Beekman Arms Hotel & Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck

The information on the Internet site doesn't come close to describing the real thing. A hotel six would be a step up. The best thing about this place is the housekeeping staff. They work hard to keep the place presentable. We stayed in the guest house. That's a not so well maintained building behind the main house. One of the things they touted was the "reserved parking" The first night we did have a designated space near our room. The next day someone else took that spot and we had to find a place on the street. the desk clerk said to wait a couople of hours and then they would call a tow truck. Later, she said they had to wait five hours. Finally, they admitted they would do nothing and they really didn't have any reserved parking. The folksy or historic motif is nothing more than an excuse to overcharge for something that should have been remodeled years ago. The boardwalk deck in front of the rooms makes a lot of noise when a rollerboard suitcase is moved along its face. Inside, the floor was warped and buckled under the weight of a person. The only thing that stopped it from sagging further was the heavy old carpet that covered it. There was mold along the edges where the bathtub met the walls. The controls on the outdated TV could be set to a whisper or somewhat louder than normal conversation. The closet had three hangers for two people, and shared the space with a small refridgerator... all enclosed by a sliding curtain. We found an unlabeled and unsealed bottle with about one inch of what was presumed to be cognac. We decided not to be brave and left it untouched. There was a very nice stone cylinder that could hold a candle resting on nat rock in the shrub border that separated the boardwalk from the reserved parking. Sometime during the second night/morning someone decided they needed it more than the hotel. My point... no security at all that we saw. The large dark toned bed occupied most of the room. The addition of the light toned unmatched tables and chairs made it hard to pass each other. With all the lamps turned on the room was still dimly lit. Thankfully, we didn't spend any more time than necessary in the room. Next time we have the need to visit Rhinebeck we will stay ANYWHERE but the Beekman Arms. I had the chance to stay in Kingston... but yielded to the "folksy atmosphere" and the proximity bto our destination. Never again Traveller beware.

I pass through the New York area regularly on business, and have stayed in a number of hotels from Albany south. The Beekman Arms has become my favorite for a number of reasons, but primarily because it feels like an old home, a place you can relax, a place without pretense. The building carries its history well; the food in the Tavern is great; Rhinebeck has fantastic shops and other restaurants, and Manhattan is an easy (and wonderfully scenic) train ride away from the nearby Amtrak station at Rhinecliff. I've probably stayed at this hotel 3 dozen times over the past 5 years, and I've never encountered any problems whatsoever. If you're looking for a chain motel, it definitely is not in that category...but if you're looking for a good place to spend the night and gain a sense of place, you won't be disappointed.

Our laptop computer was stolen from the hotel. When we reported it to the front dest, another guest said her camera was traken from her room. The manager claimed she couldn't be rssponsable and told us to report the theft to the police. When we did, the officer on duty said there were many thefts repoted by Beekman Arms hotel guests. The mangager and owner wouldn't return phone calls after we quoted the police about trheir reputation.. Their indifference added insult to injury. The hotel's only claim to fame is that it has been around for a long time. They are famouse with the police department as the place to have your valueables taken.

It wasn't so much the actual 'place' that turned me off of the Beakman Arms, although I find it highly overpriced and completely riding on it's claimed title of being the 'Oldest in America'. It was more from my interaction with the reservationist, Cindy, which completely put a sour taste in my mouth and never want to visit nor recommend the place again. This woman was rude, insulting and by far the worst customer service I have ever received! When spending hundreds of dollars a night I expect my business will be appreciated, and I will leave feeling pampered and taken care of. I will never again, I repeat NEVER book another room at this 'has been' hotel. Sincerely, MK

We took my daughter, son-in-law and younger daughter here for a weekend to celebrate our elder daughter's birthday. The "young marrieds" had a room; we had a very comfortable suite with a shared sun porch. It's a totally charming and wonderful hotel. We loved Rhinebeck and the fact that the young folks could take the train right from NYC to Rhinecliff. Food in Rhinebeck was super, including the bar menu at the Tavern, which quite reasonable. It's also a quick drive to Hudson and all of the galleries. Only two negatives: Paper products were in short supply - We had no tissues, and I had to flag down a maid for additional TP. The check-in was lovely, but departure was a bit frosty for no good reason. We certainly will go back!!