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Read the Article About our Saratoga Bed and Breakfast Romantic Hideaways 2001 fromThe Discerning Traveler Vol. 15 No. 1 January/February 2001 Built in 1873, this 28-room castle in downtown Saratoga looks like a building right out of a European fairy tale. The architectural styles include French Renaissance, High Victorian Gothic and Egyptian Moorish with minarets and turrets. In fact, the design of the castle was so unusual the architects had the plans copyrighted. The high-arched doorways, windows, paneled wainscoting, and massive staircase have elaborate woodwork made from tiger maple, cherry, walnut and mahogany. Following extensive renovations and redecorating the inn opened in 1994. The inn is owned by Bruce Levinsky, a local real estate developer. We loved our stay here and felt as though we were living in a bygone era. The first floor is especially opulent with lots of space for the guests. The living room has a grand piano and a huge Venetian crystal chandler. The library is more informal with a 48-inch television, a pair of burgundy plush velvet sofas, leather chairs, a gas fireplace with an elaborate carved mantle, and glass-fronted bookcase extending the length of the room. The dining room has a lace-covered center table for ten plus four small tables set with the Batcheller Mansion custom chins. The kitchen, dramatic contrast with the mansion, a newer addition, has a 26-foot ceiling and 20-foot arched windows. Porches off the living room and library over look the grounds. The most unusual room is Diamond Jim Brady, a third floor room 18 by 28 feet with a regulation-size pool table, a king size bed, seating area by the non-working fireplace which is romantically set with six candles, and a huge bath with a double whirlpool tub and separate shower. Katrina Trask, on the second floor, is a very spacious room with a king-size bed with a fishnet canopy, a chaise and sofa, and a private circular porch opening directly off the room set with wicker chairs. The bath is big with both an old-fashioned tub and separate tiled shower. The Batcheller Room, also on the second floor, has a Victorian carved headboard on the queen-size bed, a rose-colored Victorian sofa, fireplace set with candles, and a large bath with a whirlpool tub as well as a separate shower. Lillian Russell has two queen–size beds, a fireplace set with candles, massive mirror-fronted armoire, and large bath with a shower. On the third floor, the mid-size rooms are the Whitney Room with king-size bed and bath with a shower and the Skidmore Room with a queen-size bed and bath which includes a whirlpool tub and separate shower. Rip Van Dam and Richard Canfield are the smaller standard rooms on the third floor and Gideon Putnam is on the second floor. All the rooms have television, phone, refrigerator stocked with Saratoga Springs water and a bathrobe. You can always find fresh baked cookies under the glass dome in the library. A buffet of cereals, yogurt, fruit, coffee cakes and muffins is served weekdays 7:30 to 9. On weekends and during racing season (8 to 9:30) they also serve a hot dish such as French toast with shredded apples and cinnamon, pancakes topped with mandarin oranges, waffles, quiche or frittata. Saratoga Lodging Rooms, rates, etc.- Nine rooms, all with private bath. Late July to Labor Day. $250-$395. Weekends April through October $170-$275, midweek $135-$230. Other times $120-$225. Breakfast included. Children over 14 welcome during the Saratoga racing season: all ages at other times. No smoking. No pets. Two night minimum stay on weekends; four nights during racing season. 20 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; (518) 584-7012; (800) 616-7012; Fax (518) 581-7746 What to do. In the summer visitors flock to Saratoga Springs, NY for horseracing during the month of August at the oldest continuous thoroughbred meet at one of the most beautiful tracks in the country. In late May a major dressage horse shoe and craft fair takes place. Cultural activities include the New York City Ballet in July and the Philadelphia Orchestra in August. You’ll find out all you wanted to know about horse racing at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, The National Museum of Dance is in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery on the Skidmore College campus is a dynamic new arts center. Saratoga Springs, NY is known for its mineral water. Walk through the town, admire the large Victorian inns and mansions, and sample the different flavors of water from open pavilions. To soak in the mineral waters and get a massage go to the Lincoln Baths or Crystal Spa. Where to Dine. For a spectacular Italian dinner we highly recommend Chianti II Ristorante. Our Memorable dinner included risotto with fresh porcini mushrooms dry aged filet with a porcini sauce and stuffed baked swordfish. The wine list is outstanding. 43 Phila is another upscale restaurant in town. The Olde Bryan Inn with its heavy beam ceiling and fireplaces oozes atmosphere. For evening entertainment, One Caroline Street is a popular bar with jazz and blues. The Metro has disco and jazz on different floors. 9 Maple Avenue is a jazz club and has 158 single malt scotches and 100 martinis. How to Get to the Batcheller Mansion Inn. I-87 north to exit 14. Right on Union Avenue (Rt.9P) to the end. Turn left on Circular Street. |
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