Living Art

In the charming town of Hudson, NY, the Maker Hotel makes a bet: if you build a personal, intimate, ever-evolving expression of art and creativity, they will come. So far, they certainly have.

The Maker just relaunched their restaurant. To celebrate, we’re giving away a two-night stay. For a chance to win, tell us the restaurant’s new name.

Imagine for a second that you’ve restored a house. A Victorian from the 1800s. In upstate New York. And, as a lover of art and aesthetic, you fill it with your favorite hand-picked pieces: irreplaceable paintings, one-of-a-kind furnishings, vintage fabrics and fixtures. Now, imagine that you’ve turned it into a hotel. Would you lose sleep at night, worried about what all those strangers were doing in your carefully curated wonderland?

Lev Glazman, owner of The Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York, isn’t worried. Not in the least. He’s happy to share his beautiful house with the public — three beautiful houses, actually — and he’s found that the guests are happy to care for it as if it were their own. “They show a remarkable respect for the environment we’ve created,” he boasted.

I spoke with Lev because I wanted to better understand what goes into running a real piece of living art, where each space has its own personality, its own priceless antiques, and its own timeline for being completely rearranged.

“We’re constantly moving elements around,” Glazman admitted, “introducing new pieces and adding furnishings in different areas.” Even today, a half-dozen years after opening, Lev and his partner Alina Roytberg are unsatisfied with stasis. Their Maker, despite being so expertly curated, is no museum piece. It’s a canvas: “The hotel feels alive. It’s always transforming.”

What more can you ask for? This level of attention is the future that was promised by the first boutique hotels, places aimed at creative, curious guests, and designed to be pure expressions of an authorial vision.

A maker’s vision.

The name of the hotel is a tribute to the types of craftspeople and artisans who helped build it, whom Glazman found no shortage of in New York and the Hudson Valley. “Collaborating with so many talented makers — from stage designers to art and lighting restorers — was truly inspiring.” For five years he worked with the crew to imagine and reimagine the hotel’s spaces, finally opening the doors in 2020.

Inside, you can be sure that every detail in every corner of the eleven bedrooms and three historic buildings has been pored over, and will be pored over again, whether it’s the placement of a 19th century painting purchased from the property’s former owner, a Herman Miller table found in a shop down the street, or a pair of Louis the 16th chairs found in France.

Am I burying the lede? Maker is also the name of a line of fragrances inspired by the hotel, and scent is a major part of the hotel experience. “My dream was to create a platform that brings fragrances to life,” says Glazman. Guests at the hotel are welcome to explore a fragrance library, which contains Lev’s private scents as well as the Maker Fragrance Collection. Fragrance Cocktails are available in the Lounge. I admit I haven’t thought much about fragrance in my life, and Glazman is happy to remind me that a scent can instantly transport you back to another moment. “It’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with experiences and emotions.”

Which transports us back to those not-too-rowdy houseguests. “The greatest satisfaction for me is watching how guests respond when they experience the Maker,” Lev proudly reports. “They become very expressive about the impression the hotel leaves behind.” The fragrances help them take the memory home.

As we wrapped up our interview, Lev was most excited to talk about the hotel’s brand new restaurant concept. To go along with an intimate cocktail bar and a cafe modeled on the best in Europe (more on those below), the Maker’s restaurant is being re-launched as SERRE. Led by Chef Jonas Offenbach, a veteran of Michelin Star spots like Gramercy Tavern and Momofuku Ko, the menu draws from classical French gastronomy, and the dining room, enveloped by greenery, will do justice to the name (serre means greenhouse in French).

Like everything at the Maker, the new restaurant promises to be full of creativity, aimed at guests who are full of the same.

 
Scroll down for a full FAQ about The Maker Hotel.

Nuts & Bolts

A bite-sized breakdown of your most frequently asked questions about The Maker Hotel.

Who comes here?
The Maker inspires all types of makers — artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs, and curious travelers looking to recharge creatively. It’s a gathering place for people who appreciate thoughtful design, a carefully crafted menu, and meaningful experiences.

When’s the best time to visit?
Each season upstate has its own beauty. October is a must-visit month, with apple picking, vibrant fall foliage, and sweeping mountain views. Winter is for slowing down and getting cozy on property — and for those who love skiing, Catamount is only 30 mins away. Spring and summer bring an abundance of local produce, outdoor experiences, and long golden evenings.

What else is there to do in the area?
Guests can explore nearby hiking trails, farm stands, antique shops, and small-town cafés. Seasonal activities range from orchard visits in the fall to swimming holes and farmers’ markets in the warmer months. The surrounding valley offers a balance of nature, culture, and slow living.

Best room for a solo traveler? A couple? A family?
For solo travelers: The Bedroom or The Writer — intimate, cozy, and perfect for reflection.
For couples: The Artist — romantic, design-forward, and ideal for a weekend retreat.
For families: The Apartment — spacious and comfortable, with room to gather and unwind.

What’s a design feature I would miss if you didn’t tell me about it?
The subtle layering of textures — natural woods, soft linens, and handmade details — creates warmth without overwhelming the senses. There’s an intentional curation of art and elements in each space that reveals itself slowly. No two rooms ever feel the same.

Anything to say about sustainability, equality, and community?
The Maker embraces thoughtful hospitality: supporting local farmers and artisans, sourcing consciously when possible, and fostering an inclusive, welcoming space for all guests. Community partnerships and local collaborations are central to our ethos. Reclaimed materials were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the construction process, and many vintage furnishings were carefully restored rather than replaced — honoring craftsmanship, reducing waste, and preserving character for generations to come.

Are there some standout amenities you’d recommend?
The Gymnasium continues the aesthetic spirit of the hotel, combining vintage exercise equipment with the state-of-the-art. In the spring and summer seasons there’s a heated outdoor pool. Other communal spaces include our cozy Salon and The Maker Library, in partnership with Manhattan’s Strand Books. Complimentary Blue Jay bicycles are available to guests for exploring the surroundings.

Without further ado, what’s there to eat?
Guided by Chef Jonas Offenbach, guests of The Maker experience a culinary journey from morning through evening — all without leaving the property. Mornings begin at The Maker Café. Coffee, breakfast offerings, house-made pastries from Bartlett House, and a seasonal lunch menu set a relaxed, refined tone. As afternoon turns to evening, The Lounge invites guests to linger. Fragrant cocktails and thoughtful bar dishes are served in an intimate, atmospheric setting, where conversations naturally begin. Dinner, of course, unfolds at SERRE, where each French-inspired dish is prepared with intention and guided by seasonality.

Tell me about Tablet Plus?
At the time of publishing, The Maker does not participate in the Tablet Plus program.

The final word?
Destination hotels don’t only exist in far-flung locales. Sometimes you can find them in small, riverfront towns in upstate New York. The Maker Hotel will make you a believer.

The Maker just relaunched their restaurant. To celebrate, we’re giving away a two-night stay. For a chance to win, tell us the restaurant’s new name.