The Gideon Putnam Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, is located within the pine-studded Saratoga Spa State Park. Its name acknowledges hotelier Gideon Putnam, the founding father of Saratoga Springs, just as the hotel’s spa nods to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

While governor, Roosevelt, who appreciated the health benefits of mineral springs, noted excessive pumping of carbonic acid gas used in soda fountains depleted the springs. In 1929, he launched a plan to preserve the adjacent 2,200 pristine acres and support the post-Depression economy by creating a hydrotherapy spa destination. By 1935, the Gideon Putnam Hotel, Roosevelt Baths, Victoria Pool, Simon Baruch Research Institute, Bottling Plant, Hall of Springs and a nine-hole golf course opened.

Prominent Albany architect Marcus T. Reynolds constructed the five-story, column-fronted, 124-room hotel with 22 suites. A circular drive arrives at a front porch with rocking chairs and a lobby entry, flanked by diamond-shaped corridors, one of which leads to Putnam’s restaurant. The other corridor leads to 10 meeting rooms and features two closeted telephone booths.

Our spacious room featured two large windows facing the park, two double beds for my granddaughter and myself, a desk with a coffeemaker, a bureau with drawers and a television and a safe and robe in the closet. The small, white-tiled bathroom with a tub features freshly painted walls. Complimentary amenities include WiFi, valet service and transportation to the racetrack, the baths and restaurants in town. The hotel population is divided equally between leisure and meeting clientele and there are ample activities and facilities for all: run, swim, bike or golf in the park; or go to the farmers’ market, restaurants, shops and cinema; or scheduled events.

We soaked in the famous mineral baths at the aristocratic Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Including the baths, the spa offers 90 services, including massages, facials, body treatments, a full hair and nail salon, multiethnic wellness treatments and activities. The soaring, window-walled spa reception and boutique is stunning, as is the spacious spa lounge, with its water feature, multiple day beds and seating area, reached via a wide corridor. The locker room and steam room were small, yet each of the 42, oversized, private treatment rooms feature extra-long mineral tubs, high ceilings, window views, white subway tiles, a personal restroom and a massage table, although six are outfitted for facials and body treatments. Roosevelt would be thrilled. The day we were there, the staff provided 150 treatments.

The Gideon Putnam Hotel and Roosevelt Baths & Spa

24 Gideon Putnam Road
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866