The Hudson Hotel

This hipster-meets-cosmopolitan-joint is my new favorite local spot. I've been frequenting The Hudson on Thursdays and occasionally on the weekends. You wouldn't know it was there unless someone told you (thanks Amar), but once you find it you'll see that it's the gem of Hells Kitchen. The Hudson isn't for everybody, it definitely has a prententious air, especially on the weekends. However, Thursday nights you'll find a token from each social group - you've got the rich Italian-suit-wearin 50-year-old; the chic modelesque yuppie; the Chuck All-Star footed rocker; and of course your typically trendy, resident gothamites. Before you enter The Hudson at the 58th Street entrance you see double-doors illuminated in yellow. Upon entering the hotel, the escalator takes you up to the lobby where once you arrive, you have the choice of going Right: to the swanky Hudson Bar-lounge. Or Left: to the Library, where the theme is Ski Lodge and the only sport being played is pool. You can peruse the thousands of books that line the walls while admiring the cow art (yes, I said cow art and it's very good!). Or you can take a seat in the leather bound couches, converse over a drink and watch a billiards game, all the while listening to the same grooves that play across the way in the lounge. The windows and glass doors lead you to the private garden which I have not yet had the pleasure of retreating to as I've only been in the winter. Once spring finally decides to stay for a while, I'm sure I'll enjoy many warm evenings out there. If you decided to go Right after getting off of the escalator, you will have entered into the lounge. I adore this room. I have no idea what the correct decor terms are for it, but it is ultra-cool. The floor lights up which makes the whole space seem as though it's glowing. The seating, slightly reminiscent of a scene from Alice In Wonderland -- empire chairs make you feel a little more regal than you really are and a seemingly misplaced log near the long bar has been converted into another seat which, after a drink or two, makes you feel like you could be in an enchanted forest. But the thing that truly makes The Hudson my favorite new watering hole is the MUSIC! I could not believe my ears whence I came to this darling place. The kick-ass female DJ who spins on Thursday nights is bloody phenomenal. She'll start you off with some indie tunes, like Block Party or Snow Patrol. And as you're sittin' there, with your friends or a date perhaps, gettin' your buzz on, suddenly she throws some George Michael and Bananarama at you. And then, just when you think you've been thrown a curve ball she starts spinning Mad Lion and Sean Paul. Oh, but the night cannot be over without some oldschool hip-hop and Jackson 5. She is by far, my favorite DJ in NYC so far. If you had the good fortune of being there last Thursday, you would've seen me, the only girl on the dance floor, having the time of my life. The set-up and decor of Hudson is definitely fun and aesthetically pleasing, but they only serve as a bonus. It's the music that sends me home satisfied, still wanting to come back for more.

The downfall to The Hudson is, as I previously mentioned, the pretentiousness along with pricey drinks. I have a low-tolerance for either of those aspects with any venue, but if the right elements are in place I don't mind making the sacrifice. The unusual yet charming atmosphere, influx with the culminating musical montage, topped off with good company and three captain & cokes make The Hudson a sure-fire good time.

HUDSON HOTEL
356 West 58th Street New York, New York 10019
Tel. 212 554 6000 Fax 212 554 6001