The Railroad Revival

Hey there (HAP)ers!

I’m back from my birthday celebrations and, as promised last week, here’s a brief overview of my short but sweet (and snowy!) trip to Upstate New York. The Pocketbook Hudson was as industrial-chic as expected, with cavernous rooms, exposed brick walls, stainless steel vanities, metal mesh curtains, and other details that nod to the building’s former life as a pocketbook factory. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Ambos, was fresh and flavorful—the spicy scallop crudo and strip steak with garlic chimichurri were standout dishes. The only downside was that the baths were not yet open, though they should be ready for spring visitors.

We also had lunch—and returned the next day for cocktails—at The Maker, the boutique hotel that helped spark Hudson’s post-Covid renaissance when it opened in August 2020. The property offers a starkly different vibe from Pocketbook, with dark wood paneling, roaring fireplaces, and vintage furnishings that feel more “expected” for a former whaling town now known for its antique stores. Both hotels ooze character, just in very different ways—depending on whether you’re seeking cool minimalism or warm coziness.

One of the best parts of the trip was the ease and convenience of the Amtrak service. Departing from Penn Station’s Moynihan Train Hall, we sped along the scenic riverside and arrived in Hudson in just over two hours. The Northeast US benefits from the country’s strongest rail connectivity, so whether you’re based in the region or visiting, consider taking the train to your next boutique hotel destination. Generally speaking, train travel in the US leaves much to be desired—but when it works, it really works. And it’s about to get even better…

- Dan Howarth, HAP Weekly Newsletter Editor

Is the next era of American rail travel finally here? For years, US travelers have looked to Europe with transit envy as passengers glide (almost) seamlessly between cities large and small, making multi-stop itineraries effortless. On this side of the pond, however, the continent’s vast size—combined with decades of underinvestment—has left travelers with few options beyond navigating the airport gauntlet or embarking on a lengthy road trip. As for ultra-luxurious, Orient Express–style services cropping up around the world? Here, fuhgeddaboudit.

It wasn’t always this way. In the 19th-century Gilded Age, innovators connected the country with an expansive rail network linking east to west and north to south, with countless stops in between. But car companies ultimately won the battle for 20th-century transportation dominance, and the rail sector never fully recovered. Now, however, renewed interest and fresh investment may begin to shift the balance—at least slightly. Nationwide, rail ridership is rising, and there’s a growing appetite for more high-speed connections between major hubs.

This summer, Amtrak plans to introduce a brand-new fleet of Siemens-built Airo trains, promising faster speeds and a significantly upgraded passenger experience. The first eight will serve the Cascades route, running from Vancouver, BC, to Eugene, OR, allowing travelers to move more easily between Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland—passing Mount St. Helens and crossing the Columbia River Gorge along the way. Additional trains will debut along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, DC, in 2027, with the remainder rolling out on routes from North Carolina to Maine, as well as across New York State and Pennsylvania.

Onboard upgrades include redesigned tray tables, forward-sliding seat recline, individual power outlets, and greatly improved accessibility. There are even airport-style filtered water dispensers for refillable bottles—a major win. While this won’t transform American travel overnight, it’s certainly a meaningful step toward easier, faster, and more eco-friendly journeys. All aboard!

I’m Ruby, HAP’s News Editor. Each week, I highlight the travel, hotel, and lifestyle stories catching our Editor-in-Chief Brandon Berkson’s eye—and what should catch yours too. Have an above-par piece of news? Pitch me at [email protected]

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