Winter 2016-17 | THE BEEKMAN ARMS

by Barbara Reina photos by Matt Petricone and Janice DiGiovanni

November 15, 2016

What could George Washington and Miley Cyrus possibly have in common? Local legend has it that both stayed at The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, NY. Achieving its distinction as the oldest continuously running hotel in America, The Beekman Arms has been host to more than 80 famous people in its 250-year history.

Kayla Burch, the hotel’s director of operations, holds the notable list of famous visitors. From George Washington to Neil Armstrong, Kayla says that The Beekman Arms has drawn its fair share of actors and actresses, including Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Oprah Winfrey, and Paul Newman—to name just a few. Famous crooner Frank Sinatra and comedians Sid Caesar, Chevy Chase,

Jimmy Fallon have also graced the hotel guest list. Despite a list of famous visitors, The Beekman Arms entertains a wide variety of guests and is welcoming to locals.

“This is not a cookie-cutter hotel,” Kayla says. “We have over 33 different room types.”

the beekman arms has drawn its fair share of actors and actresses, including elizabeth taylor, lauren bacall, oprah winfrey, and paul newman.

“this is not a cookie-cutter hotel,” kayla says. “we have over 33 different room types.”

The property, owned by the Banta family, spans two-and-one-half blocks in downtown Rhinebeck with a combined total of 80 rooms. It includes The Beekman Arms, The Delamater Inn, and The Rhinebeck Village Inn. Plus, in a large red barn behind The Beekman Arms sits a multi-dealer antique emporium. Accommodations at The Beekman Arms include the historic hotel, The Guest House, The Old Firehouse, and The Townsend House.

The property is currently owned by two generations: George Banta, his son George, and his son-in-law Richard Fisher.

“Every one of the family members is involved,” Kayla says. “We meet every couple of days. It’s very obvious to me their love for this place.”

Although events to celebrate the hotel’s 250th anniversary are still in the making, Kayla plans to implement ideas gathered from a “How to Celebrate Milestones” seminar at a November Historic Hotels of America Conference held in Hawaii.

“I want to see what we can bring to the table in Rhinebeck,” Kayla says. “We want this to be memorable and unique.”

After about a year on the job, an average day for Kayla includes keeping history alive, monitoring around 100 employees, and ensuring that clients stay happy.

“My job is to make sure everything is running smoothly once people are inside,” she says. “I’m constantly juggling labor and client satisfaction.”

Raised in Oneonta, NY, Kayla came to Rhinebeck with previous experience in large-scale property management.

“Coming into town and meeting the locals and the chamber of commerce, everyone was so supportive,” she says.

So far, Kayla is most impressed by the vibrant, year-round activities in Rhinebeck.

“Rhinebeck is amazing. Everyone helps everybody,” she says. “It’s a walking village.”

THE BEEKMAN ARMS
6387 Mill Street, Rhinebeck
845-876-7077
beekmandelamaterinn.com

PROPERTIES

The Beekman Arms: Upper floor accommodations at the inn date back to 1766 but have been upgraded to meet modern standards with air conditioning in all rooms. Plans are also in the works to expand the Wayfarer Room.

The Guest House: Contemporary and comfortable, these accommodations located behind the main inn offer air conditioning and in-room refrigerators, and they are pet friendly.

The Old Firehouse: As the original firehouse for the Village of Rhinebeck, these rooms express unique character with exposed brick walls and high ceilings.

The Townsend House: Opened in 2004, The Townsend keeps in step with the village’s design and architecture. Rooms include king-sized beds and gas fireplaces.