Since the 19th century, when Saratoga Springs was one of the prime locations for wealthy and prominent peoples to visit, hotels and inns have been abundant in the area. Due to their worldly patrons, the hotels of Saratoga Springs were large and beautiful structures. Not only did they need to house many guests, they also needed to attract the more wealthy guests in order to keep running.

The Rip Van Dam Hotel is the largest surviving hotel from before the civil war in Saratoga Springs. Originally called the American Hotel, the hotel was built around the year 1840 by George Wilcox. The building has been altered many, many times during its life time. The porch has been rebuilt multiple times, and each time of course it’s style changing as well.

First the Adelphia Tavern and later the Adelphi Hotel. When William H. McCaffrey, who was a conductor on the local railroads, married Mr. Joel Sadler’s (who owned the original tavern) granddaughter, he tore down the tavern and built his hotel in 1877. This hotel has the only surviving porch from the 19th century on Broadway Street in Saratoga Springs.

One of the most generously remembered hotels in Saratoga Springs is the Grand Union Hotel built originally in 1802. It was one of the largest buildings in all of the area, as it stretched around an entire city block. The hotel went through many owners, eventually coming into the hands of the owner of the Grand Union Supermarket chain. In 1953 the Grand Union Hotel was torn down and a supermarket and parking lot took its place.

The Gideon Putnam Hotel was built in 1934 and was originally planned for therapeutic uses. It was supposed to be a place for people seeking a cure from the spring water. Eventually the plan for the hotel became more recreational than therapeutic, and it became a large resort. It has also been remodeled a few times, but outwardly holds some of its original design.

Currently, Saratoga Springs has countless accommodations for the weary traveler. From your upscale hotel to your easy on the pocket inn, you can definitely find what you’re looking for. The Holiday Inn at Saratoga Springs offers free passes to the Saratoga Children’s Museum and the National Museum of Racing. The Batcheller Mansion Inn being one of the older buildings in Saratoga Springs, offers a view of history while providing you with a calming stay.

The Inn at Saratoga, while also offering a historic stay, offers its guests many interesting stay packages such as the Carriage. The Carriage allows its guest to partake in dinner and breakfast at the hotel as well as a scenic and historic carriage ride through Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Arms, along with others, offers wonderful accommodations for business meetings and stays. They will help you through your entire stay, helping with meals and directions to night life. All of the hotels and inns at Saratoga Springs are minutes away from many exciting activities including the horse races and many museums.