Hotels

Well maintained grounds and friendly staff make Roosevelt Inn and Suites (S. Broadway/Rte. 9, 800/524-9147, www.rooseveltsuites.com $79–99 off-season, $195–255 racing season) a solid choice for reasonably priced lodging. Located a few miles out of town, the two tennis courts, pool, health club and day spa make this a popular spot for an off-season getaway.

Longfellows (500 Union Ave., 518/587-0108, www.longfellows.com, $145–165 off-season, $225–265 racing season), with its airy loft rooms built inside a renovated 1915 dairy barn, offers modern amenities. There are several onsite casual dining choices with tavern, courtyard, and fireside seating. A three course prix-fixe meal starts at $20.

The most romantic hostelry in town is the Victorian-era Adelphi Hotel (365 Broadway, 518/587-4688, www.adelphihotel.com, $120–265 off-season, $200–450 racing season), one of the loveliest buildings in downtown Saratoga. Featured are an opulent lobby and 35 attractive guest rooms of varying sizes filled with antiques, most reached by authentically uniformed elevator operators, in keeping with the otherworldly vibe of this historic hotel. Outdoor courtyards are split into conversational couched cubbies and imbibers will find their favorite classic cocktails on the menu.

A well thought out breakfast offering is included, featuring fresh berries, homemade baked goods, and a variety of hot drinks to enjoy in the Casablanca-esque lounge or to pack into wicker breakfast trays for a retreat to the uniquely decorated guest rooms. The gorgeous, imported Italian-tiled pool is flanked by large flowering vases and cushioned loungers. In racing season, the air of times past is continued by complimentary horse-drawn carriage transportation to the track.

Saratoga Arms(497 Broadway, 518/584-1775 www.saratogaarms.com $225–295 off-season, $465–495 racing season), a favorite of many annual visitors seems half B&B and half upscale boutique hotel. The hotel sits right in the middle of the action, making for enjoyable people-watching from a wicker perch on the wide, late 19th-century porch.

Bed-and-Breakfasts

Downtown Saratoga has a plethora of Victorian-era B&Bs. One of the most spectacular is the Italianate Batcheller Mansion Inn (20 Circular St., 518/584-7012, www.batchellermansioninn.com, $160–245 off-season, $335–425 racing season), which offers nine spacious guest rooms.

Equally unique is the 1901 Queen Anne Union Gables (55 Union Ave., 518/584-1558, www.uniongables.com, $165–190 off-season, $335 racing season, pets allowed with $25 deposit), all but surrounded by a wonderful wide porch. Each of the 10 guest rooms has a private bath and small refrigerator.

The Westchester House B&B (102 Lincoln Ave., 518/587-7613, www.westchesterhousebandb.com, $115–225 off-season, $240–445 racing season) dates back to 1886, when it was the “Family home of Almeron King, Master Carpenter.” All of the rooms are filled with antiques.

Trackside, Brunswick Bed & Breakfast (143 Union Ave., 518/584-6751 www.brunswickbb.com $109–149 off-season, $229–335 racing season) offers privacy, in-room VCR/Internet, tasty breakfasts, and a friendly host just across the street from the races.

On the shores of Saratoga Lake is the inviting Harren-Brook Inn (286 Rte. 9P, 518/583-4009, www.harrenbrookinn.com, $125–150 off-season, $175–250 d racing season), run by two former schoolteachers with a good knowledge of the area. The nine guest rooms are nicely appointed, while up front beckons a cozy sitting room, breezy porch, and small private beach. All of the rooms have private baths and queen-sized beds; some have separate sitting rooms.

© Avalon Travel and Sascha Zuger from Moon New York State, 5th Edition