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Saratoga Springs, N.Y. In Year Two of Enhancement Program |
| SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., February 18, 2002 � The Gideon Putnam Hotel
& Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has begun the second
part of a two-year enhancement program.
Work launched or completed in 2002 will include installation of chandeliers, wall sconces, a parquet dance floor, ceiling, lighting, and new sound system in the Grand Ballroom; repair of the historic wall paintings in the Garden Room and Georgian Room; installation of new energy-efficient HVAC units in all guest rooms; replacement of window treatments and doors in the Conference Center and lobby; and refurbishment of the lobby elevator, bar and several furnishings throughout the hotel. In 2001, the hotel completed renovation of the 100-seat Georgian Room, the adjacent private dining areas and the conference center as well as the addition of new television sets, television tables, custom armoires, telephones and new bedspreads in all guest rooms.  �The
Gideon Putnam Hotel has a long and grand history and has played an integral
role in the social dynamics of Saratoga Springs,� said Gregg Balton, general
manager. �These enhancements will help restore the Gideon to the style
and grandeur that Saratogans have long associated with this hotel.�
Last year, the Gideon Putnam was named a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program recognizes hotels that are at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. The Georgian Revival period hotel is situated in the 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark District. The mineral waters of Saratoga Springs running through the park have long been recognized for their healing powers. Originating in a layer of limestone below the ground, these naturally carbonated waters rise to the surface through the Saratoga fault. In the 1920s, noted hydrotherapist Simon Baruch convinced the State of New York to develop a mineral spring treatment center modeled after famous European spas. In 1930, the State broke ground on a complex that would ultimately include the hotel; the Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt Bathhouses; a Bottling Plant; Administration Building; Spa Summer Theater; Victoria Pool; The Hall of Springs and a nine-hole golf course. The first Lincoln Bathhouse � created from a converted gas storage facility � burned in 1927 and was reconstructed a short time later. The project took five years and $9 million to complete. Today, the Gideon Putnam Hotel & Conference Center features 120 guest rooms and suites, a Conference Center, a Grand Ballroom with space for up to 500 guests, a fine-dining restaurant and three private dining areas. Also located within the park are eight tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools, jogging trails, ice-skating, cross-country ski trails, horseback-riding and the world-famous mineral baths. The park also features an 18-hole championship golf course and par 29 nine-hole executive golf course. Within walking distance is the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet and Opera companies. The Saratoga Harness Track is just a short distance from the hotel. The Gideon Putnam Hotel is managed by Amfac Parks & Resorts. Amfac operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national and state parks and resorts throughout the country. |
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GIDEON PUTNAM HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER Saratoga Spa State Park 24 Gideon Putnam Road Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-6218 518.584.3000 www.gideonputnam.com |
| Also See | Amfac�s Ability to Balance Economic Viability with Environmental Responsibility Earns Awards / Aug 2001 |
| National Trust Historic Hotels Adds 21 Hotels Reflecting Architectural History of America / Oct 2001 | |
| 2002 National Lodging Forecast / Trends, Outlook, Market Segment Reports / Ernst & Young LLP / Feb 2002 | |
| 2002 California Lodging Forecast / Ernst & Young LLP / Feb 2002 |