Once the American Women's Association clubhouse, the Hudson Hotel has run under several waves of leadership since its opening in 1928. Today, the entrance to the Hudson Hotel consists of two escalators where beams of dampened chartreuse light climbed alongside me dimming as I approached the top. Upon arrival, passing under a magnificent glass chandelier, I was thrilled to come across the seasonal Hudson Lodge. Situated directly behind the front desk, this enchanting space, which opens at 4:30pm everyday in the winter months, is a cozy spot in which to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or an item from their sweet or savory menu. The offerings are simple and enticing with such fun dishes as "Turducken" potpie (made with turkey, duck, and chicken) and Warm Pecan Cookie Cake. This same space, in the summertime is transformed into the Tequila Park Taqueria, serving more seasonally appropriate drinks and tacos, where one can sit comfortably on the outdoor patio.
When visiting in the warmer months, I went up to the hotel's fifteenth floor where I quickly became subsumed by the sprawling production that is the hotel's Sky Terrace. There were myriad rooms indoors and out making for a multi-atmospheric sensation, filled with secret nooks that exude their own unique energies into the communal centerpiece. The Sky Terrace is equipped with more than one television screen showing popular sports. The Hudson also frequently hosts live musicians in the lounge areas. In the words of the host, "Anything you want, we got it."
Starting at 4pm, the lobby of the Hudson Hotel becomes a classy burger joint called "Hudson Common." The menu is divided into two sections, "common" and "uncommon," depending on whether customers want classic dishes or more adventurous meals.
