The Maker Lounge

The Maker Lounge at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York, offers a warm, inviting space to relax and enjoy artisanal cocktails in a unique setting

After a long day of traveling from the 1 Hotel Central Park; a short train ride to Poughkeepsie; renting a car and driving to The Maker Hotel, I was in desire of a place to relax. My only focus was to enjoy a soothing cocktail in a comfortable environment before dinner.

The Maker Lounge, a few feet away from my room, was just what I needed.

Wanting to research some of the ideas I had for the next day, I walked up to the Lounge with my computer and was given a seat at the bar.

After browsing the menu, I ordered the LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA (Jm Agricole Rhum, Doctor Bird Rum, Madagascar Vanilla, Amaro Nonino, Giffard Banane De Bresil). This was – as best as it could be described, a smooth sipping drink.

After commenting on the ingredients of the STAG (Hillrock Single Malt Rye, Hudson Bourbon, Italicus Rosolio De Bergamotto, Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur, Palo Santo) and the price tag, one of the bartenders gave me a taste of the Hillrock Single Malt Rye.

Conversations with strangers was easy. I asked another of bartenders for their recommendations around the area.  Suggestions rolled effortlessly off her tongue. She recommended Gracie’s Luncheonette in Leeds for lunch, along with a stop at Kaaterskill Falls. Combined with Johnathon’s bespoke suggestions during my tour and my time in Hudson was all set.

The next day, I revisited The Maker Lounge and had a drink I’d been enamored with the previous night: the ETIQUETTE & ESPIONAGE (Sweet Gwyndolyn Gin, Amermelade Aperitivo, Lemon, Chamomile, Honey).

Having it set on fire for me was – delicious.

While sipping, I struck up a conversation with a couple next to me. After telling them about my walk to Katterskill Falls and how I’d spoken to a couple who wanted to hike but were concerned about going to the waterfall so close to sunset. They’d asked me how long it had taken and I’d given them my honest opinion about the time it took me. However, they went to someone else for their opinion, who gave them a slightly less amount of time. To me, this proved that people will have confirmation bias.

The couple next to me told me a story of how they’d gone hiking for what was supposed to be a relatively short hike. Unfortunately, on their way back, they got lost while thinking they were still on the main trail – and it ended up being a 6 hour experience, in which they barely got out of safely. With wandering enough to have one bar of service on a cell phone, they were eventually able to call police, who phone the local rangers who was able to reach them. But, my shared conversation was a reminder to stay aware and wise to having a safety plan.

Between conversations over delicious cocktails and enjoying the ambiance, my two visits to The Maker Lounge were lovely.

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