Anyone been to Saratoga Springs, NY...

[TimeforMe]

as we've heard so many nice things about it and would maybe like to go for a couple of days (maybe even without the kids ). We were thinking of the 2nd week of August but all the rates seem so high--I guess because of the races??

Anyway, can anyone recommend a place to stay--nice but not ridiculously expensive. How about things to do/see? TIA!!!!

P.S. I'm totally excited to go here.

 

[mtemm]

we just moved here last fall. Its a great area, what I've been able to see of it. Yes, rates in August would be high due to the races. From what I understand it gets crazy around here, too. Things were still hopping when we moved last september, although I would assume the rates were cheaper.

We just had my twins baptised and my family all stayed at the Holiday Inn. Convenient, you can walk to the downtown area.

I'm sure others will fill you in on all there is to do here. what kinds of things are you interested in?

 

[TimeforMe]

I guess we would do the races one day, but basically just maybe shop around, go out for dinner, etc. What else is nearby? I was looking at the Holiday Inn website and it actually looks very nice.
Thanks!

 

[JuliaEeyore]

I went to college in Saratoga. (Skidmore.) My college best friend and I just started planning a trip back for October TODAY! Knowing the area pretty well, we were laughing about trying out some of the "seedier" hotels. I went surfing to some of their websites and was SHOCKED at the rates they were charging! And this is for October, not even during race season!

(I must admit, having lived there for four years and having an apartment around the corner from the tracks, I've never had a desire to go back during the summer. )

Anyway, I was using the Chamber of Commerce's website today. http://www.saratoga.org/ If that helps. We stayed at the Turf & Spa motel a couple years back for the same kind of mini-trip and while it's not fabulous, it's inexpensive. All the new big hotels have been built since I graduated, so I don't know any of them, but they're obviously pricier than the weird, local joints.

We were looking at the Downtowner today (one of the one's we thought was seedy! hee hee!). The Rip Van Dam has always been a place I've wanted to see the inside of. There's one particular motel that's attached to the Crystal Spa - a lovely place where you can have real mineral baths.

If you could squeeze into a B&B, that's what my folks always did when they came up. I highly recommend the Westchester House. Of course, the Gideon Putnam in the middle of the park is lovely, tho much moolah.

There's always places in Ballston Spa, Glens Falls, Schuylerville (sp?) that are less expsensive and only a few minutes away.

As for my personal favorite places, I used to love going to Yaddo, the artists colony. Of course, there are all the neat springs to visit and the baths.

It's late and I'm rambling... I hope I've helped somewhat!!!

Julia

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Howdy! I live in Saratoga County, but the western side, and I can't help you in hotels (although I've eaten at a couple). There are some really nice restaurants in the area, and things to do. Please let me know if you have specific ideas. The area does get crazy and pricey in August--personally, I just avoid it, but that's because I can go to Wal-Mart or whatever at a different time.

There are lots of nice parks and museums and stuff in the area, and I love strolling downtown. Don't miss Ben&Jerry's!

 

[kaylajr]

Howdy-
Saratoga is a great place to vacation
i live here and i work in the tourism industry

there are hoels motels and B&B's to fit everyones taste and budget

weekends are when the rates skyrocket
and most places will have a minimum number of nights stay

typically Sun Mon and Tues nights are the best for prices

there are hotels like the super 8 which is right across the street from Wal mart and by the mall and restaurants
and a really nice guy works there named Barry

there is the brand new courtyard MArriot but i havenot been there so i can't say much

the Adirondack Inn is a beautiful place but a bit more expensive
Peggy or Nicole there are real nice

the country club is a cute small hotel in Saratoga
John is a great person to deal with

i could go on and on

maybe with a few more details i could be of more help

Budget??
kids??
want a pool??
do you want to be right in the heart of town or on the outskirts??
feel free to PM with any questions even ones about specific places you find online i have been a manager of motel here in the area for 7 years
unfortunalty we just sold it so i am not sure about recommending it yet i want to wait and see about the new owners first

Hope some of this helps

 

[dandelion]

Originally posted by JuliaEeyore
There's always places in Ballston Spa, Glens Falls, Schuylerville (sp?) that are less expsensive and only a few minutes away.

In South Glens Falls (exit 17 of I-87) there's a decent place called The Landmark. Probably also busy/expensive in August as it's convenient to Saratoga and Lake George.

<b>Julia,</b> you spelled Schuylerville right!

I'm another local, living in Wilton, so I don't have a lot of hotel experience. For our wedding everyone stayed at the Landmark; my dd has been to two birthday pool parties at the Holiday Inn, that's the limit of my experience.

I will highly recommend the National Museum of Racing, and at least mention the National Museum of Dance. Both are lovely spaces, depending on your interests you may enjoy the dance museum more.

Another helpful website is from the downtown business association. http://www.saratogadowntown.com/

<b>mtemm,</b> as you experience your first racing season, I can offer a few tips.
1) do not go downtown, ever. Seriously, of course you can venture into downtown, but allow lots of extra time for finding a parking place and then walking to wherever you need to go. I understand the parking police are especially vigilant in August and the tickets start at $25.

2) if your schedule with the babies allows, do your grocery shopping at weird times like early mornings or after 8 p.m. I usually go after 8p and mostly run into other locals or guys on the beer and chips run.

<b>TimeforMe,</b> have a wonderful trip. Happy planning!

 

[mtemm]

thanks for the tips! My dh's company has an event that I am invited to at one of the races. Just don't think I'll have babysitting for infant twins and a toddler! LOL! Guess I'll have to wait until next year.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I love downtown Saratoga! DH and I go there for date night (we spent a lot of time there when we were first dating). We get coffee, or a drink and then walk around listening to street musicians, browsing Borders, window shopping... There are a lot of really great restaurants in all price ranges. That time of year will be crowded, but it makes for great people watching. Congress Park is a great place for a picnic (you can get great sandwiches/picnic food at Putnum Street Market Place...on Broadway). DH and I were married in the park at the Spit and Spat fountains. Sometimes there are free concerts in the park and the carousel is always a treat. If you decide to bring the kids, the Childrens Museum of Saratoga is a great place to visit. It's on Caroline street and I think it costs $5. There are bead stores to make your own jewelry, decorate your own pottery shops, and many others. Even though it's crowded at night, not many stores stay open late. If you can fit in a spa visit, the Crystal Spa is a nice place to get a mineral bath and massage. Also, check out the SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) to see what's playing while you're there. I think the Philadelphia Orchestra will be there when you are. If you still need more to fill your time, Lake George is only about a 30 minute drive north. The shops are really touristy/ticky tacky, but there are arcades and other fun summer things to do. They have boat tours of the lake that are relaxing/fun. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

 

[DVC-Don]

Drove through just today. Almost time for us locals to start driving around Saratoga Springs and avoid the restaurants till after Labor Day. Sure is nice downtown in the evening though.