Peekskill's Historic Inn on the Hudson Sold by Founding Family

Peekskill's landmark and historic Inn on the Hudson has been sold, ending a 60-year legacy for the family-owned business, and opening a new chapter for its new ownership.

“Like the City of Peekskill, we have been through good times and tough times, but we have always prevailed. It was a marriage that lasted exactly 60 years,” said President Richard Braverman, who is one of the five close-knit families that has run the Inn for three generations.

Referencing the Inn's logo which features a Minuteman lighting a lamp, Braverman continued, “We are passing the torch just as Peekskill redefines itself as a destination for tourists and visitors as well as business travelers and vacationers. We wish the new owners much success and happiness.”

The new owner is Barry Patel who also owns and operates other lodging properties in the Hudson Valley. His son, Kevin Patel, a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, will be overseeing the ownership of the Inn along with their other properties. They plan to take over full operations in October. Doug DellaPaoli will continue in his role as General Manager of the Inn.

“Adding the Inn on the Hudson to our family-based suite of accommodations in the Hudson Valley was a once in a lifetime opportunity for my Dad,” said Kevin, who worked for HVS, an international hospitality consulting firm, before taking over a restructuring of his family’s lodging portfolio a few years ago.

“Dad would often pass the Inn when he traveled to his other properties in the Valley and hoped that one day he would have an opportunity to own it. The Inn has a commanding view of the Hudson River, extraordinary sunsets, unparalleled views of fall foliage and panoramic views of boats sailing up and down the river. It is the gateway to Peekskill on Route 9 and close to the Peekskill Train Station, making it a central place for business travelers and visitors,” said Kevin.

The Inn recently finished its decade long, multi-million dollar renovation with the completion of its lobby and food court. This comes after renovation of all its building exteriors and lighting, its rooms and landscaping. The Inn has 53 rooms, most with a river view, a pool and the full service Vue Restaurant, which opened this time last year and has since welcomed back its long-term chef, Luigi.

“We have been very impressed with the transformation of the Inn into a colonial boutique hotel over the past decade, and it gives us a benchmark and a vision for our other Hudson Valley properties. My Dad, Doug and I will continue to transform the Inn into one of the most unique, local accommodations for travelers and visitors in the region,” said Kevin.

Originally known as the Peekskill Motor Inn, the lodging was popular from its opening day in 1957 with downstate New York residents looking to hop into their cars and drive north to the country. With all its amenities, the Inn became a stay-cation location as well as a prime spot for business travelers. The Inn is built on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River where George Washington once stood looking down river for British forces. The spot is memorialized with three flag poles, a stone monument and plaque to Washington.

“The Inn is a unique hotel that combines the best of comfortable lodging that you get with recognizable hotel brands while embracing the colonial design and local community. We want to continue making a positive, valuable contribution to Peekskill and the greater Hudson Valley,” said Kevin.

“The sale of the Inn is bittersweet. It comes at a time when the future of Peekskill and the Inn are pointed upwards. But the original five owners have now mushroomed to twenty six with the third generation entering the scene. It is time for Barry and Kevin to take the Inn to the next level,” said Bert Tobin, Vice President and Owner Representative, who with Richard Braverman and Jane Buscemi, make up the Inn’s board of directors.

“We want to thank the greater Peekskill community, its business owners, our local officials and especially our frequent guests, for a relationship that lasted so many years,” added Tobin.

A “Say Goodbye, Say Hello” party to introduce the new owners to the community is scheduled for early October.