The MakerFresh beauty co-founders design their first hotel inspired by the world of makers

Hudson, New York – July 28, 2020. The Maker Hotel, a new hotel from the co-founders of global beauty sensation Fresh, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, and hospitality expert Damien Janowicz, will open on August 6th in the heart of historic downtown Hudson, New York. Housed in three historical buildings, the intimate 11-room property is a curated sanctuary with a bohemian sensibility fusing design from nineteenth-century Industrial, La Belle Époque, Art Deco and Mid-Century periods. Celebrating the world of all makers — artisans, artists, craftsmen and builders — each room at The Maker Hotel is designed to deliver an inspired and unique guest experience. Initially opening with a limited booking schedule, The Maker Hotel will expand offerings in the coming months based on guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19.

THE TEAM
Glazman and Roytberg are the co-founders of international beauty brand Fresh. Founded in Boston, MA in 1991, Fresh has grown from a small beauty business to a leading global innovator and lifestyle brand by pioneering effective, natural ingredient formulas. Glazman and Roytberg first partnered with Janowicz, previously the General Manager of many boutique properties such as Tides Beach Club and Cape Arundel in Kennebunkport, Maine, to open Bartlett House in 2016 – an all-day bakery, cafe and restaurant serving local, seasonal fare in nearby Ghent, NY.

Inspired by the wide range of creatives native to the Hudson Valley, the seasoned team now opens The Maker Hotel to bring a bespoke experience to both the close-knit Upstate New York community and travelers alike.

“During my travels, I always felt there was an opportunity to expand the hospitality experience. One that inspires and allows you to dream. We knew we could execute The Maker concept in Hudson because the area was so rich with artisans, history and design, and it was the perfect location. Moving away from standardized design, The Maker fuses different periods, and builds a home where this eclectic design can exist harmoniously,” says Glazman.

Glazman, Roytberg and Janowicz combine their sensibility to create one cohesive vision at The Maker Hotel, with Glazman leading the interior design and creative direction, Roytberg leading the design behind the branding, color palettes and custom patterns, and Janowicz curating a unique guest experience. Also joining The Maker team is CEO Zachary Bayman, previously the SVP of Development of André Balazs Properties with over a decade of luxury boutique hospitality experience, and General Manager Manolo Sorensen, previously of Standard Hotels and Sunset Beach Properties.

DESIGN
The 14,000 square-foot property comprises three buildings: an 1800’s Carriage House, a Georgian mansion and a Greek Revival building. The team preserved original architectural elements throughout the property such as ornate fireplaces in several guest rooms, wood flooring, decorative stain glass, foyer mosaic tiles, hand-painted ceilings and more. However, massive reconstruction was needed to connect the buildings, reimagine the spaces and build additions like the jewel box-conservatory, central lush courtyard and seasonal pool. Over 70% of the property’s décor is vintage, including one-of-a-kind antique pieces, restored relics, extensive art from Lev’s personal collection and new pieces built from various salvaged elements. In addition, each space is complemented with custom reproduced furniture, antique Moroccan rugs, Roytberg-designed wallpaper and jewel-toned colors and patterns throughout the property. The result is unexpected; an old-world bohemian glamour that fuses a worldly design ethos shaped by decades of travel. When designing The Maker Hotel, the team committed to a sustainable design philosophy – to utilize vintage pieces where possible, upcycle design elements and reduce the property’s environmental impact.

The property features the work from local Hudson Valley craftsmen, like sixth-generation master furniture restorer Gary Keegan, who rebuilt original fireplace mantles, antiques and custom furniture; artist Michael Allen, who painted an ethereal mural inspired by Hudson Valley landscape on burlap in The Maker Restaurant; lighting designer Steven McKay, who Glazman collaborated with to create custom light fixtures throughout the property. Lagonia Construction was also instrumental in rebuilding the space and restoring the buildings.  

Continuing the collaboration with craftsmen, The Maker also offers custom-designed pieces for purchase to extend the experience to the home. Examples include custom beds designed by Glazman with architect Kipp Edick, which are a modern interpretation of antique French Louis XV style beds, made in Portugal; customized Italian linen robes by Society Limonata; lightly scented boiled cashmere throws by private 02 04; light fixtures created by Glazman in collaboration with Early Electric; Fresh beauty products among others.

In addition to the custom-designed home pieces, The Maker Shop also offers exclusive personal items for purchase created in celebration of The Maker’s hometown Hudson, including the limited-edition The Maker Hudson Eau de Parfum. This gender-neutral, woody, spicy fragrance captures the vibrant character of the city, and was created by The Maker founder and fragrance architect Glazman in collaboration with Christopher Draghi, a local fragrance maker and co-founder of Source Adage. 100% of the sales of The Maker Hudson Eau de Parfum will be donated to the Hudson community, to benefit youth organizations and small businesses.

ROOMS
The 11 distinct rooms include the Maker Studios, Terrace Lofts, Two Bedroom Suite, Corner Studio (king room) and Bedrooms (queen rooms), including an Accessible room. Prices range from $350 - $1,150 a night. The four Maker Studios are inspired and designed by the world of different makers: Architect, Artist, Gardener and Writer.

·         The Architect studio imagines the world of an architect living in the 1940s and their vision of future design. The space has a custom carved, black granite fireplace, mid-century furniture (including a one-of-a-kind Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa), herringbone fabric wallpaper, and a grand bathroom with an olive granite soaking tub. Prices starting at $650 / night.

·         The Artist studio is covered in eclectic artwork from Glazman private collections, including art from Francisco Zuniga. The bohemian space is filled with inspiring details like a stained glass window, a plaster sculpture by Frederick Weinberg, a fireplace made with restored antique furniture pieces, a vintage painting easel, among others. Prices starting at $650 / night.

·         The Gardener studio incorporates botanical elements and wrought-iron details throughout the space, including the custom Maker bed and an 1870s restored Eastlake gas-lit cast iron chandelier. Vibrant plants are arranged throughout the space that juxtaposes darker elements like the cast iron and bronze grilles restored from the Beaux-Arts1908 Singer building in New York. Prices starting at $650 / night.

·         The Writer studio, inspired by the life of an author, features the building's original oak fireplace and built-in bookshelves restored from the 1800s that are filled with collections of books [selected in partnership with iconic Strand Book Store] and curiosities from around the world. Prices starting at $650 / night.

·         The Terrace Lofts, located on the top floor, are spacious king-sized bedrooms with bohemian elements like graphic and abstract art, oversized daybeds, and early 20th century Kerala curly boat prow architectural detail, in addition to a personal spacious terrace with lush planted pots overlooking the courtyard. Prices starting at $595 / night.

·         The Corner Studio, a king-sized bedroom inspired by 1940s understated Hollywood glamour with a spacious living area flooded with sunlight, featuring a rare Joan Crawford portrait, and other photography from various periods. Prices starting at $550 / night.

·         The Apartment is a three-room suite that includes a separate living space and kitchenette that celebrates 1950s Mid-Century design. It includes a one-of-a-kind oversized spider flush mount light from Italy, a dining area with an original pencil drawing by Columbian artist Willis Vega. Perfect for families or small groups. Prices starting at $1,150 / night.

·         The Bedrooms, three intimate bedrooms with custom Roytberg-designed wallpaper and custom queen size Maker beds. Prices starting at $350 / night.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Maker Hotel offers a cafe, cocktail lounge and restaurant for property guests and the Hudson community to enjoy at all hours of the day and night. Executive Chef Michael Poirkoff (formerly of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and Vinegar Hill House) oversees all culinary operations at The Maker including:

·         The Maker Cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch, inspired by cafes in Paris and Vienna, and serves a variety of pastries and viennoiseries made daily by The Bartlett House and executive chef Michael, in addition to sandwiches and salads.

·         The Maker Lounge is an intimate hideaway, cocktail bar and patio located in the converted Carriage House with soaring ceilings. Seasonal cocktails and an extensive selection of wines and local beers are offered alongside bar snacks and large plates from chef Michael. The fireplace is Belgian 1878 Neoclassical with an ornately carved fireplace mantle, and the floor-to-ceiling mirror is restored from the 18th century.

·         The Maker Restaurant is located in the glass-ceiling conservatory and enveloped in layers of greenery and textural details. Executive chef Michael works with local farms and purveyors to offer seasonal, contemporary American fare.  

GUEST EXPERIENCE
The Maker Hotel reinvents traditional hotel hospitality to provide a deep sense of comfort and personal curation for each guest. Developed by Janowicz, the customized guest visit begins as guests connect with the concierge to reserve a room. Each visit is personalized, from which room is confirmed, to additional details, including:

·         Complimentary full-size Fresh beauty products in each room, including Seaberry Shampoo and Conditioner, and Sugar Lemon Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Soap. ($115 value)

·         Hypo-allergenic pillows and duvet, available upon request.

·         The Zen Haven organic mattress, made with 100% natural talalay latex.

·         Complimentary welcome drink and snacks available in-suite and refreshed throughout the day.

·         Gourmet Mini-Bar: Guests can order house-made snacks from executive chef Michael Poirkoff, like homemade salt and vinegar potato chips and fruit leathers, in addition to a curated selection of offerings from local purveyors.

·         Eye-Opener Service: An early wake-up service complete with complimentary coffee or tea and pastries.

Additional amenities include: Linens by Downtown Company; robes by Society Limonta; linens by Frette; hair styling tools by GHD; access to the Fragrance Library, Glazman’s personal collection of scents collected from around the world; use of the property’s main library and salon, which features hundreds of books selected in partnership with Strand Book Store; private parking; and Hudson’s first hotel pool, complete with poolside service. The property plans to open a Gymnasium, a circus-themed fitness center, in Fall 2020.
 
The MakerOPENING DETAILS
The Maker Hotel is located at 302 Warren Street, Hudson, NY and is ADA accessible. The Maker Hotel is initially open with a limited booking schedule for inhouse guests to ensure maximum safety. The limited schedule allows for 3-night bookings only, Thursdays through Mondays. The Maker Hotel will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for cleaning. The property is also available for extended stays and private property bookings. The Maker Hotel will expand offerings in the coming months based on guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19. The Maker Hotel is open year-round and is accepting bookings by phone, 518.509.2620 or toll-free 888.487.2007, or online at themaker.com. For more information please visit themaker.com and follow them on Instagram @themakerhotel