Enjoy a Night of Luxury at the Saratoga Arms Hotel

When I’m traveling, there’s nothing I love more than staying someplace with a story. So when I was invited to visit the Saratoga Arms hotel, I was very excited. Located in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, the place has history and charm. It is filled with local memorabilia. And to top it off, they put so much thought into the guest experience.

About the Saratoga Arms Hotel

Built in 1870, the Saratoga Arms is a luxury 16-room hotel that seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern amenities. Through its history of over 150 years, the building has had many names before becoming the Saratoga Arms. Originally built by Loren Putnam, it was first known as The Putnam. Over the years it changed to The Walton and The Windsor.

But it wasn’t always a hotel. From the 1950s through the early 1990s, Alice Bode owned the property and operated it as temporary housing for folks. Shortly after she passed, Kathleen and Noel Smith purchased the property in 1997. They spent two years doing extensive renovations before opening it as the Saratoga Arms in 1999.

Original Touches

Guests who walk around the common areas of the hotel will notice quaint historic touches that add to the charm of the Saratoga Arms. A few of my favorites were the antique butler box near the front entrance, and the beautiful tile floor in the breezeway. The sitting areas and hallways have display cases with memorabilia from Saratoga’s famous horse racing history. If you look up at the chandeliers and light fixtures, you’ll also notice the rods attaching them to the ceiling, surrounded by ornate decorations. These indicate the history of the building and how the lamps used to be gas-powered.

Unparalleled Customer Service

As someone who travels extensively, I’ve stayed in several hotels. Plus motels, inns, camping sites, glamping sites, bed & breakfasts, house rentals, etc. But I’d be challenged to think of a place that put more thought into the guest experience than the Saratoga Arms hotel.

The thoughtfulness that goes into the guest experience is unparalleled. When we entered our room, we noticed a handwritten card waiting to greet us. Featuring a watercolor of the hotel, the note wished us well on our visit to Saratoga Springs. Accompanying the note were some chocolate truffles in a glass cloche.

In the bathroom, a miniature bath tub was filled with shower steamers, lip balm, and lotion. It truly encompassed the spa setting that Saratoga is so well known for.

Downstairs, across from the check-in desk, was a well-stocked snack bar with plenty of goodies and drinks. Water, soda, candy, cookies, yogurt, and more. All complimentary for hotel guests whenever a craving came along.

Dining at the Saratoga Arms

Farm to Table Breakfast

When guests make a reservation at the Saratoga Arms, they have the option to add breakfast to their reservation. At $50 per room per night, it seems a bit pricey at first. But if you are traveling with 2 guests, that’s just $25 for unlimited, fresh, delicious breakfast each morning. Yes, you can order whatever you want on the menu. If you choose not to add breakfast to your hotel reservation, you can still head to the historic dining room for breakfast. The only difference is you will pay a la carte for your meal.

The menu consists of omelettes, challah french toast, eggs benedict, fresh fruit, and more. With most of the ingredients sourced from local farms. And holy moly, breakfast was delicious. It was such a high-class experience down to every detail.

Cocktail Hour on the Porch

In the warmer months, guests are also invited to cocktails on the porch. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4:30 til 8pm, tapas and drinks are served on the hotel’s front porch.

Things to Do in Saratoga Springs

While staying at the Saratoga Arms, there are so many incredible things to do nearby. See a concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Shop at all the local boutiques along Broadway. Attend a race at the famous Saratoga Downs racetrack. Explore Saratoga’s haunted history. Sample the local food and drink scene at restaurants and craft breweries. Experience the healing waters of the natural springs. Learn about local history at the National Museum of Racing or the Saratoga Automobile Museum. There are plenty of activities to keep you and your friends and family busy for several days.