November, 1999 issue

The hotel, which over the years has hosted a long line of dignitaries such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and General Douglas MacCarthur, will once again enjoy the reputation as one of the Hudson Valley's premier hotels and conference centers, thanks to the "labor of love" by the Hudson River Partners, a group of West Point alumni, who have invested in the rebirth of the hotel.

"I am absolutely delighted that the newly renovated Hotel Thayer is now open for business. We look forward to this top-notch facility providing first-class service to the thousands of visitors who come to West Point and the Hudson Valley annually," said Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman, Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy.

The Hotel Thayer is being managed by Fisher Hotels Group, Inc., a leading provider of high quality and profitable management services to private and institutional owners of hotels, conference centers and resorts.

The major focus of the renovations has been on enlarging and modernizing the existing rooms and bathrooms. To accomplish this, the total number of rooms has been reduced from 197 to 128. All new bathrooms have been added, along with new carpeting, wallpaper, and furniture. In addition, the hotel's nine suites have been fully upgraded and refurbished.

While an annex currently provides 21 rooms, plans are already in progress for the demolition of that building, and the construction of a new wing with 124 rooms, a ballroom, restaurant, lounge, and conference facilities. Construction on that second phase of work, which represents an investment of $27 million, is slated to begin in July 2000, with occupancy expected in the fall of 2001.

Built in 1926, the Hotel Thayer is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is one of the few major hotels in the mid-Hudson Valley region. The majestic, Gothic-style, granite building sits at the entrance to the U.S. Military Academy, offering dramatic views of the Hudson River and Highlands.

Originally constructed to accommodate U.S. Military Academy personnel and their guests, the Hotel Thayer was a successor of the West Point Hotel, and is named for Colonel Sylvanius Thayer, Superintendent of the Academy from 1817 to 1833.

The gracious, marble-floored lobby is adorned with circular candle chandeliers and flags of the nations. A grand fireplace sits in the center of the lobby, which has been completely refurbished.

Sunday's brunch is one of the hotel's well-known traditions. Over the years, the Hotel Thayer's dining room earned a reputation as hosting elaborate Sunday brunches, often attended by more than 1,400 people. The tradition will be resumed with an improved menu.

In the summer months, the hotel offers outdoor dining on the Hudson Terrace with a breathtaking view of Constitution Island and the Hudson River. Because of its ideal location, the Hotel Thayer has also been a favorite choice for couples taking their vows. More than 300 weddings a year have typically taken place at the Hotel Thayer. In the renovated hotel, weddings will once again be a major activity.

With its prime tourist location, banquet and conference facilities, the Hotel Thayer has long attracted guests throughout the year. Tourism is the largest business in Orange County, where West Point is located. Annual county-wide gross revenues from tourism total nearly $300 million.

A National Historic Landmark, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is one of the top three tourist destinations in New York State, with almost 3 million visitors each year. Army football alone has drawn huge crowds for decades. Sports Illustrated has described West Point as "one of the best places in America to watch a football game."

West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America, dating back to the Revolutionary War. General George Washington considered Wets Point to be the most important strategic position in the country and transferred his headquarters to "Fortress West Point" in 1779.

In 1802 Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United Sates Military Academy at West Point. During the Civil War, West Point dominated the highest ranks on both sides, including General Grant and General Lee. Academy graduates distinguished themselves in World War I and during World War II.

As the Academy approaches its bicentennial in 2002, it remains an energetic institution that attracts some of the brightest men and women in the country. It offers cadets a curriculum in more than a dozen fields, while retaining the commitment of Duty, Honor, and Country.