’t just sweet—it’s sensual, complex, and a little mysterious, like a secret you want to keep to yourself but can’t help sharing. Wearing it, I felt cocooned in a comforting yet glamorous aura, as though the fragrance itself carried me through the evening.
Packing for the Perfect Hudson Getaway
A quick trip upstate calls for thoughtful packing. My essentials? Cashmere, always. There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in soft knits while wandering a historic town or curling up in a cozy lounge. A sturdy engineer boot is another must—practical for the cobblestones and brisk air, but stylish enough to carry you from day to night. And of course, I never travel without the perfect black dress. The kind that works whether you’re sipping cocktails at an intimate dinner or sneaking into a jazz bar on a whim.
And the final touch? A splash of Dream Eau de Parfum. It’s the piece that ties it all together, like the invisible accessory that transforms a look into a memory.
Why The Maker Stays With You
What makes The Maker Hotel stand out is its ability to feel both grand and intimate, both curated and lived-in. You don’t just stay here—you inhabit it, even if only for a weekend. You leave feeling as though you’ve stepped into someone else’s story for a moment, only to realize it’s now become part of your own.
For me, the combination of the Artist Suite’s charm, the celebratory dinner, and the unveiling of Dream Eau de Parfum made this trip unforgettable. It was more than a getaway—it was a reminder of how much beauty can be found in the details, in the spaces we inhabit, and in the scents that carry those memories forward.
So if you find yourself in Hudson, make your way to The Maker. Lose yourself in the art, savor the atmosphere, and let yourself be enveloped by the kind of magic that only a place like this can offer. And don’t forget to bring home a little bottle of Dream—because some experiences are too good not to keep with you.
