The Thayer Hotel At West Point
The river views from this historic hotel are stunning.
Past Lane Plus is an extension of Past Lane Travels, the #1 history and travel blog in the U.S.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Past Lane Plus!
I always like to share when I find historic gems during my travels, and this week I’m highlighting the Thayer Hotel at West Point.
Steeped in history, The Thayer Hotel is a distinguished landmark that stands at the entrance to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Impressive Guest List
Visited by past U.S. Presidents, international leaders and celebrities, the Thayer Hotel is stunning inside and out. As you can see, its majestic hilltop location is adjacent to West Point, and its location in the Hudson River Valley makes it convenient for exploring the entire region.
Amazingly, the Thayer Hotel is the only full service hotel on the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to Albany. It features 151 guest rooms (23 suites) and 10 different event rooms for up to 220 guests.
The Gothic-style granite architecture is imposing from the front, but the back offers stunning views of the Hudson River.
The History
Before the Thayer Hotel was built in 1926, the structure that stood there was called the West Point Hotel. Established in 1829, it served the academy and hosted notable figures like Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and Edgar Allan Poe.
General Douglas MacArthur's mother lived at the West Point Hotel during his time as a cadet.
Hudson River Views
My room overlooked the campus of West Point, but the hotel also has rooms with river views.
In exploring the river side of the hotel, I discovered hidden paths and beautiful locations for pictures. The ballroom, restaurant and tavern also have windows facing the river, making The Thayer Hotel a popular place for weddings and special events.
A Look Inside The Thayer Hotel
The inside of The Thayer is a mixture of elegance and timeless charm, blending historical elements with modern amenities that creates an air of sophistication.
I loved how the art and photos in the hotel's main conference rooms and public spaces honor prominent figures in West Point's history. The rooms also have photos related to those who have attended West Point.
Plenty of Dining Options
You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy a meal at The Thayer Hotel.
There are several dining venues available, including breakfast and lunch from Monday to Saturday, a famous Sunday Brunch, and dinner every night at MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant.
For a more casual dining experience, Patton's Tavern is open daily, and the Zulu Time Rooftop Bar & Lounge operates Wednesday to Sunday during summer months
The Hotel’s Name
The Thayer Hotel is named after Sylvanus Thayer, known as the "father of the Military Academy.” The construction of the hotel was part of a significant expansion program led by Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur, who later returned to the hotel in 1962 to deliver his famous "Duty, Honor, Country" speech.
Don’t miss my upcoming post when I take you along on a tour of West Point Military Academy!
Disclosure: I was hosted by The Thayer Hotel, but the opinions are my own.
Jessica James is an award-winning author of historical fiction and suspense, who enjoys traveling the back roads of the U.S. and sharing her stories about off-the-beaten-path sites, underrated destinations and historic hotels.