SARATOGA REPORT EXCLUSIVE: THE SARATOGA HOTEL IS NOT YOUR FATHER’S BEST WESTERN
by Dan De Federicis
Saratoga motorists traveling on Route 9 near PJ’s BAR-B-QSA this past winter may have noticed that the hotel on the west side of the highway, a Best Western since 1995, has a temporary sign with a new name – The Hotel Saratoga.
The sign is temporary, but the name will remain. It’s not your father’s Best Western, in fact, it’s nobody’s Best Western. The soon-to-be-remodeled hotel will become part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, one of the upscale brands of Choice Hotels.
Choice Hotels are better known for their modestly-priced brands, such as Comfort Inn & Suites, Quality Inn and Econo-Lodge. The Ascend Collection aims for a much more upscale offering, and the company’s website notes Ascend offers properties that are “historic, boutique and one of a kind.” The Century House in Latham, owned by a different management company, is the only other Capital Region hotel that is part of the Ascend collection.
“We always had a desire to go upmarket,” noted Bob Jaeger, President and Managing Partner of WNW Management, the Long Island-based firm that manages and is part owner of the property. “The location is very good with the tracks and casino, plus it’s a good alternative to the downtown market.”
Jaeger noted they planned on starting the renovations on the 74-room hotel earlier, but like so many other businesses’ plans, the pandemic put them on hold. He described the renovations as “very detailed” and indicated they include upgraded rooms with new bathrooms, a remodeled lobby, a new bar (the liquor license is pending) and there will be food options available at night. The hotel has remained open during the reconstruction.
The proprietors offer a complimentary shuttle within a five mile radius for guests from noon-8pm. The property will also have a new business center, a state-of-the-art fitness room, new artwork, plus an enhanced pool area. Jaeger noted there are only two hotels presently in Saratoga Springs that offer outdoor pools, and the Hotel Saratoga’s has the larger of the two.
The energy and commitment to the property, the upgrades, and the customers are readily apparent. “We feel good for our customers that our rooms are oversized and they’re not in a little box.” Jaeger said. This approach is echoed by general manager Janice Breen. “We want to give them the feeling that they are welcomed guests in our homes,” she noted.
These positive feelings extend beyond the ownership and management. “Any time there are upgrades in our destination, it means good things for the entire area,” noted Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “We are pleased to hear that the Hotel Saratoga is slated for a renovation which will create a high-quality guest experience.”
Contractors have been working at the hotel since the fall, and the target date to officially open as an Ascend Collection Hotel is May 1st. “We are very pleased and proud of the direction this is going,” Jaeger declared. “This is going to be an upscale and beautiful hotel.”
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