This article first appeared in the April/May 2015 issue of Organic Hudson Valley.

History does not contradict positive, sustainable, and organic environmental practices. The historic Thayer Hotel at West Point is a testament to that, encompassing sustainable practices without losing any of the historic appeal of such a notable establishment. We are “proud of the practices that we use to be friendly to the beautiful environment that surrounds our property,” Carlys Lemler, the Director of Operations for the Thayer Hotel, said.

The hotel makes use of technology to save energy by having the lights and televisions in all the guest rooms programmed to turn off when not in use. Lights, air conditioning, and heat are also turned off in vacant rooms. The restaurant also uses fresh local and organic food sources prepared by the executive chef, Lee Clements, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, the nation’s top culinary school, located right here in the Hudson Valley, for guests to enjoy their meals while supporting the local economy and community.

The Thayer Hotel began as a place for visiting dignitaries and family members of cadets training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1926, the hotel moved so it would be able to accommodate more visitors. “The Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point became the front porch of the Academy as the first building on the right when visitors first come on to West Point, welcoming all those visiting these hallowed grounds,” Lemler said.

The hotel is still host to world leaders, including heads of state and celebrities. “One of the most memorable moments in The Thayer Hotel’s history is housing the Iranian Hostages upon their return to the United States on January 2, 1981,” Lemler said. “The ex-hostages were able to take refuge at the Thayer Hotel for three days, and avoid more than 1,200 journalists who waited outside the hotel for a chance to get their stories.”

While a stay there today may not come with that kind of excitement, which is probably a good thing, guests can still get a connection to the Hudson Valley and the historical significance of both the hotel and its location at West Point through the Room Dedication Program. “Rooms are designed and decorated, like a museum, with memorabilia to tell the story of West Point’s most inspirational graduates who have impacted the nation and the world,” Lemler said. “This program turns this historic property into a museum full of inspiring individuals, and allows guests to spend the night in a guestroom surrounded by personal memorabilia of our nation’s great leaders.”

All this may leave you feeling a bit like Steve Rogers, pre-Captain America, but the design of the rooms is set up to encourage “reflective inspiration,” Lemler said. “Decision makers in all aspects of world affairs, coming from every industry, will see and reflect on the honorees.” This gives guests, “the opportunity to connect on a deep emotional level with key decision makers from every sector of the economy,” something Lemler describes as, “extraordinary.”

If that seems a bit intimidating, you can always pretend you are Captain America and enjoy the, “sweeping views of the Hudson River,” which, according to Lemler are probably the hotels most commented upon feature. Brotherhood Winery is also located nearby for those interested in exploring the local community.

The beautiful hotel is well worth a visit, even if just for one of its many holiday brunches, to see the stunning views and absorb the surrounding history.