In the News

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR AT GIDEON PUTNAM RESORT - January 29, 2013

Hospitality1st.com

Romance is in the air, and there’s no better time to escape to upstate New York for a romantic Valentine’s Day spa getaway at Gideon Putnam Resort. Beautifully secluded among the majestic oaks and pines of Saratoga Spa State Park, Gideon Putnam Resort provides a romantic winter escape for those who seek its comforts. The award-winning destination is pulling out all the stops for the holiday, offering spa and lodging packages as well as a special romantic Valentine’s Day menu to help you set the perfect scene for an unforgettable intimate getaway.

The Valentine’s Day package includes one overnight accommodation; a three-course meal on the night of arrival; champagne; truffles and a rose delivered to your room; and breakfast for two the following morning. This package will be offered from Feb. 9 – Feb. 16, 2013.

Pamper your loved one with the Ultimate Bliss Day Spa package, which includes a soak in the New York spa’s naturally effervescent mineral waters – complete with a mineral bath, a soothing Roosevelt Signature Massage, and completed with a hydrating Petit Facial, all starting at $188.

The Roosevelt Baths & Spa is a full-service spa offering massage therapy, body therapy, facials, a salon and mineral bathing in its 42 treatment rooms from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It is one of the only area spas that offer heated mineral water bathing. Regular bathing in mineral springs is considered by many to be an important factor in preventive health care.

An oasis of service and style in Saratoga Springs

The Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is a historic establishment with all the trappings of a traditional hotel, and proud of it. It has a stunning marble lobby, magnificent grounds, sports facilities and a fulsome Sunday brunch that is perfect for special occasions. Guests are served by a platoon of staff that you simply don’t encounter everywhere: valet parkers, bellmen, room-service waiters and concierges.

But what makes the Gideon truly distinctive is that it is at the heart of the impressive Saratoga Spa State Park. This state-owned preserve is a gorgeous swath of oak and pine forests cut with walking and cycling trails, dotted with fountains of natural spring water and home of the Saratoga Spa Golf Course, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the National Museum of Dance.

The 970-hectare state park is so vast (more than four times the size of Montreal’s Mount Royal Park) that visitors are advised to peruse the property map that comes with their Gideon hotel room key. Within a short walk of the hotel are the Victoria Pool Complex, housed in a noble Mediterranean-style pavilion, and the stately, colonnaded Roosevelt Baths and Spa, built around the bubbling mineral-rich waters that put Saratoga on the tourist map. This is classic estate grandeur, nothing boutique about it.

That’s the Gideon Putnam’s geography. In a microbyte, the history is that Mr. Putnam discovered the area in the late 1700s and developed Saratoga Springs during the 1800s, marketing the attraction of its effervescent, sulphur-rich waters. During the 1930s, the then-governor of New York state, Franklin Roosevelt, created the park, the resort and the formal baths as an economic stimulus project. Saratoga took off once again like a stallion out of the starting gate.

In its heyday from the 1950s to about the 1980s, the hotel was famous enough to attract luminaries such as Fred Astaire, Cary Grant and Liza Minnelli.

Forward to today. Liza is having a banner year, and so is the Gideon Putnam, which is undergoing a gradual $20-million renovation. The sprawling hotel might never look all-new, but during Phase I of the makeover, the common rooms and fitness and business centres have been updated. The bar and restaurant have been scaled down to a friendly, convivial bistro size instead of the outdated large, formal dining room. Dinner is more contemporary, too, no longer with a huge, cumbersome menu. Now Putnam’s serves a more casual, accessible choice of large and small plates such as burgers, steaks, fish, club sandwiches and creative vegetarian dishes such as paninis filled with pesto and roasted squash or shiitake flatbread.

The 120 guest rooms have been updated with fresh bedding, new fabrics and flat-screen televisions. I stayed in a spacious, comfortable room with two queen beds, a work desk, a modest porcelain bathroom, and lots of hotel features such as a telephone with voice mail and a coffee maker. I was ecstatic that the hotel did away with bedspreads and made the switch to duvets covered in white sheeting — so much fresher. The most impressive accommodations are the Porch Suites, luxurious king-sized bedrooms with French doors opening onto a private screened porch overlooking the park. I think French doors add drama and glamour, and the porch is a perfect place to cosy up to your morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine.

The Gideon is a landmark in a tourist town that has seen it all. Saratoga Springs is well known for horse racing, but even though the frenetic thoroughbred season at the Saratoga Race Course ended on Labour Day, there is still a lot to do, including harness racing year-round at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, shopping and a decorators’ dream event, the Showcase of Homes, taking place Sept. 22-23 and 29-30.

And spa life is paramount, especially at the Gideon and its affiliate, the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

The Roosevelt doesn’t look like most modern spas. Outdoors it resembles an imposing Greek palladium, and indoors it has long government-issue corridors lined with 42 treatment rooms, each with its own bath.

But it does have a stunning new relaxation lounge, and the expertise is there with a full roster of beauty and body treatments. The ultimate experience is the indulgent four-hour Queen of Spas package with a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure.

Most spa-goers start with a soak in a bath of Saratoga’s famous natural resource. The jury is out on whether the bubbling mineral water is a serious cure for medical ailments such as arthritis.

The Roosevelt spa’s new director, Kim Rossi, says the water’s negative ions promote well-being and increase blood circulation and cell oxygenation. Plus, soaking in a warm spa bath sure feels good, even if the benefits are fleeting.

‘FALL’ IN LOVE WITH SARATOGA SPRINGS

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (September, 5, 2012) – As fall is now upon us, travelers are seeking the ideal spot to view the changing of the leaves. Nestled in beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, the historic Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa provides the perfect setting for all sorts of leaf-peeping retreats. The 2,300-acre park is home to miles of woodsy hiking and biking trails, golf courses, museums, towering pine trees and famous natural mineral springs. For travelers seeking to explore this scenic destination, the Gideon Putnam offers three great options for an autumn escape. Bike through the picturesque state park, golf amidst spectacular foliage, relax in a historic world-class spa and save with the following fall offers.
· The Pack n’ Pedal Package, perfect for exploring the lush landscape and changing colors, includes one night's accommodation, two box lunches, and two two-hour bike rentals on the resort’s new Comfort Series bikes for children and adults. The package is available starting at $219 per night, based on double
occupancy, now through Nov. 11, 2012.

· The Gideon Golf Package includes one night’s accommodations and a round of golf on the championship 18-hole course, located right outside the Gideon Putnam’s doors; golf cart and one bucket of balls for use at the driving range. The course is surrounded by towering oaks and pines, creating a sense of seclusion, and is perfect for viewing the glorious fall colors. Rates start at $254 for two golfers, based on double occupancy. The offer is valid now through Oct. 31, 2012. Guests must schedule tee times in advance.

· For the fall, any guest booking spa treatments at the historic Roosevelt baths and spa, whether it be a famous mineral bath, soothing massage or other treatments, will receive special rates on accommodations. Special room rates start at $159 per night for stays now through Dec. 30, 2012 for those booking advance spa services with their stay.

Autumn Adventures at Saratoga Springs

Not only does the beautiful palette of fall colors take over Saratoga this time of year; the destination also comes alive with exciting fall events and activities. One fun fall festival is the German OktoBEERfest 2012 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Oct. 13, which celebrates German culture with seasonal craft beers from local brewers, authentic German food and live music. Combine this event with other area activities including apple picking at one of the many nearby orchards, hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, for an unforgettable fall getaway.

Minutes from the Gideon Putnam, Saratoga’s charming historic downtown offers boutiques and galleries, as well as a vibrant nightlife and culinary scene for visitors. The Gideon Putnam’s complimentary bio-diesel shuttle is available to guests day and night, making it easy to explore the bustling downtown are with all of its attractions.

For more information and reservations, visit www.gideonputnam.com or call (866) 890-1171.

Posted by Robert Nebel

Travel + Leisure - Saratoga Springs: Gideon Putnam Resort from 219

New York, Saratoga Springs
From $219
Book by November 10, 2012

Why Go:
Located in a national park in Saratoga Springs, the historic Gideon Putnam offers scenic landscapes at every turn. A great way to take it all in is this “pack and pedal” package--launched just in time for fall foliage. Book now for travel from September 3 - November 10.

Pack and Pedal package includes:
Overnight accommodations
2 box lunches
2 two-hour bike rentals

For more information or to book, please visit Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa, or call (866) 890-1171.

Best Hudson Valley Fall Getaways and Vacations in 2012 - September 2012

Seven historic hotels and fall getaways that make it easy to celebrate the season
By Richard Buttlar, Melissa Esposito, Jennifer Leba, Rosemary O’Connor, and Polly Sparling Published August 24, 2012 at 12:44 PM

Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa (Saratoga Springs, NY)
By Jennifer Leba

When you pull up to the circular drive in front of the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, it’s easy to imagine that you have somehow slipped back in time; back to a better time. It’s not just the imposing grand brick edifice, punctuated with elegant white pillars, or the horse-drawn carriage that often sits out front. Of course, you probably already experienced that, “oh, I’m somewhere special” sensation when you turned onto the stately Avenue of the Pines, which weaves its way through the 2,200-acre Saratoga Spa State Park on the way to the National Historic Landmark hotel. No, it’s a combination of things that lets you know that you have arrived at a completely unique destination, one that bursts with nostalgia at every turn.
Opened in 1935, the Georgian-style hotel originally catered to well-healed clients (including a host of Hollywood hotshots) who came to “take the waters.” Among the few naturally carbonated springs in the country (and the only ones east of the Mississippi), the mineral springs of Saratoga have been luring visitors for generations with the promise of a multitude of health benefits. By the middle of the 19th century, Saratoga had transformed into a bustling spa town with an unrivaled summer social scene. Bathhouses continued to pop up, but the grandest one of all — the European-style Roosevelt Baths & Spa (spearheaded by FDR himself), also opened in 1935, just a short walk away from the hotel.

Decorated in vivid colors by the iconic designer Dorothy Draper (who also fashioned the interiors for West Virginia’s famous Greenbrier Resort), the original hotel had 87 guest rooms. In 2011, a major renovation project updated both the public spaces and the guest rooms, while preserving the hotel’s elegant, old-world charm. While Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs are now de rigueur, make no mistake: This is still an old hotel. There is only one guest elevator, some of the rooms are small and bathrooms can be awkward, but devotees don’t care about such things. They are too busy exploring the building’s many nooks and crannies, and checking out the wall of old phone booths (the phones actually work inside the hotel) and the murals in Putnam’s Restaurant and Bar, which were hand-painted in 1939 by Irish artist James Reynolds.

The fact that the hotel sits in the middle of a stunning state park is, perhaps, its greatest asset. Just steps away from the hotel you can access miles of multiuse trails for hiking, running, and biking. There are tennis courts and two golf courses (the park’s two outdoor swimming pools close in early September); the world-famous Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is just a 10-minute stroll from the hotel. The park is also home to two small, but beloved, enthusiast museums: the Saratoga Automobile Museum and the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame.

History buffs (and Frisbee enthusiasts) will enjoy walking around the original spa complex — a collection of ornate brick buildings laid out in geometric precision, along with seemingly endless, well-manicured lawns. Some of the buildings have not been used for years; if you are so inclined, it’s fun to take a peek. But the Roosevelt Baths & Spa reopened in 2004 after an extensive renovation and now offers one of the most unique spa experiences in the country — their mineral baths. The setting is also one-of-a-kind. The tiled, institutional-style treatment rooms (there are 42), all with their own extra-deep porcelain tubs, may at first intimidate those who are accustomed to a more modern spa. Then you have to get past the murky brown bath water. The mineral water is actually piped directly from a spring beneath the building, but it oxidizes and turns brown when it mixes with the air. In most rooms, the mineral water is then combined with hot fresh water to bring the overall temperature to 97 degrees; this keeps the carbonation at its peak. Many describe the experience as akin to bathing in Champagne. Cheers to old-fashioned comfort.

A 40-minute mineral bath is $30; a full-service spa menu is also available. Fall room rates range from $139 to $249; suites from $199 to $349. Get up close and personal with the fall foliage by splurging on a “porch suite,” with a sunroom with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows.

What to do
Saratoga comes alive during the summer when the Saratoga Race Course is in season. But all the hoopla also comes with mega crowds and greatly inflated price tags. After Labor Day, there is still lots to do — and fewer lines to wait in.

At the resort, the Pack n’ Pedal Package includes one night’s accomodation, two box lunches, and two two-hour bike rentals, starting at $219 per night. And the annual Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival takes place Sept. 7-9 at SPAC.

GIDEON PUTNAM RESORT ROOM RENOVATIONS UNDER WAY - March 10, 2011

Press Release
Hospitality-1st.com
March 10, 2011

More than $1 million in guest room renovations has begun at Gideon Putnam Resort, which is operated by Delaware North Companies through its Parks & Resorts division.

Delaware North and Saratoga Casino & Raceway in 2008 committed to spending $19.7 million on capital improvements to the resort in Saratoga Spa State Park as part of a 20-year contract with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Including the current investment of $1.2 million, the venture is now in excess of $6 million. The cap for phase one – which spans five years and is now in year four – is $6.6 million.

This year’s improvements, which are expected to be complete by the end of April, include new beds, chairs, desks, dressers, refrigerators, carpeting and flat-screen televisions in every guest room. In addition, the hotel’s 18 suites will be fitted with pull-out sofa beds.

The current project complements 2009’s effort, when window blinds, duvet covers, sheets and blankets were replaced in guest rooms, along with the bathrooms being fully remodeled.

Putnam’s, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, also received a full makeover in 2009.

Other completed renovations to the hotel include updates to the lobby, gift shop, fitness center, business center and the historic Roosevelt Baths and Spa – which now boasts an updated lobby and relaxation room.

“Our commitment to ensuring Gideon Putnam Resort remains a world-class destination is ongoing,” said Tom Wysocki, the resort’s director of sales and marketing for Delaware North. “This year’s undertaking is all about maximizing comfort for our guests.”

DEBBIE FRIEDEL HELPS DELAWARE NORTH STAY ON STEADY, GREEN PATH - March 8, 2011

Glenn Hasek
Greenlodgingnews.com
March 8, 2011

As director of sustainability for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Debbie Friedel oversees the environmental programs at 14 locations that the company manages and/or owns. The properties are as diverse as their locations—from Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park in California to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex & Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida.

Not one day is close to being the same as another, says Friedel, who is based in Bozeman, Mont., far from Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts’ headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y. In her position she is tasked with supporting her company’s overall environmental initiatives, conducting audits and conference calls, training managers, giving presentations, analyzing data, and focusing on guest education. Friedel also helps mentor the environmental coordinators located at each Delaware North property.

GreenPath is Delaware North’s formal, documented and comprehensive plan to preserve and protect natural resources. The environmental management system (EMS) is registered to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001). Friedel says her company is audited each year as part of the ISO 14001 process. Every third year Delaware North has to re-register. Delaware North was the first hospitality company to have its EMS registered to the ISO 14001 standard.

“GreenPath impacts every part of what I do professionally and personally,” Friedel says.

Focus on Continuous Improvement
Having GreenPath linked to a formalized standard keeps Delaware North focused on continuous improvement. Since the ISO 14001 commitment, the company has made significant progress in reducing waste and saving energy and water. At Yosemite National Park, 53 percent of waste is now diverted and at Yellowstone National Park the diversion rate is 66 percent thanks to recycling and composting. When Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge was renovated, 93 percent of construction waste was recycled. Also at Yosemite, 25 tons of kitchen grease is recycled annually. A growing relationship with Clean the World will result in partially used soap and shampoo being donated to those in need.

Through GreenPath Meetings, Delaware North works to reduce waste further. GreenPath Meetings focuses on disposable-free service, requires groups use refillable water pitchers instead of bottled water, china as opposed to disposable dishes, and reusable centerpieces.

To save energy at the properties it owns and manages, lighting has been upgraded. At Gideon Putnam Resort, 40-watt halogens were replaced with 5-watt cold cathode bulbs. A laundry water recycling system at Tenaya Lodge saves 4 million gallons annually. At Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, 404,000 gallons of water was saved in 2007 thanks to a toilet and showerhead retrofit. Towel and linen reuse programs at each property further contribute to energy and water savings.

Friedel says that in order to monitor improvements made at each property, a formalized environmental data collection system has been put in place. Individual properties have their own goals and there are overall division goals. Delaware North accomplishments are published in the company’s annual Social Responsibility Report. The first version was published last year.

Responsible Purchasing
Another of Friedel’s responsibilities is helping to make sure green purchasing is practiced. At the local level in Montana, she is program advisor for the Yellowstone Business Partnership’s UnCommon Sense Program—which assists area businesses and organizations with environmental programs—and is the lead instructor for Responsible Purchasing.

Like many companies that manage or own lodging properties, Delaware North has made a commitment to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. Friedel says project managers at the corporate level of Delaware North are all LEED APs. Tenaya has submitted paperwork for LEED Silver certification for its expansion and Kennedy Space Center currently has two LEED Silver buildings. Friedel says her company has not yet made any commitments to any of the other many green lodging certification programs.

Friedel, who completed her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire in 1993 and a Master of Science in biology with an emphasis in ecology and environmental science from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1998, says she has always had an interest in the environment, having grown up in rural Wisconsin. Years later, she is among the few in the lodging industry with the title of director of sustainability.

NEW MANAGER NAMED FOR GIDEON - February 23, 2011

Michael DeMasi
Bizjournals.com/Albany
February 23, 2011

The Gideon Putnam Resort, a historic hotel and conference center in Saratoga Springs, New York, is getting a new general manager and another $1 million in upgrades.

Chance Jorgensen, general manager of the Ahwahnee Hotel, a national historical landmark in Yosemite Park, California, will be taking over the Gideon on April 1.

Jorgensen replaces Tim Smith, who left the Gideon last fall to become managing director of the Australian corporate office of Delaware North Cos., said Candace Bergmann, marketing coordinator at the Gideon.

Delaware North, a huge, Buffalo-based concessionaire, manages the state-owned Gideon Putnam, as well as the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park.

Smith had been general manager at the Gideon since February 2009. He took over while Delaware North was in the midst of upgrading the 120-room hotel, banquet facility and spa.

Delaware North committed to spending $19.7 million on capital improvements as part of its 20-year contract with the state.

New window blinds, duvet covers, sheets and blankets were put in the guest rooms last year, and the bathrooms were renovated.

The next phase will start Feb. 28, when new beds, chairs, desks, dressers and carpeting will be installed in every room. The work will be done floor-by-floor, Bergmann said. The hotel will remain open.

Pull-out sofa beds will also be installed in the hotel’s 18 suites, enabling more guests to stay overnight in those rooms.

“We should be done near the end of spring,” Bergmann said. “It will take about a month.”

 

GIDEON PUTNAM CHEF, SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY SCHOOLS PARTNERING TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH GOOD FOOD THAT'S GOOD FOR THEM - November 21, 2010

Ann Marie French
Saratogian.com
November 21, 2010

The Saratoga Springs City School District lunch staff has been working for years to create a healthy menu for their school cafeterias. To that end, they have made a number of noticeable changes, including getting rid of fried foods, offering salad with every meal and using local produce.

Now the district has joined the “Chefs Move to Schools” national initiative. Margaret Sullivan, the school district’s school lunch director, said when the district heard about the initiative started by first lady Michelle Obama, they signed up. Several local chefs heard about it and signed up, too.

The “Chefs Move to Schools” program is run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program pairs chefs with interested schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.

Sullivan opted to work with the executive chef from Gideon Putnam Resort, Brian Sterner.

The partnership began with Sterner conducting a cooking demonstration with the district’s entire food service staff on Nov. 5. He made a hummus dip with applesauce and chick peas and a black bean salad. Both recipes included the use of beans because Sullivan identified beans as the focus of this first effort.

“Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They are overlooked in our modern society,” Sullivan said. “We want to show students how delicious they are.”

Sullivan said her staff loved the dishes he made during the demonstration.

The true test of the collaboration began Friday, when the Greenfield Elementary School food staff made the black bean salad and gave it to every student to taste during their lunch period. Sterner showed up for the lunch periods, walking around the cafeteria and offering up samples.

“It’s going remarkably well,” Sterner said about halfway through lunch. “Many are hesitant to try it, but once they realize their friends are trying it, they come around.”

At that time, Sterner had handed out more than 200 samples. Anyone who asked for seconds — or thirds — was provided more to taste.

Sterner said his reasons for signing up for the program started at home.

“I have two kids in Geyser Road (Elementary School),” he said. “Being a parent and a chef, I feel I have an obligation to keep my kids healthy. Why should it stop there?”

Sullivan said having someone from the outside come in to talk with the students or offer them samples tends to get the kids more interested and makes them more willing to try it.

The second-graders at one table talked over one another, trying to describe how they felt about the black bean salad. In fact, the only students who did not have anything to say were those who did not try it.

“It was really good,” Katy Hawthorne said, adding that she likes to try new foods. She said she would eat it at home if her parents made it.

Emi Grady-Willis said she wanted to try the black bean salad.

“It wasn’t exactly something I’d eat every day, but I’d eat it again,” she said.

Their friend, Dean Dennison, had finished two samples of the black bean salad, eating every last bean and corn kernel in his cup.

“We have been telling the kids to not separate the beans and the corn. They should eat them together,” Sterner said. “Most are realizing the taste of the beans isn’t that different from the corn.”

Dennison, who was receiving his third helping of the bean salad, said he would be asking for it at home and that he certainly thinks it should appear on the school menu regularly.

“People should try it,” he said.

Sterner said the same recipe is available periodically at the Gideon Putnam. While he always includes a bean dish in the Sunday brunch menu, the options change depending on the season.

Sterner, who oversees all culinary operations at Gideon Putnam Resort, serves thousands of guests there annually. He has been with the resort’s parent company, Delaware North Co., since 2005. The subject of healthy eating and bringing tasty and nutritious options to young people was a major topic of conversation at a recent conference held for Delaware North employees.

Sterner will make similar appearances at each of the district’s schools. Some will receive the black bean salad, while others will sample different bean recipes. Either way, both Sullivan and Sterner are sure this is just the first time they will collaborate.

“As a chef I am committed, (and) the Gideon Putnam and Delaware North are very committed as a whole to this,” Sterner said.

Gideon Putnam chef to share healthy cooking tips with school lunch staff

Visit is part of national “Chefs Move to Schools” initiative.
November 4, 2010

The executive chef from the Gideon Putnam Hotel will share his expertise with the school district's food service staff on Nov. 5 during a cooking demonstration that is part of a national initiative to encourage healthier school menus.

Using only ingredients on hand in the high school cafeteria, Chef Brian Sterner will demonstrate how to create healthy bean dishes that could be incorporated into school menus.

Margaret Sullivan, the school district’s school lunch director, said the cooking demo, scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., is an example of her department’s ongoing commitment to serving healthy foods in school cafeterias.

“Chef Sterner’s focus is on the same things that we’re doing – buying local products, getting more whole foods on the menus, and doing more scratch cooking,” she said, adding that cooks throughout the school district as well as other food service staff are invited to attend the program in the high school kitchen. School lunches will not be served on Nov. 5 because schools are dismissing early for parent-teacher conferences and staff development programs.

Sterner’s visit is part of a national initiative started earlier this year by First Lady Michelle Obama, called the “Chefs Move to Schools” program, which is run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The program pairs chefs with interested schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.

The school district’s food service program has already been in the national spotlight for its dedication to serving healthy foods. On Oct. 21, Dr. Janey Thornton of the USDA visited the Geyser Road Elementary School and applauded the district for the successful move from processed foods to scratch cooking, with menus focusing on whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

SEVEN REASONS TO VISIT THE GIDEON PUTNAM - September 27, 2010

PRNewswire.com
September 27, 2010

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of a historic Saratoga Springs hotel – The Gideon Putnam.

Combining the breathtaking beauty of the Saratoga Spa State Park with retreat-like accommodations, this Saratoga Springs resort hotel offers guests a unique experience in the heart of Upstate New York.

If you're not already familiar with the delights of the Saratoga Spa State Park, The Gideon Putnam Resort is offering guests seven great reasons to visit throughout its 75th anniversary year. They include:
Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Just steps from our Saratoga Springs resort hotel, this one-of-a-kind spa features effervescent mineral baths and luxurious therapies for men, women, and children ages 12 and older. "Taking the waters" has made Saratoga a destination for almost 200 years.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Nestled inside Saratoga Spa State Park, this iconic performing arts center hosts performances by the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and pop and rock performers.

Sunday Brunch. Every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Executive Chef Brian Sterner offers indulgent culinary creations, including omelets, crepes, Belgian waffles, roasted meats, fresh seafood and more – a favorite among the locals.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Only minutes from our Saratoga Springs hotel, guests can enjoy world-class harness racing and gaming at one of the country's most beautiful raceways.

Putnam's Restaurant and Bar. Micro-brews and perfectly prepared regional American cuisine offer a delicious way to end the day.

Four-season Outdoor Activities. Tennis, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing are just a few of the activities available at our year-round Saratoga Springs hotel.

Great Vacation Packages. From Roosevelt Baths & Spa packages for two to family vacations and romantic getaways, we're offering a wide range of packages – and historic prices – to celebrate our 75th anniversary.

Saratogian.com - September 7, 2010

The Gideon Putnam Resort will host a weekend celebration to mark its 75th anniversary.

Special rolled-back prices, dinners and an evening reception will round out the festivities.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, the Gideon Putnam will welcome the public to a free evening reception in the Arches Room of the resort. Cocktails and light fare will be provided.

During the rest of the weekend, the resort, including the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, will be rolling back prices and offering discounts. In addition, Putnam’s, the resort’s restaurant, will offer a special prix-fixed five-course dinner for $75 per couple for both nights of the weekend, Sept. 10 and 11.

“It’s important for us to highlight this exciting anniversary,” General Manager Tim Smith said. “We’re proud of the resort’s prominent role in Saratoga and Saratoga’s history, and we want to emphasize how the resort ties in to that traditional Saratoga experience now and for the future.”

Post Star - July 7, 2010

Thomas Dimopoulos
Poststar.com
July 7, 2010

Inside the house that Roosevelt built, a $20 million renovation is under way.

“When you first come into a property, there are enhancements you want to do from the get-go,” said Tom Wysocki, director of sales and marketing at the Gideon Putnam Resort.

“The beauty and the battle of a historic hotel is you open up one area and you discover another area that needs work,” he said.

In January 2008, Delaware North Companies was awarded a 20-year lease to operate the Gideon Putnam hotel and the Roosevelt Bath in the state-owned 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park.

The company committed to a multiphase project to spend $20 million refurbishing the 120-room hotel, conference center and Roosevelt Bath.

The company has already invested “a few million” in upgrades, Wysocki said, which include renovations to the hotel lobby, the bath house and the Georgian Room restaurant, which has been remodeled and renamed Putnam’s Restaurant and Bar.

The restaurant seats 68 diners inside with an outdoor patio that features live music on weekends and seats an additional 60 people.

Décor and ambience have also been changed, from white-tablecloth traditional dining to a more regional contemporary style, said executive chef Brian Sterner. The restaurant employs a kitchen staff of about 25 plus another 40 who work as service staff.

Sterner said the upscale-casual restaurant services a diverse clientele, from the business traveler and leisure golfer to the concertgoer attending a show at the nearby Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Sterner said he works with regional farms, from the Catskills to Vermont, who supply food to the restaurant, as well making use of a new in-house herb garden.

The hotel features a new fitness center and a remodeled lobby. Renovations to the kitchen will begin soon, and the refurbishing of guest rooms will start early next year, Wysocki said. The hotel will remain open during the renovations.

Work is also under way at Roosevelt Bath & Spa, where the 42 treatment rooms have been augmented by a “relaxation room” with a 10-foot-tall waterfall where visitors will be able to enjoy downtime in between spa treatments.

“It’s a little area to relax,” Wysocki said. “The park setting is a big aspect of it. You’re minutes from downtown, but you feel as though you’re almost in a different world here.

“Occupancy is up this year over last year. We have a balance: we do a lot of corporate and state association groups as well as leisure travel,” he said.

“Our groups have increased considerably. Leisure travel has stayed stable,” he said.

The poor economy has hurt travel to the Saratoga region and its 2,200-plus rooms and so has the uncertainty surrounding the summer racing season, said Cynthia Hollowood, general manager of the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs and vice chairwoman of the state Hospitality and Tourism Association.

“The first six months this year have been better than the first six months of 2009,” she said. But, “with the uncertainty of whether there would be racing at Saratoga and the downward trend of the stock market, we’re somewhat behind where we would like to be.”

Normally, summer weekend room rentals are sold out by early May. That’s not the case this year, she said.

RocNow.com - June 20, 2010

Melissa F. Pheterson

Winning big at the racetrack has always drawn crowds to Saratoga, but history buffs and culture hounds can also place their bets on other attractions. A 3½-hour drive from Rochester, this picture-postcard resort town offers lush, sprawling parks with gushing springs. Village streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. And — for those so inclined — there’s the ultimate in spa treatment: a dip in the famous mineral baths.

Over the summer, the local culture reaches its peak with the New York City Ballet and a July Fourth celebration on the historic Saratoga battlefield — and, of course, the races.

‘Fountain of youth’

The moneyed classes of the Gilded Age knew Saratoga as the “world’s fountain of youth,” where cool mineral springs granted relief from the arthritis and rheumatism that attended big-city life. Nowadays, it’s R&R that’s proffered at the Saratoga baths — and spa devotees will understand why the Iroquois tribes called it sacred water. See the springs in action at Saratoga Spa State Park, spurting from the earth high into the air. For a free taste of its healing powers, fill your own jug with water — it’s said that inhaling the carbonation clears the sinuses. Or splurge on a hydrotherapy treatment at the Historic Roosevelt Baths & Spa, in the gracious Gideon Putnam Resort. Also in the park, the newly renovated Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the summer residence of the New York City Ballet (from July 6-17), the Philadelphia Orchestra (from Aug. 4-21) and Lake George Opera (July 8-18).

For a history lesson brought to life, visit Saratoga National Historical Park/Saratoga Battlefield, site of the pivotal 1777 Battles of Saratoga, which clinched American freedom and secured the birth of our nation. Take a self-guided tour along the historic footpaths, retracing the march of Revolutionary soldiers. As part of the park’s July Fourth festivities, a town crier will break the news of American independence and lead a toast to the 13 “new” states.

Also over the summer, enjoy lunchtime concerts, guided ranger walks and “Eighteenth Century” days.

TabletHotels.com - April 20, 2010

In addition to the plentiful springs, Saratoga Springs is home to the only American geysers east of the Mississippi. As you can imagine, in days of old these mysterious waters emanating from deep in the earth possessed the allure of medicinal miracles; well-to-do folks from up and down the Atlantic seaboard swarmed the place hoping to be healed and restored by the vapors, often a life-saving effort. And those twentieth-century folks left behind some fabulous accommodations for today’s urban escapists to enjoy, in the form of the Gideon Putnam Resort.

Sitting tranquilly behind a bosque of elms, red brick and dormered, it greets you like a country estate that happens to be yours for the weekend. The lobby is stately but not overly formal; garden chairs splayed out on long porches assure you that you’ll be splendidly chilled out by the time you depart, perhaps even rubbing elbows with decades-long repeat visitors. This theme continues in the guest rooms — from cozy attic rooms to the largest suites, you’ll find classic regency-style furnishings, rich woods and a subtle color palette. If you can’t stand sharing your porch space, reserve a Porch Suite and have one all to yourself — just add lemonade.

Of course that’s for summer — the Gideon Putnam resort is a four-season sort of place. Winters are straight out of a holiday storybook, and spring and fall are a riot of flora. Also a year-round attraction is the region’s crown jewel, the Roosevelt Spa. Forget Zen pretensions and Turkish kitsch; dating from the 1930’s, this place was built to put you in therapeutic contact with those healing mineral vapors. The same stately elegance of the hotel is continued at the Roosevelt, and, though now thoroughly modernized and repurposed for pampering, you might find it saving your life in some small way too.

Spotlight Newspapers - April 15, 2010

County celebrates Earth Day

Alyssa Jung 04/14/10

The towns of Saratoga County are already taking strides to “go green” but they will take these efforts one step further in the days leading up to Earth Day on Thursday, April 22.

The Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Spa State Park will hold its third annual event on Earth Day, where students from Saint Mary’s School in Ballston Spa will take part in environmentally friendly activities and learn to respect and preserve natural resources. The fourth graders will plant a tree from the park’s nursery on the resort’s ground, take guided nature walks with a New York State Parks educator, clean up debris around the park and help rake leaves and beautify the resort ground. They’ll also take a hands on approach to identifying common trees and how various tree species were historically used.

Delaware North Companies took over as owners of the Gideon Putnam in 2008 and brought along its dedication to maintaining an environmental company and getaway, said Candice Bergmann who does marketing, design and environmental initiatives at the resort. Having an Earth Day celebration for local youth fit into their business plan.

“The company just decided it’s the right thing to do. It wants to continually improve and that includes the environmental side of things; anything to help lessen their carbon footprint,” said Bergmann.

The resort originally welcomed a home schooled group, girl scout troupe and Saint Mary’s school and received a positive response.

“It’s a fun little adventure for [the kids] and since we partner with New York State parks, we like to support them and what they do. We also give students a free lunch, which they enjoy,” said Bergmann, who said the resort consistently thinks of the environment by using recycled paper, remanufactured ink cartridges and boasting an extensive recycling program.

A group of parents and teachers who wanted to find a way to keep students interested in science created the SAGE Science Discovery Night three years ago, and this year will host it again at Gowana Middle School in Clifton Park on Wednesday, April 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Linda DeMasi helps coordinate the event and said with new technologies popping up globally and in the local area, maintaining students’ interest in their formative years is even more important.

“Starting in the middle school years, there’s a decline in interest of sciences; other things come up. We thought this might be a way to rekindle or keep that interest going if they could see all the many ways science is applied. Doing it in class is one thing but trying to make a connection to outside world [is another],” said DeMasi, who is president of Shenendehowa Advocates for Gifted Education [SAGE].

The event is always free, she said, and the district’s technology, science and health departments have come on board to make sure it stays that way. She said exhibitors include some local businesses and teachers who have the same level of excitement as the kids. There will be a business focusing on robotics, the Nanotech College, a local engineering firm showing 3D modeling, Odyssey of the Mind program, museums and more.

The first year attracted about 700 attendees, last year saw close to 1,000 and this year SAGE hopes to reach a number somewhere between the two.

“The kids are very engaged. We have more flight simulators coming because of the demand for them. There are a lot of hands on exhibits and kids are just lined up to participate. I spend the evening watching and get to see the level of engagement and learning while having fun,” said DeMasi. “We need to keep an interest in science because with New York being looked at as a tech valley corridor … we have to grow resources for jobs that will be available.”

Clifton Park as a town will also get in on the Earth Day spirit with its fourth Town Paper Shredding Day on Sunday, April 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Clifton Park Center parking lot near Dunkin Donuts. The shredded paper will be recycled and sold to a local paper products company.

Residents are encouraged to bring sensitive documents they want shredded, like bank statements, credit card records, tax bills and other documents with personally identifiable information, which will be destroyed for free. Residents are also asked to bring at least one canned good for each bag of documents they have, for donation to a local food pantry. Last year the town gathered 1,000 pounds of food and attracted 250 families with paper to be shredded.

Saratoga Springs will help its youngest residents celebrate Earth Day with the Saratoga Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 17. Hosted by the Saratoga Children’s Museum, there’s a schedule of events starting at 9:30 a.m. that includes scavenger hunts, book signing, speakers, demonstrations, dancing, workshops and art activities. A full list of events is on the Web site,www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org.

DELAWARE NORTH COMPANIES GIDEON PUTNAM RESORT - April 7, 2010

InTheMix.on-premise.com
April 7, 2010

Brian Sterner oversees all culinary operations at Gideon Putnam Resort as the property’s executive chef. Sterner serves thousands of guests annually and recently helped Delaware North renovate Gideon Putnam Resort’s restaurant operations and launch the new and improved Putnam’s restaurant.  In this role, Sterner develops menus, hires and trains staff and oversees all day-to-day culinary operations at the historic property.

Sterner has been with Delaware North Companies since 2005 when he joined the company as executive chef at Top of the Falls Restaurant in Niagara Falls State Park. Sterner moved to Gideon Putnam Resort when Delaware North began managing the property in 2008.

Prior to working for Delaware North, Sterner held chef roles with The Steelhead Irish Pub and Restaurant in Lewiston, N.Y., Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island and the Copperfield Inn at North Creek, N.Y.

Sterner received an associate degree in specialized technology from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. He holds certifications with the American Culinary Federation as well as the Culinary Institute of America.  Sterner also contributed recipes to Delaware North’s 2006 cookbook, Pathways to Plate.

PRIVATE TREATMENT FOR THE GIDEON - February 23, 2010

Eric Anderson
TimesUnion.com
Albany, NY
February 23, 2010

It was financed under a previous federal stimulus program. Now, the Gideon Putnam hotel is getting a facelift with private money, up to $20 million of it, as a private management group seeks to enhance its appeal and update it.
 
Delaware North, the Buffalo-based company managing the property, already has remodeled the lobby, restaurant and tavern areas, as well as adding wireless Internet access throughout.
It has freshened guest rooms with new "soft goods," such items as bedspreads and linens, and is embarking on a plan to remodel all the bathrooms.

"To date, we've spent $4 million," said Tim Smith, general manager of the Gideon Putnam Resort, as it's now known.

A space off the lobby was turned into a gift shop, and an exercise center was also installed on the main floor of the hotel. Power outlets are plentiful, giving business travelers a place to recharge their laptops and smartphones.

But some things haven't changed. A wood fire crackles in a fireplace next to a sitting area in the lobby.

Delaware North, which manages properties ranging from the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif., to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, was brought in two years ago to revitalize the property, according to a spokesman for the property's owner, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

"The goal was to bring an infusion of private-sector dollars into the hotel, along with new vision and new energy," said Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the state agency.

He said over the 20-year contract, Delaware North will spend $19.7 million on capital improvements.

The Gideon Putnam, named for an early Saratoga Springs entrepreneur, shares the Saratoga Spa State Park with golf courses, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Hall of Springs banquet facilities, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and other attractions.

In the summer, the park draws guests in town for the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and thoroughbred racing at the Saratoga Race Course.

The rest of the year, it hosts conferences, leisure travelers and special events such as weddings.

Last Friday, the hotel was fully occupied by a wedding party, with the ceremony and reception at the nearby Hall of Springs, operated by Schenectady restaurateur Angelo Mazzone.

Kathlyn Denkenberger, interim president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, said the Hall of Springs and Gideon Putnam, both members of the bureau, work closely together.

While the Gideon Putnam has had its share of famous guests, it wants the public to know that it is nevertheless "an affordable luxury," in the words of Tom Wysocki, its director of sales and marketing. Packages in the off-season, he said, can start as low as $100 a night.

About 60 percent of the business consists of business travelers attending conferences and meetings, while 40 percent are guests on leisure trips.

The hotel was financed in part with a loan from the Reconstruction Finance Commission, which dated from the Hoover administration and was used by the administration of Franklin Roosevelt to distribute federal relief funds, according to the application nominating the hotel for the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gideon Putnam and other buildings in the park were constructed between 1931 and 1935.

The hotel has joined such properties as the Algonquin, the Mohonk Mountain House, The Sagamore and The Otesaga Resort Hotel & Cooper Inn on the Historic Register.

The renovations will take place in four five-year segments, said Smith, the general manager.

The hotel's facelift comes as construction proceeds on the $4.2 billion GlobalFoundries semiconductor plant a few miles south in Malta.

Already, the hotel has hosted industry events, and the two hotel managers say the expansion of the region's technology sector will provide the historic Gideon Putnam with "great opportunities."

The Business Review - February 15, 2010

TheBusinessReview.com
Albany, NY
February 15, 2010

The Gideon Putnam Resort has finished most of the renovations planned in the first phase of a $20 million effort to improve the hotel and conference center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

More than $2.6 million has been spent over the past 18 months at the state-owned facility on improvements to the lobby, business center, restaurant, fitness center, gift shop and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

Renovations to the bathrooms in all 120 guest rooms will be finished by the end of February, said Tom Wysocki, director of sales and marketing for Delaware North Cos., which manages the property.

Among the other projects that may be done in the future are exterior repairs and painting, conversion of a service elevator to a guest elevator, new signs, and new equipment in the kitchen.

Delaware North has a 20-year contract to manage the hotel and spa that calls for investing $20 million in renovations and improvements in five phases.

The upgrades come at a time when corporate and personal travel has declined in the recession. The occupancy rate at the Gideon Putnam fell about 4 percent last year, a decline that wasn’t as steep as the average occupancy rate for the entire Albany/Saratoga region, which fell 7.7 percent, to 53.5 percent, according to Smith Travel Research.

The Gideon is promoting an $89 per night off-season rate to fill more rooms. Bookings for this year are on the upswing, Wysocki said, because of stronger demand from groups and associations. The Gideon has about 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom.

He said the occupancy rate could increase 10 percent this year.

Albnay Times Union - February 11, 2010

Kevin Harrigan
AlbanyTimesUnion.com
February 11, 2010

Gideon Putnam Resort officials say they will invest $20 million in the Saratoga hotel over the next 20 years. Delaware North Companies has agreed to renovate and upgrade the hotel in five phases. The first phase is already under way and the resort's restrooms are expected to remodeled by the end of the month. Other renovations already completed include updates to the lobby, gift shop, fitness room and business center. The Gideon Putnam is the only hotel within Saratoga Spa State Park and will remain open during construction.

The Saratogian - November 10, 2009

SARATOGA SPRINGS — State environmental officials are prompting hoteliers to get on board with their green agenda with the launch this month of a new initiative called the New York State Green Hospitality Partnership.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis said in a statement that the program will certify lodging establishments as “green” for employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

Locally, the Gideon Putnam was one of three hotels in the Capital Region, and of 43  statewide, chosen to participate after submitting an application detailing its current and future commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

Also chosen were 74 State Hotel and Crowne Plaza, both in Albany. All three Capital Region hotels are members of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA), which is partnering with the DEC to promote sustainable tourism throughout the state.

The Saratoga Farmstead Bed & Breakfast is another hotel in the program that has already been green certified.

“As a company, we have a very in-depth environmental program at all of our properties,” said the Gideon Putnam’s Tim Smith, manager of the resort’s hotel, restaurant and spa that were acquired by Delaware North Companies in January 2008 and recently underwent a $1.8 million renovation.

“We have structured initiatives throughout the company, so it was a natural follow-up to what we have already in place,” Smith said.

The Gideon’s “GreenPath,” or environmental stewardship program, has housekeepers in the 120-room hotel using “green alternatives” to standard cleaning chemicals and collecting plastic bottles from rooms in a fledgling recycling effort, Smith said.

Employees who are members of a Green Team meet monthly to discuss ways to cut back on water and energy use, limit the generation of waste and cut back on the amount of materials used to keep operations going. Efforts like switching to more efficient light bulbs, installing automatic light switch sensors and using low-flow water valves have made an impact so far, hotel officials say.

“We’ve seen a 20 percent reduction in our overall utility use in the last year,” as the result of tracking the property’s energy use and making adjustments, Smith said.

The Gideon submitted a lengthy list detailing these and other green policies to the DEC for consideration in the Green Hospitality Partnership, Smith said. A site visit by state officials later this year will conclude with the awarding of one to five green leaves based on the hotel’s environmental performance. The project is expected to be completed by March 2010.

The certification will allow travelers to recognize green businesses and, state officials say, spur momentum of New York state’s green movement.

Down the road in 2010, new methods for sustainability may emerge as planned renovations to the Gideon Putnam’s roofing and electrical and boiler systems continue — phase two of Delaware North’s $18 million plan for continued renovation over the next 18 years.

“We’re excited about it,” Smith said. “In today’s business world, more and more companies are more and more sensitive to their environmental impact. We think it’s going to be a great opportunity to continue our efforts from an environmental standpoint.”

AUDUBON TO CERTIFY “GREEN” HOTELS IN NEW YORK - September 22, 2009

Business Review
September 22, 2009

Lodging is the latest industry to go green in New York.

A new program announced today by the state Department of Environmental Conservation will certify hotels and inns as being “green” if they take steps to save energy, reduce waste and conserve other resources.

A hotel can be assigned one to five green leaves, depending on its level of environmental performance. The credentials will be certified by Audubon International’s GreenLeaf program.

Forty-three businesses agreed to be the first to undergo certification, including several in the Albany area and the Adirondacks.

One hotel, the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany, has already been certified green with three leaves. Five leaves is the highest designation.

Among the improvements at the 386-room hotel are high-efficiency compact fluorescent light bulbs in all guest rooms, low-flow shower heads and writing pads made from post-consumer waste.

The hotel made the changes before it learned about the DEC’s green initiative, and will continue the investments to earn the next level of leaf designation, said Todd Reichelt, general manager.

More guests and meeting planners expect hotels to take steps to lessen their impact on the environment, he said.

The certification process takes a couple months, once the Audobon Society receives all the documentation.

Certified hotels will pay the Audubon Society $300 to $700 in the first year to help defray administrative costs. The fees are reduced after the first year.

Other hotels in the Albany region that are participating are 74 State in Albany; Amsterdam Castle in Amsterdam; Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs and Hyatt Place Saratoga in Malta; Saratoga Farmstead Bed & Breakfast.

For more information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58045.html.

The program was the brainchild of the New York State Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership, a public-private partnership that has worked on the idea for the past 18 months.

The partnership offers technical assistance and works to establish green benchmarking in industries such as hospitality, restaurants, outfitters and transportation.

Roosevelt Baths & Spa Goes Green - August 21, 2009

Roosevelt Baths & Spa go green. Eminence Green Spa now recognizes The Roosevelt Baths & Spa at Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Spring, N.Y., as an environmentally friendly spa. Known for its heated mineral baths used for health care and relaxation, Roosevelt Baths & Spa abides by several green practices.

In order to become an Eminence Green Spa, a spa must "prove it is actively involved in Earth-friendly practices such as the use of reusable bags and linens, low-voltage lighting, organic fabrics, recycling programs and an assortment of other green efforts."

In 2008, the Roosevelt Baths & Spa underwent a striking transformation when Delaware North Companies completed a $1.8 million renovation, the first phase of a planned 20-year, $18 million investment program that will include improvements to the hotel's guest accommodations, lobby and corridors, as well as the storied mineral baths.

The Daily Gazette - June 11, 2009

Lee Coleman
The Daily Gazette
June 11, 2009

The operator of the Gideon Putnam Resort celebrated completion of the first $1.8 million in renovations Wednesday with an open house in the historic hotel and the nearby Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

“We are excited to introduce the renewed Gideon Putnam and share it with the community,” said Tim Smith, the resort’s general manager.

Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, which is based in Buffalo, signed a 20-year contract with the state in early 2008 that included the operation of the 1930s-era hotel at Saratoga Spa State Park and investing ultimately between $18 million and $20 million in the property.

Smith said the current economic recession has had an impact on the hotel but not a severe impact.

He said there is more hotel competition in Saratoga Springs than past years and “the economy makes it challenging.”

Smith added that room bookings for this summer tourist season are about the same — “flat to even or slightly down” — compared with the 2008 season.

“Summer bookings look pretty strong,” Smith said. “We are looking forward to a pretty good summer.”

The hotel’s lobby has been redecorated and refurnished. The portico behind the lobby that leads to the Georgian dining room has been turned into a gallery with panels about the history of Saratoga Springs and a large image of the Congress Hall and Union Hall hotels in the 1820s.

The hotel is named after Gideon Putnam, one of the city’s founding fathers, who came to Saratoga Springs in 1789 and built the city’s first hotels.

All 120 guest rooms at the hotel have been renewed with new bed linens and blankets as well as new window treatments and blinds.

The gift shop and fitness center have been moved to new locations, making them more accessible to hotel guests.

The hotel’s smaller restaurant, now called Putnam’s, includes a new bar area and bistro-style tables and dining on the patio, weather permitting.

The Roosevelt Baths and Spa, a short walk from the hotel in the park, has also been renovated. A new waterfall greets spa visitors as they walk down the hall to the bath area.

Michelle Calzada, the spa director, said the fitness center, once located in the spa, has been moved back to the hotel. In its place is a large relaxation center with comfortable chairs, the waterfall, a fireplace and complimentary snacks and coffee.

The spa has also been repainted and modernized. However, Calzada said the historic integrity of the building has been maintained, including the white tile on the walls as well as the original mineral bath tubs.

The spa has 42 mineral bath bathing rooms. Four of these rooms use just the mineral water heated to 98 degrees. The remaining 38 mineral tubs use a mixture of mineral water and hot tap water, she said. More people prefer the mix of hot tap water and mineral water than the straight, heated mineral water for their soothing baths, Calzada said.

The lobby of the bathhouse has also been redecorated and renovated.

Business at the spa was off during the first quarter of the year, especially business from hotel guests, Calzada said.

“We are starting to feel a little relief,” she said. Business has improved in the past month or two, Calzada said.

Smith, who moved to Saratoga Springs from Virginia earlier this year, said next year Delaware North will be investing millions of dollars in structural repairs, such as roofing work and exterior renovation work.

Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies. The company’s portfolio also includes the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks.

The Saratogian - JUne 7, 2009

The Saratogian
By MAREESA NICOSIA

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The goal was two-fold: preserve historical elements while embracing modern design.

That’s what officials said Tuesday after Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts recently announced the completion of its $1.8 million renovation project at the Gideon Putnam Resort.

The luxury 120-room hotel, the restaurant and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa were constructed in the 1930s and have all received upgrades since the project began late last year, General Manager Tim Smith said.

The lobby underwent a complete refurbishing, with new paint, furniture and lighting to modernize the space. The gift shop was relocated to the main entranceway and the fitness center is now located in the former accounting office. Previously, guests at the hotel had to make the hike across the lawns to the Roosevelt bathhouse if they wanted to use the exercise equipment. Guest rooms, which range from $329 to $500 a night, were upgraded with new bedding and window treatments.

“We’ve been getting very positive responses from our guests and our employees who have been here for a long time,” Smith said. “We’re anxious to share the new changes … with Saratoga Springs and future guests.”

The work was part of an $18 million renovation project Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts plans to undertake during its 20-year contract, signed in 2008.

The second phase of the project is expected to begin in 2010 and will address infrastructure issues, including roofing, electrical systems and boiler systems. Smith said that ultimately, the project will “make the building sound inside and out and make it one that will survive the test of time.”

The most recent renovations to the Gideon Putnam Resort occurred in 2004 and 2005, when the conference center and lobby got new furniture, Smith said. Before that, guest rooms were renovated in the mid-’90s and the south-facing portico was transformed into an “interpretive center” during the 1970s.

The new interpretive center, which is located just beyond the hotel lobby, now boasts wall panels and a timeline that illustrate the rich history of the hotel, the state park and the city of Saratoga Springs itself.

“There’s been nothing like this in the history of renovations,” said Matthew Meier, an architect with Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects LLC.

Delaware North Companies also partnered with Roche & Co. and M/E Engineers.

“The goal of the project was to revitalize public areas and make them feel warm and welcoming,” said Meier, adding the upgrades would make the lobby more accessible while maintaining its historical feel.

Putnam’s restaurant has replaced both Saratoga Grille and the Georgian Room dining area, featuring new furniture and flooring, as well as a menu created by Executive Chef Brian P. Sterner.

Putnam’s offerings will include locally grown produce, local micro brews and the original Saratoga potato chip.

At Roosevelt Baths and Spa, renovations were made to “warm up” the atmosphere and make it feel less medicinal, Spa Director Michelle Calzada said. Hallways leading to 43 treatment rooms maintain the 1935 bathhouse’s original tiling while the carpets now boast a bright gold and black diamond design. LED lighting was also installed.

An old fitness room was completely redone as a “transition room” for spa guests before or after they receive treatments. Calzada said everything from the textured walls to low lighting and soothing music was designed to relax guests as they transition from their arrival at the spa to the treatment rooms and back again. A ceiling-high glass water wall and a marble-covered fireplace greet guests as they enter the room. Water, tea, coffee and fruit are available for now; plans to have lunch catered by Putnam’s are in the works, Calzada said.

In addition to the mineral waters that have been said to ease arthritis and skin ailments, Calzada said people are drawn to Roosevelt Baths and Spa because it blends history with modern touches. The Roosevelt is the only spa in the area that offers heated mineral water bathing, she said.

“These new enhancements have modernized the spa experience while maintaining the integrity of the spa’s history for our guests,” Calzada said.

The newly renovated resort will host an open house from

5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. For more information, call 584-3000 or go to www.GideonPutnam.com.