Keeping up the grande dame
Delaware North is committed to the upkeep of the grande dame.
“Our 20-year plan to put $20 million into the hotel began in 2008,” said Smith. “So far, we have spent $5 million on refurbishing the guest rooms and renovating all bathrooms, the lobby, the restaurant and the spa.”
A formal dining room has become Putnam’s Restaurant. Murals painted in 1939 by internationally acclaimed artist James Reynolds remain, and a bar and patio dining have been added.
The hotel’s main conference area has its own entrance. Its 5,832-square-foot Grand Ballroom can be divided into four sections with an adjoining 1,900-square-foot veranda. Other small breakout rooms are scattered around the hotel’s first floor.
“The atmosphere is conducive to learning and reflection, delights the senses and relaxes people,” said Fusco. “My attendees love staying there because the staff treats them like kings and queens.”
As association and creative services manager for the New York Press Association (NYPA), Richard Hotaling has bought out the entire property a number of times during the past 10 years for NYPA’s spring convention. From 400 to 600 attendees fill the hotel. The Saratoga Hilton, the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs and the Best Western Plus Park Inn handle overflow.
The NYPA has its meetings at the Putnam. “We know what to expect there, and we’re never disappointed,” Hotaling said.
NYPA has made good use of Saratoga Springs and the park’s many venues. Its board has had off-site dinners at high-end restaurants, such as Chianti Il Ristorante and Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club. Catered dinners have been held at the Batcheller Mansion, a historic Victorian Inn downtown.
The inn overlooks Congress Park, home to Italianate-style Canfield Casino, where the club sandwich was created. NYPA has used the 1870s former gambling house for its black-tie gala. The National Museum of Dance and the Hall of Springs, both in the state park, have also served as venues for NYPA events.
The marble-columned Hall of Springs’ 38-foot vaulted ceiling and Belgian crystal chandeliers make it a stunning venue.
A way to unwind
To unwind after a meeting, hotel guests can stroll to the Roosevelt Spa and soak in warm mineral baths before they have a massage. The 1930s spa has 42 treatment rooms. It was restored and reopened 10 years ago.
“First and foremost, we’re a bathhouse with medically endorsed healing springs that effervesce out of the earth into our tubs,” said Kim Rossi, spa director. “We’re also a modern-day spa and can incorporate our treatments into meetings.”
During breaks, spa staff can serve smoothies, give chair massages, lead yoga or meditation classes, or give a Walk, Talk and Taste the Waters tour.
The emphasis on the spa is bit of a throwback to Saratoga Springs’ earlier days, said MacDonald. “Years ago, they came to take the waters. Now there’s so much more.”
