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Midtown Manhattan Last November Don and I stayed at this famous 36-story hotel, in Midtown Manhattan. This is how the entrance looked in the afternoon, a few hours after our arrival.  When our Uber pulled up in the morning, there were no festive decorations yet. The entrance was bustling with arriving guests. The doormen did more directing than luggage handling. Exterior View I stood on the sidewalk and looked up at the famous hotel. Where's the top? I couldn't pause long, since we were moving quickly to join the line inside the lobby.
I stepped out later and stood on the corner of 54th Street and 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and looked up. I wanted to be impressed, but scaffolding blocked the lower level. Bad luck. 36 Floors in 1926 If we'd arrived in the Roaring Twenties, I could have much more easily seen the towering structure. 100 years ago, there were fewer tall buildings surrounding.  When the 36-story apartment hotel was built in 1926, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world. William Randolph Hearst & Marion Davies The Warwick was built by the famous tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. The purpose was mostly so Hearst could gift an entire floor to his mistress, Marion Davies. The Broadway starlet must have appreciated the hotel's location, so close to the theatre district.  Hearst also used the hotel to host lavish parties for his elite Hollywood friends. By the late 1940s, Hearst no longer owned the the Warwick, but the hotel continued to attract stars for years. Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant and endless others, spent time here. Mid-Century Warwick This mid-century postcard shows the hotel about 3 decades after it was built. In the image, the hotel is still standing taller than the other skyscrapers, but the top of the tower looks less elaborate.  In the 1950s, Hearst no longer owned the hotel and Marion Davies no longer lived in her penthouse on the very top floor. I have no clue what's up there today. Windows! I wasn't able to view the upper section, when standing on the sidewalk. But I could see lots of windows and some of the limestone and granite base.  There are 426 guest rooms, but I have no clue how many windows. It would have been fun to have seen the window cleaners at work!
If we'd stayed on the 36th floor, I'm not really sure what would we would have viewed, besides other soaring buildings. But the guests in lower rooms (near the glowing letters) probably had fun views on Thanksgiving... when the Macy's Parade traveled right beside The Warwick! Lobby Unlike my photos, the lobby was crowded when we arrived on Monday morning. We followed others through the entrance, into a somewhat modest lobby. Modest for a hotel of this size.  We joined the check-in line, that ended near the revolving doors. Murals on 54 & Randolph's We waited in line at the top of the steps, between 2 inviting doors
Later during our stay, we would enjoy breakfast at Murals and drinks at Randolph's. Check-In Don and I knew there was little chance of early check in, but hoped to at least unload our bags. We enjoyed lots of people watching. No ritzy Hollywood guests, I'm afraid. Mostly families taking up space in the limited seating of the lobby.  The staff was efficient and friendly even though they'd been dealing with an insane number of guests checking in and out. I'm not sure why so many guests had arrived at 11? Maybe a tour bus arrived before us. Music Icons at The Warwick I didn't ask about the busy lobby, but I did ask the clerk at the desk about the photo on a nearby wall. "Is that Elvis in that photo?"  He said that it was. Elvis stayed in 1957, when he was on the Ed Sullivan Show. Less than a decade later, The Beatles would enjoy a stay at The Warwick. The hotel manager told me that Paul McCartney stayed frequently in more recent years. "Sir Paul loves this place. He has always been very pleasant... used to go to the Starbucks around the corner." Cary Grant's Elevators Don and I didn't join the lounging lobby guests. We headed to lunch and returned when our room was ready. We didn't book the 1,200 square-foot Cary Grant Suite, for over $1,000. But we did ride up in an elevator that I'm sure the actor probably used... frequently!  The dashing actor lived at the hotel for 12 years. I guess it's quite possible he had access to a private elevator. I should have asked. Room 1923 Our more than reasonably priced room was on the 19th floor.  There was nothing overly grand, but the room had been updated in the last decade and we were in an incredible Midtown location. Hard to believe we could stay for just $193.00! We made some coffee and had a caffeine toast!
There was a mod-velvet chair for Don and a tub for me! Renovations often loose the tubs, so I was pleased.
And the view! I had to laugh when we opened the drapes a saw the view of brick and tile! Exploring After a while, I left Don in the blue chair and headed down to explore the lower level.  The lobby was quieter and the Christmas decorations had gone up. The entrance was no longer chaotic with arriving guests.
2 men were casually putting up festive soldiers and lights. I walked to the corner and found another entrance to the hotel. I spotted a dapper man exiting.
The sign above the door lured me in. I came through the 2 doors and found some pleasing designs on the floor and ceiling. A door on the right led to Randolph's, but it didn't open until 5.
I walked towards the cozy sitting area with shelves. I found myself back in the lobby. Slow Elevators Now it was time to admire the wreaths in the arches above the elevators, while I waited and waited...  Usually there were many guests awaiting/riding the slow elevators. Which sometimes led to some pleasant socializing. The hotel often felt more like a relaxed cruise ship than a luxury hotel. Drinks at Randolph's Before heading off to dinner, Don and I stopped in Randolph's for drinks.  This cozy spot looked inviting at 5:30, but Don suggested sitting in a livelier space. The bar's corner location with walls of windows, added to the festive vibe. The activity outside the windows was entertaining.  The carpet design was appealing, but oh how I wished we'd seen the rose-themed carpet that once covered the floor. Hearst had rose designs in many parts of the hotel, to honor Marion Davies. Her nickname was Rosebud. Besides tables, there were numerous small group spaces. We grabbed a comfy spot, near a wonderful camel statue. After a while another couple asked to use the remaining seats. We ended up having a wonderful time chatting about travel and grandkids and New York.  Our photo was taken by a family member seated behind us, on the other side of the camel. I met the reunion group when I stepped over to take a photo of the camel. They were amused and asked me to play photographer for them, then offered to do the same for us. Silly.
We enjoyed Randolph's again on the second night. This time we arrived late after being out. I promise I was not as woozy as I look. Just happy. Morning Both mornings I wandered early to enjoy the hotel before crowds.
I was thrilled when the very kind manager recommended a trip up the stairs, off the lobby. After turning the corner I found walls with photos.  So many famous guests over the years.
At the top of the stairs I found a quiet sitting area, with a fireplace at one end.  Nice to know this quiet area existed, since there wasn't much sitting space in the busy lobby. Back down at the base of the stairs, I stopped to look at the crystal chandelier near the lobby desk.  My photo also shows another entrance to Mural's on 54th. Mural's on 54th The 2-level restaurant is only open for breakfast and brunch.  The restaurant gets its curious name from Dean Cornwell's historic murals, that cover 2 walls.  In 1937, the murals were commissioned by Hearst for The Raleigh Room, which was the original name of the hotel's restaurant. Scandalous Murals The historic scenes in the murals focus on Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh. I was actually more interested in the history of the spat between Hearst and the artist who painted the scenes... which led to some obscene surprises in the art.  Years ago there was a dispute between Hearst and Cornwell involving the artist's compensation. Cornwell wasn't happy and responded by painting obscene images in the murals. Cornwell's images showed a man peeing on the queen and another man peeing on Sir Walter Raleigh!  Our breakfast table gave us a good view of the mural that showed Sir Walt receiving his charter from Queen Liz. However, we did not get to enjoy the outrageous peeing images. Cornwell eventually painted over them, after being covered for 40 years! Coffee and Food Don and I took a break from mural-gazing and ordered.
I sipped coffee out of my cup with its clever, W & Crown logo. It inspired a toast to Queen Elizabeth. Cheers for putting up with 40 years of pee! I asked our server Rhonda for breakfast suggestions. She said she loved the chef's French Toast, but it wasn't on the menu. She disappeared and came back to tell us he was happy to make it.  Yum! Thick toast, with powdered sugar, syrup and whipped cream, along with a fresh fruity sauce!  Don's omelet with grilled ham and potatoes was a feast that Sir Walter Raleigh would have enjoyed. After we dined, I wandered and got a better peek at the other wall.
This mural also had some details that Cornwell added, to cause a stir. The Indian's bare bottom was considered very risqué in 1938. The mural however was left alone. Check Out Here is my last photo at The Warwick. We checked out, the morning before Thanksgiving Eve. Don was texting an Uber.  We were sad to leave, since we hadn't even begun to explore all the places that were so near the hotel. But room prices were tripling, due to the upcoming parade. Location So we left our wonderful location. The photos below show some of the nearby places we explored, during our brief stay. We weren't really sad to leave. We were going to my brother and sister-in-laws, in Brooklyn! What's Notable? The Warwick was the perfect location, with a great room rate and a very decent room. There were a lot of rooms packed into this hotel and there were a lot of non-fancy guests, just like us.  The hotel is not glitzy like it was a century ago. But Randolph's and Murals made up for that, with people encounters and curious history. I would say location, price and hotel history made our stay pretty darn good!
I'd be happy to stay again. Maybe when the exterior renovation is complete!
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Hosting Guests Since 1902 Don and I finally spent a night in this fabulous Manhattan hotel, that has been hosting guests for 123 years.  I was feeling giddy as we headed to the iconic hotel, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It had been a treat watching out the windows, while our Uber driver dealt with traffic stress. We arrived to see the hotel tucked away on a quiet Midtown block, just a short walk from Times Square. 12-Story Hotel It had been 22 years since we visited with our kids. I hoped The Algonquin wouldn't look worn or modernized. I hoped there would be no scaffolding or construction, hiding the limestone and brick.  I was delighted to see the 12-story hotel, looking as lovely as I remembered. Heading In We were dropped in front of the etched doors.  I looked through the glass and tried to recall. The lobby seemed brighter than it did in 2003. Sleeker I remember the area near the front desk being dimly lit. Everything looked fresher and newer.  I remember our teen kids years ago, being excited when they spotted the hotel cat, lounging on top of an old trunk. For over a century, rescue cats have come to live at The Algonquin. The last 12 have either been named Matilda or Hamlet. There have been 8 Hamlets and the first evidently was given his name by actor John Barrymore. Barrymore was a hotel resident himself for a period. He also played the role of Hamlet in 1922. Hamlet's House I don't remember seeing this grand cat house, back in 2003.  As we checked in with Maria I asked about the house, as well as the cat door behind the desk. Maria had to break the news that I wouldn't be spotting a cat during our stay. Hamlet XIII had recently moved on, but not to kitty heaven.  He was getting up in years and needed a quieter home. Before long the hotel will have a new furry resident. Always rescue kitties. Hamlet's Residence Maria pointed to a sitting area, just past the newspaper racks... which I remembered from before.  I took a peek and enjoyed the cozy space, where the orange-striped Hamlet ruled in recent years. Were the steps in the window, for Hamlet to climb? I spotted the prominent sign on another shelf. More steps and some round holes. I imagined Hamlet climbing through those circles, like a ghost cat walking through walls.  I noticed the cat bookends, too. I wish I'd taken a peek at those books. I should have found a cozy chair and read a book, or scribbled some poems on paper. After all, this hotel is now a National Literary Landmark.  I told Maria that the comfy library space looked a lot sleeker than I remembered. I was excited when I learned she was working at the hotel back in 2003. (she looked way too young) She told me her daughter was just 3 then and the hotel staff had been like a family to her. She worked her way up to this position. Special Gift The hotel was fairly quiet, so I was able to tell Maria about what I remembered from our brief visit years ago. I told her our 2 kids were now grown and feeling envious of our stay. I said maybe next year we'd return and bring the kids, spouses and 2 granddaughters with us! She smiled and disappeared.  Maria returned with a gift bag. Inside was a stuffed Hamlet cat and some bookmarks. She was sad that she only had one stuffed kitty left. No worries, because Don got on it. He found another kitty on the internet, so we could gift both little girls. Lobby Before heading to our room, the grand piano caught my eye. I could just imagine some of the hotel's theatrical guests over the years, gathering around this piano (or another) with martinis and song.  The space where the piano sat, confused me a bit. If my memory is correct, this area was where we sat for Thanksgiving, 22 years ago. It was not a typical Turkey Day meal as I recall. None of the holiday favorites. But the evening meal was very entertaining. The non-touristy guests surrounding us looked like they all had stories to tell. At least a couple guests dined alone, with books as I recall. Were they hotel residents? White and Bright Looking towards the seating in the front of the hotel, I pictured our family. In 2003 we had drinks sitting near the large window, before dinner.  Maria confirmed that the lobby area had brightened a few years back. The oak paneled walls were refurbished and painted white. She admitted that some regular guests complain about the abrupt change. Good and Bad I could easily be one of those complainers... never wanting things to change. I remember loving the dim coziness.  But the light paint made it easier to appreciate the designs in the arch and ionic columns. The artwork featuring the original members of The Algonquin Round Table, was also easier to see. Original Clock I don't actually remember this gorgeous clock, but it's as old as the hotel. Hamlet used to sleep on top. How did he get up there?  I learned later that the clock must be wound daily. It would have been fun to have witnessed the daily routine. Letters Written by Writers I imagine some interesting letters have been dropped into this mailbox, in the past 123 years!  Numerous literary notables have been guests and residents. William Faulkner, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, James Thurber, Sinclair Lewis and Maya Angelou in more recent times. I'm sad I didn't at least mail a postcard! Going Up! After checking out the lobby, we took the elevator to the 8th floor.
I took the stairs a few times, just for fun. How many shoes have climbed those steps and created dips in the marble?  The halls felt more cozy than glamorous. The walls displayed some wonderful pieces of art. Lots of vintage New Yorker covers, cartoons and illustrations. Dorothy Parker Message I especially loved that each door had a quote. This great one is from poet/critic Dorothy Parker. She was the hotel's most iconic guest.  Parker was one of the founders of Agonquin's Round Table literary group. Pretty amazing for a woman in the 1920s. She also lived at the hotel. There are many who claim her ghost haunts the hotel. Our Room Don and I were thrilled to book a room in this historic, well-located hotel, for under $300! We of course booked the cheapest room possible, but Maria kindly upgraded us to a King room.  We couldn't have been happier. I loved having a bigger bed.
I loved having a little NY themed artwork.  I even loved the odd shape of our room. Views I loved the view of the cool staircase, through the open door.
I can't say I loved the view from our window, but we were totally happy to have a quiet room that faced no streets.  The bathroom was fairly spacious for an old hotel. The window was nice for extra light and the small glass table top was helpful. Helpful grab bars? Glad we don't need those yet. Enjoying the Lobby We only had one night to enjoy, so we headed down to the community spaces.  The cozy seating by the front window brought back memories.
The etched glass looked pretty from inside and out. 2003 This is the only photo I have of the evening when our family came to enjoy dinner, years ago. We had arrived early so we could do some people watching with some wine and cokes and nuts.  You can see the dark woodwork and heavy drapes. You can see Don's legs struggling with the low chair. If you look carefully you can see the brass bell on the table, that we could tap for service. In 2025 I sat down to pose for a photo, since I wasn't in the old one. I texted it to the kids.
The table bell had been replaced with a more modern thing, with a button. We decided to hold off a while on cocktails and go for some caffeine first. Al Hirschfeld's Round Table We sipped our coffee and chatted with a very pleasant server who was cleaning tables. I asked about the famous Round Table, where critics, writers and "wits" gathered regularly from 1919 to 1929. Al Hirschfeld's art from 1962 depicts the scene well. He was a longtime regular at the hotel.  I asked the kind server if the Round Tabe still existed. He invited me to come have a look. Men at the Table I followed him past the Blue Bar and he pointed to the round table, where 3 men were happily engaged in conversation. They looked like they could be part of a 2025 version of The Vicious Circle group. I'm guessing these guys were a lot friendlier than the participants who gathered daily around the table in the twenties.  I would have been way too intimidated to sit down with those witty characters, a century ago. Luckily these guys were very welcoming. They said they had no Dorothy Parker at their table, so I offered to take her spot for a moment. They said they'd been meeting regularly at the table since before the pandemic. Nearly as long as the original Vicious Circle group. (I believe this may be a reproduction of the original table) Celebs of Long Ago Don and I headed up the stairs to dress for dinner and made a stop when we spotted this sitting room.  I was tempted to try out the smaller piano, but I looked at photos instead. Ethel Barrymore looked very young and fancy, in her portrait.
James Thurber's pose with glasses, intrigued me. I read that he was associated with the Round Table group, but got annoyed with the sassy banter at times. Blue Bar Since 1933 Don and I headed back down at 6:30 and stopped for a drink before heading out. The Algonquin's Blue Bar may look modern now, but it opened in 1933, at the end of Prohibition.  There was a nice crowd gathered, but we found 2 seats at the bar. (this photo was taken hours later) Hirschfeld My eyes were drawn to the blue lighting. Especially on the illuminated screen.   There was an ever-changing slideshow of Al Hirschfeld's carcicatures. It was fun being surrounded by images like the ones I remember seeing as a child, in the New York Times.
My parents always got the Sunday Times. I didn't care about the news, but I always searched the Theatre Section, eager to spot one of Hirschfeld's drawings.
I didn't care that much about the Broadway shows, or the famous stars in the caricatures. I was eager to hunt for the name of Hirschfeld's daughter NINA, hidden in the art! Learning From the Menu Even the bar menu was filled with Hirschfeld's artwork. Some of the drink options were entertaining also. Like a bottle of Dom Perignon for $495.  Some of the cocktail names, also entertained. Round Table, Matilda, Hamlet VIII.  I liked spotting some celeb faces. Jack Lemmon with a martini and cig! Dorothy Parker peeking out of the Men's Room.  It says here that Dorothy Parker never paid her hotel bill!  Here's a fun quote! "Let's get our of these wet clothes and into a dry martini." Cheers! Our bartender Colas was wonderful. He'd been tending at the Blue Bar for over 30 years.  When he gave Don his The Algonquin, (Dewer's whisky, dry vermouth & pineapple) I asked about his favorite celebrity sightings. He mentioned George Clooney and Leo DiCaprio. Nina I struck up a conversation with the woman seated beside me. She was from Germany and had stayed at The Algonquin numerous times. We chatted about the hotel cats.  We swapped some hurricane stories. Turns out she'd lived in Houston for a while. When we exchanged names and contact info, I was excited to learn her name was Nina! She wasn't aware that her name was hidden in the numerous Hirschfeld caricatures that surrounded us! Location Don and I headed off to dinner at 8:30 and found out just how conveniently located our hotel was.  On our walk to dinner in Koreatown, we got to enjoy some festive holiday decorations. We spotted the Empire State Building, Macy's windows and Bryant Park. I'm surprised we could even afford a hotel where we could walk to Times Square and Central Park! Quiet After 11 We returned after 11. All was quiet in the bar and restaurant, on that Sunday night.  I snapped a photo to compare with an old Algonquin postcard I'd gotten on Ebay.  I'm not sure exactly where this photo was taken. But I love comparing the styles and colors. Morning The lobby was also quiet in the early morning.
I was sad we didn't have time to linger over coffee at the Round Table, or in the comfy chairs beneath the Hirschfeld art. I did have enough time to let Little Hamlet have a moment in the cat house.
I wish I'd gotten a photo of the bellman's face when he did a double take. He laughed and said he thought Hamlet VII had returned for a moment. What's Notable? We couldn't have been happier with our brief stay! The staff was professional and friendly. Not a bit intimidating, as I somehow remember from 22 years ago.  The hotel was comfortable, classy and the location was perfect. The unique history was the icing on the cake. Oh how I wish my parents were alive to share their memories. I happen to know they have some from the 1960s!
I can't wait to return! Saranac Lake, New York In June, Don and I joined 2 of my siblings and spouses for a road trip in the northeast. I was pretty excited when I found Hotel Saranac on the internet.
It had just reopened a few months before, after a 35-million dollar renovation. The prices were decently priced for a spiffed up boutique hotel. So we booked! Today Hotel Saranac was quite the "True City Hotel" when it first opened. But when we arrived, I was a little surprised by the contrast of the stone lower level and the basic brick upper stories.  The smokestack in back, made the building look industrial. Grand in 1927 When the hotel first opened, they proudly advertised, "modern, fireproof, 100 rooms, 100 baths, no invalids, European plan".  Now that's something to boast about! Cure Cottages and TB Lab The statement about invalids, makes a little more sense when you know the history of the town and its connection with tuberculosis patients. The first lab for TB study in the US, opened in Saranac Lake, in 1894. It's now a museum, just around the corner from the hotel.
The town is scattered with "cure cottages" which were modified homes, with large porches and sunrooms, to house the healing patients. Arriving Our 3 cars arrived on a cool Sunday afternoon. There was plenty of free parking in the spacious lot.
It was nice not dealing with valets and traffic, but after fumbling suitcases to the entrance and fighting a heavy door, I sort of missed the pampering of a "doorman", which I'm sure they had in 1927. Check In The lobby seemed more like of a hallway with openings to the restaurant, spa and gift shop. We checked in at a desk along the wall. The staff was very pleasant, but didn't make it clear that there were tricky routes with two elevators, if you wanted to avoid stairs.  We thunked our bags up a few stairs to find one elevator. We pushed the button, then enjoyed looking at old photos while we waited. Quiet Hall The hallway also had a nice updated feel. I adore old hotels that renovate without destroying the old feel.  But we were traveling with others, who might not be as open to quirky-old-stuff. Since I had picked this hotel, I was glad not to need apologies for musty odors or drippy faucets. Voila! What I didn't realize, was how small the rooms would be. After checking in, we all texted each other, with a little humor. "Very cozy...!" was the positive reaction everyone had to our tiny rooms.  The comfy king bed took up most of the space. The 55-inch TV was so close to the bed, it felt like sitting on the front row of the movie theatre. Spreading Out I loved the bright colors and fabrics. The artwork with Ferris-wheel and tent was a fun touch. But, besides the bed, the little seat below the window was about it, for lounging space.
There was a sweet looking door that had some original hardware. I liked that cute door, until I realized it blocked no sound from the adjoining room. The strangers weren't really being all that loud, but I didn't need to be alerted each time they got a text. Spa Smells I loved the smell of the bathroom products. The "Ampersand" lotion and soaps carried the same name as the hotel's spa. The bathroom really did look and smell lovely...
... but it was teeny tiny, just like the room. The door opened inward and hit the toilet. Oh my. The Grand Hall The hotel may have lacked in lobby atmosphere, but it made up for that, in the Grand Hall on the second floor.  We gathered near the fireplace, both evenings that we stayed. Tasteful Renovation! I'm a little confused about the beams, because they matched this old photo perfectly. But I read somewhere that the beams were replaced rather than restored. If that's true they did an amazing job.
The mixture of old doors, floors and ceiling, along with modern furniture and art, was just right. Clever and Classy The Grand Hall Bar at the end of the room was a fun looking place to gather. I loved their clever use of old phone booths. You could sit on the little chair and write a note, instead of talking on the phone.
The modern lighting and super comfy looking chairs made me want a martini. But we gathered our group of 6 on the sofas and ordered some wine. Small Fire It was actually pretty chilly for July, so the fireplace seemed cozy.  Of course there wasn't much heat coming from that small gas flame, but the idea was nice. Terrace The chill was mostly coming from the open doors to the terrace.
If only the temps had been warmer, it would have been lovely sitting out there. The next evening, they lit the fire pits, but we weren't able to grab an open one. Shuffleboard Anyone? There was a totally available shuffleboard game at far end of the Grand Hall.
When you're staying in a hotel with your brother and sister, it's almost sinful to not play a game! Next time... I will challenge my siblings... and win! Campfire Adirondack Grill & Bar I love a good theme and the restaurant off the lobby had a great one. I loved the green metal chairs and camp cups.
The modern campy-style was refreshing, when so many Adirondack themed places decorate with too many logs and bears! And my sister was clearly quite happy with the Eggs Benedict and French Toast! What's Notable? The sign (installed in the 1940's) is the most notable thing in town. And that is kind of how the hotel felt. It was a big hotel in a sleepy town. There were a few kinks and that's to be expected with newly opened hotels.
Besides the big sign, I will remember a beautifully restored, historic hotel with tiny rooms... the Great Hall with dramatic beams... and the perfct location. We were able to walk to shops, restaurants, the lake and neighborhoods. That's a big plus!
Island Resort, in Lake George I've been waiting over a year to add this notable night to the blog! I don't believe we have ever stayed at a hotel, that occupies an entire island!  Don and I started getting excited, when we learned our nephew and his fiancee had decided to get married at the hotel overlooking Lake George. Gathering family for a memorable wedding was exciting enough, but adding a fun hotel stay, was icing on the cake! Sunny Arrival The weather was lovely on June 22, when we arrived at noon.  The white, clapboard hotel looked classic, stretched out beneath the blue sky, surrounded by green grass and colorful flowers. Resort Since 1883 The look of The Sagamore has changed a lot since it opened in 1883.  This is how the hotel looked, after a few millionaires bought Green Island and built the exclusive resort. After a couple fires and a major reconstruction, the hotel took on the current look, in 1930. Calm in the Lobby The hotel had a 50-million dollar renovation about 10 years ago. The yellow and white lobby looked very fresh and peaceful, when we arrived.
The valet and desk staff was very efficient when we arrived. In fact the lobby looked remarkably calm for a Friday in June. Maybe that's because about half of the groom's family was trapped in airports or driving from the cities, that their flights had been rerouted to. Luckily the bride and groom had arrived days earlier. Exploring Our daughter and her husband were some of the lucky travelers with no issues. The 4 of us met up and explored a bit before lunch.  The view from the terrace outside of the lobby was pretty stunning. We headed down towards the waterfront, then back up the stairs. Lots of Stairs Luckily the air felt cool and dry, or our hike up the stairs would have been less fun.  We just hoped the weather would stay nice, since the bride would be walking down these stairs the next day! Three Terraces There was something a little presidential looking about the 3 terraces and the 2-story pillars.  But the hotel felt welcoming. There was nothing stuffy or exclusive about the atmosphere. Perfect Chairs  What could be more appropriate, than Adirondack chairs, with views of the Adirondack Mountains! The Best View From the third terrace, I took in the best view of all. You could see all the options for lounging. One could sit in a chaise lounge at the pool or on the grassy lawn beside the water.  One could sit in a green Adirondack chair, sipping a drink and playing cards. Or for a price, one could sit on a cushioned chair, at a table, on the top terrace and be served a fine meal! Dining While wandering the hotel, we met up with a few other relatives, who had arrived. All hungry, we headed for La Bella Vista Dining Room.
We passed through the cozy bar area and into the empty dining room. No one in their right mind would choose to eat inside on a beautiful day, when you could dine on a deck with a lake and mountain view. Lunch on the Terrace The covered terrace was just what the doctor ordered for weary travelers!  A few of us ordered the lobster rolls, which we'd all heard about, from different sources. Delicious! Room Time Our room was finally ready and our very jovial valet/bellhop escorted us to the room.
Being on the first floor made things easy for our 2-night stay.
Our corner room gave us more windows and a little more light. Sadly no lake view for us, but there were lots of flowers and trees outside our window. Making Use of Good Weather Sadly, rain was predicted for wedding day, so we made sure to enjoy the outdoors in the afternoon. Some headed to the pools.  A smaller adult pool and hot tub, was available just above the family pool. Yay for Croquet! Being a lover of dollhouses, I noticed a cute little house on wheels, sitting on the front lawn. Don, my sister and I went for a walk and I took a peek in the roof-lid. Croquet mallets and balls!
My sister and I have fond childhood memories of the game. Don and I have crazier adult memories involving aggressive players, flying croquet balls and beer. We 3 had a good and fairly tame game of "speed croquet". Saturday's Big Event We woke to rain on Saturday and I can only imagine how stressed Casey and Andy must have been. By 2:00 the rain was still coming down, but the wedding couple was told to make a decision.  They agreed on an answer. "Outside." By the time of the 4:00 ceremony, the rains had stopped and the misty lake and mountains created a magical background for vows. Perfect. What's Notable? Our stay at the historic Sagamore had a lot more to do with the 2 who got married and all the family that gathered. My memories will recall a dreamlike setting, a magical wedding and a grand celebration with family.
We'll just have to return again, so I can absorb all the nooks and crannies, foods and activities of this impressive hotel! I can't wait!
Saratoga Springs, NY In June, a family wedding took us to upstate New York. Don and I planned for a stop in Saratoga Springs, the town known for natural mineral springs and thoroughbred horse racing.
We spent one night at this old inn, which has been operating continuously since its opening, in 1843. Rooming House The house-like structure had great curb appeal, with shutters and porches and hanging flower baskets. It looked more like a family home, than a nursing home.  The inn wasn't exactly a nursing home, but it did open as a rooming house, which catered to the ill. Many came to Saratoga Springs for health issues back in the 1840's. Those being treated by local doctors, could get extra medical supervision at the boarding house, where a doctor supervised diet and special needs. The New Section When we checked in, I asked for a room in the original, "old" hotel, rather than the addition.  The woman at the desk tried not to laugh, when she told me the "new part" with the brick veneer, was built in 1866. The "new" 4-story wing was needed to handle the increasing numbers of tourists. The mineral springs didn't just attract the sick. Dim and Cozy When we first stepped inside, I inhaled a little of the hotel's history. The smells were a mix of old wood, worn carpet, fabric and kitchen smells. A 175-year-old building is going to smell... old. I'm okay with that.
I hoped our daughter and her husband would be fine with it too, since they were due to join us. Luckily they greeted us in vacation spirits. They seemed intrigued by charming lobby area, as they checked in. They were amused by the tiny elevator, with its mural, as it chugged us up to the second floor. Room 221 Our room wasn't far from the elevator, but the slanted floor added a little humor to our journey.
I love old floors that make you feel like you've had a little champagne! Spacious Front Room There are 42 rooms in the inn and not many of them face the front.  We asked for rooms on the front, but sadly the little porches I had seen in the photos, weren't really useable. But I could keep an eye on the street action below... not that there was much action to witness. George and Martha Mr. and Mrs. Washington were busy keeping an eye on us, from their portraits. I was amused. George's frame seemed to be hiding some kind of secret door. I peeked and it was just a boring utility box.  There were a number of curious antique furniture pieces, like a desk with a million small drawers. The bed was lovely, but too large to be an antique. I usually prefer authentic... unless there's an option of a heavenly king bed with fresh linens. Relaxing a Bit There was a good amount of space for lounging and washing up. The bathroom had been nicely updated.
It made me wonder about those poor patients in the 1840's, without plumbing or electricity, washing their faces in bowls of water and straining their eyes trying to read by kerosine lamp. Sitting Areas Downstairs in the hotel, it was fairly quiet at 4 pm.  We explored the sitting area with grand piano and sofas. Side Room Cocktail Parlor This Victorian parlor got a little more lively later in the evening, when the tavern was open.  I should have taken a peek at the shelves to see what the book options were. Cozy Corner This was my favorite spot, near the fireplace.  Winter guests probably flock to the wingback chairs, when the fire is burning. Vintage Tavern I'm sure there was no alcohol in the inn, back when it housed patients. In fact I'm pretty sure today's corner tavern, with large windows, was probably once part of the porch.
Maybe in the late 1880's guests sipped a drink or two, when Saratoga Springs became more of a resort destination. I read about the "colorful" Primo Suarez, who ran the inn for 35 years, catering to Cuban vacationers. Maybe they served Mojitos and Daiquiris! Nightly Entertainment The quiet hotel became livelier at happy hour. Don, Heidi, Jamie and I enjoyed listening to the guitarist, who also had about 8 harmonicas.
He humored me with my request for a song that involved a harmonica, sounding like a train. We thanked our musician with a tip, before walking into town for dinner. Morning I could smell breakfast and coffee, before the elevator doors opened, in the morning.
The complimentary breakfast offered quite a variety of freshly baked goodies. The parlor was a little brighter in the morning. Perfect way to ease into the morning. Porch Time I tried out the rockers on the porch...
...but we didn't get a chance to try out the complimentary bikes. Nearby Neighborhood Instead, we walked off our breakfast, by strolling through a nearby neighborhood.
I always appreciate a hotel, when it's located near a lovely neighborhood with gorgeous homes. I found a few, I'd like to buy! What's Notable? The hotel was 175 years old! That is notable! Best of all, it was maintained and updated just enough. There had been no Marriott Makeover, to make me question the age of the hotel.
The best perk of the hotel, was it's location. We were able to walk to restaurants and shops and the Thursday evening vibe was lively and artsy! The hotel helped us imagine Saratoga Springs 100+ years ago. The location, made us eager to get to know the town of today!
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Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
January 2026
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