Brice and Helen Marden’s new Hotel Tivoli is a world-class property offering a masterful display of artisanal pieces and practices.

With neither the historical renown of neighboring Hudson nor the artistic bona fides of nearby Woodstock or Beacon, the town of Tivoli, New York has long remained one of the Hudson Valley’s sleepier hamlets. That somnolence might not last—thanks to the spectacular success of the new Hotel Tivoli, a century-old establishment transformed by artists Brice and Helen Marden.

The Mardens—who own an estate in Tivoli and have lived here for nearly 10 years— purchased the property in 2013 and spent nearly a year refurbishing it to their specifications, with the help of design firm Reunion Goods & Services. Encompassing ten guestrooms and a 100-seat restaurant, The Corner, the hotel has a colorful Victorian framework; the Mardens’ formidable modern art collection (including works by Mr. Marden, who recently commanded a one-man retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art); and an eclectic mix of vintage furniture. Guests are greeted with fresh fruit and artisanal chocolates before being ushered into their exquisitely designed rooms. Accented with tufted Moroccan rugs (sourced during the Mardens’ extensive travels); powdercoated steel furniture in punchy yellows, pinks, and greens; and quirky lighting elements, the playful aesthetic is a far cry from traditional B&B. Common areas, too, reflect a lighthearted sensibility; such dazzling design elements as artist Francesco Clemente’s portrait of Mrs. Marden and the property’s spectacular array of Murano glass chandeliers feel almost casually displayed.

Guests are greeted with fresh fruit
and artisanal chocolates before being ushered
into their exquisitely designed rooms.

The heart of the Hotel Tivoli is arguably The Corner, where locally procured, Moroccan inspired fare is served in a modern, light-filled environment. Reflective of the hotel’s convivial spirit, the space is anchored by a long, blue-veined marble bar—an ideal place to enjoy a crisp Finger Lakes Riesling and people watch. The marble, sourced from ABC Worldwide Stone in Brooklyn, cut in nearby Kerhonkson, and inspired by the Mardens’ many trips to Greece, reflects the couple’s desire to keep sourcing and production local while referencing the faraway. The resultant aesthetic is both comforting and transporting—perhaps a uniquely Tivoli brand of hospitality.

The marble is inspired by the Mardens’
many trips to Greece and reflects the couple’s
desire to keep sourcing and production local
while referencing the faraway.

Photographs from hoteltivoli.org and reunion.gs