HUDSON — The Hudson Whaler Hotel, at 542 Warren St., has opened its doors at the former Barlow Hotel.
The 16-suite boutique hotel has a new look, with a nautical theme to honor the city’s maritime history. Guests were first welcomed aboard on Tuesday and the hotel held an opening ceremony Thursday.
New owners Michael Glickman and Benjamin Rinzler purchased the building for $2.15 million on March 2 from Russell Gibson, who owned the Barlow Hotel with Duncan Calhoun.
The former owners bought the property on Oct. 3, 2012, for $579,000, and the hotel was listed for $2.2 million last summer.
The property was assessed in 2020 at $960,000 and the tentative 2021 assessment is $2,042,500, according to property records.
The hotel has had a steady demand for its rooms, which start at $199 per night.
“The Hudson Whaler Hotel’s opening has been well-received by both visitors and locals alike,” Rinzler said Friday. “The hotel offers a true sense of place within Hudson and brings the town’s rich maritime history to life. Our neighbors and visitors are so happy to have a new destination that speaks to the character of Hudson, as a result, since opening, we have seen a steady stream of summer bookings for both weekday and weekend experiences.”
The hotel has been restored to preserve its historic integrity while introducing contemporary touches “that speak to the desires of today’s traveler,” according to a statement from the hotel.
The hotel underwent a full cosmetic renovation, including new floors, carpeting, lights, paint and restored woodwork. Its nautical theme points to Hudson’s whaling days.
“A coveted destination to many, Hudson is known as an artists’ enclave with plenty of cultural and outdoor experiences to keep visitors of all ages entertained,” Glickman said. “When developing The Hudson Whaler Hotel, we wanted to create a retreat that not only affords guests a superlative stay, but also educates visitors of the [city’s] rich whaling past.”
New York City-based Harry Heissmann designed the renovations with a commitment to showcasing original details and local artists and materials, according to the hotel.
The lobby is designed to mirror the feeling of walking into a ship captain’s state room with the building’s original handcrafted staircase and a new custom fireplace.
“Our challenge was to seamlessly restore and blend all the gorgeous existing ornate woodwork of the staircase, banisters and trim details with our new custom woodwork, furniture and decor that is period correct, functional and comfortable — and we are very proud of our efforts,” Rinzler said.
Vintage Italian crystal chandeliers sourced from Ida’s Eye, 557 Warren St., hang from the lobby ceiling, and a mural by New York City artist Ron Genereux displays the Hudson River connecting Manhattan and Hudson on the wall.
The in-room refrigerators are stocked with locally sourced refreshments and a complimentary handmade chocolate whale from Vasilow’s Confectionery at 741 Columbia St.
Both of the new owners live in Hudson part-time, with Glickman also living in New York City and Rinzler living in New York City and East Hampton.
Rinzler develops real estate in his three home areas and is the president of Madison Property Management.
Glickman, along with his initiatives developing hotels in Hudson, is the founder of LIQS, a portable cocktail shot company.
Glickman owns The Nest Hudson, 330 Union St. and the Nautical Nest Hudson, 12 City Hall Place. Rinzler owns Captain’s Quarters of Hudson, 26 Warren St., which Glickman manages.