Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs NY: Historic Luxury In the Heart of Town

The Adelphi Hotel, a luxury hotel in the heart of Saratoga Springs NY,  is a brighter, lighter, more splendiferous version of it’s former Victorian self; from lobby to classy, luxurious guest rooms.

Adelphi Hotel Entrance, Saratoga Springs NY
Adelphi Hotel Entrance, Saratoga Springs NY

First built in 1877 as a 100-room hotel, the Adelphi Hotel Saratoga was a town landmark in the early days of thoroughbred racing, when the Saratoga Racetrack drew thousands of well-heeled visitors to town.

Suite, Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs NY

By the early 2000’s the Adelphi, with dark, heavily draped Victorian-style lobby, required a complete makeover. Closing in 2012, it reopened in early October 2017 after a basement to roof renovation.

What took so long? Once gutted, there were structural issues that needed to be – and were – addressed. Brilliantly, as it turns out. The foundation was buttressed. The facade’s columns were reinforced (with steel rods). Hotel rooms were enlarged to include en suit bathrooms. And that gloomy lobby was brightened up and expanded.

Now a 32-room hotel, the Adelphi has managed to recapture its original intent: to impress the jaded, to indulge guests, and, most effectively, to please the eye. Moreover it is Pet Friendly: a designation that extends to dogs AND cats, with luxury appointments for them as well. (For an extra fee).

Staying at The Adelphi is well worth the splurge, so, naturally, it’s on our Best Romantic Hotels in NY State list.

And also among the Most Romantic Getaways in NY.

Want to venture outside your hotel room? Here are more Things to Do in Saratoga Springs NY.

First Impressions of Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs

Lobby reception of Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY

Etched crystal plates from the Adelphi’s prior life form a striking montage behind the front desk. Friendly, accommodating staff welcome guests warmly and personally.

Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY Lobby

Original furnishings in the lobby have been re-upholstered in trendy metallic leather, bold colors, and silver trim.

The lobby space flows into Morrissey’s Bar – named for the colorful Irish-born NY Senator, and founder of the Saratoga Race Track, John Morrissey, who died in the Adelphi Hotel in 1878.

Original handrails Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY
Original handrails Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY

In addition to the lobby furniture, the wooden stairway handrails, and common area mirrors, are original to the building as well.

The Library on the second floor is open for all guests. That is, unless one group rents both bookended suites. In that case, those guests can close it off and use it, as well as the long balcony overlooking Broadway, as a private gathering space. Read: Friends and Family Reunion!

Rooms at Adelphi Hotel

Broadway Premier King Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY
Broadway Premier King Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY

The motorized buzz of blackout shades rising, and drapes swishing to the side, welcomes you as you walk through your guest room door. Natural light floods the grey, navy, silver, and gold chamber.  At night, as well, the touch of a button casts the room in darkness.

Thanks to NYC-based interior designer, Glen Coben & Co., attention to detail in each room is beyond stunning, down to the silver-tone sponge-painted ceilings (a softer look than pressed tin).

Chair-rails, crown molding, and other millwork lend a sculptural element to partially wallpapered walls. Dark stained wood floors juxtapose beautifully with subtle accent rugs beneath tufted navy leather headboard pillow-top beds.

White duvets, with pin-stripe trim, are classic and timeless. The grey knitted throw on each bed is a vintage counterpoint to the modern chrome canopy bed frame in Room 303 – a 450 sq ft. “Broadway Premier King.”

Marble Bathroom Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY
Marble Bathroom Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY

Design-forward-bathroom buffs will adore either room 303 or 403. Both feature a salle de bain the size of a NYC studio apartment. Its Carrera marble walls and sink, gleaming basket-weave mosaic floor, soaking tub, and glass rain-head shower seems right out of a magazine shoot. A futuristic toilet with warmed seat and bidet controls occupies its own cubby room.

Turndown Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY
Turndown Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs NY

I often measure a hotel’s level of luxury by its turndown service. Again, the Adelphi delivers. There’s the cursory tidying up and prepping the bed for sleep, of course.

But rather than a nip of chocolate on your pillow, you’ll find a nice treat from the kitchen (two brownies or a box of artisanal confections). And, a cute card printed with tomorrow’s weather forecast.

Dining

Morrisey’s Lounge

Just off the lobby, Morrisey’s is not only a bar par excellence, but a “Small Bites” restaurant as well. You can dine casually on Pizza, Flatbreads, Salads and other sharable vittles while sipping your favorite beverage.

Salt & Char: Under the Adelphi umbrella, you must exit the hotel in order to get to this low-lit raved about steakhouse.

Just the Facts

Rooms and suites from $285-$1,000 depending on season and day of week, include wi-fi and parking.

Adelphi Hotel Saratoga Springs Pin

Author

    by
  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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