Looking for the perfect place to stay in Saratoga Springs, New York? Look no further. Not only will you appreciate the rich history of this luxury hotel, but you’ll also enjoy the comfort and modern amenities it provides. In addition to offering outstanding hospitality, Saratoga Arms boasts a prime location. From here, you can easily step outside and explore several landmark sights, restaurants, and shops just a short walk away.
Saratoga Arms: Saratoga Springs, NY / Saratoga Arms / (518) 584-1775
Why Saratoga Arms?
- The hotel owners, a mother/daughter duo, operate the hotel. No off-site owners here. This means there’s personal attention to the guests and the facility itself.
- The Saratoga Arms staff is very helpful and, after learning about their guests’ interests, will point them to places and restaurants they’ll enjoy. There’s plenty to do and enjoy in delightful Saratoga Springs, plus there’s more waiting for you beyond the city limits.
- The rooms (with queen or king beds) are very comfortable and well-appointed. In fact, each room has unique furnishings, all with a nod to history, while offering modern amenities. We enjoyed one of the two garden-level king rooms that gave us direct access to Broadway, the main street. Staying in the ground-level room felt like staying in an apartment, coming and going as we wished.
- Guests are offered a bountiful farm-to-table breakfast in the mornings.Â
- Outside, the deep wraparound porch and indoor living rooms are nice places to relax. Inside are historical pieces, including some original works by local artists. Outside are wicker chairs to entice guests to sit and enjoy the comings and goings along Broadway.
- There’s a 24-hour pantry with complimentary treats for guests. Here you’ll find Saratoga Potato Chips (you have to try these!), candy, and other snacks along with soda, tea, and coffee.
- Feel like a beer, wine, or champagne in the evening? Saratoga Arms has you covered there, too. Just let a staff member know what you’d like, and it’s yours. Cheers!
- Saratoga Arms is in the perfect location to explore Saratoga Springs on foot. It’s located right on Broadway, which is the main thoroughfare. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to great shopping, restaurants, and craft breweries.
- Free on-site parking is included in your stay. That sure makes a road trip to this area easier. 😊
History of Saratoga Arms
What you see today began as a modest hotel with one bathroom on each floor. The original hotel was two adjoining buildings constructed in 1870. By the time Noel and Kathleen Smith purchased them in 1997, they were in poor condition. After the purchase, extensive renovations joined the two buildings, and a large wrap-around Saratoga porch at the entrance was added. In 2005, an addition increased the inn’s capacity to 31 rooms. In addition to the guest rooms, Saratoga Arms boasts an exercise room and conference facilities.
Things To Do in the Area
We truly enjoyed our stay in Saratoga Springs. In addition to the town’s undeniable charm, we were captivated by its grand old buildings and the natural beauty of Congress Park and Saratoga Spa State Park. Beyond the scenic spots, the mineral springs and spas offered relaxation, while a wonderful array of shopping and dining options. Read more about what to do and see in the Saratoga Springs area. Looking to dig into history a bit more? Read about Saratoga National Historical Park, plus other historical sites of interest in the general Saratoga Springs/Adirondack region.
Hospitality Highlight: Featured Recipe
One of the treats that Saratoga Arms offers its guests is freshly baked cookies each day. Here’s the recipe for their yummy chocolate chip cookies. Surprise, there’s a secret ingredient you probably never thought to pair with chocolate chips — but it works wonderfully! (I’ve made these at home, and they’re a hit.)
Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- 1 mixer
- 2 baking sheets
Ingredients
- 3 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cups brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vanilla
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups chocolate chips 60% cocoa
- 8 oz bag of Saratoga Potato Chips crushed slightly
Instructions
- In a mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the butter and sugars until well incorporated.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Add the vanilla and scrape the bowl well after all the eggs are added, and mix a few minutes more.
- In another bowl, blend all of the dry ingredients together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. Don't overmix. Add the chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
- Cursh the potato chips in the bag with your hands, then add to the mixer, mix until combined.
- Using a small scoop, portion the batter and then roll each one in your hands. They should be the size of a ping pong ball. Place onto a parchment paper lined sheet pan 2" apart. Press down slightly on each and bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. If baking more than one pan at a time, switch them to different oven racks halfway through baking.
- Let the cookies rest on the sheet pan undisturbed until cool and them remove from pan. Cool completely before storing.
DISCLAIMER: Over the years, my husband and I have stayed at many hotels, yet this one stood out. We received no free trips or perks. I share it because its location and hospitality impressed us, and it may inspire your own travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Saratoga Arms served as our home away from home while visiting this lovely area in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. We appreciated the comfort and hospitality at this 4-star luxury hotel. Each morning after breakfast, we’d set out on an exploration of the town and surrounding areas. In the afternoon, we returned to freshen up before heading out—on foot—to a wonderful recommended restaurant for a leisurely, delicious dinner. I can’t say enough about the Saratoga Arms and the Saratoga Springs area. All in all, it’s a charming hotel in an equally charming town.
